by C. L. Rosado
“You got it,” she says, giving me a thumbs up.
“Thank you,” I tell her.
“Anytime,” she states.
“I'd better head home, I guess.” We both stand and I pull her into a tight hug, holding on to her for just a minute. She fits just right in my arms.
“I really appreciate you letting me stop by and talking to me. I know we barely know each other, but you didn't hesitate. It means a lot. I would also appreciate it if you don't say anything to Olivia, just yet,” I say finally releasing her and looking into those emerald eyes.
“My lips are sealed,” she says doing the zip and lock thing like a little kid. I can't help but smile. “Just let me know more when you find out the details.”
We say our goodbyes, and I head back to the ranch of doom and gloom, telling myself the whole way that I can do this.
When I get home, Momma has already cleaned up the kitchen and gone to bed. I feel awful, but I won’t wake her tonight. She needs her rest. So I decide to go to bed, too; we’ll talk tomorrow.
The next morning, I’m up extra early so I can make breakfast and hopefully apologize to Momma before heading out for the day. Stumbling down the stairs, I make my way to the kitchen. I start with the coffee. It’s a must. Then I open the fridge to grab some fresh eggs. The freezer is next for some sausage. The best thing about living on this ranch is the home grown ingredients: eggs from our chickens, sausage from our pigs, homemade bread and every flavor of jam you can imagine. Plum is my favorite, though. Cattle is the main function of Sloan Ranch, but Dad always allowed Mom to have her farm lifestyle as well. I feel so refreshed this morning after talking to Ariana. She gave me hope. Maybe I was overreacting last night. Of course, cancer isn’t ever easy, but as long as it’s treatable, I can be who Momma needs me to be. With breakfast going, I shoot Ariana a quick text.
Me: Thanks again 4 last nite
It’s super early, so I don’t expect a response. I finish up the sausage and eggs before popping some toast in. While I set the table, Momma walks in.
“Gentry, what are you doing up so early making breakfast? That’s my job.” She moves to the coffee pot to pour her a glass.
“Well, I wanted to say sorry for being such a jerk last night. So please accept my apology,” I say, making my way to her and pulling her into my arms, squeezing tightly.
Letting go, she tells me,
“You’re forgiven, Let’s eat and you can tell me how your date went the other night.” We take our seats and make our plates.
“Well, my date was simple, but great. I really enjoy Ariana’s company.”
“Ariana, that’s a beautiful name. When can I meet her?”
“We have only been out once, so I’m not sure. Let’s talk about what you told me last night.”
“In a minute, ok? How is everything coming along with the repairs and the new workers?” I know what she is doing, but I catch her up anyway.
“Cal is handling the new hands for the most part. They should have the hay fields ready for bailing by the end of the week, and I finished all the fence repairs. Now I am working on the barn. I need to check the cattle today, so I will be away for most of the day. My friend Peck, do you remember him? He is gonna come down in August to help us for a bit.” I feel my phone vibrate, so I pull it from my pocket. It’s a text from Ariana.
Ariana: N E time.
I didn’t figure I’d get a reply for a few more hours; it’s only 6:30.
Me: What r u doin up so early?
I see the 3 dots signaling her reply, so I wait.
Ariana: Chasing the sunrise.
Is what I get, and it makes me laugh. Momma gives me a strange look but doesn’t say anything.
Me: Oh yeah, are you trespassing while chasing this sunset?
Ariana: Definitely.
This response makes me laugh even harder and Momma can’t ignore it.
“What’s so funny?” I tell her about the text, why it’s funny, and she nods in understanding. We finish our meal, cancer talk long forgotten. I give her a kiss on the cheek and head to work while she cleans up.
Chapter 7
Ariana
It’s been a little over a month since I met Gentry Sloan. We haven’t really been on another date although we have seen each other or talked everyday— from dinner in town with Liv, or late night talks on my porch after he’s had a bad day. His mom’s cancer is terminal. They only gave her six months and that comes first. A few days after our talk, she permitted him to attend her doctor’s appointment, which resulted in him showing up at my house again and me allowing him to vent. Turns out, she has pancreatic cancer that has spread to other parts of her body. She has decided to do a new clinical trial that has had some promising results so that she can live as long as possible.
