100°

An Open Mind

Over the next few days drama was kept to a minimum. Actually it was non existent. Alex had learned more about the day to day workings of the ranch and Tyler managed to be a little nicer. It could have just been tolerance but she appreciated it. They'd even managed to get a semblance of a monthly budget together.

Now it was the end of the week and time for their business trip.

Navigating him through a new habitat so soon was a risk, but one she was willing to take.

The sooner this place was in shape, the sooner she could get back to L.A. where she belonged.

And of course she'd be able to slowly mush her victory in Brian's spray tanned face..

"Morning Miss Reed." Bobby was on the porch. She could see him through the screen door when she came out of the kitchen.

For some reason Tyler liked to have the door open instead of using the air conditioning.

Just having your front door hanging open was something she'd never do back home.

"Morning."

"I - uh just wanted to apologize for what happened the other day. Are you alright?"

She stood at the door that separated them. "I'm good."

The older man's eyes shifted down. "Joe's kind of a mess. But he wasn't lyin' about me."

Alex took in the breeze.

He must have felt bad. She wondered how his relationship with Tyler was before everything happened. It seemed like a stretch to believe groucho could be close to anyone.

She started to open the door. "Would you like to come in for a cup of coffee?"

Bobby quickly shook his head. "No. I got a lot of work to get to today. I came by to say that."

"Ok." She wouldn't try to push it.

"I heard you were taking Tyler out for the weekend?"

Alex nodded. "Yes."

"Where to?"

"Las Vegas."

Bobby's eyes widened, a mini smile followed. "Damn."

On narrowed eyes she turned her head slightly. "Is he safe to travel?"

Bobby let out a breath through coned lips.

His silence didn't help.

Then his face flattened. "I'm sure you'll be alright."

She pointed at him through the screen. "You know that's not an answer right?"

"I can add a prayer to it."

Alex pursed her lips, not sure if it was to keep from laughing or wailing.

*

It was after nine and Tyler was not an easy man to find.

She had to use Bobby as a ride to locate him on the broad stretch of land.

Luckily she found him near his crops not far from his office.

He was talking to his foreman Jose. They were introduced before and he came across as avoidant as the others.

As usual it was hot as hell and her client was wearing a cowboy hat. The same one he'd worn the first time she saw him.

And he didn't look ready to travel at all. His black jeans and boots were dirty, and he had on a blue flannel button down shirt that was rolled up at the sleeves.