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“He uses the south end of our land. I don’t tell Dad because I know he’d blow a gasket, but Nick does a great job cleaning up and taking care the land. You remember how he is.” He waves his arms over his head, likely imitating Nick’s flowing scarves and jangling metal bracelets. “Anyway, do you want to go?”
The idea of seeing my escape vehicle doesn’t excite me, but a night to blow off a little steam, that doesn’t sound too bad.
“Yeah, that sounds like fun. Are all the guys going?”
Something flashes in his expression, too fast to understand it. “Probably, I mean, I’ll invite them, I guess.”
“Silas has been whining that he hasn’t had a day off in months. I think they’re all feeling the same way.” I kick my boots up on the empty chair beside him. “Maybe we can invite Austin’s girl, Mandy, and talk to her about joining on here with the day rides?”
“Yeah, that sounds like a party for sure.” He sinks back in his chair. I’ve noticed he does this thing when he means to say something but lacks the bravery. His hands rake into his hair, then link behind his neck, like he’s forcing himself to be casual. “And Mandy would fit in pretty well I think.”
“Granted, maybe we should interview a few? Make sure their riding is good enough? I’d hate to hire someone just to find out her experience was riding a pony at a party when she was six.”
“Yeah, that’s true.” He glances at the door like he’s thinking of leaving. I must have said something wrong, but I don’t know what. “I think a working interview would be smart. Can you handle it?”
“Oh, come on,” I swing my boot to bump his leg again, “pretty girls coming around the ranch? You should interview them. Maybe you’ll spark with someone. Pretty sure your mom is looking to get you and Carl settled down.”
“Uh, yeah, that sounds like her.” His arms fall flat to his sides. “It might be weird dating an employee though.”
“Fine, we won’t hire the one you like, we’ll hire one you don’t like, and you can ask out the others you think are cute.”
Beneath the table, Rhett’s leg starts to bounce. “I’m mostly worried about their riding skill. As long as we can expand the beach rides, I’m happy.” He glances at his watch. “I didn’t realize it was so late. I should get going.” His chair pushes back so fast it almost tips. Righting it, he smiles as if to pretend none of it happened. “Thanks for dinner. It was great.”
“Yeah,” my feet slap the floor as I move to stand, “anytime.” I follow him out, though at the rate he’s going, I almost miss him. “I guess I’ll see you in the morning.”
He pauses, looking back. “Yeah, always. Goodnight, Sunny.”
“Goodnight, Rhett.”
With hardly more than a wave, he disappears into the night that’s fallen all around us. The waves crash in the distance, roaring with the normal fury I’ve grown accustomed to. The constancy of the waves, of this place, and especially of Rhett have been my peace and safe haven after everything was destroyed in my real world. Having him act like this, like I did something wrong but he’s not willing to tell me what, it throws my balance, as though the waves skipped once and left blank silence instead of the rush of water. My only hope is that it isn’t serious and tomorrow everything will be normal again.
Rhett
I kick a rock in the path as hard as I can. That was stupid. The whole thing. I don’t know what I was thinking. I finally got up the nerve to ask her out, and then she didn’t even see it that way. Between asking if the rest of the guys were coming, I hadn’t planned to ask them, or setting me up with other women, I have no intention of dating, it’s clear that it’s all pretty plutonic between us.
I’m fine with it, or I will be. We’re better as friends. It’s easier as friends.
I start for the bunkhouse, but the lights are out. I don’t feel like shuffling around in the dark, trying to find what I need without waking anyone. Carl’s light still glows from the main house. Mom keeps hinting that I should move home. It might be nice to get a good night’s sleep away from Weston’s snoring.
The door is unlocked as always. I pull my boots off and stack them by the door. With silent feet, I move down the hallway, not wanting to wake my parents. I hesitate before Carl’s door. As long as I’m inviting the rest of them, Mom’s right, I should invite him as well.
I knock lightly and wait for his voice. Once he calls out, I push the door open. His face betrays his surprise that it’s me. I speak quickly, wanting to get this over with.
“Hey, my buddy Nick is having a bonfire on Friday. You should come.” I nod to his guitar against the wall. “Bring your guitar. Everybody loves your music.”
He stares at me like I’ve lost my mind. I suppose this is like someone crossing enemy lines and asking if they want some tea. But I have to admit, it feels good to extend an olive branch.
“Anyway, I better get to bed.” I turn to leave, pulling the door closed behind me, but his voice catches me before it shuts.
“Is Sunny going?”
Jealousy flares in my chest, but I try not to let it show. I press the door open again but leave my hand on the knob in case I feel the need to make a quick exit. “Yeah, she’s coming.”
He sets aside the notebook in his lap. “She going with you?”
“I’ll drive, yeah.” I don’t love where this is headed.
“You know that’s not what I mean.” He leans forward and grabs his guitar, plucking at the strings while he talks. “You’re into her. Did you ask her out?”
