Rent-A-Mate : Reunion Roundup

its not for sale

Michael pov

"What do you mean he's not like us?" April turned to look at her mate.

"Well, he's not one of us." He said.

"Damn it Michael. Not only is Kiera going to kill you but when she's done with you, I will kill you. Do you know how much shit Karla is going to say at the reunion about her 'human' date?"

"I know that but Axel recommended this guy."

"Do you know him?"

"No, he doesn't work with him. He just knows the guy."

Michael turned to see April glaring at him. He thought she wouldn't get so mad at him if he told her who her cousin's date was until they were on the road. At least that would buy him some time before she lashed out at him physically. It was Thursday already and he had called Ashton earlier in the week to get directions to his place. It would be better if they got together and talked about his role as his friend. He had wanted to go alone earlier but April made it clear that she was going to be there too.

Looking at the directions he got, Michael turned off on the exit and took a right at the end. Ten minutes later he turned down a gravel road marked as Wagyu Way. The place was fenced on either side of the road with a large number of cows. The pasture was really green and there was a small hill on one side covered with pine trees. On the other side land rolled up and down on small hills with acres upon acres of green grass. April sat straighter in her seat, looking around at the cows.

"Tell me he isn't some kind of redneck cowboy."

"April, please. I don't know who the guy is and I think its a little early to be judging the poor guy already."

"Yea well it stinks out here."

"Maybe because its a cow farm. Now will you please shut up."

"Don't you tell me to shut up!"

"April I will kick your ass out and leave you."

"No you won't." She said with a smile.

"No but I will give you a spanking of a lifetime." He teased.

She smiled and wiggled her eyebrows at the suggestion. A two-story house loomed ahead on the road. It was a large white house with blue shutters, though they could use a coat of paint. To the side of the house was what looked like a long barn, maybe a stable for horses. As they came to a stop in front of the house, a man walked around the side of the house and up to their car. The guy had light brown hair and blue eyes, probably in his early thirties.

"Howdy there. How can I help you folks?"

"I'm looking for Ashton Collum. My names Michael Gates."

"Yes, Mr Collum said you might stop by. He's out tendin to the herd but he should be back soon. Please come inside, don't want you to stay out here in this heat. Name's John by the way. "

"Okay, thanks alot John." Michael answered him.

They followed John into the house and made their way to what seemed to be the den. It was furnished with leather chairs and a wood carved coffee table in the center. The room was painted in an earthy tone and the decorations gave it a rustic appearance. A large fireplace was on the opposite side of the door with a cowboy painting hanging over it. The mantel had a couple of old pottery and wooden horse figures. One wall consisted of large glass windows facing the hills and part of the fenced in field.

"Make yourselves at home. Can I get you folks anything to drink, we've got water, sweet tea , beer?"

"Um tea's fine."