A Long from the Girl Next Door: The Caldwells of Rebel Creek Book 2

by T M Morris

  She giggled. “Oh, you know my Otter. He can’t stand to be away from me for too long. He’s like a puppy.” She smiled over to the other bed where Otter lay flat on his back. “He wants to make sure I’m being cared for properly. I am sorry, though, Otter, that you behaved so badly that they had to bring you in here so the whole hospital could get some peace and quiet. Why, Dusty, I could hear him clear up here.”

  “That’s some ruckus, Mr. Otter.” Dusty looked over to find himself the recipient of a daggered glare. He smiled as if oblivious to Otter’s ire.

  Lilly bounced back into the room. “Abby and I are going to have lunch later on in the week on her day off.”

  “That’s wonderful, Baby Girl. I’m glad you’re getting to catch up with some of your old school friends.”

  Lilly sat in the one remaining chair next to Dusty. “You won’t have to worry about anything at home, Dad. I’ll take care of everything.”

  Otter barked out a derisive laugh. “You? What can you possibly know about cattle farming? You don’t know anything except how to prance around and get your picture took. Why you can’t even drive a tractor.”

  “Other than driving a tractor I’ve done it all before if you remember.”

  Fortunately, the tension dissipated when Otter’s doctor walked in after a brief knock. “Hello, everyone,” he said, “How are you all today? Mr. Caldwell, I’m surprised they didn’t throw you to the curb last night. Let me look at you.”

  Otter glared up at his doctor. “I can’t understand what’s so hard to understand. I want to be in here with my wife. I have to make sure she’s getting the proper care.”

  “I understand, Mr. Caldwell. However, there are other ways, better ways, to go about getting moved into another room. You disturbed everyone in the hospital. I’ve heard from every attending physician this morning.”

  The doctor spent a few minutes muttering to no one in particular as he inspected Otter’s leg before pronouncing everything looked as he expected.

  Lucy said, “You might want to give him something for the pain, doctor.”

  “I’m not hurting.”

  She smiled at him sweetly. “It’s not for you, Dad, it’s for everyone else.”

  The doctor laughed along with everyone else in the room, except Otter. “I can’t imagine, Mr. Caldwell, that you aren’t in any pain. I’ll have a nurse put something in your IV. You all have a good rest of the day.” He was still laughing as he left.

  The door barely closed when Lilly, Dusty, and Addie burst out laughing again.

  Otter scowled. “I can’t believe you said that, Lilly. I don’t know of anyone who has ever made a joke out of me.”

  Dusty and Addie stopped laughing, and Lilly’s smile faded. She said, “It’s about time someone did then, don’t you think?”

  The room went uncomfortably silent. Dusty caught Lilly’s glance and moved his head toward the door signaling that they should leave. She sighed, “Well, it looks to me like you two are in good hands and will be able to keep each other company. Is there anything I can do for you, Dad?”

  “No.”

  “Come on, Dad. I’ll take care of the farm. All you need to do is relax and concentrate on mending.”

  “If it makes you feel any better, Mr. Otter, I can help out when she needs veterinary questions answered—no charge,” Dusty said.

  “No. I’ll ask David to take care of it for a while.”

  “Dad, school’s in session. Uncle David has his students to concentrate on with all their assignments to correct.”

  After a long silence, Otter shook his head. “I don’t know. It seems I don’t have much choice, do I? I swear, Lilly if I lose a single cow I’m holding you responsible for their replacement. You hear?”

  “Yes sir, I hear you. I’ll do my very best to take care of your precious cows. How many head do you have right now?”

  “A hundred and fifty. Forty are pregnant and in the middle pasture. The rest are roaming the back acreage . I’ve got calves in the field closest to the barn. There’s twenty-two of them. I was planning on taking them to market next month. You take real good care of them, you hear? That’s where we make most of our money, on them sales.”

  Lilly nodded. “Give special attention to the calves and the pregnant cows. Are they all due around spring?”

  “All of them but Bessie. Bessie is a heifer that Bozo, he’s the bull I have now, got to her before I knew it. I think she’s due pretty soon.” Otter rubbed his chin. “Blast it all. I need a shave, and I can’t even get up to pee.”

