Chapter Seven
Alma
When I opened my eyes, I had to take a second to remember I wasn’t sixteen and in Austin’s house. I was an adult, and I was here for Mr. Chambers. The smell of coffee and pancakes led me to the kitchen, but first I checked on Mr. Chambers. He was still asleep. I didn’t give him a lot of morphine because I wanted to make sure there were no signs of a concussion.
“Good morning.”
I stopped in my tracks and did my best to keep my jaw from dropping. Of course, Austin was standing in the kitchen shirtless with his jeans hanging lower than they should. He was just as built as he was when we dated.
“You sleep well?”
“Um… yes, I did.” I finally answered as I turned away and tried my best not to gawk at him.
“You know where the coffee is,” he said and flipped another pancake.
I headed over and quickly made myself a cup and sat down. Austin had cooked for me before, but it was always breakfast sandwiches, which wasn’t really cooking, but they were good. He already had the table laid out with plates and silverware.
“Hope you’re hungry.” He set a large stack of pancakes in the center of the table.
“I am. Mama and Papa had a get together last night, but I spent my night talking to Tara.”
“Hey, how is Tara?” He took the chair next to me.
“Good. She’s getting married in the winter.”
“No way.” He chuckled. “Never thought she would. She was always independent.”
“She is, but Michael is a great fit for her.”
“Michael?” He stared at me for a second.
I knew what question was running through his mind. “He’s white.”
“I didn’t ask that.”
“You were thinking that.” I cut into a pancake.
“I take it your family isn’t happy.”
I scoffed. “Nope, but you know Tara. She’s tough and they’re slowly – albeit very slowly – coming around.”
“I’m sure your father isn’t happy about her upcoming nuptials.”
I put my fork down. “I’m not getting into this with you.”
He held up his hands. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
We ate in silence for a few moments, and Tara’s words kept replaying in my head. I did love Austin, and my heart still belonged to him. There possibly could be a long and happy relationship.
“What did you mean the other night? When you said, how could I?” My question comes out softer than I meant.
“You know what I meant.” He didn’t look up at me, just pushed his pancake around his plate. “But I realized it’ll never happen.” He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms.
“Why?”
He shrugged. “Because no matter what’s going to happen, you’ll either run away or your father will step in again. I’m thirty years old, Alma, and I can’t wait forever for you to grow up.”
My jaw dropped. “Excuse me, but I’m an adult.”
“Are you? Because you ran off the other night – again. You still won’t tell me why you left the first time. But I’m certain it was because of your father. You act like I can’t provide for you or care for you when you know I can.”
“It’s not just about that, Austin.” I kicked my chair back when I stood up. “Maybe you don’t think I’m grown up, but I’m adult enough to tell you you’re a jerk.”
“Why? Because I don’t want my heart broken again.” He continued to remain seated. “I’m not sure how many sleepless nights you had, but I had a lot.”
Before I could tell him the truth, I heard Mr. Chambers yelling from his room. I rushed to help him – and to get away from Austin. I couldn’t look at his face for another moment.
Mr. Chambers was sitting on the side of his bed. “Alma, you’ll have to get Austin because I need to use the bathroom.” He still sounded tired.
“I can help you.”
“No.” He shook his head. “You’re a young lady and I think of you as my daughter. Please get Austin.”
Normally, I would have argued with my patient. I could understand their modesty and wanting privacy, but with him, I knew he wouldn’t let it up. “Okay, I’ll get him.” I gave him a smile. “Just stay there and don’t move.” I quickly went into the kitchen and told Austin that his dad needed him and why.
Without saying a word to me, he went straight into the bedroom and helped his father to the bathroom. When they came out together, I took over and Austin left us. He didn’t even make eye contact with me this time.
I helped Mr. Chambers get dressed. He actually did very well. I checked over his wounds, and they seemed to be healing. I told him how lucky he was because it could have been worse.
Today I tried some new exercises with him. He responded well and I was pleased. I made him some lunch and let him relax for the rest of the day.
I was tired and ready to head home, but I knew if I didn’t stop and talk to Papa, I’d be in trouble. My mood wasn’t ready for any more yelling. I stopped to say hello to Hearts and went out toward the cattle side of the ranch. It took several minutes to walk over, but I found him and a couple of other ranch hands fixing part of a fence.
Papa was the one I modeled my work ethic after. He never stopped, and neither do I. Mama was the same way. I loved my parents and the way they raised me. They were tough on me and made sure I kept my nose clean. At the same time, I wished they would have given me some leeway. Especially when it came to Austin. I knew the age difference would always be an issue for Papa, but they both knew Austin. Papa had worked this ranch since Austin was a little boy.
“Alma.” Papa waved me over to him. He walked away from the group. “Why didn’t you come home?”
“I was working. Mr. Chambers fell and I needed to monitor him.”
“Where was Austin?”
I rolled my eyes. “I guess he was asleep in his room unless some aliens stole him away for the night.”
“Stop it, smart mouth child.” He pointed at me. “I worry about you because you have no husband to care for you and protect you.”
“I’m fine. I’m fine. I’m fine.” My voice began to grow louder and louder. “Why can’t you understand I don’t need a man to protect me? I can take care of myself.”
Before he could say another word to me, I do what I do best… I ran.