Botie…

I have made an ass of myself again. I misjudged Sage, or I should say Lyric, and made assumptions I shouldn’t have. I would like to hear the entire story, but I can see it still troubles Lyric or Sage. I see the two women and a man standing off from everyone listening. The shorter blonde has some resemblance to Sage, but her eyes shows this woman has no soul. They are cold and hard. The other woman looks more like a business woman dressed in her too expensive for the likes of Comfort clothes. Her mom is dressed the same way but there is something about the way the man looks at Sage that makes my gut twist. Both women are shooting daggers from their eyes at Sage, but the man has a look of thirst and Sage is the drink that he wants to consume. I think I know the root of one of Sage’s problems and I don’t like it at all. Nick walks up beside Trask and me.

“Sage is a good girl and that mom of hers is full of venom. Sage was running from her and that boyfriend of her mom’s and by the look on your face I can see you are getting the full picture now. She is going to need our help and the way you have been acting I think you are fighting your feelings for that girl. Sage just wants a home and to set down some roots. I’m not asking you to put a ring on her finger but just be nice to her and help me keep her safe. I was never very good at the man and woman thing—thank goodness Christine took pity on me—but I know you and Sage are both fighting feelings within you. Relax and let it happen natural-like but be her friend while it’s happening.” Nick is serious. I didn’t think anyone could read me so well. I am attracted to Sage, but my mouth gets me in trouble every time and I can’t get over the thought that Sage could hurt me just like Talia did. I don’t know if I could go through that again. I don’t know if I would survive it.

“How can you just trust Sage? People can be deceiving and maybe Sage had a tough time but that doesn’t mean she isn’t lying about something.” I have been battling myself with this question over and over. I talk myself into thinking Sage is telling the truth and I can trust her and then the thoughts of being deceived and mistrust rears its ugly head and I am confused again.

“Man, you have got to quit second guessing everyone. It is making you a hard person to be best friends with. Anyone can see that woman wears her heart on her sleeve and she just wants a home and to be an everyday person. Look in her eyes as she speaks and listen to the conviction she talks with.” Trask puts his two cents in.

“I’ll share with you why I know Sage is sincere. You know the stipulations I needed to sell my property. Sage agreed to them in writing and went even further—she is building me a cabin out by my family cemetery for when I decide to retire on her dime. That parcel of land is mine with a right of way until I die even though she paid money for it. Sage has a giving and nurturing heart.” Nick believes every word he says, and I do too. Actions always speak louder than words and I need to get over my past with Talia. It’s about time I call my brother and we have a long talk. I need to put my past to rest and find my future and I know where I would like to start if Sage will agree.

“I am hearing both of you and you are both right.” I hate to say the words, but they are true.

“It’s not so bad eating crow boy, especially if the right lady friend is cooking it up for you.” Nick is eating this up. It’s like he has been pushing me towards Sage the whole time she has been here.

“Hallelujah, maybe now my friend will come back, and the grouch will leave. You have been in a bad mood for years and it’s time it goes away. Maybe you will even remember how to give a real smile and not the fake ones you use.” Trask is enjoying this at my expense.

“Gentlemen, how are you doing today?” Donald Stillman says as he and his wife Skeeter along with Branton come up beside us. I should have been paying closer attention. I don’t care much for Trask’s family.

“Mom, Dad, I didn’t know you were coming into town for this.” Trask knew they would be here, but he’s playing it off for some reason. Trask ignores Branton.

“Good afternoon Don. It’s good to see you again, Skeeter. I didn’t think this was something that would interest you. No way to make money here.” Nick gets his jab in on Donald.

“That’s not true though. I think there may be a way for Lyric Dade and I to become partners since her farm is next to our ranch. That may be very profitable. I have several ideas to run by her. Trask, you’ve met Lyric—I would like an introduction, so I can invite her to lunch with Skeeter, Branton and myself.” I hear the growl making its way out of me. “I’m sorry, Botie, did you say something?” I don’t want the Stillmans trying to take advantage of Sage and I don’t want Branton anywhere near her.

“I’ll set up that introduction but hasn’t Branton told you that Sage didn’t take a liking to the way he treats women. They met in the diner a day or so ago when Branton had his lady friend with him. Sage thought he was quite rude the way he treated the young lady. Now Trask and Botie here are friends with Sage. I think you are backing the wrong son.” Nick speaks up and he is gloating letting Donald know that Sage doesn’t like Branton.