  Lilly shrugged. “I can shave you if you want.”

  Otter’s eyes grew wide, and he sputtered, “Are you kidding me? I don’t want you anywhere near me with a razor. You’ll slit my throat. I’ll just let Miss Addie see if she likes me with a beard.”

  Addie snorted and rolled her eyes. “Oh for heaven’s sake, Otter.”

  Lilly and Dusty exchanged a glance. Lilly stood and went to hug and kiss her mother. She whispered in her ear, “I love you, Mama. Keep him in line, but don’t let him wear you out.”

  Addie smiled up at her. “Come here, Dusty. Give me a hug.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Lilly went to Otter’s side. She leaned over him and kissed his forehead before he could move away. “Behave, okay? I love you.”

  “Don’t tell me what to do, missy.” Otter had glared at her before he continued, “Y’all get going. You’re tiring out Miss Addie. But, I’m telling you the truth, I’ll be outta here in a few days, and I’ll take care of my own blasted farm.”

  Lilly sighed heavily, “Whatever, Dad. I’ll do my best until then. I’ll see you both tomorrow.”

  Dusty said his goodbyes and raced out the door to catch up with her. He finally caught up with her at the elevator. “Hold up, Lilly.” He lifted her lowered head to see the tears welling up in her eyes. “Oh, Lill.” He pulled her into his arms and held her tightly to him.

  Leaning into his embrace, she sniffed. “I’m so tired of putting up with his hatefulness. I try so hard, and all I get from him is disapproval. I don’t understand why he doesn’t like me. I’m a likable person, aren’t I?”

  “Speaking for myself, and I’m sure for everyone else as well, you are one of the nicest people I’ve ever known. You get it from Miss Addie.”

  A tear slipped down Lilly’s cheek. Dusty caught the droplet with his thumb. “Don’t. Don’t waste your tears on his meanness. He’ll learn one day what everyone else knows. You are a valuable person. You are loving and kind. You—”

  Someone cleared their throat, cutting him off. “Excuse me. Can I get off the elevator?”

  “Oh, Miss Hazel. Certainly. Excuse us.” Lilly blushed as she stepped away from Dusty since he dropped his arms. She held the door to let the older woman through.

  Miss Hazel beamed. “Don’t you worry none about it. I’m glad to see you two snuggling. Finally.”

  Dusty cleared his throat uncomfortably. “It’s not like that, Miss Hazel. Otter’s in a terrible mood, and he’s taking it out on Lilly.”

  Miss Hazel frowned. “That boy needs a good thrashing. I can’t wait to get a hold of him. I’ll give him what for.”

  Alarm filled Lilly. “Please don’t say anything. If you do, he’ll know his meanness is hurting me. Let’s not give him the satisfaction.”

  Miss Hazel nodded. “I see what you’re saying. Never let 'em see you sweat. It’s a mind game between you two. It’s gonna eat you up inside, child.”

  Dusty put his hand on the small of Lilly’s back and said, “I’m going to see her to her car. You be careful going home too, Miss Hazel.”

  Hazel reached up and patted his cheek. “You are such a good boy.” She waved at them as the doors slid shut between them.

  Dusty leaned against the back wall. “I meant what I said, Lilly. You are valuable. And you are the spitting image of your grandmother. Your mom has shown me pictures of the two of you at the same age. If it weren’t for the clothing and hair s
tyles, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. You’re beautiful inside and out.”

  “Thank you, Dusty. Coming from you I know I can believe the compliment for what you meant it to be. Thank you.” She bowed her head as she picked at some lint on her shirt cuff.

  “Not used to sincere compliments?”

  She looked up shyly. “No. I’m more used to people complimenting me to butter me up for a favor or—” she paused, “I’m just not used to compliments.”

  They were quiet when they left the elevator and walked to the parking garage. “Are you headed straight home?” Dusty asked.

  Lilly blew out a gust of air. “No. First I need to stop at the Co-Op and get some work boots. I’m ruining my sneakers.”

  “I’ll go with you.” Dusty caught her confused glance. “I don’t want you to have to face Willy Pruitt by yourself.”

