Sweet Little Lies

Ch. 2 Coming Home?

Four years later

I sit at the airport waiting for Dan to pick me up, he's late as usual. Standing up, I start to pace in front of the bench I was sitting on. Breathing a sigh of relief when I see his dark blue pickup truck. He waves as he pulls up to the curb and I can't help but smile and wave back.
Dan gets out and comes around the truck, he hugs me quickly. "Sorry, got caught up at work." He apologizes, picking up my two large bags and putting them in back of the truck. I climb into my seat and buckle up.
I wait until he pulls away from the curb before I start asking questions. "So, how is everyone?"
"Everyone?"
"Yeah, Mom, Dad, you, the Stuarts, the Wests, everyone." I clarify.
"Everyone is fine. Nothing really changes around here." He answers, blandly.
"No lady love?" I question, not really interested on knowing the answer.
"Harper." He snaps irritated. Dan's never been much for talking, just like Ajax. No, don't think about Ajax, Harper.
"I just want to get to know my big bro all over again." I reply, faking sadness. He sighs and I know I've won.
"No, there's no lady love. Just work and more work. Mr. West announced yesterday that he hired you on from Flagstaff." He says, sounding proud.
"Yep, I sent him my resume before I decided to come back. I wanted to make sure I could find a job. Good thing I spent my summers interning at T.K. Accounting Firm or I'd have no business working at the West End Ranch." I tell him, excited to work for the West's and to be home.
"You know Mr. West has a soft spot for you. He would've hired you regardless and you know it." He states, smirking.
I smile thinking about Paxton West. When I was little, around four years old I told him I wanted to marry him. He had to explain that he was already married and I innocently told him he could marry us both. Having to hear that story told again and again growing up was torture, but I have to admit it always made me laugh.
Plus, I never got it as bad as Ajax. Growing up, his Grandfather Preston West would tell us all kinds of embarrassing stories about him. From potty training debacles to sweet stories about how the West's named their only son after him. Even sharing the fact they were told they'd be having a girl and a screaming boy was born instead. That's how I learned Grandpa Preston's real name was Ajax Preston West. Ajax always hated hearing those stories, but was always a good sport to his grandfather. They were close until he passed away just after Ajax's fourteenth birthday. It was the first time I had seen Ajax cry which only made me cry harder.
I realized something while I was gone, I can't be mad at him for not loving me back. I was angry for a long time and it got me nowhere. He doesn't deserve any of my animosity or anger. I can't make him love and its fine. I've moved on, truly. Although, I admit I measure every man I meet to him, its not his fault that they never measure up.
That doesn't mean that I want to start spending time with him. To be honest I want to stay as far away from him as possible. It's not that I don't trust myself not to fall for him all over again. I know there's nothing between us and never will be. Its just self preservation. Old crushes die hard, I just don't want to relive the humiliation I felt after I heard him say he thinks of me like a sister.
I see the West's mansion in the distance. They moved out here and built the house shortly after Ajax was born. Then they added bunk houses for seasonal workers and nice two story homes for workers like my father, who stay on year round.
I see our home way back behind the main house and my heart swells along with my eyes. I haven't seen my parents for four years. I wipe at my tears as Dan looks over at me. "For Fuck's sake! Don't go all blubbering female on me."
I see the vehicles and turn to Dan giving him the you've got to be kidding me look. "A party?"
"A coming home party. Ma said she told you." He laughs, seeing my shock and horror.
I scoff. "No! She didn't."
"Don't worry she only invited everyone in the state of Montana. Nothing too drastic." He jokes, keeping a straight face.
As soon as we pull up to the house Ma is running down the porch with her floral apron still wrapped around her. I hop out of the truck, returning her smile. She really is so beautiful, as always, perfectly made up and happy, I missed her. Her arms come around me, crushing me to her and she cries, "My baby, My baby."
I laugh at her reaction until I feel another pair of arms go around me and my feet leave the ground. "Harry!" Ma yells.
"My sweet pea is home." Pa says, setting us both back down.
"I missed you guys." I tell them, drying my eyes.