“That was all a misunderstanding that Trask started. I am sure that Lyric knows how the world works in the upper class. A tryst is a tryst and that is all Cassia was to me. Lyric and I have the same breeding and we are on the same wavelength—she will overlook such trivial things. I mean her dad was Tra Dade and he was a womanizer. Lyric knows what is up.” I almost laugh at the bull he is shoveling out of his mouth. “People that are in our social status know that an arranged marriage is much more lucrative than something as trivial as emotion. In case you didn’t know, I did some investigating and the Collins name is her grandmother’s name and that woman came from blue bloods—old money. I don’t know why Stella isn’t asking her more questions on that matter but when it’s opened for questions; I will be asking.” I look at Nick and he is surprised as I am, but his loyalty does not waver.

“Money does not make a person and Sage knows that. She has deep family values and she won’t let you corrupt her. I can’t wait to make the introductions.” Nick is absolute in his trust in Sage and I believe not only in Sage, but Nick as well.

“Sage is not a horse to be bred. She’s a human being and with most humans come emotions. She may want happiness over money like most people. Not everyone is about the bottom line. Now do you think you can keep things down, so I can hear the rest of the interview.” I am letting Branton push my buttons but the idea of him anywhere near Sage puts my teeth on edge. I turn back towards the porch and listen to what is happening.

“Lyric if I get this right, on July first when you turn twenty-one and the courts clear your way to get the estate of your dad; you are donating a substantial portion of the money to different charities and programs in Travis Dade’s honor. What kind of programs and charities are you interested in donating to and why is this the direction you have decided to go?” Stella asks Lyric. Lyric looks uncomfortable with that question, but she doesn’t stumble over her words.

“I don’t know if I can answer that entirely. I know growing up my dad taught me the value of a dollar. Not that I wasn’t spoiled but as I got older, we had long talks about how he would never want me to live the life he had after he became famous. He felt like he was living in a glass bowl and he was being watched all the time. He was grateful for his fans and the advantages his fame gave him, but he wanted me to have a small-town home and we loved the countryside rides we used to take as we had those conversations. He conveyed the importance of family and small-town values. I didn’t realize the importance of what we talked about until after his passing. When all the attention shifted to me, I knew I didn’t want that life.” I can see the tears in Sage’s eyes. She is talking from the heart and everyone here is falling in love with this woman right before my eyes. That is everyone but Branton, Donald and Skeeter—all they see is dollar signs. I look over to Sage’s mother and she has a look of disgust on her face. “My dad was very much into the developmental stages of interesting children with music. There are no definite plans right now, but I am thinking of helping some local schools with their choir and band programs and giving out scholarships in his name. I am going to also be getting help from the TALK Kraze members on ideas in this field. I would like to help schools and students that don’t normally get help. My attorney is also looking into giving some help to farmers that are striving to stay afloat with the ever-changing economy and small businesses that are having no choice but to go out of business because of the big chains and malls. With the online sales cutting into the big pie that leaves the small family-owned businesses at a disadvantage. These are just some of the ideas that I have been going over with my attorney and business manager but like I said nothing definite yet.” Sage pauses again. “My dad had years in the music industry and made a lot of money—I want to see what he worked so hard for shared with people he would want to help.”

“Will any of that generosity stay here in Comfort? We have a lot of the people you described right here in our community.” Stella doesn’t bat an eyelash when asking the question.

“We will consider any and all applications and my team will be going out and making sure that when the programs and scholarships open up they will be available to all communities. I am not real comfortable with answering anymore questions along this line until I have more information, if that is alright with you.” Sage is direct and to the point and I can see she isn’t going to back down on this issue. She isn’t comfortable and won’t be forced into it. I admire that.

“That is perfectly fine. I have a question on the personal side—have you met any certain someone here that would have helped to make up your mind to stay in our quaint town? It’s the woman in me that makes me ask such a personal question. A hot man always makes us women want to hang around. Do you have your eyes on anyone special?” Stella asks the question, but she seems embarrassed about asking it. Sage laughs a little.

“Well Stella, there is one certain man that has me staying in Comfort. He is a fine specimen of a man with the biggest heart and I am lucky to have him as my friend—Nick Styles.” Everyone but Nick laughs. He is shaking his head. Sage keeps it going. “Don’t tell anyone, I would hate to tarnish his good reputation.” I think Nick is turning red.

“You can’t be telling my secrets girly; these people are going to think I’m some Don Juan and showing you the moonlight.” Nick joins in with the laughter.