  “I forgot about him. He still works over at the Co-Op? Maybe I should go over to the Feed Store instead.” She looked around at the parked cars trying to make a decision.

  “Well, since both the Co-Op and the Feed Store are east of here and we both live west of here, why don’t we do this: the Co-Op is farther out, so let’s stop at the Feed Store first. If they have what you need, we won’t have to go any farther. If they don’t, then we’ll go to the Co-Op. How’s that sound?”

  She nodded. “Okay, but you don’t have to go with me. I’m sure you have more pressing things you need to do.”

  A horn blared and startled her. She turned to see Miss Hazel rolling down the window to her yellow nineteen seventy-four Pontiac Bonneville. “Get out of the driving lane you two before you get ran over.”

  “Well, hello again, Beautiful.” Dusty leaned into the window and kissed Miss Hazel’s cheek. “Are you done with visiting Miss Addie and Otter?”

  Miss Hazel beamed at him. “Lilly, honey, what are you doing putting up with the likes of this boy?”

  Lilly shrugged. “I don’t know, Miss Hazel.”

  “Where are you two headed?”

  “I’m going to buy some work boots and Dusty thinks I need an escort.”

  Miss Hazel grunted. “From what I hear you do, especially if you’re going to the Co-Op. I heard about the doings over at the barn dance Friday night. Willy Pruitt’s a bad apple.”

  “Yes, ma’am. That’s why I insist on going with Lilly. She’s not too happy about it.” Dusty glanced at her.

  “Fine. Whatever. Let’s get going before I have to ride out and check on those calves and that heifer in the rain. Those clouds look like they’re about to drop buckets.

  Miss Hazel sniffed several times. “Don’t smell like rain, but my smeller hasn’t been too accurate of late. My hands and knees aren’t saying anything about rain either and they’re more accurate than anything else. It is supposed to turn off cold later in the week, though. That’s what the little weatherman on the radio says.” She sighed heavily. “It’s a bit early in the year for that.”

  They said their goodbyes and watched Miss Hazel creep along until she turned the corner. Lilly smiled. “I’m surprised that thing even fits in here.”

  “Come on. I’ll drive.” Dusty took her by the elbow and steered her toward his truck.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Dusty led Lilly into the Tasty Freeze. “Are you going to get the same old, same old chocolate peanut butter with a squirt of butterscotch or are you going to try something different this time?”

  Lilly looked at him in disbelief. “Why would I try anything else? It’s my favorite. It tastes like a Butterfinger. I still can’t believe you remember that.”

  Dusty shrugged trying to appear as if he hadn’t cared one way or another about what the fifteen-year-old Lilly liked. “It was different that’s why I remember it.”

  “Hmm,” Lilly looked at the ceiling trying to look as if she were digging around in long forgotten memories. “You like…um, you like the triple fudge shake, right?

  Dusty looked wounded. “That was your brother’s.”

  Laughing, she said, “I know, I was joking. Your favorite was the banana split shake.”

  Shaking his head Dusty snorted. “Nope.”

  “Yes, it is. You did because you always needed a spoon, it was that chunky. For the life of me, I can’t figure out why you’d want a shake you couldn’t get through a straw.”

  “What can I say? I like it.”

  “Is that…Lilly?” A male voice called out from across the room and before Lilly knew what was happening she was scooped up and spun around. “Lilly. I can’t believe you’re here.”

  She was set back on her feet before she knew who was so happy to see her. “Eli.” She hugged him tightly. “I can’t believe how much you’ve grown, Why when I left you weren’t even five feet tall.”

  “That was ten years ago. I’ve had time to grow.” Eli turned and motioned to a beautiful young lady about the same height as her. “Claire. Come meet my cousin, Lilly.”

  Claire walked up looking dumbstruck. “Lilly Caldwell? The Lilly Caldwell?” She began to squeal and bounce up and down. “I’m sorry to go all fan girl on you, but you are awesome.”

  Lilly grinned more from amusement than anything else. “Thank you. Claire, right?”

  Nodding vigorously, as she turned to push Eli in the arm. “Why didn’t you tell me you were related to THE Lilly Caldwell?”

  Eli looked bemused. “I didn’t tell you I was related to anyone other than my parents.” He turned to share a look of bewilderment with Dusty. “Have you eaten already?”