"Welcome home, honey. Come inside everyone is waiting to see you." Ma gushes and pulls me towards the house. As soon as I open the door I'm passed around getting hugs and kisses. The, "do you remember me?" question makes me laugh every time. I was gone four years, not twenty.
"You look great Harper." Mrs. West remarks giving me a hug. I can already sense Ajax's eyes on me but I ignore it.
"So do you, Mrs. West." I remark, noting she hasn't changed at all.
"Paxton is so happy to have you working for us. With all of changes coming to West End, it's good to know we hired someone we can trust." She says, hugging me again.
"Really? What changes?" I question, intrigued.
"Paxton didn't tell you? We're handing the ranch over to Ajax. We're going to start traveling. Since, someone won't settle down and give us grand kids." She complains, glaring behind me at her son.
"Soon." He replies, seriously. I feel a slight ping in my heart but steel myself from feeling anything else. Why wouldn't he be dating someone? He's the most eligible man in Montana.
Mrs. West throws up her hands. "You always say that." She replies, frustrated. She turns back to me, "What about you? Did you meet anyone while you were gone? Anything serious?" She fishes, wanting all the gossip.
"I dated, but nothing serious." I answer, getting the sense I'm being set up somehow.
"Well, now that you're back, Ajax should take you out." My jaw literally drops open at her suggestion. Especially, if he's involved with someone. Then it hits me that she was probably just thinking of us going out as friends.
"Ma." Ajax warns. I turn towards him, he's even more handsome now and if looks could kill, his mom would be six feet under.
I smile weakly at him thinking of a way to get him off the hook. Turning to Mrs. West I  say, "I don't think it'd be a good idea to go out with the boss. Even as friends."
"Don't say that. You haven't even started yet." Mrs. West responds. I can tell she's only teasing.
I laugh and reply, jokingly. "I remember having a crush on a certain Mr. West. Unless you're cutting him loose-"
"Oh, gosh! You were the cutest little thing." She gushes, smiling at the memory, "Asking Paxton to marry you. Simply, adorable."
"I had good taste in men even at four years old. Plus, he'd always sneak me extra cookies." I confess, grinning at Mr. West who winks at me and smiles widely.
"Well, you're pretty enough to be getting your own dates." She gives in. I smile at her understanding. Adelaide West is always tenacious when it comes to what she wants, but she knows when to give up and that's why I love her.
I feel a tug on my arm and look back, seeing Ma's excited face. "We have a new sheriff in town, he's so dreamy. He's perfect for you, he's everything you've ever said you wanted. I've been dying to introduce you."
"Ma, I don't want to be set up. Do I have a classified ad attached to my forehead?" I question, rubbing my temples.
"I just tried to set her up with Ajax, she didn't bite." Mrs. West tells Ma, earning me a slap on the arm.
"You can't turn down my oldest friend's son!" She shouts, in fake outrage.
"Ma!" I yell, embarrassed. "We're practically related." I grumble looking at Ajax for help. He looks just as angry as I am and I raise my eyebrow at him. "A little help here."
"We're not related." He mutters, as Ma pulls at my arm but I refuse to move.
"Just say, hi." She pleads, coaxing me to follow her. Not being able to keep my eyes from Ajax and too confused about his statement, I decide I better leave. Ma drags me along until she stops us in front of a well built man in his late twenties with light brown hair, pretty hazel eyes and a white smile.
"Brandon, this is our daughter, Harper."
He smiles down at me and I hold out my hand, "Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too. Your mom talks about you all the time."
I nod. "She does that a lot. My apologies."
"My mom's that same way." He nods, seeing how uncomfortable I am and trying to help.
"Where are you from?" I ask, focusing on the way he said, mom.
"A small town in Michigan. I took a transfer to a precinct in Nevada and hated it. When I found this opening, I jumped at the chance."
"Are you liking it so far?" I ask, conversationally.
"Love it. Its laid back. The community is perfect to start a family, I couldn't ask for more." He replies, happily.
"I know what you mean. Living in the city is nothing like the country. There might be more to do, but in the end, it's missing something..." I say, snapping my fingers trying to think of a word for it.
"Heart." He replies, readily.
"Yeah, heart." I agree. "I wouldn't raise a family anywhere else." Behind him I notice my best friend Kira Stuart come to the screen door.
