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Kaleb popped his eyes open. "What'd you mean?"
"The television's not on, no music. Scarlet and Shane are gone. You're sitting all alone." Grady dropped onto the couch and propped his feet up on the coffee table. "Why are you by yourself?"
"Didn't know I was." Kaleb reached for the remote control. "They were here when I sat down. I closed my eyes for a second. Guess I didn’t hear them leave."
"That's obvious." Grady eyed him. "Figure out what's gotten under your skin yet?"
"Nothing."
Grady snickered. "Okay, big brother. But you've gotta figure it out, or you'll drive us all crazy."
"I'm not driving anyone crazy," Kaleb argued.
"Really?" Grady spread his arm around him. "That why you're by yourself?"
"I don't know why Shane and Scarlet decided to leave. I didn't ask them to," Kaleb growled.
"You don't have to ask people to leave you alone in order for them to get the hint." Grady snatched the remote from him. "You've been biting all of our heads off today, including the ranch hands. If we would've had any guests come in today, chances are good you would've snapped at them, too."
Kaleb ran his hand through his hair, holding back from yanking it out of his head. "I'm working through some stuff."
"You don't have to do it alone, bro. You know that." Grady flipped the TV on and scrolled through the channels. "We're all here for you, no matter what."
They all meant well, but none of them understood what it was like to lose someone they thought they'd spend the rest of their lives with. Yes, he instigated their break-up, but he felt it was for the best. How could he regret his decision more than a decade later?
It wasn't right, nor was it fair. He'd given up a lot for his family, the farm. They'd do the same thing, he knew, but as the oldest, it was his job to take care of everyone, make sure they were happy and settled before worrying about himself. Right?
Kaleb pushed the footrest into his recliner. "I'm going for a drive."
"Be careful." Grady called as Kaleb stalked out of the room.
If he spoke, he feared what may come out, so he just waved on his way out. Mom used to say if he couldn't control his tongue, he ought not speak. So, he spent most of his time silent. Andbrooding, Mom used to tell him.
Disagreeing with his mother proved pointless. The woman should've been a lawyer instead of a farmer's wife and mother. She had a way about her that made her win almost every argument. She'd admit when she was wrong, which was good for him and his siblings. But she never admitted to him not being a brooding man.
If women were drawn to men like that, why didn't he have a line of them at his door, waiting to go on a date?
Kaleb peeled out of the dirt driveway and pulled onto the highway. It didn't matter. He'd only want one woman, and so far, that wasn't going to happen.
A Whole Latte of Love drew Kaleb's attention. Why he'd want to spend the evening in the coffee shop confused him. Still, he pulled his car in front and shut off the engine. Climbing out, his gaze wandered over the street.
People milled about, some stopping in front of windows of shops, others eating ice cream, while a couple or two strolled by holding hands. An ache squeezed Kaleb's heart.
Enough. Time to get a cup of coffee, grab a book, and sit in the back of the room.
Kaleb threw open the door. Espresso grinding in the machine greeted him, as well as a peppy cashier behind the counter.
"Hi ya, Kaleb," she gushed.
"Stella." He forced his voice to be friendly. "How's it goin'?"
"Good. We don't often see you in town on a weekday. How's the farm?" She cradled her chin in her hand and leaned against the counter.
The teenager had always been friendly, but apparently, her boredom made her even more chatty. "It's good. Getting ready for the big Fourth of July tractor pull and fireworks. We have some sheep the kids can ride."
"I used to love riding them." Stella sighed wistfully. "Too bad they can't carry teenagers." She giggled. "Isn't a female calledaewe?"
Nodding, Kaleb pasted on what he hoped was a kind smile. "Yep. That's why we call itRed, White, and Ewe. The kids can ride on female sheep since they are more friendly than the males."
