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Her attempt at humor breaks some of the tension between us. “We’ll take care of all of that,” I hope she knows I mean her busted VW Bug, “later this afternoon. Chores need to be done.”
She smiles and swings her legs over the side of the bunk. I resist the urge to take her waist and help her down, but I don’t expect it when she grabs the rail and flips from the top bunk to the ground. Definitely more of a tomboy than a lady.
“I’ll leave you to it,” I say before I make a quick exit down the stairs. I pause at the base, knowing I need to look like their boss before I enter the kitchen. Squaring my shoulders, I lengthen my stride and make an entrance. The talking stops the second I enter. Coffee, bacon and pancakes feel like old friends as I take a spot at the head of the table where they left me a seat. It’s normally Dad’s position when we come to give out assignments, but since he’s not here, I wager he’s letting me take the reins completely. I note a couple glances between the guys, but it’s Cookie who’s willing to voice the question they’re not asking.
“So, who’s the girl, Rhett?” He winks and sets down a couple of syrup dispensers. “You win a bet? Or maybe you lost one.”
I clench my jaw, unwilling to lose control this early. “Sunny, as I told the guys last night, is our new groom. She’s experienced and you could all probably learn a thing or two from her once she’s had a chance to fit in around here.”
Before they start asking questions like where I found her, or where she’s worked before, I push on to the day’s assignments. “When Getty gets here, Houston and Buck, go with him to check on south pasture fencing. Silas, I want you to show Sunny what she needs to do for the day. Get her trained as quick as possible.” He starts to object, likely thinking that the girl should be my problem, but I know that’s what Dad is expecting from me. “The rest of you are with me checking the herd.”
Footsteps in the hall bring everyone’s head around. By the time she enters, they’re all staring at Sunny. She manages a small smile paired with an awkward wave. “Mornin’ fellas.”
Trained by my mom, they all shove to their feet, taught to stand when a lady enters the room, but Sunny puts her hands up to stop them. “Please, as you were. I don’t need special treatment.”
They all look to me for approval, as if ignoring Mom’s directive needs an override from the new boss. I nod, and they take their seats again. Except Silas who is all too happy to make room for the newcomer next to him.
“Cookie’s pancakes are the best. He’ll give you chocolate chips if you ask nicely.” He loads a stack of them on a plate and pushes the butter closer to her.
“Thank you.” Once more, her confident side is hiding, replaced by the bashful girl who looks out of place.
Once everyone is eating, I start talking about what’s happening for the next week. I’d love to say they’re all hanging on my every word, but that’s not even close to the case. Instead, they’re watching Sunny like she’s a zoo attraction. I get it. She’s pretty, even first thing in the morning. But I push to my feet, and that catches their attention. Using the voice and words I’ve heard from Dad for years, I say, “You all have your assignments. Report back when you’re done.”
I want to look at Sunny, make sure she’s okay, but I know I can’t. Nerves steeled, I stride for the door and don’t take another breath until I’m in open air.
It’s not easy having a beautiful woman on staff, but I don’t plan on letting Dad be right about her not fitting in. I have to make this work. I have to show him I’m not the scared little boy I was when I came here. This isn’t all about her. This is about me proving I’m worth the name they gave me. I’m worthy to call myself their son.
Sunny
“He’s kinda serious, but you get used to it,” Silas says after Rhett leaves. “And hey, you’re with me today.”
“Careful,” the guy they called Houston points a fork at me, “the kid is gonna talk your ear off.”
Silas throws a biscuit at Houston who catches it and takes a bite. The guy next to Houston shoves him. “Maybe she likes a little conversation. You don’t know.” He nods in my direction. “I’m Weston, it’s good to meet you Sunny.”
Silas takes over introductions. “And that’s Ferrel on the end, and then that’s Buck, and right here is Austin.”
The guy next to Silas waves at the mention of his name. “It’s nice to meet you, Sunny.” He gives a little wink and Buck elbows him in the ribs.
“She ain’t looking for company, Austin.”
Austin shoves him back, but not before quirking his eyebrows at me. “She might be. You don’t know that.”
Ferrel leans forward, catching my attention. “Austin’s other name is lover boy, ain’t that right, gorgeous?”
All the guys start laughing at once, even Austin. “Yeah well, if the ladies love me,” he stands up from the table, rubbing his hands down his chest, “then that’s all that matters.”
Four or five biscuits fly at his head too fast for him to bat them off.
“Hey!” Cookie yells. “Those are decent biscuits. If you need to throw food, toss an apple. I didn’t wake up at four to make those.”
Ferrel glances at his watch and curses. “Come on guys, boss is gonna be fit to be tied if we don’t get a move on.” He looks at me. “That means you too, Sunny girl.”
Silas nudges me, urging me to follow him. The tables still holds all the food and plates, not to mention the food that was tossed back and forth. I hate leaving it for Cookie to clean up. I hesitate, trying to debate whether or not to stay and help, but the congenial chef bails me out of my guilt.
“That’s why they pay me the big bucks, Sunny. I take care of the boys’ messes. Run along. I’ll see ya at lunch.”
“Sunny!” Silas ducks his head back in. “Come on. Rhett’s already hollerin’ at everybody. We got horses to groom.”
