Alexander Ranch

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Ethan was the polar opposite of Jordan. Where Jordan was moody, brooding, and sour faced, Ethan was sunshine and smiles. He had an easy going personality and he flirted outrageously. He and Daisy together where like two fun loving balls of lightning.

We'd gone to ice cream first. I had assumed this was because Ethan was short on time and would be leaving us afterwards. But, I was surprised when he joined us to have my phone replaced. He was a consummate gentleman. He opened doors, pulled out chairs, and put an arm out to Daisy and I as we walked along the sidewalk. Overall, I found him quite charming.

Though I had done quite well on our short outing, I was rather tired when we got home. I was amazed at how good I felt though. With the way I'd felt just yesterday, I just knew I'd be hobbling around like an achy old lady for a while. I wasn't sure what Daisy was doing to me, maybe slipping something in my coffee or drinks throughout the day, but I felt pretty good. My aches and pains could barely be called that. Mostly I was just tired. So, once I arrived back home I was ready for a short nap.

When I woke, Grace was there to check on me. She seemed so genuinely happy to see me I couldn't help but be drawn to her. They were all so...well, nice. Well, all except Jordan. Grace checked my bandages, replaced them, and declared me fit for work if I wished to return tomorrow. Otherwise she would write me a doctor's note if I wanted to take more time off. I didn't. I was ready to go back to work.

I called Blake once Grace left. He picked up on the first ring.

"Hey, Baby Girl, how are you?"

"I'm fine," I said smiling at his nickname for me.

"Are you sure? I was worried about you."

"Didn't you get my message?"

"Yes, but, I left you messages at the house too and you never got back to me. We do have a house phone you know."

"I'm sorry," I grimaced. I hadn't even thought to check the house messages. I saw the flashing red light on the phone but never thought to call into the messaging service. "I was so tired when I got in last night I went to sleep. And, I left first thing this morning to replace my phone."

"As long as you're safe. What happened to your phone anyway? You said it got wet? Did you fall in the river or something?"

If he only knew how close he was. "Actually, I did."

"How did you do that? It's not like you to be clumsy," he said, concern and suspicion in his voice. Boy could he be protective.

"Well, no not normally. But, I'm not immune to clumsiness now and again, Blake," I drawled, going for an exasperated tone.

"You didn't hurt yourself did you?"

"Just a few bumps and bruises," I said truthfully, or as truthfully as I could be. He paused for a moment not saying anything. "I'm fine, Blake. Really. Don't get on your big brother high horse."

I heard a soft snort over the phone.

"Yea, you must be fine. Otherwise you wouldn't be giving me attitude."

Now it was my turn to snort.

"So, when will I see you again?"

"Not this weekend, but the next. Can't wait to see you."

"Me too," I smiled. I missed my big brother.

"Hey, I'm getting ready to head out and get some food. I'll call you later ok?"

"Call me tomorrow. I'm tired and have to nurse my bumps and bruises," I whined exaggeratedly.

"Oh, yea. You're fine," he laughed. "Love you. Talk to you tomorrow then."

"Love you too," I giggled.