Country Girl at Heart

Chapter 5

The buzzing from my phone doesn't allow me to sleep in as much as Wren agreed I could, which means I'm waking up grumpy for the second day in a row.
"Hello?" I grumble.
"You're awake?" My mom's cheerful morning voice rings in my ear. "It's a miracle!"
"I was asleep. You woke me up." I check the time. "Why are you calling at 7am?"
"I'll be in meetings all day, wanted to catch you when we could both talk. Time difference, remember?"
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that." I let out a dramatic yawn. "Have you reconsidered sending me money?"
"Ha! You're not going to get me to cave that easy, young lady."
I groan. "Why not? I could really use it. You have no idea how awful it is to sleep with a children's bed set."
Her breath catches. "He kept your old stuff?"
"Yup. Rainbow wallpaper and all."
"What a cheap ass. He would never let me spend money on redecorating that room. The design was hideous." Jeez, she sounds so hostile. The theme is perfect for a third grader. And I don't think he kept it like this because he can't afford to change it. I have a feeling he didn't want to get rid of it because it reminds him of me.
Or the color of my eyes... I should say.
"How is it there, anyway? You being treated well?"
I laugh at her concern. "Yes, Mom. Other than my sore body and greasy hair."
"Good. I hope you're learning your lesson. You're not there to have fun. You're there to be miserable."
"Don't worry. I am."
"Perfect. I'm getting to the office now so have to run. Call me in a few days with an update, okay? And stay out of trouble!"
She hangs up before I can respond, so I drop my phone on the bed and try to get some more sleep.

•••

I wake up in time to find Becky setting up the different items for sandwich's. It takes everything in me to willingly walk in here and ask if I can help, but I know spending this little amount of time with her will pay off in the end. She's surprised when I ask her what I can do other than be the delivery woman. So is Ali, who apparently is in charge of packing the bags and picking out chips.
"I'm sure I don't need to remind you how to make one." Becky smears the Mayo then lays down the ham.
I help with the pickles and cheese. My favorite part.
When she starts on the second sandwich I say, "Not a lot of Mayo. He doesn't like it."
"Who?"
I clear my throat. "Dawson."
"Oh." Becky stops mid swipe to look at me with a curious gaze.
"How would you know?" Ali snarks from the fridge.
I turn to her, realizing we haven't talked since the bonfire. I've spent so much time with him at this point, she would be furious. She thinks we still agree he's focused on work. Things have definitely changed since then. The problem is, she doesn't know that.
She will after this.
"He told me yesterday when we were eating lunch together."
"Where was Wren?" I can see the stress seep from her pores. "Isn't he supposed to be out there with you guys?"
"It was just for a while. I guess he isn't so all about work as much as you thought."
"Do I smell'a sister fight comin' on?" Becky interrupts.
"She's not my sister," we say in unison. Our sudden aggression clogs the room.
"Is there a problem, girls?"
We stare each other down.
I decide to be the bigger person and say, "Nope. I'm freaking fantastic."
"Okay, well, make sure you grab both bags on your way out, Lexi."
"Actually, Dawson requested double cheese, so I'm going to make sure he gets it." I snatch the brown sack and walk over to the fridge to put a mountain dew and chips in there next to the main course. "I think Wren is out shoveling the crap, if you want to bring him his." I say over my shoulder, not bothering to wait for her approval of the plan.
Now that that's over...
I can focus on the sudden excitement bubbling up about hand delivering Dawson's lunch. At first I thought it sounded sexist but now that Im in the moment... why wouldn't a woman want to bring her man lunch after he's been working hard all day? Especially when that man looks as good as Dawson does standing out there in the heat. Especially, especially when you know that man will thank you in bed later.
Of course, these are all hypothetical situations. That will never be him and I.
Either way, I hurry my search, finding him in the stables. Unfortunately he's not shirtless this time, but that's okay. The long sleeve button up tucked into blue jeans, paired with real cowboy boots, and topped off by a black cowboy hat works too.
     "Hey, cowboy." I strut over to his smiling face. "You look good. Very classic country boy."
     "I see you aren't plannin' on gettin' dirty today." He checks me out. "That sure isn't an outfit to be in if you were."
     I clasp my hands behind my back to distract from my nerves. I knew I wasn't going to do much today so I threw on a pair of cut off shorts and a band tee.
