by Kim Smart
“I hope it works out.”
Clara escorted Stella to the front of the house, passing the office. The door was ajar and the women could hear the men talking, catching familiar words like market share and feed sources.
“I’ve been out canvassing ranchers, trying to get a feel for the issues they face. But on the other side, I’m also listening to consumer groups and getting a feel for what they are searching for when they go to the stores. Not everyone is turning to veganism like the media once led us to believe.” Brandon focused on agriculture when he was in law school and interned with a large agricultural lobby firm. He learned a lot, but lobbying was too far from the ranch for him. He wants to be closer to the food source and never leave behind his ranching roots.
“Well, I said it when the talking heads were trying to convince us all ten years ago that cattle were ruining the environment and causing climate change. They claimed that…” Martin motioned with air quotes. “Research shows nobody will eat beef. As we’ve seen, there are many advocates for clean beef as a modality to heal the body. Just last week I was listening to one of those videos online where a health expert was showing, using science, how clean beef, in their terms ‘grass-fed, soy and hormone-free beef’, healed cells badly damaged by stress.”
Martin enjoyed staying current with health trends and finding information that supported the clean ranching methods he preferred. “As you know, my cattle are grass-fed and grass-finished. They never see a lick of feed, soy or otherwise, and I wouldn’t dare give these cows hormones. They are perfect just the way they are, especially those up north that navigate that difficult terrain.”
“What’s that you have up north, Martin? You running something different up there than you are here?”
“That’s right. I run all Barzona up there, on BLM land.”
“No kidding! I didn’t realize you had that operation up there, besides these other ranches you’re operating.”
“It’s a great deal and honestly, with me they have a responsible tenant. I don’t know if, across the country where they have these programs, they have the same experience but I want this program to be a great success. My lease is cheap but I keep up all the fences, watch the land, graze responsibly to reduce fire risk and such and pay my taxes when I sell the cattle. That young woman you just met, I’m thinking of sending her up there to run the operation. The guy I have had in place for several years needs to retire for family reasons.”
“Stella, right?”
“Yeah. Stella Davies. Comes from a ranching family in the Badlands of South Dakota. Quite a story how she got here, but I’ll leave that for her to tell. Anyway, she rides circles around some of these fellas I got working here. She’s got more ambition in her pinky than most grown men have altogether.”
“I suppose it’s not proper for me to ask, but could I have her number? She seems like someone I should get to know and, wow, what a beauty she is. Does she date anyone or is she not inclined to date men?”
“Stella is a workhorse and a professional. She wouldn’t consider dating a co-worker. Wouldn’t want there to be any conflict and honestly, she doesn’t go to town much except for the essentials. Honing her skills and practicing her craft has been Stella’s focus in her time with us. She’s an amazing young woman. None of these other cowboys can throw a rope like she can. Stella’s got a brother on the professional bull riding circuit. Chance Davies. Maybe you’ve heard of him.”
“To tell you the truth, I have had little time to follow the rodeo scene. I will look him up. Now, about that number, do you think she would mind if you gave it to me?”
“Brandon, I have so much respect for her that I must ask her. If she says it’s okay, I’ll gladly give it to you. We think the world of both of you and hey, if a chance meeting here at our place sparks an interest, it would warm our hearts.”
The men continued their conversation, testing the climate change arguments, opining on animal health, food safety, international import impacts to the U.S. market, pricing strategies, consumer demands and beef processing regulations. They didn’t solve any problems, but enjoyed a robust exchange of ideas. They agreed to resume their conversation in two months and to continue to do so as long as the dialogue remained interesting and fruitful.
“Well, I’ve got to head back to Phoenix.”
“Say, how are those boys treating you there at the firm?”
“Not too bad. I’m the new kid on the block, and I’m very much in learning mode. They give me all kinds of opportunities for new experiences, and there are great mentors. I’m there for the experience. It’s not what I ultimately desire to do. I’m more interested in working at the grassroots level, not the corporate level. The law firm is geared toward the latter, but I will undoubtedly gain great experience from talented attorneys.”
“That’s good to hear. Do you get much opportunity to see the folks at the ranch?”
“I try to get out there every weekend if possible, and on holidays. It’s in my blood and I need my fix more than I need to be in the city going to the clubs. I did a bit of that in college and quickly learned it wasn’t for me.”
“That’s what I figured. I think your brother and sisters were like that, too. Salt of the earth people, all of you.”
“Well, we had the best teachers, and they had the best friends, like you and Clara.”
“Son, it’s been great chatting with you, and I promise I’ll check in with Stella and send you an answer just as soon as I have it.”
“Thank you, Martin. I look forward to our next meeting and I’ll get some of that research together that we discussed.”
“Fantastic. I look forward to it too.” Martin was excited to be engaged on the front end of Brandon’s career. He wanted the opportunity to provide Brandon with insights into what he saw as the most pressing issues, both now and in the future.
3
The second Saturday after her chance encounter with Brandon Cage, Stella’s phone rang. It was Brandon, inviting her out for dinner.
