by Ali Spooner
“Let’s get you cleaned up then before they arrive,” Melissa said and guided Coal to the bathroom for first aid.
“Let’s get some chairs and tables set up out in the yard while we wait for the boys,” Mary Leah suggested.
Mary Leah, Stormy, and Del walked out to the barn to collect tables and chairs.
“So what really happened?” Melissa asked when the others had left.
“Some woman was hitting on Stormy and her boyfriend didn’t like it,” she explained.
“I asked him nicely to leave us be, but he insisted on being an ass, so we went outside to settle our problem.”
“Did you leave him standing?”
“No, ma’am. I do believe he will have a heck of a headache tomorrow and several painful bruises.”
“Good then. Who was it?”
“A monster named Ronnie from over at Big Bob’s place. I think he and Stormy had some history too from the nasty slurs he was making.”
“I’m so glad she got away from there,” Melissa said.
“Yeah, I am too.”
“I think the boys have returned,” Melissa said.
“I’m sorry if we ruined your plans for a quiet night.”
“No need to be sorry. I’d gladly have a few drinks with y’all.”
“Let’s go then,” she said and offered Melissa her arm.
†
The crew drank cold beer and danced to country tunes on the radio for several hours. Melissa and Harley were the first to call it a night. As the night wound down, Stormy and Del walked over toward the corral to have a private conversation.
“I’m sorry about what happened tonight, I hope you’ll let me make it up to you.”
“There is nothing to apologize for, and besides, I’ve had more fun with you here tonight than at the bar,” Del said.
Stormy breathed a sigh of relief. “What plans do you have for tomorrow?”
“I plan to sleep in, and then Mary Leah has promised to bring me over to watch y’all train the horses.”
“May I cook for you tomorrow night then, just for the two of us?”
“That sounds promising,” Del said.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
She shot her a grin, “For allowing me to spend this time with you.”
“That is very sweet of you to say. I enjoy being around you too.”
“Good,” she said and leaned down to kiss Del’s lips. “I think the ladies are ready to head home, so I guess I’ll see you later today.”
“I’ll look forward to it,” Del said and took Stormy’s hand to walk back to the group.
†
“Are you guys ready to wrap this up?” Stormy said.
“We probably should since we have horses to ride tomorrow,” Lucas said. “Come on Gene let’s put this furniture back in the barn.”
“I can help,” Stormy said.
“Y’all got it set up, so we can break it down. Go ahead and see the ladies off and we’ll take care of this and see you in the morning,” Lucas said.
“Thanks,” Coal said and they walked back to Mary Leah’s car.
“This was an enjoyable evening,” Mary Leah said as she opened a door and slipped inside.
“Yes, it was,” Del said. “Sleep well and we’ll see you tomorrow,” she said, stretching up to kiss Stormy.
“Sweet dreams,” she said and closed the door behind Del. Coal grinned at Stormy. “I’m glad the night ended well.”
“Me too, I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Count on it,” she said and slipped in behind the wheel.
Stormy watched them drive home and when the porch light went off at their house, she climbed the steps onto Melissa’s porch and slipped inside.
†
Stormy joined Melissa in the kitchen the next morning for coffee. “Could I talk you into helping me with something today?”
“Well, that depends, but I’m feeling pretty generous. What’s up?”
“I want to cook for Del tonight to make up for last night. I thought I’d go to the store this morning and pick up steaks and some vegetables for a cookout, but I was wondering if you would steam the veggies for me and wrap them in some aluminum foil so I can throw them on the grill to reheat them.”
“That sounds very interesting and easy to do, but I have veggies and steaks here unless you just want to grocery shop. I can lay out two steaks and place them in some marinade for you this afternoon.”
Stormy grinned and leaned over to kiss Melissa’s cheek. “You’re the best. Just let me know how much and I’ll reimburse you.”
“Don’t be silly. You and Del are part of the family. I am curious, though, where are you planning to cook out?”
“I thought I’d set up a spot out on the bluffs so we can watch the sunset. I can grill some steaks and then we can star gaze and have a nice private place to talk.”
“Oh my, that sounds romantic.”
She blushed profusely. “I really like Del and I don’t want to screw things up with her.”
“Don’t stress over things so much. Just relax and be yourself, that’s what attracted her in the first place,” Melissa said. “Would you mind if I made some fresh bread to go with your meal?”
“That would be perfect. May I ask for a recommendation for a wine though, I haven’t a clue.”
“Just leave it to me and finish work today. I’ll get a picnic basket put together with what you’ll need. I bet you can find a small grill to take out with you in the barn and some lounge chairs too.”
“Thanks, boss,” she said and left the kitchen to check in the barn for the supplies she mentioned.
She was loading the chairs and a small grill into the back of her truck when Coal rode up.
“Looks like you are planning to be busy later. I was going to ask you to dinner.”
“I’m going to be cooking for Del tonight.”
She told Coal of her plans to cook dinner and have a quiet evening with Del, but made her promise not to tell Del or Mary Leah of her plans.
“I think you’ll both have a wonderful time. Now let’s get to work so you can get ready to wine and dine,” she teased.
