Blurred Lines

9-

It had been two days and the radar showed the storm would make its way to them the following night. Chance hadn't spoken to Erin. He and the guys had hardly slept with all the work that had to be done. A heavy rain came early that morning. It soaked the ground but was only a precursor for what was to come.

Chance's dad had called a meeting with all the ranch hands and workers at 9am. They all gathered outside the main house. There were about 12 hands in all and Katie, Emmy, and Erin were gathered around as well.

"Listen up. Joe and I are headed to Dallas for the night. We've got business there. The storm is supposed to hit tonight and go well into tomorrow. If weather permits we'll be back late tomorrow, if not then first thing Sunday morning. As for all of you, go home. Take today and tomorrow to go see your families or do whatever pissing around you want. Come Sunday I want you all back here. And come Monday morning I expect you all back at work." Chance was just as shocked as the other guys. No one responded or reacted so Chris turned to his truck motioning for Joe to come along.

Emmy Lou ran towards Chance and hugged him as the group dispersed. "Bye Chance. I'm gone miss you." She said gripping his leg tighter.

He squatted down to her level. "Where you going Emmy Lou?"

"Her grandma's," Chris cut in. "Let's go Emmy." He ushered her away and into the truck.

Colt and Bryson came up from behind him. "Dude I say we do a little boggin', beer drinkin', and a little bonfire tonight. What do you think?" Colt asked.

"Sounds like a plan to me," Chance said walking towards the main house where Erin was retreating. "Hey!" he called out to her. "Where you going?"

"Inside. I've got stuff to do." Erin answered flatly.

"Yeah I know. A little beer drinkin', boggin, bonfire kind of stuff." Chance said grabbing her and flipping her over his shoulder.

"Chance put me down damnit!"

"Oh now don't be like that! It's gone be fun. If it ain't we'll be too drunk to know any better." Bryson joked.

"Shut up Bryson! Chance! put. me. down. NOW." Erin slammed her fist into his back.

"Look I'll put you down if you promise not run." Chance said taunting her.

"Chance I'm going to kill you." She said.

"Hell I was going to put you down but not now." Chance joked but Erin didn't respond.

When they got to where the ATVs were Chance put her down but she didn't look at him. He turned to the guys who were already eagerly cranking the ATVs.

He grabbed Erin's hand and pulled her out of ear shot. "Look I'm sorry about the other day I shouldn't have, well you know. That doesn't have to stop us from being around each other. You're a really cool and fun person when you want to be. Clearly the guys see it too to want you around." Erin eventually met his eyes. "If you want to go back to the house then I'll drive you. Or on one of the only off days this ranch has ever seen you can come out and get a little muddy with us. If it helps I promise not to be out of line..."

Erin was clearly mulling over her choices in her head. "Promise?"

"I promise."

"Hey you too want to I don't know maybe help us here?" Colt interrupted.

—-

Despite her earlier hesitation Erin was having a blast. She and the guys weaved through the woods following and making trails. They crossed the creek several times and mud and water covered them all. They were on their way to another spot Bryson guaranteed would be mud heaven when her ATV came to a stop. She turned the key trying to crank it again but it wouldn't budge. The guys had been riding ahead but she heard one approaching.

"What happened?" Chance asked pulling up next to her.

"I'm not sure. It just...died. I can't get it to crank up." She replied turning the key again.

"Just hop on with me." Chance said.

Erin didn't even hesitate. She climbed on the back straddling him.

"Hold on." He said as he spun out to the side and hit the gas going full speed.

Erin felt the smile on her face and she threw her arms around him tightly trying not to fall off.