I have never dealt with cancer before, but watching Gentry, someone I’ve only just met go through this, is heart wrenching. On her first chemo day, he was so withdrawn and defeated. I honestly had no idea what to do or say to help him through it. It’s also hard keeping something like that from my best friend. Liv is going to flip when she finds out.
Gentry’s aunt Mona is arriving today to help her sister with things that would be too uncomfortable for Gentry to handle. So tonight we are having our second official date on the back side of the ranch. I’m closing up at the feed store and going to his house. I haven’t yet met his mother, and now I will be meeting his mother and her sister together. I’m a nervous wreck to say the least. Gentry has assured me that his mom will love me and can’t wait to meet me. After locking up, I shoot Gentry a text letting him know that I’m on my way. The whole way there, I’m checking myself in the mirror and talking to myself. I hate that he picked a day that I worked at the feed store, but he couldn’t have known since I only do that when I’m free, and they have someone call in. Ugh. Why today of all days? Oh well, it is what it is. Hopefully I don’t smell too badly. I pull out my body spray and douse my hair, shirt and jeans, just in case.
Taking a right, I pull into the gates of the Lazy S Ranch. It’s beautiful with its Austin rock and iron fixtures. I’ve been to the ranch a million times but never by the house. It’s gorgeous. The house isn’t overly done at all, though. It is just a modest two story with a wrap-around porch. I pull in beside Gentry’s truck and take a few deep breaths before turning the car off and getting out. I look around at all the beautiful scenery that fills this place. It’s so very peaceful, such a contrast to what this family is going through right now. Gentry is out the door walking quickly towards me with a couple of dogs hot on his tail, as I turn back around. When he reaches me, he gives me a hug that lifts me off my feet. I can’t even put into words how I feel when he does this. It’s definitely magical. I feel like he is telling me so many things with that one action.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” he says putting me back on my feet and kissing my forehead. “I feel like this day has gone by so slowly.” I just laugh as he puts his hand in mine and drags me along with him back towards the house. “How was your day, Sunshine?” he asks.
“Not too bad, considering I’ve been anxious all day about meeting your mom.”
“I told you you didn’t have a thing to worry about. She will love you.”
“And your aunt?”
“She is easier than my momma. They have been giddy all day waiting for you. I’m surprised they haven’t come out to see where we are yet,” he tells me just as the door starts to creak open. He turns to look at me with raised eye brows and his signature smirk. I smile in return. Here we go.
First up is his aunt, I’m guessing, because she looks very healthy.
“Hello, you must be Ariana, I’m Gentry’s Aunt Mona.”
“Nice to meet you, Mona. You can call me Ari.”
“My pleasure. Y’all coming in?” she says moving out of the doorway. We make our way to the living room.
“Eleanor will be right out.” We take our seats and talk a bit. Gentry’s aunt is telling me abou
t where she is from when Gentry’s mom appears. Gentry stands, bringing me with him.
“Momma, this is…”.
“Ariana, It is so good to finally meet the girl Gentry can’t shut up about. I’m Eleanor.” She looks really well considering what I know she is going through. I reach out to shake her hand, and she pulls me in for a hug. Pulling back I say, “Nice to meet you, as well, Eleanor. Please call me Ari.”
“You’ve never told me to call you Ari,” Gentry states. I just shrug my shoulders. When we sit back down, I say where only he can hear,
“I like the way you say my name.” The smile on his face and light in his eyes are so worth it. It’s true, though; he says my name with the most amazing Southern drawl that it almost makes me forget who I am.
“Gentry says that y’all are going to take your dinner with you so you can capture the sunset he robbed you of before.”
“That’s not what I said exactly,” he tells his mother.
