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“Who says they didn’t?” Aaron shrugged. “I had no desire to be there any longer than I had to, however. Isabella Garcia is enough to take away any man’s appetite.”
“But you said she was beautiful.”
“On the outside only. Her beauty is skin-deep and no more. Her heart is as hard as the rock her father mines.”
“That’s a pity.” Jim took his seat. “You want to offer grace?”
“Sure.” Aaron bowed his head. “Father, we thank you for the ability to come together to remember the gift you gave us—Jesus. We are very grateful for Him and His salvation. Please bless our families so far away and bless this food. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
“Amen.” Jim pushed the platter of chicken toward Aaron. “Guests first.”
Aaron laughed. “I’ve been here more than my own house lately. I’m almost a regular fixture.”
“I’d say it’s a toss-up between here and the Garcia house.”
“How’s it been at the stockyard?” Aaron asked, ignoring the inference. Jim was in charge of the local stockyard, overseeing the shipment of cattle and receipt of new stock.
“Quiet. Most of the shipments went out early. I think folks wanted to spend time with their families or maybe even travel for the holidays.”
“I can understand that. I gave serious thought to heading up to Chicago to see my folks. However, I made promises to Mr. Garcia, and the railroad is determined that I see themthrough. He owns enough railroad stock and leases that the Santa Fe wants to keep him happy.” Aaron helped himself to a leg and some breast meat off the chicken before passing it back to Jim.
“Seems to me you want him happy too.”
Aaron nodded and reached for the potatoes. “Daniel is a good man and a dear friend. I’ve never met anyone better. Even my father could learn things from him. The way Garcia works with the people in Silver Veil is incredibly impressive. He has everyone completely devoted to him, from laborers to management.”
“Don’t worry. Sooner or later, someone will complain or get downright ugly. They always do. Some mean-spirited folks seem to go out of their way to cause problems for good people.”
“I just hope Isabella Garcia isn’t one of them.” Aaron mashed his potato and then poured gravy over the top. “That girl seems to hold no respect for either of her parents. She’s disrespectful at every turn and barely cooperates with their requests. She even plans to marry some man that her father completely disapproves of, and she doesn’t care to know the reasons for his disapproval. I honestly do not think it matters to her. She doesn’t respect her father or esteem him in any way. And don’t even get me started on how she treated me.”
“I doubt I’d have to work hard at it. You seem more than a little worked up about it.”
Aaron stopped with food halfway to his mouth. “Well, she riles me, that’s for sure. I’ve never met anyone more selfish or difficult. And while she might very well know all the proper manners, she’s ill-tempered and rude.”
“She’s certainly gotten under your saddle. Rubbed you all the wrong ways.”
“Discourteous and disrespectful people do that to me. Especially when they have no right to act like that.”
Jim nodded as he put butter on his bread. “Why do you suppose she’s that way?”
Aaron shrugged. “She’s had every advantage. Her parents adore her, and she’s all they have. I know they’re heartbroken over her unwillingness to come home all these years.”
“Just remember, Aaron, they aren’t your parents, and you don’t know what she’s gone through with them.”
“I don’t have to know to realize she thinks the entire world revolves around her. You should see how she acts toward her maid. The girl does her best to please, but Miss Garcia hardly gives her so much as a smile, much less a thank-you.”
Jim took a bite of bread and butter and looked to be considering what Aaron had said. When he swallowed and reached for his glass of milk, he finally spoke. “It seems to me that folks always have a reason for their behavior, Aaron. Sometimes meanness is there to cover up pain or hide a person’s own discomfort. Maybe your Miss Garcia is hurting.”
“She’s not my anything. Thank the good Lord!” Aaron picked up the chicken leg. “That woman would try the patience of Job himself. In fact, if she had been in Job’s life, he just might have done as his wife wanted, and cursed God and died.”
Jim shook his head. “Merry Christmas, Aaron.”
Aaron realized just how worked up he’d gotten. He drew a deep breath and gave a nod. “Sorry about that, Jim. Merry Christmas, and thanks for inviting me to share the day with you.”
Jim smiled. “It’s always good to have a friend.”
“Amen.”