"Are you-" He starts to ask, but I interrupt him. "I'm sorry." I say, putting my hand on his arm. "Would you excuse me I see my best friend I haven't in years." I tell him.
"Of course, I'll talk to you later?"
I nod in agreement and rush to the door, too excited to worry about manners. Hugging her tightly, she scolds me. "You're a horrible, no good friend! Don't ever leave for that long again."
I laugh. "I know, I deserve it." I respond, letting her come all the way into the house. "What have you been up to? Tell me everything." I order.
"Nothing really." She shrugs then turns to me eyes wide. "Have you seen Sheriff McKenna? Holy, shit balls! Talk about hot. Ajax and Dan finally have some competition in this town." She jokes.
"Yeah, I just met him. Do you know him?" I ask, wondering if I should make the introduction.
"He comes in to eat at Amelia's all the time. We're all constantly fighting over who's going to take his order." She confesses, making me laugh.
"Well, you won't have any competition from me. He's not really my type." She gives me an 'are you stupid' look. "What? He's not." I shrug.
"And just what is your type? You're not still holding out for that dark haired God in the other room are you?"
Knowing she means Ajax I start shaking my head in denial. "What? No, I've moved on." Kira is the only one that I told about my crush and his rejection the day at the pond.
Her eyes narrow on my face and I maintain eye contact letting her know I'm serious. "Well, even if you have he's only one of the four respectable men in town."
"You mean hottest." I correct, knowing that her own brothers and a lot of the ranch hands are all nice and respectable men.
"Same thing." She responds, shrugging.
"Kira, how are you?" Ma asks, coming to welcoming her.
"Great Mrs. M. How are you?"
"Hey, Ma. Kira is interested in the sheriff." I whisper, throwing Kira in front of the matchmaking bus. I watch as Ma's eyes light up.
"Come with me and I'll pretend that I didn't know you two have met." Ma whispers, mischievously.
I watch them go into the kitchen where I see most of the party has gathered and sneak out the front door. I hate parties. I hate the loud talking and the lack of space. I take a deep breath of fresh Montana air. I jump when I hear, "Better hide. Your Ma will be out here any minute." I slowly turn toward the voice that has haunted my dreams.
"Just taking a breather." I state. Thankfully, I can still hide the awkwardness he always makes me feel.
He nods in understanding, "Are you happy to be home?" He asks. I watch as he sits on the porch swing as I lean against the porch railing, trying to look nonchalant.
"Yeah, I missed it." I answer, truthfully.
"I'm glad you'll be working for us. When do you start?"
"Tomorrow."
He whistles, "Wow, dad isn't wasting time."
I shrug. "Its good actually. I wanted to get started right away."
I break eye contact as another car pulls in the driveway and the Stuart twins park and walk towards the house. "Looky here, lil' Harper isn't so lil' anymore." Clint teases.
"Remember me?" Clive asks, smiling his megawatt smile. I roll my eyes at both of them.
"She's been gone four years. Of course she remembers you, moron." Clint says, coming up the steps. "Now, give me some sugar." He orders, kissing my cheek and hugging me. The Stuarts have always been huge flirts. They're adorable with their sweet baby faces and they know it. They have those cheeks that are always a little bit pink with pretty grey eyes framed by long dark eyelashes and light brown hair.
"You guys look exactly the same." I say, moving to hug Clive too.
"Handsome as always." Clint agrees, smirking.
"And I could be all yours." Clive responds, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
I shake my head. "I think I'll pass. I wouldn't want to upset all the single ladies in town."
"Harper get inside. Its time to eat." Dan orders from the door, sounding like a big brother again.
Clint holds the door open for me and closes it on his brother, I laugh at their playfulness but when I see Ajax's face I stop. He seems upset about something. I stay by the door as the twins get into a shoving match walking to the kitchen. When Ajax shuts the door I ask, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Just tired." He replies.
I nod and walk to the kitchen, joining the fray of people making plates and waiting in line. I fill my plate with my mother's fried chicken and mashed potatoes and green beans. I find an empty spot on the staircase and sit down to eat. I look up from my plate as Ajax sits next to me. Why does he have to sit next to me? I focus on eating, even as his arm brushes mine. I've been nice and polite, but what is he doing? Why is he's following me around. No, that's not it. Looking around I see there's not many options to sit. We were the last people to make a plate.
