Page 4 of Trick or Tease

“It’s more implied danger, versus the psycho clown face,” she said. “Now let’s call it a wrap on poor Hank here. October’s coming fast. We still need to finish a million different things.”

“Don’t remind me,” Billy muttered. “I swear, I thought being in charge would mean less manual labor.”

I gave him a sideways glance. “Don’t you dare think you’re going to boss me around.”

He shrugged. “I am your boss.”

“On paper. I know you, Billy Hogan. I’ve seen you cry when a little corn snake bit you.”

“I was three,” he retorted.

“Five,” Lucy corrected. “And you still get jumpy around snakes.”

“You know, you two might look all sweet and innocent behind those pretty faces, but you’re mean. Mean girls.” He chuckled. “We should put masks of your faces on the scarecrows.”

“Oh, just for that, I’m putting a snake in your bed,” Lucy said, grinning.

Billy’s eyes widened. “Hey, let’s not talk crazy.”

We all laughed. Ever since we were little, Lucy and I loved picking on Billy. But only because he picked on us. As did his big brother, Garrett. Billy was a year older than me and Lucy. And Garrett was three years older than Billy. Back when we were five, he may as well have been an adult.

And Garrett did like to think he was decades older and all the wiser because of his advanced age. And ego. At least he’d chosen the right profession as a big shot attorney in the city.

“So, are your folks excited for the retirement party?” I asked.

Billy’s smile turned a little crooked. “They’re excited to officially unload the responsibility on me, yeah. Dad keeps calling it ‘passing the pitchfork.’”

Lucy giggled. “They’re ready to dump the pumpkins.”

“The party should have a good turnout,” I said. “Everyone loves your folks. And it’s about time the whole town hears that you’re the one behind the operation now. We should make you a crown or something.”

“Only if I get a plush throne to sit on,” he joked. “These hay bales make my nethers itch.”

“You’ve got the John Deere,” Lucy said. “You should ride up to the party on it.”

“Knowing my luck, that would be the time the old thing decides to die. Well, die again. I just got it running.”

And that explained the oil on his face.

“Did you talk to Garrett yet?” I asked.

Billy’s expression darkened. “Garrett says he’s not coming.”

I frowned. “Did he say why?”

“He said he’s busy closing some big real estate deal. Big city stuff. Said he ‘wished he could make it.’”

He didn’t look at us when he said it, and that told me everything. He was disappointed in his older brother, which was rare since he idolized the guy.

“I’ve been on a farm long enough to know the smell of bullshit,” Billy said.

Lucy slung an arm around his shoulders and pulled him in for a side hug. “Sorry, Billy.”

“He could still surprise you,” I said hopefully.

“Oh, I think he’ll be the one getting a surprise.” Billy finally looked up, a sly smile curling his lips.

He looked twenty years younger, like the kid who had quickly become a lifelong friend. Lucy was my best friend. Billy my second. And Garrett used to be my third, but since he moved to the city and got too good for all of us, I wouldn’t even call him a friend anymore.