“Nick has become a good friend along with Haddie. They are my family here in Comfort. They took me in as one of theirs when I first arrived and I can’t imagine my life without them in it. I have also met a couple of good ol’ boys that have become my friends on some days.” Sage smiles and looks at me and Trask. “I also wouldn’t mind one of them taking me on a stroll some night.”

“Sounds like you are out of lucky buddy,” Trask whispers were only I can hear.

“Only in your dreams,” I retaliate back.

“That’s all the questions I have today. Welcome to our town and I hope to be talking to you again soon.” Stella stands and puts her hand out for Sage to shake.

“It was very nice visiting with everyone today and thank you for the welcome. I look forward to speaking to you anytime on a personal level, but this will be the only interview I will be giving to anyone, anywhere. Any and all inquiries from this day forward can be addressed to my attorney,” Sage tells everyone, and I see it on Stella’s face when she understands what that means.

“I knew Mr. Stanton said this would be an exclusive interview but I didn’t grasp the part that this is the only interview you were giving ever,” Stella says, and I can see she doesn’t realize the microphone is still live.

“I thought Mr. Stanton made that clear but no worries it’s done now,” Sage says sweetly.

“Thank you so much,” Stella tells her back.

“I thought the town people would get to ask some questions since everyone was told about the interview. I have a question for Lyric.” Branton steps up and everyone is watching. Sage looks frozen, but she recovers quickly. I look over to Sage’s mom and she has a grin on her face. I push Branton back and get in his face.

“Don’t do that woman’s bidding. She looks a bit smug right now and whatever you are going to ask has to do with it, so just don’t. Let it go.” Sage sees me in Branton’s face and she steps back up to the microphone.

“Mr. Stillman, if you have something to ask, please come closer so I can hear the question adequately.” Branton goes around me and stands directly in front of the porch.

“Thank you, for hearing me out.” Branton turns on the sweet voice he lets go on women.

“What question can I answer for you?” Sage looks a little nervous.

“The last name you used when you first arrived here is Collins and you said that was a family name. Are you aware that when you receive your dad’s estate it will include money from his mother’s, Sybil Collins, estate? You are going to be a very wealthy woman.” Sage looks confused and the man in the suit beside Haddie goes and whispers something in Sage’s ear. Sage looks at Branton and then towards her mother. Sage steps closer to the microphone and looks straight at Branton.

“Mr. Stillman, I don’t know why you are bringing anything up about my grandmother. Sybil Collins was my paternal grandmother, but I never met her. She died before I was born and as far as I knew until this very minute was that her and my grandfather, Eddie, were everyday normal people. I don’t know anything about what you’re talking about, but my attorney will update me after this interview. Does anyone else have any questions?” Sage dismisses Branton in a way he knows not to ask another question but not sounding rude. Branton looks baffled. Trask steps closer to me and away from his parents and Branton.

“Damn, that woman is good. I’ve never known anyone to shut Branton completely down. I think I might be in love,” Trask jokes. Sage’s mom walks closer to the porch and stops.

“I have a question.” Trask leans over to Nick.

“Who is that woman? She looks sort of like Sage.” Trask whispers.

“That is Katrina Stanley-Dade, Sage’s mom and she is a piece of work.” Nick says softly back.

“I’d like to know with all this generosity why you would leave your mom penniless. I gave birth to you, young lady, and I was married to your dad. I think I deserve something for my troubles.” I see the horror on Sage’s face, but she recovers quickly. I feel embarrassed for her.

“I don’t think this is a line of questioning appropriate for today’s interview, ma’am.” Stella tries to intervene.

“No Stella, it’s alright. Everyone this is my mom, Katrina Stanley-Dade. She and I have had a difference of opinion over money for the last five years. This is one of the main reasons I decided to donate a big part of Dad’s money in honor of him. You see, I would trade every dime that I am to inherit for five more minutes or even one minute with my dad to tell him I love him. My dad died the day after my sixteenth birthday and I remember every minute of what happened when I was informed of his death. I’m not one to be airing my family’s dirty laundry but Mom you know what I remember most about that day?” Sage waits for Katrina to answer but the woman stays quiet. “I remember the only thing you were worried about was what to wear the next day to the funeral home to make the arrangements so you would look your best when the press swarmed us. Mr. Stanton and the members of my dad’s band were taking care of me while I fell apart. They wanted to protect me from all the photos being taken but you wanted me to look my best for every one of the photographers. After the arrangements were made and we went home, Greg was already moved into our home. Now everyone knows Mom, are you happy? I have met my past head-on and I will get over it. Anything else you need to address you can direct to my attorney.” My heart goes out to Sage. No wonder this woman is so guarded. “Thank you everyone.” Sage walks off the stage but not towards her mom. She has a big smile on her face and she is headed straight for me. It doesn’t take her long to get here and Haddie is smiling from ear-to-ear.

