Life in a small town’s funny. Zoe and I have lived here for the past couple of years, but haven’t run into each other. Or maybe we have and didn’t notice before. Now that we’ve met and spent some time together, we see each other all over the place, including stuck in traffic. Makes me wonder how many other times we’ve been in the same place, but didn’t pay attention.

It amazes me how we can live parallel lives in the same place. I wonder what else I’m missing out on by sequestering myself up at the ranch.

With a grin permanently slapped on my face from Zoe’s unexpected kiss, I follow the road while it twists and turns heading to the Easy Z.

My phone rings and without checking the screen, I assume it’s Zoe reconnecting our dropped call.

“Hello, beautiful. Miss me?” I chuckle at how sappy I sound.

“I always miss you,” my grandmother responds. “Thank you for calling me beautiful. A woman never gets tired of hearing it.”

I swear I’m probably blushing. “It’s nice to hear your voice. How’s Santa Fe?”

“It’s a dry heat.” Her laugh sounds like antique bells. “The international crafts show is this week, so I’m in the middle of the hullabaloo bullshit.”

“You love it. I’m sure you’re invited to every party.”

She sighs, but I hear the smile in her voice. “It’s exhausting. I’m looking forward to escaping in a few weeks.”

“Coming to see your favorite grandson, I hope.”

“The one who’s never home and always risking his life on the back of an angry male beast? I’m sure a psychiatrist could write a book about father issues in rodeo cowboys.”

“I think I’ll be out of town during your visit,” I grumble.

“What happened to missing me?” she teases.

“Tammy spilled the beans about the betting pool. Are you hoping to collect your winnings while you’re here?” Might as well call her on her role when I don’t have to meet her eyes.

She laughs again. “That woman can’t keep a secret.”

“True, but she knows most of ours, so we better keep her around.”

“Or bury the body where no one will find it,” she says dryly.

Ah, there’s the famous Garrison humor.

“You can’t say things like that in polite company.”

“You’re not company, and even though I raised you right, you’re not always polite. I’ve been hearing grumblings of your foul mood all the way down here.”

“No one’s quit.” I pull the truck into my spot near the cabin.

“Yet. I could quote you some bull dookie about honey and flies, but you already know these things.”

“Yes, Grandmother.”

Her annoyance echoes in the silence.

“Fine, I’ll work on it.”

“You’re a Garrison. Charm runs in your veins along with the famous anger. Use it.”

I hate when she reminds me of the dark side of my legacy. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Good. Now tell me about this young lady you kissed at the ranch.” Her voice softens. “Tammy says she’s lovely. City girl?”

“I think I’m losing you. Bad connection.” I chuckle.

“Nice try, but I’m not falling for that trick again. I’m looking forward to meeting her in a few weeks when I’m in town for the Ashcroft board meeting.”

“It’s on my calendar.”

“Wonderful. I need to go. The Carltons will be here soon. We’re having cocktails before the gala tonight and I need to decide which caftan won’t make me look like an old woman.”

“You’ll be the prettiest belle at the ball.”

“There’s the charm. Save it for your lady. I love you.”

“Love you,” I say before we end the call.

My grandmother is one of a kind and I don’t know what I’d do without her.

It takes a moment for me to realize I’ve agreed to introduce her to Zoe in a couple of weeks.