Ride It

Chapter 14

I'm angry.

I have a reason to be.

Why does everyone treat me like I can't make decisions for myself? Am I that incapable?

I can help. If he'd just let me, I can get the information he wants from Jason. I know I can.

I brush through my rough curls as I stress over what I've learned.

If not Jason, I want to meet my parents. They should know something. But I don't understand why mom kept her sister a secret from me. Is she ashamed of what she did to her? Why?

I sigh, a slight headache making an appearance. This much thinking shouldn't be healthy. I feel like my brain will explode from all this worrying.

I put my hair into a messy bun before going out to help Sal and the others set the table for dinner.

I can hear everyone talking about what happened earlier, but when a few ladies come to ask me for the details, I refuse. It isn't my story to tell.

As Sal rings the bell, Rebecca pulls me aside with two covered plates and places them in my arms. "Here. This is for you and Bentley. The fellas say he's all calm now, so I'm sure he'll need some grub to settle his stomach."

I hesitate as I grab the plates. I want to sit and eat with the others. Seeing Bentley right now will make me more confused than I already am.

"What's wrong, lass? Worried about how well you can take his anger tonight?" She winks.

"Rebecca!" My cheeks light up in embarrassment as I glare at her.

I'll ask Bentley to do the laundry the next time we... you know what.

Rebecca laughs and hits my shoulder lightly. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding.... But you know... back in my day, I was lucky enough to taste a Bentley myself. Mmm, yes. Bentley's uncle, Ross. Fine young man he was. Wouldn't give me the time of day until I pulled him behind the barn and showed him what was under my skirt."

"Oh my god," I groan, glancing around to see if anyone can hear us. If I could bury my head underground, I would.

"Why are you shy, honey? I'm old enough to be your grandma. If you want any tips, I have lots of em."

Time to go.

I wince and quickly thank her for the food before scurrying away. I'm afraid she'll drag me into another one of her rants about her time as a young 'blossoming woman'—her words, not mine.

Phoebe and the others have already warned me. Rebecca is the storyteller of these parts. Once you get her going, only the devil can get her to stop.

I meet silence once I enter the house.

Is Bentley not back yet?

I go into the kitchen to place our plates on the table.

I don't want to eat with him, but he's already mad at me and I don't want him to throw me away. I'm already not contributing anything, even if I've only been here for a few days. If I appear entitled, will he lose interest?

I bite my lips as I sit at the table and wait.

Ten minutes later, the door opens. I sit up straight and clench my hands under the table.

I'm frustrated.

I want to be angry at him, but I'm afraid that if I am, he'll abandon me.

I haven't been here long, but I love being on the ranch. I don't want to leave.

His heavy footsteps hit the wooden floors as he rounds the corner and enters the kitchen.

Our eyes meet.