“Uh—Huh. Gentry told us you’re a photographer. Did you bring your camera stuff ?” his aunt ask.
“I sure did. You have some beautiful landscape out on your ranch, Eleanor.”
“We better get to it. Don’t want to miss your shot. We can come back and visit afterwards if you’re up for it, Mom.” She just nods, and everyone stands and exchanges hugs.
When we arrive at our destination, Gentry parks, jumps out, and runs around to open mine. Together we walked to the back and unload everything.
Chapter 8
Gentry
I laid out the old quilt I brought with us while Ari sets up her camera. I love watching her in her element. She is biting her lip and making cute little expressions as she places her lens on her camera. I could watch her for hours and forget all my troubles. Having her here in my favorite spot makes me feel like all is right in my world, even though it isn’t. I’m enjoying my escape from reality at the moment. After taking a couple of shots, she looks up at me with a smile and raises an eyebrow,
“You’re staring.”
I chuckle. “I can’t help it. You’re too cute when you’re all focused.”
Lifting her camera she says, “I know what you mean.” She snaps a few picture of me and lowers it again. “ The view from here is fabulous; the landscape is dreamy.”
“Don’t zone out on me,” I tell her. She just laughs and turns back towards the setting sun.
I get everything settled on the blanket and signal her to join me when she looks my way again. I lean over, placing my hand around the back of her neck and pull her in close.
“I need to kiss you. It’s been too long,” I tell her before pressing my lips to hers. Kissing her is so natural yet so addicting. I place a few soft kisses to her lips before she opens up to me, just as hungry for me as I am for her, both caught up in this intense need. It feels like falling as she lays back on the blanket, taking me with her, my hand sliding up her neck cradling her head before softly landing on the ground below.
Just when I think this is going too far, and I might should slow down, we are interrupted by a whining calf. What the hell? I look over to the calf that has invaded our bubble and am essentially cock-blocked. Seriously who gets cock-blocked by a cow? Me, that’s who! I look to Ari whose eyes are wide, eyebrows raised, and I search her eyes, the intimate moment having passed. We burst out laughing. I’m on my feet and pulling the lovely, flushed, and rumpled Ari with me.
“Let’s see why our friend here has joined us, shall we?” With a giggle she nods, and we are off.
“So much for catching your sunset,” I grumble.
“Oh, I got lots of great shots.”
“You will have to show me how to use that thing some day,” I tell her.
I call Cal and give him the tag number from the wandering calf before we load everything in the truck. Once he gets me the info I’m looking for, we head into the trees following the calf. Not far in, I can hear the faint moans of the injured heifer. As we approach, I can see that she has some lacerations on her muzzle and throat. Upon closer inspection, I realize it’s much worse. Had we not been out here, this momma would have died alone with a worried calf. I hear Ari gasp beside me. I phone Cal straight away to have him and a hand come out.
When the men arrive, Cal does further inspection. Cal has been the head hand around the ranch since I was just a boy. He has seen it all and makes the decision to put down the heifer.
“She is badly injured. If you two wanna get outta here, we will take care of this Gentry. I don’t imagine she’ll wanna be ‘round here for what we gotta do,” Cal says sympathetically while pointing at Ari. I nod.
“Let’s get outta here, Sunshine,” I say guiding a tearful Ari away.
We headed back to the truck with barely any daylight left. I can’t help but feel angry. This place is supposed to be about comfort, not death. When I hear the shot, I wanna scream. I hate death; it’s ugly and unforgiving. I mean, damn, can I get a moment’s peace on this ranch?
We get back to the house around 9:30, and Momma and Mona have already gone to bed, so Ari and I just hangout a bit on the porch before saying goodnight.
The next few weeks fly by. I feel like aside from my mom, Ariana is all my thoughts consist of. One afternoon when we both have some time off, I take Ari for a horseback ride. She is a natural on a horse. When I suggested a ride, she told me of her love for horses and how she and Liv ride often. While we are out riding, she spotted some sunflowers along the fence line. With astounding grace she slowed the mare, and swept her leg over before sliding down the side and grabbing the reins. The horse followed with ease, like they were old friends.
