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CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
WhenPattihadbeenworking in New York, she’d gone to a bunch of cafés. They were mostly hip and sleek—more oat-milk flat white than cozy cup of strong black coffee.
This diner, though, in the center of Butte, was the complete opposite of a hipster New York latte-house. This place was comfort personified.
There were vintage neon signs, jukebox-style speakers playing classic tunes, and there was a long bar that stretched the length of the space. The tables were arranged in neat rows, made up with red and white checkered tablecloths, and metal chairs with bright green cushions. The walls were lined with framed photographs of local history: miners, cowboys, and railroads. There was even a mounted trophy deer head above the door.
Patti shifted nervously in her seat, her heart pounding as though it were trying to escape her chest. The decor, regardless of how comforting it was, wasn’t helping to calm her. She wore sunglasses and heavy makeup, a feeble attempt at a disguise, but it made her feel somewhat safer.
She glanced down at the cup of coffee in front of her, steam rising from the heavily-sweetened and cream-enriched liquid. Patti didn’t normally drink anything caffeinated, but she felt the need to appear more grown up today, as if that would make any difference in the outcome of her meeting. Her fingers trembled slightly as she reached for the cup, hoping that maybe, just maybe, the caffeine could calm her nerves.
“Here goes nothing,” she whispered to herself, bringing the cup to her lips. And then the door to the cafe cracked open.
It was Takis.
Even though she’d been expecting him, seeing him sent a jolt through her body, and she quickly put the cup back on its saucer with a faint clatter. Her heart raced even faster now, but she tried to steady her breathing, reminding herself that this meeting was crucial.
“Hey, Patti,” Takis said, his voice warm and familiar. He slid into the seat across from her, his eyes roaming over her face as he took in her unusual appearance. “You look... different.”
“Thanks,” Patti replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She adjusted her sunglasses, trying to hide her nervousness. “I thought I’d try something new.” She realized she must look ridiculous.
“Is everything okay?” Takis asked, concern etched in his features. “It’s good to meet you, but I have to say, I’ve been worried about you. The way you left, without telling anyone where you were going... well, it was upsetting.”
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I know it wasn’t ideal. I just... had to get away.”
“I understand. Now, why did you need to meet me today?” He leaned in closer, “And why the secrecy? I had to make up a lot of excuses this morning.”
Patti hesitated for a moment, biting her lip. It was now or never. She had to tell Takis about her suspicions, no matter how crazy they might seem. But first, she needed to know something. “How’s Trent?” she blurted out before she could stop herself.
A small smile played on Takis’ lips. “He’s getting better,” he assured her. “The burns are almost healed, and he’s eager to get back to work. Lungs are fine. Doctor Packard has left, although he has given Trent very strict instructions. Lots of rest and fluids. Sadly, doctors make terrible patients.”
Relief washed over Patti like a cool wave. “I’m so happy to hear he’s better.”
“Mentally, of course,” continued Takis, “it’s another story. He misses you terribly.” She could see by his expression that this wasn’t an exaggeration.
“I miss him too.”
Takis nodded. “We all miss you, Patti. Anita and Millie have been miserable. Nanny Clara, Chuck, Duke. All of us.”
“Really?” Patti said, her voice laced with genuine gratitude. “You’ve all been missing me?”
“Of course,” Takis replied sincerely. “It hasn’t been the same without you.”
They sat there for a moment, the cafe bustling around them. Patti’s thoughts, though, were focused on the ranch she cared so deeply for. Her heart swelled with longing for the place she had come to call home.
“Are you coming back? Is that why you wanted to meet me?” Takis asked, his voice gentle yet earnest. “I’m going to be selling to Rosy Pastures soon, and if you’re not employed when the deal goes through, I can’t guarantee your future at the ranch.”
Patti’s stomach churned. She took a deep breath and said, “Takis, you mustn’t sell to Rosy Pastures.”
“Believe me, I wish I had another option,” he sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. “But I don’t.”
“Actually,” Patti began, her fingers tapping nervously on the table, “I think there might be something else going on. Something... sinister.”
“Sinister?” Takis raised an eyebrow, clearly doubtful. “What do you mean?”
“I believe the ranch has been a victim of sabotage,” Patti whispered, her eyes darting around the cafe to ensure no one overheard. She knew how outlandish her theory sounded, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss.
“Come on, Patti,” Takis said, trying to keep his skepticism in check. “That’s quite a serious accusation. What makes you think that?”