†
Mary Leah, Del, and Melissa joined them midmorning as they worked the stock. They stretched out comfortably under the oak to watch as the four ranch hands swam with their mounts in the pond.
“That looks like fun,” Del said.
“It’s so much less painful on the horse and rider than the traditional way of training horses,” Melissa said. “After watching Coal with Shadow, Gene and Lucas jumped on board with her method of training.”
“Speak of the devil,” Mary Leah said, nodding toward an approaching Shadow. “He can’t stand to be far away from her for long.”
Melissa and Del laughed. “They do make a handsome pair,” Melissa said.
“Speaking of a handsome pair, did you see Del and Stormy two-stepping last night?” Mary Leah said.
“As a matter of fact I did. You two move well together,” she said to Del.
“She is a very good dancer.”
“I hope you won’t let what happened at the bar last night taint your impression of her,” Melissa said. “I think our young friend has had a very difficult time in her life and she deserves our support.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Del said.
“What do you know of Stormy’s past?” Mary Leah asked Melissa.
“Not much really. She’s originally from Montana, worked for Big Bob for a year before joining us. I can say she’s a good worker and gets along well with everybody. I think the girl’s got a good heart that needs to be treated with kid gloves.”
“You seem fond of her,” Del noted.
“I am. She grows on you quickly,” Melissa said with a grin. She stood and stretched. “I’m off to the house to finish lunch. Do y’all need anything?”
“Is there anything we can do to help?” Del asked.
“Nope, I�
��ve got this in hand. I’m used to feeding this bunch.”
“We’ll stay and watch, but holler if you need help,” Mary Leah said.
“Will do,” she answered and drove back to the house.
†
Melissa served Coal’s favorite for lunch, egg salad sandwiches, beneath the shade of the oaks.
“I swear this tastes better every time you make it,” she said as she picked up a sandwich.
“You are so easy to please,” Melissa teased.
Stormy and Del had finished eating and walked over to the lake where the horses were taking a drink.
“I’ll pick you up at five if that’s good for you,” Stormy said.
“Five will be great, but can you tell me how to dress since I have no idea what you’ve planned.”
“Something that’s comfortable. We’ll be outside, so maybe wear a long-sleeved shirt, or bring a light sweater if you have one.”
“I can manage that. Is there anything I can do to help out?”
“No, ma’am, I think I have everything under control.”
“I’ll look forward to tonight then,” Del said as Harley called an end to lunch.
†
By midafternoon, Stormy was racing her mount across the field in a steady gallop, and when she turned back toward the lake, she saw Mary Leah and Del walking back to the house. She smiled eager to finish her task and prepare for her night with Del. Her mount sensed her lack of concentration and took the opportunity to buck, sending her flying through the air. She hit the ground hard, cursing the horse that was now galloping away.
“Did someone get distracted?” Coal teased as she pulled her horse up next to her.
“Something like that.” She grinned as she reached for the arm Coal offered.
“Come on then. Let’s go catch your horse so you can finish your job,” she said, pulling Stormy onto the back of her horse. The horse grunted feeling the extra weight on his back, but responded to Coal’s urgings to race to catch up with Stormy’s rogue mount.
†
An hour later, they unsaddled the newly trained stock and placed them back into the corral with the rest of the horses.
“Will I see you later?” Coal asked Stormy.
“I’ll be around at five to pick up Del.”
“Great. Have fun tonight,” she said as she mounted Shadow for the ride home.
“We will,” Stormy said and turned to walk into the house to shower.
Melissa was in the kitchen finishing her picnic basket when she walked inside. She looked at the work Melissa had accomplished.
“This looks great. Thanks, boss.”
“You’re welcome. Now go get showered, and get your picnic site set up before it’s time to go collect Del.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
†
Stormy laid a fire in the grill and soaked the charcoal with lighter fluid. She repositioned the lounge chairs, placed a cooler with the chilled wine between them, and when satisfied she was ready she went to pick up Del.
Coal met her at the front door when she arrived. Del and Mary Leah were in the kitchen cooking their dinner.
“Be sure to have her home before midnight,” Coal teased as Del walked over to greet her.
“Don’t listen to a word she says,” Del told her as she punched Coal’s shoulder. “Don’t wait up, dad.”
“You two have a good time,” Mary Leah called from the kitchen.
“Thanks,” Stormy called. “Are you ready?” she asked Del.
“Yes, let’s go.”
“See you later,” Stormy said to Coal.
“That’s doubtful if you don’t bring her home before midnight,” she answered.
“Later then,” she said and offered her hand to Del as they walked out to her truck.
Mary Leah slipped her arm around Coal’s waist as she stood at the door watching the truck disappear down the drive. “Do you think they will make it together?” she asked.
“Only time will tell what fate has in store for them,” she said, turning to kiss Mary Leah.
†
Del turned to look at Stormy as she drove past the house into the open field they had been in earlier in the day, but remained silent as she drove toward the setting sun. When she finally stopped the truck at the edge of the bluffs, Del’s eyes locked on the beauty of the landscape.