“I just wanna grab a few; they are my favorite. My Mom always had them out at our house when I was growing up,” she explains.
“Sunrise, sunset, and sunflowers, just a few of your favorite things?” I acknowledged
“Yes, sir.” She has her hair in some braid she calls a fish-something-or-other down one side. She is radiant in the afternoon sun, picking flowers. I pull out my phone and snap a picture, then slide from my saddle, and join her. Walking up beside her I say,
“You should’ve brought you camera.” The light breeze sends her fruity scent straight to my nose and draws me closer with each breath. I won’t lie; I have it bad. I’m not sure if she knows what she does to me. I can’t think of a single time in my life that I have wanted to spend countless hours just hanging out with a chick. I mean, yeah, I have had girls that I want to take to bed, and that always requires a certain amount of work, but this chick has me all twisted up in every way. I wanna be one of her favorite things. In fact, I want to be her most favorite thing. She’s becoming mine, more so with each moment that passes.
“I should have, but I wanted to enjoy this time with you, without distractions.” I pull the end of her braid bringing her in close, before placing a kiss on her sweet lips. My, God, I want her bad, every kiss has me wanting more, wanting it all; someday… soon.
Chapter 9
Ariana
I haven’t heard from Gentry in a while. It’s not like him at all. Since we’ve met, I have heard from him pretty regularly. I had sent him a few texts to check on him with no reply. He and his mom went into Austin today to see her Oncologist. I’m hoping they get some good news today because it feels like every time she has an appointment, something else is wrong. Every time it throws him for a loop; it’s hard to watch him go through it. Thankfully, I no longer have to keep it from Liv. She and her parents both know and have been helping out as much as they can.
I’m passing through a neighboring town, on my way back from a photo session, when I notice Gentry’s truck at the Muddy’s. I bust a quick u-ie and pull in. It’s not that it’s a big deal he is at the bar, except for the fact that he hasn’t returned my text, and I know his mom saw the doctor today which gives me an uneasy feeling as I get out of my car. I give him a call real quick, but my call is sent straight to voicemail. What the hell? I steal a peek at his truck before heading inside; it
’s empty which I expected.
I scan the area quickly as soon as I enter. Muddy Mike’s doesn’t have the best rep, and I don’t want to be here longer than needed. I’m out to find Gentry and get out of here. It takes me a minute to find him, and when I do, I immediately wish I hadn’t. His head is thrown back,eyes closed, and some blonde is straddling his lap. He looks like he is more than happy to have her right where she is. I’m more than crushed. Like a stone statue, I stand cemented to my spot, just watching like a deer in headlights the crash before me.
I’m not sure how much time has passed, but the blonde turns towards me.
I want to scream when I notice who it is: Bea, that stupid wench. I can’t believe after everything he has said to me about her,the guilt he carries from being with her instead of his dad, that now she is in his lap? She just smiles at me like she has been caught and couldn’t give a crap before returning her attention to Gentry. I know she has seen us in Andy’s together and around town. She is always trying to get Gentry’s attention. I’m beyond pissed, and my feet are moving before I can think. I shove her from his lap.
“You Bitch!” she screams, almost falling before getting her footing.
“Shut it, Skank” I holler back. Gentry’s eyes are open wide when I look back at him. “What the hell are you doing? What happened?” I question, my anger peaking. He is stunned. Trying to stand, he yanks me out of the way, and Bea punches him right in the face. He falls back on to the barstool. I shoot towards her and slap her as hard as I can. I want to beat her face in. She is pulling my hair, so I push her hard in the stomach, and instantly feel the throbbing from the chunk of hair she takes with her to the ground. I try and go at her again, but I’m grabbed from behind, arms wrapping around my elbows. Gentry is holding on to me, while the bouncer picks Bea up and carries her out. Her yelling obscenities at me over his shoulder the whole time.
