He stalks off, shaking his head.

Ma wraps us each in one in every of her bear hugs, first Ivy, then me. “Don’t fear, kiddos. This city’s received our again. From politicians to the TCA to the boys in blue. We’re lined.”

I roll my eyes. “I don’t suppose the Texas Cattlemen Affiliation will probably be useful proper now.”

She pinches my cheek. “Oh, you’d be shocked. Half of them double as politicians, legal professionals, even cops, my smart-aleck son.” She provides me a delicate faucet, a silent reminder of her unwavering help, after which steps away. “Heed your father’s recommendation. Keep put. I’ll take Ivy house later.”

“Okay, Mother.” Minutes later, each emerge totally dressed earlier than taking off for the hospital.

“Sorry about this,” Ivy provides, her head hanging low. “If I hadn’t insisted on going to Hornet’s Nest, we wouldn’t be on this mess. You would possibly get in actual bother for this, Stone. You beat the crap outta that man.”

Attempting to lighten the temper, I flash a smile, doing my greatest to appear unfazed. “He deserved it. My mother and pop will determine this out. They virtually personal this city. They’ve pals all over the place.”

“I hope you’re proper. They’re fairly resourceful.”

“Yeah. I’m gonna head up, bathe off the evening. Be part of me?”

The look she provides me is priceless. “Uhm…no.”

“Hey, price a shot. It’s your birthday.” I say and wiggle my eyebrows.

Her laughter rings out, however clearly, it’s a agency no. “Sure, it’s. My birthday, not yours, and I instructed you I don’t need to fuck up our relationship, so preserve that anaconda to your self.”

Bounding up the steps two at a time, chuckling to myself. Anaconda.

Ivy at all times has a manner of preserving me on my toes, and regardless of the whole lot, I wouldn’t have it every other manner. However man has she saved me within the good friend zone for manner too lengthy.

CHAPTER TWO

Ivy ~ 5 years in the past

I hate working the early shift on the diner, nevertheless it’s the one job I can do on this small city. It pays sufficient for now, however I dream of serving cocktails at The Barn Door and making huge ideas. Perhaps then I’ll find the money for to maneuver out and have some freedom.

Don’t get me unsuitable. I like my household, and dwelling with them is snug, however I crave independence. I need to make my very own selections with out anybody telling me what to do. I need to sneak a drink or two, or have a man keep over with out my dad and mom respiration down my neck.

However right here I’m, caught slinging hash to locals and vacationers passing by way of our uneventful city. I really feel envious as they discuss their thrilling lives in larger cities or on fancy ranches. But, I placed on my greatest faux smile and hope for beneficiant tricks to convey me nearer to escaping this monotonous life.

After my shift on the diner ends, I fastidiously depend the crumpled greenback payments in my apron pocket. At the moment’s haul involves eighty bucks, an honest quantity for the day shift. There have to be one thing particular occurring on the town. Perhaps it’s the annual rodeo over in neighboring Tulip.

I mentally calculate my earnings as I make my manner out to the parking zone. Eighty {dollars} a day, six days per week…that’s four-hundred and eighty {dollars} further each week that may go into my financial savings jar. Not dangerous for an eighteen-year-old.

However then once more, eighty bucks isn’t the norm. Most days, I’m fortunate if I stroll away with forty {dollars} in ideas. However I refuse to surrender on my purpose of saving up so I can transfer out. So I diligently add every tip into my jar no matter how small they might be. It’s all including up slowly however certainly.

I put the automobile in drive, however as an alternative of going straight house, I head over to Hardtail Ranch as a result of I haven’t heard from Stone all day.

After final evening, I anticipated a message from him to inform me if the whole lot was all proper. I texted him earlier than my shift started, and he nonetheless hasn’t learn it. What occurred to him?

I pull up exterior the large home, which is what we’ve at all times referred to as the home that Stone and his dad and mom stay in.

I open the door to the kitchen and poke my head in. “Peaches! Is anybody house? Stone?” I name out how I at all times do once I go inside the large home as a result of somebody is normally in the lounge. At the moment, there’s no reply. The home is eerily quiet.

“Peaches? Gunnar?” I step inside and stroll to the lounge and freeze. “Grey, hey. What are you doing right here?” Grey doesn’t even stay right here. He’s Ella Mae’s son. They stay in their very own home on the ranch.

The look on his face brings me up brief, and I look across the room as soon as once more, listening for one thing. Something. “Grey?”

He walks over to the liquor cupboard and pours a drink. “How ya doing, Ivy?”

“The place’s everybody at?” I ask. “Why is it so fucking quiet in right here? And why are you raiding the liquor cupboard? You’re only a child.”

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