  “No. We just walked in. Have you?” Dusty said.

  “Funny. We just walked in too. Want to share a table? We can catch up.” Eli offered.

  Lilly nodded but not nearly as enthusiastically as Claire. Lilly would never have thought she had fans. She was just a mid-list model, not even close to being a household name. She turned toward the dining room saying, “I’m going to get a table. You know what I want, Dusty.”

  “So, I’m buying your shake this time?”

  She merely smiled and walked away.

  Claire looked at the counter where the server stood waiting for someone to come forward and order and then in the direction Lilly had gone. Eli sighed, “Okay, okay. You can follow your idol. What do you want?”

  Bouncing on her toes, she said, “How about some tater-tots and a chocolate fudge shake? Thanks.” She spun around and practically skipped after Lilly.

  Dusty could have exploded with laughter at the face Eli made. It was somewhere between bewilderment and exasperation. He managed to say, “She’s cute.”

  “She’s something all right. Not quite sure what. I’m not even sure how she ended up coming home with me this weekend. She’s my neighbor up at school.”

  Dusty patted him on the back doing his best not to laugh. “Good luck figuring that one out, bud. I’m sure she’ll have mercy on you eventually and tell you what’s what. Let’s order.”

  Lilly sat down in a booth at the back of the room by the window. She smiled when Claire shyly sat down across from her. “You don’t mind Eli and me joining in on your date do you?”

  Raising an eyebrow, she said, “I could say the same thing about you and Eli.”

  “Eli and I are just friends. We’re neighbors, really. I had told him how I thought small town life must be so wonderful compared to the city. I’m from Nashville. He said it’s boring and I could come home with him for the weekend to prove it. I can’t say meeting you is boring. To think you came from a little town in the mountains of Tennessee.”

  “People come from all sorts of places. What’s it like living in Nashville?”

  Claire waved the question away. “It’s like living in any other midsized city, I guess. What’s it like, living in New York? Did you go all over the world?”

  Sighing, Lilly said, “I’m sure from where you’re sitting my job is all sorts of glamorous and excitement. And it can be, but mostly it’s incredibly long flights, blazing hot photoshoots for winter wear in early
summer and freezing cold for beach wear. Think about standing in the waves of the ocean in a bikini in the winter. Nervous designers are freaking out behind the stage at their season’s showing. On top of that, the competition is brutal. I enjoyed my time modeling. All the same, I’m glad it’s over.”

  Claire gaped. “It’s over? No.”

  “Yep,” She ran her hand through her hair, “I’ve decided to retire before they told me I was too old. Not everyone can be Isabella Rosalini.”

  “Who?”

  Before Lilly could explain, Dusty slid into the seat next to her and handed her the chocolate, peanut butter, and butterscotch shake she wanted. “When I ordered, Mike came around from behind the serving window to ask if it was for Lilly Caldwell. He said you are the only one who has ever ordered it.”

  “I’ll have to holler at him when we leave.”

  Eli sat down next to Claire. “Here you go. Tater-tots and a chocolate fudge shake.”

  Claire beamed at him. “Thank you.”

  They visited together until Mike came out to welcome Lilly home. Eli noticed the time. Claire, we need to go, or we’re going to be late getting back.”

  They slid out of the booth and hugged Lilly. Claire could barely contain her excitement. She was practically vibrating. “I can’t tell you how excited I am to meet you.”

  Walking out together, Lilly hugged both Eli and Claire again before going to their separate vehicles. “See you soon, Eli.” She called as she climbed into Dusty’s truck. Lilly marveled at Claire’s excitement. Why on earth would someone be so over the moon about her? She was just a girl from Rebel Creek who went to New York to be a model. An accomplishment she admitted, but she wasn’t anything close to a supermodel.

  Dusty pulled into the spot next to Lilly’s truck. “Thanks for going with me, Dusty. I enjoyed it. I especially enjoyed the milkshake. I think you’re trying to fatten me up.”

  He laughed. “No, I’m not. I wanted a milkshake, and you happened to be with me.”

  She smiled. “Whatever. I’m happy we saw Eli. That Claire is something else, isn’t she?”