“Hello, cowboy. I was wondering if I could take you to a late lunch. I think we have some things to discuss and this like/hate game is not working for me.” Sage walks right up to me and takes my hand in hers. She has the most beautiful smile on her face and her eyes are twinkling with laughter.

“I just ate lunch with my normal date, Trask, but I think you’re right—we need to quit dancing around each other and have a talk. Can I call on you tonight and take you to dinner?” I am lost in Sage’s beauty and all other people have seemed to fade away.

“I counter that offer—how about I cook for you at my house, so our talk isn’t interrupted?” I laugh out loud at how flirty Sage is being. I scoop my cap off my head and bend in a half bow and then look back up.

“I have to warn you little lady that is how rumors get started around here. I don’t mind though; your virtue is safe with me and every other cowboy in this town can eat their heart out.” We both laugh, and I am brought back to reality when I hear Trask laugh.

“You are laying it on thick there, cowboy. You might want to start shoveling the manure you’re dishing out, it’s getting deep.” We all laugh except for Trask’s family. Sage is smiling with a glint in her eyes.

“Sage, or is it Lyric now? Anyway, this is Donald Stillman, his wife Skeeter and you have met Branton. Donald wanted a formal introduction.” Sage’s face goes back to a stoic look. Nick laughs under his breathe.

“Nick, you can call me whatever you like. My dad insisted on the name Lyric, so it’s what I prefer, but for you anything.” Nick pulls Lyric to him and gives her a hug. I guess I will need to get used to calling Sage, Lyric. Lyric turns and brings her attention back to the Stillmans. “It is nice to meet all of you and Branton it’s interesting to see you again. I didn’t think our last interaction was that friendly, but I’m glad to see you’re doing well.” Lyric is trying to be nice.

“Lyric, I was hoping that we could sit down and talk some business. I have a lot of ideas that could be lucrative to both of us if we combined our properties and come to a more permanent arrangement between you and my son, Branton. He is a very bright young man and going places.” Donald is just coming out and spilling most of his plan right in front of everyone.

“Mr. Stillman, I thank you for even considering working with me but my attorney, Mr. Stanton—the guy in the suit talking to Haddie and Stella— and my business manager control my portfolio and I trust them completely to do that, but my farm is not open for discussion. That is my future and I will make it work on my own with guidance and help from friends.” Lyric looks at me and then back to Donald. “If I am being honest with you, the fact that you think you could orchestrate a relationship between your son, Branton and myself is insulting. If I decide to have a permanent relationship it will only involve the other person and myself, not a third person to broker the relationship. I will only ever marry for love and that goes for any other permanent relationships I have of the romantic nature because I am not so sure that marriage is for me—only time will tell. Branton has shown me how he treats women and I am not impressed, in fact, I was angered for the woman he was with just a few days ago. Branton treated her with no respect or regard for her feelings which is rude. If I was you then I would be backing Trask because any woman would be lucky to have him. He is a gentleman and shows women respect. It doesn’t hurt he is easy on the eyes.” Lyric stops.

“Did you hear that, easy on the eyes?” Trask whispers to me. I elbow him.

“So, if there is nothing else, I need to finish talking to this cowboy about our date.” Lyric winks at me. I don’t know where Sage has been hiding Lyric, but I like her a lot.

“What about what I asked about the Collins estate? I brought that to you or you would have never known. You are too naïve for this world Lyric and the sharks are going to eat you alive—you need a man to guide you with your decisions and I could do that for you. We could be good together.” Branton sounds like the immature person that he is. Lyric turns her eyes to him.

“That’s just it Branton, we couldn’t. I don’t like you and I would never respect your decisions. I may be naïve, but I still have a dream. The man I fall in love with will own my heart and that is the most valuable thing I have to give him. My man will share everything I have because if he asked, I would gladly give it to him—all of it. We will work long days and love the nights away and when we leave this world—the only regret we will have is—we didn’t have one more day to spend together. You are too jaded to see that is possible. I won’t give up my dream for you or anyone. That’s what brought me here. I don’t know anything about the Collins’ estate, but my attorney has some things to go over with me. What you don’t understand is every person that is involved with me and my business interests was handpicked by my dad and my dad would never leave me in hands that would not take care of me.” Lyric steps closer to me and then I pull her even closer with our enclosed hands.