“How do you feel about authentic Mexican food? There’s a great place in town. It’s just a hole in the wall, not much seating but the food is wonderful.” Brandon knew the family well and could reserve a table for two, despite the no-reservations policy.
Stella hesitated at first, only because she liked her solitude and looked forward to her weekends to relax and clean tack and do other things she couldn’t get to during the busy week. “That sounds good for a change.”
“Great. I’ll pick you up next Saturday, say about seven?”
“I’ll be ready and waiting.” Stella contemplated countering and meeting him in town. She preferred to be as casual as possible. With a promotion hanging in the wings, a relationship wasn’t on her agenda just now. However, she took him up on his offer because anything she picked up in town would have to sit in her pickup until after dinner, and that could be a disaster.
Stella casually told Clara about the date. She would see Brandon’s pickup anyway, so she might as well let her know.
Clara played down her inner enthusiasm. “Well, isn’t that nice dear? I hope you two have a wonderful time. Where did you say you were going for dinner?”
“Casa de Francisco, he called it. Are you familiar with the restaurant?”
“Sure, I am. They’ve been in business for eons and we’ve been many times. Their food has never disappointed me. Last time I was there, I had the carne asada. Nobody makes it better.”
“You can tell me then. It’s casual, right? I mean it wouldn’t be good to overdress.”
“It is casual. Besides, you look great in whatever you wear, dirty dungarees after branding included.”
“You’re so sweet, Clara. I own a dress or at least a skirt so I could dress up, but my rhinestone jeans are about as fancy as I prefer to be.”
“Well dear, those will be just fine.”
“Thank you, Clara. I’ve got to get back to work. Just wanted you to know when you saw Brandon’s pickup in the ya
rd why he was here.”
“Thanks. I will let Martin know too.” Clara opened the door for Stella to leave, almost rushing her out. She stood at the screen door a moment and waved Stella off before hustling to Martin’s office. “Wouldn’t ya know? Brandon Cage is taking Stella out on a date.”
“Of course he is.” Martin looked up from his desk and over his reading glasses.
“What do you mean, of course he is?” Clara could tell by the grin curling at the edges of Martin’s mouth that he had a hand in this new development.
“Martin, what did you do?”
“Well, last time Brandon was out here visiting, he asked for her number. I told him I would have to clear it with Stella first and, I did. So…” Martin looked at his calendar. “It took Brandon exactly three days to make that call.”
“Guess he’s wasting no time and he shouldn’t. She’s a catch.” Clara had grown to love Stella like the daughter she never had and wanted the greatest happiness for her.
The week was busy for Stella, as they all seemed to be. On Wednesday she drove up north and met with Jed, the foreman at Rabbit Creek Ranch. She spent the entire day looking at maps, herd records, weather histories and siphoning every bit of useful information she could from Jed.
“You have been wonderful to share all this information and your tremendous knowledge, Jed. I have just two questions left for you, is that all right?”
“Sure, Stella. Shoot.” Jed poured the last bit of coffee from the thermos into his cup after Stella waved him away from her cup. She was wired enough by the experience; she didn’t need more caffeine.
“Okay. So the first one is, what is the hardest part of this job? I mean, it’s unique from what most cowboys do and I’m not sure I can anticipate every challenge that may come up.”
“That’s right, you can’t. But what you’ve been doing is a good background for this kind of work. For me, two things have been challenging. First, the uncertainty of predators out here, more for the cattle than for me. Fortunately, we lost only a couple head since I’ve been here, but every time I head up the trail I fret that I might find mayhem at the other end. Maybe that’s just me, I’m a worrier.”
“Oh, that makes perfect sense to me and I’ve thought a lot about it already. I would feel so responsible if something happened to the herd.”
“That’s the thing. The owners and the government all know the risks so if something happens, I’m telling you now, you can’t take it personally.”
“I hear you. I hope I don’t have to practice your advice much.”
“Me too, for your sake. It will take a toll on ya if you let it.”
“You said there were two things. What’s the second?”
“Well, the second is particular to my circumstances and you shouldn’t bother yourself none with it. This job was working fine for the wife and me. She didn’t mind being home, spending more time with our kids and then our grandkids, but now that she’s got the cancer she needs me home and, bless her heart, she wants me there, too.”
“I’m so sorry those are the circumstances you landed in Jed. I wish you and your wife the best life you can have under the circumstances. It can’t be easy.”
“No, it’s not. But then, nothing about our life has been easy and nobody said it would be so we’re doing just fine. I think you had a second question for me.”
“Oh, yeah, that’s right. You’ve only just met me and know little about me, but based on your experience and what little you do know, what do you see as the hardest part of the job for me?”
“Oh, that’s easy. I mean nothing crude by this ma’am, but you’re a pretty gal and not all the guys that come to work with you are going to take you seriously if you know what I mean. You may spend more time fending them off than herding the cattle when you’re working. I would just say to you, pick your hands carefully. Make it clear from the get-go that you’re the boss and there’s no messing with you. You may even need to make up a story about having a husband or something just for an extra buffer.”
