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“Yeah,” he sighed. “We don’t really want to sell any of the land, so we’re coming up with an idea where we might open like, a dude ranch for tourism, but we’re having a hard time figuring out exactly what we want to do.” He sighed. “I guess that’s what comes when you have a lot of land.”
“I guess you don’t make that much money from ranching?”
“Not anymore, unfortunately. Times are changing, and it’s really hard to get good help around here …But enough about the family business. I was thinking maybe we could go to the bar tonight?”
“That would be fun. If you’re sure?”
“Yeah, definitely, and I spoke to Wyatt, and he said that he finally got a hold of Sadie.” He chuckled. “And I guess she’s down to join us as well.”
“Oh, that’s cool.”
“Let’s eat dinner there, give you a change from Mom’s cooking.”
“Oh, your mom’s an amazing cook. I don’t mind staying here for dinner.”
“Oh, I know, but sometimes you need a break.” He grinned. “Or, I should say sometimes I need a break.”
“Oh yeah?” I looked at him in surprise. I would have loved to have had a homemade meal for dinner every night.
“I love my mom and I love my family, but sometimes I just need a break, you know?” He gave me an awkward look. “I mean, I’m really glad that you’re here and I hope you’re having a fun time, but you have to admit, it’s kind of awkward.”
“Yeah, I guess so. I mean, I guess I knew what I was getting into. You didn’t even know that I was coming.”
“It’s not even that,” he said. “It’s just …” He sighed. “Anyway, what do you think of Wyatt and Sadie?”
“Oh, I think they’re great.”
“And what’d you think about Austin?” he said, as if he didn’t really care.
“Oh, he’s really nice too. I really enjoyed meeting your family.”
“Yeah, I can’t wait for you to meet my other brothers. I am the oldest, but we’ve all got our own idiosyncrasies, you know?”
“Oh, I bet. Who is your mom’s favorite? Or does she not have a favorite?”
“If she does, she hasn’t told us.” He gave me a wink. “Though I’m pretty sure it’s me.”
I smiled. “Oh, why do you say that?”
“Oh, just because.” He grinned and shook his head. “Okay, I’m not being honest. I doubt that I’m my mom’s favorite. I’m pretty sure that’s Wyatt.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because he’s the baby, and aren’t babies always the favorite?”
“I guess so. I’m an only child, so I wouldn’t really know.”
“Oh yeah, you are, aren’t you? Your parents passed away recently, huh?”
“Kind of. My mom passed away. I don’t know where my dad is.”
“Oh, that sucks. Deadbeat, huh?”
“You could say that.”
“Ah, parents,” he shook his head. “So, I was thinking that maybe we could go out around six o’clock?”
“Oh, okay.” I was slightly taken aback that he didn’t ask me more about my mom’s passing, but maybe he didn’t want to pry.