     "I did wear the work boots, though." I point my toe out for emphasis. "That's got to count for something, right?"
     "It sure does." He smirks. "Country looks good on you."
     To stop myself from totally gushing, I hold out his lunch. "Hope you're hungry."
     "I've been lookin' forward to this all day." He grabs it and looks inside. "You're not eatin'?"
     "I just woke up like thirty minutes ago, so I grabbed a quick snack already."
     He unfolds the foil and sillily inspects every detail of the sandwhich. "Light Mayo?"
     "Double cheese," I grin with triumph.
     "Moment of truth." He chomps down, chewing ruthlessly. "Mmm..."
     I wait as patiently as I can. "So? How did I do for my first time?"
     "It's delicious." He takes two more bites. "Best sandwich I've ever had. Seriously," he says with a full mouth.
     "Ew!" I laugh, holding up my hand to block the view. "Chew with your mouth closed!"
     "Can't help it." He does it again with another bite. "It's too damn good."
     "Better be. I worked extra hard on that. Almost got glared to death over it."
     "What do you mean?" He finishes, moving on to the chips.
     "It's nothing. Just some girl drama."
      He laughs. "You've been here only a few days and already find yourself in the middle of all the drama? What happened?"
     "I don't think I should say anything."
     "Well now you have to. I won't say nothin', promise."
     "Uh. Hm... well, let's just say there are girls trying to make claims on you. One particular girl, whom I happen to be living with, was not too happy when she found out we know each other."
     "You're talkin' 'bout Ali?"
     "That would be the one, yes. But don't say anything, I don't want her to know I brought it up."
     "I won't. But, gosh. I let her down as nicely as I could. Thought she was over it by now."
     "I think she probably was until I got here. Now she's inside hating my guts for spending time with you."
     "Man, I feel sorry for her. Maybe I should apologize?"
     I scoff. "I think the best thing to do is drop it. I'm not sure how she'll take that, especially after this morning."
     He holds his hands up in defeat. "Alright. I'll leave the girl drama to you. You seem to be an expert in it anyway."
     "Hey! I am not an expert in drama. I hate drama. It just always seems to find me somehow."
     "Makes sense." He wipes the residue on his jeans before opening the soda.
     "How does that make sense?"
     He gestures down the length of my body before saying, "You're probably intimidating as hell to other girls."
     I'm caught off guard by that, but soak in how it feels to hear him admit it. "I didn't know you were paying that much attention."
      He takes a long chug of his drink before looking down at me evenly. "It isn't obvious?"
      I almost combust with butterfly's. "It is now."
     "Good. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some work to get done. Can't stand around and talk to you all day." He adjusts his hat. "As much as I want to."
     "You're working with the horses today, right?"
     "Sure am. I'm meant to break in a horse for the rodeo that's comin' up."
     "Rodeo? When is it?"
     "A few weekends from now. Locals can enter and compete for money. It's a huge event. The whole town'll be there."
     "What horse do you have to break in?"
     "Want me to show you?"
     I respond with a heavy nod. I was always so afraid of horses when I was a kid so I've never ridden one. I avoided this area most days, being so small compared to the giants. They're not so scary anymore. Now, they seem like pretty peaceful animals.
     We walk to the gated off pasture, spotting several different breeds of horses inside. Some are galloping happily, grazing in patches of grass, or drinking from the water trough.
     He steps over the iron fence separating them from us, jumping to the other side. "Put those work boots to use and climb over."
     "Are we allowed to go in there?"
     "They won't bite, trust me. It's safe."
     I count to three before attempting the climb. The boots give me a good hold, so I'm able to get down all by myself. He stands back and watches with a pointed look on his face.
I think I found another thing he likes.
     I follow him with caution. "Should we tie them to a tree or something?"
     "They're horses, not dogs," he snickers. "They're fine roamin' freely. Didn't you grow up with horses?" He looks back, confused.
     "Technically, yeah. But I was afraid. I don't know the first thing about them." I stare at the animals we're getting dangerously close to.
     "Well then we need to go over a few things so you don't get hurt. First things first." He stops us at a group of them. "Which one do you like?"
     "That's hard. They're all stunning." I study the one with a black coat, who's mane is shorter. Then become compelled by the white and taupe patched horse who has a shaggy mane that's too long in a familiar way. "That one."