“Well now, that’s interesting. I’ve been fortunate so far. There’s been a couple of fellas that thought they had a chance, but I quickly turned that around. I’ll keep your advice in mind and appreciate you bringing it to my attention, Jed.”
“You bet, ma’am. Now, if there’s nothing else today, I’ve a need to get home. You have my number. Call me any old time you need something. Honestly, I won’t mind and will welcome the opportunity to hear about the operation.”
“That’s very kind of you. I will take you up on that offer. Thank you.” Stella shook Jed’s hand and crawled into her pickup, satisfied with what she had learned throughout the day. She wanted the promotion - isolation, risky hands and all.
Stella stopped to look at three homes for sale in a nearby community before she headed back. She wanted something small, but with pasture and protection for her horses. An outbuilding to store her four-wheeler and horse trailer would be a nice perk. Stella wanted to do something besides spend time at home cleaning, so the smaller the house the better.
The places she saw were equally suitable, and their prices were consistent with the amenities they offered. When the time came, she was certain she could find her next home without difficulty. After hearing the exact terms of the promotion, she would need to review her finances carefully. All things considered, she was ready to deliver her final decision to Martin and Clara. Stella wanted to make the move.
As she drove to the ranch, Stella remembered the upcoming date with Brandon. “Dang!” she thought. “Why did I say yes?”
She was happy without the interference of a man taking her away from the world she lived in and loved. She was not eager to complicate her life.
“Those eyes, that handsome face!” She realized why she agreed to go out. Between his good looks and her mother’s regular encouragement to “just test the waters”, she struck an opportunity that rarely presented itself in her small world.
As the miles passed, Stella ran through her wardrobe options. They were limited. Even her good boots had taken some rides and were showing their wear. Her sneakers would be too casual and flip-flops, well, they never left her bunkhouse.
Stella’s one pair of dress jeans sparkled with rhinestones that accented her toned backside. She hadn’t worn them in over a year, but they would fit. Stella was always told that the most flattering colors for her were turquoise, berry, red and forest green. Red was not an option for this date and she was never fond of forest green, finding it too drab and causing her to look pale. She used to have a nice cotton berry-colored dress shirt, but over the years it became a work shirt. That left one turquoise western shirt. It had long sleeves, but for an evening dinner it would work okay.
If she had a second date with Brandon or anyone, a dreaded shopping trip would be in order. Maybe if she mentioned it to her mother, Yvette would shop for her. “Should I give these details to Mom? Give her an inch and she’ll take a mile. Next thing I know, she’ll be planning a wedding simply because I had one date.”
No. Stella would do her own shopping, even if it were online. But no need to get ahead here, the first date had not yet happened. Stella had never even told her mother about Hank, the good-looking cowboy who lured her away from South Dakota right out of high school. Her parents thought she was off giving riding lessons at an elite training center. Stella was too embarrassed to let them know that a no-good, lying cowboy dumped her on a ranch in New Mexico. The owners threw him off the ranch, leaving Stella somewhere northwest of Santa Fe, over eight hundred miles from Buffalo Ridge Ranch and the protective arms of her parents.
Something in Stella took hold when Hank abandoned her. Reaching as deep as she could, she mustered the grit to hold her head high and not feel defeated. Stella escaped what could have been a very difficult relationship and an unsafe lifestyle, with no promise of anything except adventure, not all of which would have been in her best interest.
She felt many times that she had guardians wi
th her, silently encouraging her to drive for her dreams. That forced her to decide early on what it was she wanted to be. Stella would continue in the Davies tradition and be the best cowboy she could be. She had already done well as an amateur barrel racer, but she wasn’t looking for glory or the showy glamour of a rodeo queen. She wanted dust on her boots, grime in her ears and dried leaves in her hair after a hard day’s work in the open air. Stella got that most days and most days were exceedingly happy.
By the time Stella got back to her bunkhouse, dusk had arrived and it was time to settle in for the night. She checked her horses, sent Martin a text requesting a meeting to discuss the Rabbit Creek Ranch opportunity. She didn’t expect to hear from him until morning, but before she lay her head down for the night, Martin responded and set an appointment for Saturday morning.
Just three days. She would have to try hard to keep her mind on her work. Already she was visualizing herself sleeping in open grazing land and setting up her own house. She thought about inviting her mother out, once she found a house, to domesticate her new abode. Shopping for matching shower curtains and towels was not Stella’s forte, and she knew it. If she tried, Stella could pick out the living room and bedroom furniture, but she had never had to test those skills. It would be a new adventure in many ways. Two new adventures converging at once was almost overwhelming for Stella. She lay in bed counting cattle in her mind’s eye until she fell asleep.
4
“Well Stella, here we are again. And just look at you! I don’t know if I’ve ever seen you so dressed up for a meeting.”
Stella had showered and put her dress clothes on. She had polished up a pair of leather ankle boots she found in the back of her meager shoe collection.
“Yeah, well, I’ll be heading out to dinner later and only wanted to dress once today. You know me, always looking for efficiencies.”