Just treat him like your brothers best friend and nothing more, I remind myself. "How have you been? Are you excited to take over the West End?" I ask, making conversation.
"I'm good. Yeah, I'm happy he's finally retiring. He works too hard."
I scoff. "And you don't? Pa and Dan are the same way. It's the Montana way." I sing, knowing its embroidered on more them one pillow spanning this great state.
"True." He smiles in agreement. We eat in silence for a few minutes when he asks, "What did you mean when you said, we're practically related?"
I refuse to look at him, he might see the hurt in my eyes. I take another bite and chew. "Just that we grew up together."
He nods that he understands. "Are you really happy to be back?"
"Yeah, of course. I could have done without the party, but I can't wait to get settled back into my old room."
He chuckles. "Have you seen your old room?"
"No, why?" I ask, worriedly. Ma, what did you do?
"I believe its the craft room now." He states, amused.
I groan. "Why didn't Ma tell me?" Where am I supposed to stay? The couch?
"I told her it was fine if you stayed in the big house. My parents are leaving at the end of the week anyway."
I almost choke. "Stay with you. No, way." He looks at me surprised.
"Why not?" He questions, not understating why I would have an issue with it.
I stutter and stop several times, but finally get my thoughts together. "I need my space and it'd be too weird living with you." I tell him, fighting the panic.
"Its your only option really, unless you want to stay with Dan."
Just thinking of the mess Dan lives in has me shuddering. "I can't believe she didn't tell me." I grumble. I could've made other arrangements if I would've known.
"It won't be so bad. I have a housekeeper, a cook and its not like we'll be sharing a room. You'll have your own space."
"Yeah, I guess. Are you sure your okay with it?" I question, then look at him knowingly. "Your Ma is making you, isn't she?"
He chuckles as makes eye contact with me. "It was her idea, but I honestly don't mind."
"I'll still look for a place to rent. I don't want to put you out." I say, fully intending to move to town if need be.
"Harp, its fine." He replies, seriously. I sigh, it might be fine for him, but not for me. I don't need to hear the comings and goings of any women. I must have made a disgusted face thinking about him with numerous women because he asks, "What's the problem now?"
''Nothing. There's no problem." I reply, waving him off.
''Then what's with the look?" He questions, his eyes narrowing on mine.
"Well, I don't want to sound picky, but our rooms aren't by each other are they?" I ask, awkwardly.
''Why does that matter?" He ask, clearly lost. I try not to blush as I think about how to put my concern into words. "Are you thinking of bringing guys to my house?" He asks, the anger in his voice surprising me.
"What! No! I am actually thinking about you bring-"
"I'm not involved with anyone and I wouldn't bring anyone into my home unless it was serious." He states, effectively ending my line of thought.
I should have known better than to think he would. "Sorry, I'm just being stupid. Its fine. Thanks for letting me stay with you." I say, finding my manners. "I guess that's why Dan and Pa didn't bring in my luggage." I mutter, annoyed. "I still can't believe they didn't tell me."  I guess my plan to avoid Ajax is short lived, until I can find somewhere else or talk Ma into clearing out my room...
After dinner I track down Ma. "Why didn't you tell me I was staying up at the big house and not here?"
"Because knowing you, you'd get an apartment in town away from us." She responds, knowingly.
"I'm still going to find a place to rent." I tell her.
"Just give it a chance." She orders.
"I don't have a choice now, do I? Can't you just clear your stuff out my room?" I pout.
"Honey, where would Lucinda and I do our craft projects?"
"Use Dan's old room." I suggest.
"Its full of your stuff and Dan's. I can't even find a bed in that mess, it's all boxes and furniture. Really, Harper the Wests are being gracious enough to let you stay and work for them. Stop being so ungrateful." She scolds.
Ma can always put me firmly in my place. I guess I have to make the best out of the situation. I'll be closer to work. If I moved to town it would take an hour to get here every morning. Ah, I just want this party to be over so I can go to sleep.