The Cowboy Way

Chapter 14-The Beginning of the End

-Tris POV-

(Still at 4th of July Rodeo)

We are picking up the last items around the trailer, trying to get everything ready to go before we load the horses, when someone walks up and asks, "Tris?"

I turn around and see a man in his thirties or early forties standing near the back of the trailer. "Yes," I ask walking toward him.

"I'm Frank Garrett," he says extending his hand. I shake it but don't say anything so he continues, "I'm the local doctor in town. Sally mentioned that you had passed your RN test and I was wondering if you could help me out for a couple of weeks."

I just nod at him to continue and he does. "My nurse has been with the practice longer than I have. You could say she came with the building," he laughs. "Her youngest son just had his first child. My nurse, Betty, wants to take two weeks off to go to San Francisco and spend time with the new baby. I need someone to help me out while she is gone."

"Um, I don't know what to say?" I tell him. "Mr. Garrett, you know that I haven't worked as a nurse yet and that I don't have my RN yet either."

He waves his hand and says, "That doesn't matter. If you're even 10% like your grandmother, I know you'll be a hard worker. You passed your schooling so I know that you've had your clinicals and I don't need an RN, I just need someone to help. I'm not saying the RN isn't great, but mainly I just need someone who knows what's going on. It won't even be full time. I just need you to cover during my walk in hours and for a couple of my appointments."

I think about it briefly and I catch Tobias out of the corner of my eye. He has a happy, hopeful expression on his face. I hate to admit it, but having an excuse to stay a couple more weeks wouldn't be all bad. "Sure, Mr. Garrett, I'll do it. When do you need me?"

"Call me Frank and here's my card. Call or email me tomorrow. I'll let you know what I need for the next week. And, thank you. This is a huge help." With that he turns and leaves.

I'm still stunned at the turn of events when Tobias walks up to me. "Are you okay?"

Smiling I say, "I'm great. This has been one hell of a day. On the downside, dealing with Eric and Nita, but two wins and a second, then selling Cisco, and now helping out in a doctor's office. I don't think this day can get any better."

Tobias smirks before saying, "I can think of a thing or two to make it better."

I elbow him in the side laughing, "You're insatiable."

I turn to walk over to Moose, but he stops me by whispering in my ear, "Only for you."

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After we get the horses unloaded at home, everyone meets up at the house. I'm still excited for the great day I had. Grandma made a ton of food and we all sit down to eat. We rehash the day and I tell everyone about my temporary job offer.

Grandpa surprises Tobias with telling him that he feels good enough to start doing the weekend feedings again. I know Tobias will be thrilled to actually be able to sleep in on the weekends. However, if my grandpa is going to be wandering around early on the weekends, we will need to be more careful with our 'visits' to each others' place. I notice that everyone had finished eating so I volunteer Caleb and myself to wash the dishes

I'm washing then handing the items to Caleb to rinse and dry when I see him staring at Tobias again. "Caleb, quit glaring at Four."

"I'm not glaring," he mutters. I look at him with an 'are you serious' expression. "Yeah, well, what was up with that kiss after your barrel run?"