Page 94 of Home Is Where You Are

We ordered our drinks, both of us choosing water, and she placed the menu down, telling me she was going for the bacon burger and loaded fries, her exact order as I predicted.

“Some things never change,” I joked.

“What’s that supposed to mean? Are you implying I’m predictable?” she asked as she gasped and touched her chest, feigning hurt.

“Yes, I sure am. You always ponder over the menu, knowing you’re going to order the same thing,” I replied, turning toward her so it was easier to look at her while we talked.

“What’re you thinking about getting?”

“A steak and baked potato,” I said knowing she was going to give me crap because I always order the same thing too.

“And you call me predictable,” she said with a laugh, shaking her head as she stared back at me.

“You look beautiful.” She was always beautiful to me, but I loved that she didn’t feel the need to doll herself up. I loved how she looked no matter what. She didn’t even have to try, and she exuded beauty. The best part was she didn’t know how stunning she really was.

“Thank you.” Her cheeks turned a slight shade of pink. She couldn’t ever take a compliment without blushing.

“How was your day?” she asked, taking a sip of water as she waited for my response.

“I got some shocking news today,” I said, nervous to tell her about my promotion. I still couldn’t believe it.

“What’s that?”

“Your dad promoted me today to Operations Foreman,” I revealed.

“Oh my gosh, Gentry. That’s amazing,” she screeched so loud I swear the restaurant grew quiet, but in reality, it was probably in my head.

“Why don’t you look happy?” she asked. She placed her hand on my thigh and gently rubbed her fingers back and forth, attempting to comfort me.

“I am happy. I’m just shocked.”

“Why? From everything I’ve seen in the short time I’ve been home, you do an amazing job, even if I give you crap about being my boss,” she said, as she tried to reassure me.

“I’ve wanted it for so long. I worked myself to the bone to get here. I guess it’s just hard to accept that something this good could happen to me, especially with you back in my life and us starting over again. I just feel like all these good things are happening, and I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop,” I confessed.

It was hard for me to accept good things happening, especially with my upbringing, when at the drop of a hat we’d pack up and move, often leaving behind some of my prized possessions. Another reason why I didn’t have much even now. Somewhere inside, I was still that scared little boy, afraid of losing everything at a moment’s notice.

“I might be a hypocrite considering how much I still need to heal from the loss of Bella, but you can’t live like that, Gentry. You aren’t your parents. You’ve put down roots at the ranch. You’ve gained the respect of every employee who works there, most importantly my parents. You deserve good things to happen in your life,” she reassured me.

I wanted to believe her, and while I’d enjoy my new position, it’d take some time for me to realize I wouldn’t lose it.

“I’ll try to remember that. I need to tell you something else,” I told her, nervous to even speak out my parents.

“Is everything okay?”

“I’m not sure. I’ve gotten a couple of messages recently.” I took a moment to take a deep breath before I continued. “From my mom.” It felt good to tell her. I hated keeping it from her. I didn’t want anymore secrets between us. I especially didn’t want my mom showing up and spewing her hatred toward Ainsleigh.

“What did she say? How did hearing from her again make you feel?” She put her hand on top of mine to comfort me. The instant she touched me I felt comforted by the warmth.

“She said she’s coming back to town and needs to see me. She didn’t elaborate on the why, and I’ve wracked my mind and can’t come up with a reason on why she’d return now,” I confessed.

“Do you want to see her?”

“Not particularly, but I don’t want her showing up at the ranch and causing a scene.”

“Maybe you should respond and feel her out. See if she’ll reveal why she’s coming and you can better prepare for her return. Or you could just tell her you don’t want to see her and see what she says,” Ainsleigh suggested.

“That makes sense. I’ll think about it, and come up with a plan. She said a few days so I think I have some time. Did you happen to read my note?” I asked, changing the subject.