“Do you believe in unicorns too? You are going to get hurt and it will be all your own doing. I won’t be waiting on you.” Branton is incensed by Lyric turning him down.

“Well I’ll be, you people look like you could use some refreshments. I have some lemonade and cookies on the porch. I have sugar cookies and butter cookies. Please feel free to have a couple.” Haddie comes up and tries to break up the talk going on in our little circle of people. Mr. Stanton has joined us too.

“All I can say is if you won’t take Branton, then you sure as shooting aren’t getting your claws in Trask.” Skeeter Stillman is no longer going to be silent. “Come on Trask, we are leaving this place.” Trask moves around us and goes by his mom and stoops down and gives her a kiss on top of her head.

“Mom—you, Dad, and Branton go on ahead. I am getting some of Haddie’s butter cookies before I leave.” Trask is already moving away from his mom.

“Trask Andrew Stillman, you will do no such thing. We are going home together. If you do not come with us now then there will be no reason for you to come home later—your room will be cleaned out.” That makes Trask laugh and laugh hard.

“Does that mean that Branton gets to shovel the horse shit out of the barn in his loafers because if it does, I will be there with my phone to record it. I can see the heading now, ‘The king of bull shoveling shit’. Kind of catchy don’t you think. I bet social media would love it.” Trask is in a full belly laugh.

“You wouldn’t dare,” Skeeter says.

“Oh yeah, I would. Maybe I could put it on one of those video shows.” Trask stops laughing and he has a serious face. “If ever you don’t want me around to do the work that Branton and Dad refuse to do then I will pack my things and go, and I won’t be back when everything falls apart at the ranch.” Skeeter looks like she could bite her own tongue off.

“That’s nonsense boy. You know you always have a place in our home. No one works the ranch like you do,” Donald says but Trask and everyone else did not miss the part where Donald said ‘our’ home like it’s not Trask’s home.

“Trask, you know you always have a place to stay at my farm. As soon as I get the bunkhouse in shape, I am going to be looking for a farm manager. The job is open to you if you want it,” Lyric says, and I could kiss her.

“Our ranch doesn’t raise thoroughbreds but we always have a place for you too. I can always use a partner to work with and I am sure Dad would be open to some sort of arrangement. He’s always thought of you as one of his sons anyway.” Trask knows I have been trying to get him to consider the proposition for months.

“Thank you both and it’s good to know I have options; now why don’t we all go over and get some cookies, so I can get back to work.” Trask is going to let it go but I know he’s getting tired of doing all the work and be taken for granted. Who wouldn’t?

I pull Lyric away from everyone and pull her into me. I give her a short soft kiss on her lips and when I pull away, I am rewarded with a beautiful smile that takes my breath away. “That was a little presumptuous of you.” I know Lyric is being playful, but I like this look on her.

“I can take it back if you want me to, but it may take a little longer taking it off than putting it there and everyone may get a big show.” Lyric tips her head back and laughs again.

“Are we really doing this? I mean us? I must confess that I wasn’t sure I liked you at all. You are a bit intense at times, but I don’t know your past like you didn’t know mine, so you may have a good reason.” I know Lyric must have heard rumors but tonight we need to have that talk and before I do that, I need to have a long overdue conversation with my brother, Hawkins.

“I agree—I can be intense at times—but I do have a reason. I am going to take care of that this afternoon with a phone call to my brother and then tonight you and I can clear the air between us and enjoy the meal you’re going to make us. You can cook, right?” Lyric laughs.

“I can cook. The cook we had at home taught me when my mom was gone. I wanted to be able to make my dad a real homecooked meal when he came off the road from touring. All the other band members had wives and girlfriends that would cook big meals for them when they came home. My mom never did. After a few undercooked meals and burnt meals I finally mastered a few things and it made my dad happy He and I started cooking together. We would watch cooking shows and then make the dishes they showed us. My dad was a very good cook and I can get by.” Lyric’s eyes glow when she talks about her dad.

“You really miss your dad, don’t you? He was your hero just like you said,” I ask and hope I don’t make her sad.

“Yes, he was a great dad and just like I told you before, this farm is for him and me—I will make it successful or die in the dirt trying.” I admire that in Lyric. My eyes have been opened that Lyric is a genuine person with no hidden agendas. I am lucky that she is even talking to me now and I intend to show her every day just how lucky I am. I know I am getting ahead of myself, but I just have a feeling that Lyric is going to be the woman I can’t walk away from and right now, all I can do is smile about it. My fighting against it is gone.