She raced around to open the passenger door and assisted Del out of the truck. “Welcome to my restaurant,” she said with a smile as she led Del to a lounge chair. “Let me light the fire, and I’ll be back to pour us wine.”
“This view is stunning,” Del said as she looked across the open plains.
“One of the most beautiful spots on the ranch,” Stormy said as she lit the fire. She took the chair next to Del and opened the cooler. Taking two wineglasses, she handed them to Del and poured the wine.
Del handed her a glass and then offered a toast. “Here’s to a beautiful sunset and a terrific night.”
“Agreed,” she said and touched her glass to Del’s.
The sun was rapidly sinking into the horizon, painting the sky with brilliant reds and oranges. Del and Stormy rested back on the chairs to watch the night sky while the coals burned brightly.
When the sun had disappeared, she turned on several lanterns to give them light.
“So tell me about you,” Del said as she poured them both another glass of wine.
Stormy hesitated and then sat up in her chair. “I’ve got flaws, but I hope they won’t be such to turn you away from me,” she said, her voice cracking with emotion.
“We all have flaws, Stormy,” Del said, placing her hand on her arm. “Tell me what you fear will drive me away.”
“I lived in Montana before coming to Texas. My parents kicked me out at seventeen when they found out I was gay, and I lived with my grandmother until I finished high school a year later.” She took a sip of wine to wet her throat that suddenly felt parched. “After graduating, I took a job at a ranch on the border of Yellowstone, and I worked there for two years. I loved the job and fell in love with a woman in town. We shared a small home for over a year and I believed I had found true love.”
Stormy paused again as she relived the memories. Several minutes passed before she realized she had fallen silent and Del was patiently waiting for her to continue. The coals were ready, so Stormy stood to place the meat on the grill and the foil-covered vegetables on to warm.
“Terri was beautiful and stole my heart from the first time we met. We moved in together right away, and I thought I was her heart and soul, or so she told me.” She paused again to pour more wine. “Every year the ranch had a big roundup, where they moved the large herd down into greener pastures, which took the hands away for several days. Terri must have lost track of the days because when I came home, covered in dirt and exhausted from days in the saddle, I found her in bed with the rancher’s son.”
“Oh my,” Del said, truly shocked.
Stormy jumped up to turn the meat, and then walked back to the chairs.
“What happened then?” Del asked.
“We rode the trails armed due to the wildness of the area. I had a pistol strapped to my side and when I saw the rancher’s son gloating, naked in my bed, I snapped. I pulled the pistol, placed the barrel on his forehead and cocked the gun. I could feel the tremors running through his body from his terror. I looked over at Terri and she looked on in shock, hiding her nakedness with a sheet, like I was the intruder.” She took another sip and sat the glass down. “I could feel my finger as it slowly pulled on the trigger. I wanted nothing more than to end his miserable life right then. He must have seen the rage burning in my eyes and his bladder released. The scent of his urine filled my nose and I started to laugh. Just a chuckle at first, but then the laughter overcame me, and I couldn’t stop. I removed the barrel from his head and safely holstered the gun.”
She stood and walked to the grill to check the meat, finding it nearly done to perfection. “Come,” s
he said and motioned Del to join her at the tailgate of the truck. “The meat is almost ready.”
Del stood and walked over to her.
“When my laughter finally died, I looked at Terri. I hope he makes you happy, I said, and left the house. I knew my job was screwed, so I stopped at an ATM, cleaned out my account, drove to the ranch and loaded my horse in my trailer and started driving south.”
“That’s when you came to Texas?”
“Yes, after a brief stop in Oklahoma. I heard about the opening at Big Bob’s and got the job right away. The foreman in Oklahoma put in a good word for me and I got the job at the Brewster’s.”
Del carried their plates to the grill and waited until Stormy served the steaks and the steamy vegetables. She carried them back to the tailgate that would be their table for the meal. “Is this the point where I’m supposed to run screaming into the night?” she asked.
“I’ve never told anyone else. I just assumed most people would be scared I’d snap again.”
“Darling, your reaction was very normal given the circumstances. Trust me when I tell you I’ve heard much deeper flaws than what you have described to me tonight.”
Stormy felt a huge weight lift from her shoulders. Relief flooded through her after hearing Del’s comments to the story she was worried would end their relationship before it had a chance to blossom.
“I have to be honest though,” Del said as she sat in a chair Stormy placed at the tailgate for them. “I’m more concerned with your promiscuity, if what that horrid woman said last night was true. I’m not a one-night stand type of woman.”
The relief she felt melted away. She hung her head, shameful of her irresponsible behavior. “I cannot deny what Lana said. Since my experience with Terri, I’ve not cared to have a lasting relationship with anyone. Until now,” she added.
Del placed her hands under Stormy’s chin and lifted her face to meet her eyes. They sparkled in the lantern light and glistened with what Del worried were tears of disappointment. She smiled softly. “I’m an old-fashioned girl and expect to be properly courted. Don’t expect me to fall into your bed just because I think you’re incredibly sexy.”