     "Good choice." He pulls the blonde covered horse forward. It snares into the air, neighing loudly. "Now you have to let it get accustomed to your smell. Get right up on its nose so it can familiarize your scent and be more comfortable around you."
     "I have to let it smell me?" I ask, in awe, slightly fearful of getting closer than I already am.
     Dawson gently places his hand at the small of my back and nudges me forward until I'm face to face with the beast. I squeal and jump up and down when it runs it's nose along my hair and chest. It's nostrils flare wildly and it chomps down its teeth several times before calming and lowering its head just enough to be the same height as me.
     I look to him for what's supposed to happen next.
     "It likes you," he grins.
     A vivacious smile spreads across my face. "Now what?"
     He grabs my hand and reaches it to the side of the horses structured face. I let him guide me until I have the confidence to graze my fingers along the striking features of my new friend without his help. My hands travel up and down, feeling it's mane and rubbing its ears. I'm surprisingly not turned off by the soft animalistic scent.
Wanting to explore more, I step across and feel the strong muscles of its back and softness of the skin. He steps out of my way so I can keep being completely infatuated by this gentle creature. It's tail whips around care free, pulling my attention to it.
Dawson is quick to grab me away. "Never stand behind a horse. They'll kick ya." He lets his concerned grasp loose from my arm. "And don't make any sudden noises or movements, they get spooked easily and'll run off with no question of who they take out in the process."
I step back. "Good to know."
"Alright, let's get her saddled up so we can take 'em out."
     "Wait, what? No, no. I'm not riding one."
     His expression pricks up. "Oh yes you are."
     "No really, I'll watch." The thought of him on a horse is exciting. Me? Not so much.
     "Come on." He gestures for the horse to follow. "I'll teach you how."
     I avoid the back side of the horse at all costs. "What if I get bucked off or something?!"
     "You won't. I'll be right there with ya."
     I didn't expect to overcome a major fear during my stay, but then again I didn't expect to be working. Or to have drama with Wren's so called step daughter. I didn't expect to be spending most of my time with a cowboy either. I'm starting to see this punishment as more of an adventure, finding myself enjoying it instead of completely loathing every second.
     Dawson shows me the ropes, literally, and straps the horse into a saddle and reigns. He does it like an expert, like he's been riding horses his whole life.
     "Okay, up you go." He waves for me. "Put your foot here, pull up with the saddle there."
     I have to jump a few times before getting enough momentum to swing my leg over. He still has to help me the last bit, grabbing my hips to propel up. I adjust and tighten my grip on the front of the saddle.
     "Scoot your weight forward."
     I unhook my feet and move toward the front as much as I can. It feels odd for me to have to ride like this, then I realize he's trying to make room for himself when his boot fits in the stirrup and he launches himself until his body is fit snug up against mine. I'm practically sitting in his lap. Not that I'm complaining but... it throws off my groove being this close to him.
     "Comfortable?" He encloses me between his arms when he reaches around for the reigns. "Second lesson of the day is how to steer. First we gotta get her goin'. Go ahead and nudge her sides with your heel."
     I do as he says, which results in the horse skipping forward. I didn't think it would work the first time, so I startle, latching my hands around his thighs for support with a slight yelp.
     I feel the rumble of his laugh from his chest. "Don't worry, she'll keep a steady trot. From here it's pretty simple. You yank the reigns in the direction you want to go side to side, then to stop, you pull back."
     I'm too stunned from the fact that I'm riding a horse to speak. I'm taking it all in. Still grasping onto his thighs. Being pressed up against him doesn't help my thought process. I can't stop hyper focusing on every part of my body that's currently being brushed by his.
     "Wanna try?"
     "I don't know if I'm qualified enough to be in control of this thing."
     He chuckles into my neck. "This horse is your friend. You work as a team when you're ridin'. No one is in control of the other."
     "That almost sounds poetic."
     "'Cause it is, in a way."
     "I like the way you see everything out here. You don't make it sound as bad as I thought it was going to be."
     "Are you sayin' you enjoy the ranch life after all?"
     I scoff. "I wouldn't go that far, cowboy. But I'm not entirely miserable. At least not right now anyway."
     "Well I'm glad I can put you out of your misery for a few hours."
     Feeling more confident I ask, "Can I try steering now?"
     "A'course. Here, grab the reigns and pull the slack. You want 'em loose but not enough for her to lose sight of where you want her to take you."
     I grab the leather in my hands and snatch it until I've got a good hold. There's a turn coming up to get out to the pasture which causes me to panic. Even though he explained what to do, it's a lot more intimidating when you're the one having to actually do it.
     "Okay there's a turn comin' up. Remember what to do?"
     "Kind of," I laugh with nerves.
     "Here, lemme help." He places his hands over mine and directs them to the right. "Just a slight pull, like this." The horse follows in the direction with perfect persuasion. "You did it."  I can sense his smile from behind.
     "Where are we going to go?"
      "The pasture keeps goin' for a while, but I still have to fill their hay so it might be best to stick around here. How 'bout we aim for that far side? You can help me with the hay if you'd like."
     We trot over to the area and he helps me down.
     "Ow, my ass hurts." I laugh at the uncomfortableness from the position you're forced into on the saddle.
     "You'll be sore tomorrow." He grabs a spork looking shovel thing and starts to pull some hay over. "Wanna help feed her? You can grab a small bit and hold it out."
     "She won't bite my fingers?"
     He laughs. "You'll be okay."
     I grab as much as my hand can hold and let her nibble. The feeling sends me into a fit of laughter. "I never thought this is what I would do out here."
     "No? Just misery?"
     "Yup. Lots and lots of misery. The shitty part is I don't deserve any of it."
     "It can't be all that bad."
     "Easy for you to say. You don't know what I'm missing out on at home. Summer in the city is magical. I should be in a bikini at a rooftop bar. Or getting into clubs with my fake."
     "Isn't partyin' what landed you here in the first place?"
     I look at him, trying to gauge whether he's prying or if he is just genuinely going on with the conversation. I don't think Dawson is the type to meddle so I have no problem clearing the air with the rumors he heard. I don't want him to think they're true. I can only imagine what he thinks of me.
     "I was at a party, yeah. It was pretty early in the night so I hadn't drank yet, which probably helped my case now that I think about it... Anyway, I don't know how skewed the rumors you heard are but I don't do drugs. I didn't that night, I never have and never will."
     "So what happened? If you don't mind me askin'."
     "The party got busted. I happened to be in one of the back rooms when everyone started running. As I was going down the hall, someone shoved a backpack in my hands and right at the same time we got caught. Obviously it looked like the drugs were mine, so they arrested me on the spot."
     "They didn't hear your side of the story?"
     "Yeah right." I scoff. "They didn't even ask. Cops don't care as long as someone gets the blame."
     "I'm sorry." He slows down his work to feed the horse with me. "You didn't deserve to get in trouble for somethin' you didn't do."
     "Well, here I am. Serving someone else's sentence." I brush the horses mane, appreciative that I'm hanging out with animals instead of cell mates. "You know, I complain about my situation here too much. I should be behind bars. Or on house arrest. This isn't so bad when you think about it."
     He smiles down at me. "Careful, you might start likin' it here."
      I smack my lips sarcastically. "Impossible."
"Hey, I have an idea."
"What is this idea of yours?"
"You should come with me to the waterhole tomorrow."
     "I'm not sure I want to go anywhere near a place called the 'waterhole'." The word alone disgusts me.
"It's not no rooftop bar but you can at least wear that bikini you miss wearin' so much."
"Are you just trying to get me in a bikini?" I lower my gaze playfully.
His cheeks flush around a shy smile. "No." His eyes travel away. He's adorable. "I'm just tryin' to show you a good time is all. Since you're so miserable."
"Hm." It's not a bad idea. "Who's going?"
"Everyone who was at the bonfire. Maybe a few others."
Ali and her skanky friends come to mind. I should probably avoid them at all costs before something bad happens. I don't feel like having to defend myself again. "I don't think I should go."
"And why not?"
"Remember the girl drama I told you about? Can you imagine her face when I pull up with you? Those girls would literally attack."
"I don't know. I think you could take 'em," he winks.
"Oh I know I could take them. I just don't know if I want to."
"Well, I think you should come. I'll pull by the house at noon, if you're not outside I'll assume you're stayin' home all on your lonesome. With your cloud sheets."
I squeak out a laugh. "If you really want to get rid of some of the miserableness, buy me a new bedspread. I don't know how much longer I can take it."
"I think goin' to the waterhole with me would make you feel better."
I don't doubt that it would. I know I'd have a blast with Dawson, I'm sure. I just don't know how far I'm willing to push it with Ali.
I guess I'll find out tomorrow at noon.