Botie…

I don’t know how I let Trask talk me into having lunch with his arrogant brother, Branton. I can’t stomach him on a good day and today has been nothing but pure hell. Anything and everything that could break down has. It’s been a frustrating day and when Trask asked me to grab a burger with him and Branton, I figured why not. This way I have a good hour away from my headache but now the annoyance is coming from Branton.

Branton was parked right outside the diner in his shiny new sports car with some bleach blonde sitting beside him and a big smile on his face. Every word out of his mouth is either putting Trask down for staying here with their parents or talking down to his companion like she isn’t worth his time. I don’t know how this man hasn’t had someone break his straight nose or scarred up that pretty face of his—his own opinion—not mine. I don’t know how Trask and Branton came out of the same parents. They are as different as night and day except when it comes to arrogance about women. I don’t see how either of them get a woman in their beds. Which is another reason I am so damn on edge. I can’t remember the last time I had the company of a woman for a night.

This Cassia woman with Branton is about as shallow as he is. She came right out and said she’s with Branton to piss her rich dad off. I was relieved to have Branton go outside and Cassia left to freshen up—either way they are gone for a little while.

“I bet those problems you were having this morning aren’t looking so bad now.” Trask knows me better than anyone. I look around the diner and see that it’s fuller today than usual. It’s been a good twenty minutes since our order was taken. This day is going to drag on forever. I hear the bell go off over the door and see Branton walk back in.

“When our food gets here, I’m eating and getting out of here as soon as possible before I go off on Branton. He’s too much to add to my crappy day,” I say quickly so I get it all out before Branton gets back to the table. I know by the grin on his face that he has plenty to say.

“Look at you two sitting here with your heads together. Nothing ever changes in this hick town. What do you two think of Cassia? She is one class act with plenty of assets. She keeps my pockets lined with plenty of money and pays for everything to get back at Daddy Dearest and Daddy pays me to keep an eye on his precious little girl. He’s the one that paid for my new ride. I take that as a win-win situation. When I get tired of her, I send her home to Daddy for a few days and find me a sweet little honey to keep me occupied. It’s the life boys. You should try it sometime and get out of this hick town and not work so hard.” Like I said the man is an arrogant ass.

“I’ll keep my day job and let you take care of all the lonely women,” I say in a sarcastic tone.

“Botie, are you still hung up on that little filly your brother ran off with? Isn’t it time to let that drama die? It seems a bit petty of you to hold a grudge for so long. Talia couldn’t have been that good between the sheets.” I stand from my chair and Trask is up at the same time. I want to take Branton’s head off, but I have too much work to be spending the afternoon in jail.

“That is low for even you Branton. What the hell is wrong with you? Botie has been a family friend since we were in diapers. Just stay away from both of us while you’re in town. The sooner you head back to wherever you came from the better. Have Dad write you a check for the money you came after and hit the road.” I motion to our waitress as I spot an empty table. Jane walks up to me.

“Trask and I will be moving over by the window so just bring our orders over there.” Jane looks between Branton and Trask. She knows who the troublemaker is here. Jane dated Branton back in high school and he wasn’t any different then.

“Sure thing, Botie. I’ll bring your silverware over and refill your teas.” Jane glares at Branton. There’s no love lost there.

“Thanks a lot sweetheart.” Trask is still staring his brother down, but Cassia walks back to the table and Trask would never be rude to a woman— he picks up his tea glass and backs away from the table. I get my drink and we walk to the other table and sit down.

“I’m sorry for the asshole. I always think the next time I see him that he will grow up, but he just can’t help being down right mean to people. That was uncalled for and I wouldn’t have blamed you if you had decked him. He deserves it.” Trask is the brother that always tries to keep the peace, so I know what Branton said pissed him off.

“I could have done that but then I would be paying bail and doing paperwork all afternoon instead of working on that tractor or repairing the fence that bull went through this morning. On second thought, I should have knocked some sense into his thick-head, that way I could have the afternoon off.” Trask and I both look at each other and we both smile.

“When the hell did we grow up and become responsible? I’m not old enough for this and I am too good looking to be so serious. Being a grown-up is something old men do, not us. Besides you know damn good and well that your old man would have had you out within the hour and then you would have to listen to him all afternoon.” Trask is half laughing saying it, but he is right. We’ve both become responsible and I’m not sure I like it.

“Let’s go fishing this weekend with a case of beer. We’ll tear shit up and act stupid and all thoughts of being responsible will go right out of our heads.” I am only half serious but it’s what Trask and I always do when we have things weighing on our minds.

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll bring some sandwiches so the hangover isn’t so bad,” Trask adds, and I agree with that plan. The bell over the front door rings and both Trask and I see Haddie and Nick walk in with Sage and some man in a suit. That man looks as out of place here as I would in a big-city restaurant. Everyone here is in jeans and t-shirts or work shirts. The sheriff is here, and he’s in his uniform, but he’s here most days at lunch making sure none of these country boys get a wild hair and decide to start a ruckus. I don’t know why, most everyone here is afraid of his wife, Dara, more than him—even if he does have a gun. That woman will grab you by the ear faster than you can duck your head and then she’ll call your mom. I don’t know a country boy anywhere that wants their mom called. I look closer at the man and he looks like a lawyer. It makes me wonder if Nick has finally sold his farm. I hate to see it, but life never stands still for anyone. It surprises me to see Haddie here. She’s normally at the bed-and-breakfast working. I watch the man and he seems very familiar with Sage. A little too familiar, maybe the innocent acting woman isn’t as innocent as she wants everyone to believe. This must be her money man. Nick and Haddie sit on the far side of the table so Nick has a clear view of Trask and me. He gives us a little head nod and Haddie gives us the little finger wiggle thing women do. Trask and I both give a head nod back.

“How long do you think it will be before Sage gets on my brother’s radar?” We both look at Branton and he is already scoping out the table that Sage is sitting at and he is sizing her up. I look at Sage’s back and I would need to be blind not to see her beauty. I remember the deep blue eyes from the other day. They were beautiful to look at but when she got miffed at me it was as if they sparkled. She is a little on the thin side, but she does have some curves. She doesn’t have an overabundance in her bust area, they are more than a handful—but her ass and legs would stop traffic. I noticed a little scar on her chin, but she doesn’t wear a ton of makeup to cover it, so I don’t think she is self-conscious about it. I think the thing that brought my attention to her the most is the way she carries herself. She has a self-confidence about her that most women her age don’t have yet and the way she acts as if she couldn’t care less about what anyone thinks about her. Both may be an act, but it doesn’t show. Sage comes off as being a genuine person but what do I know—I only just met her. If I was looking for someone to date, I might consider Sage, but I’m not and Sage doesn’t seem like the type of girl for a one-night stand. I haven’t been around Sage enough to know that for a fact—it’s a gut reaction. Trask brings me out of my thoughts and just in time, my jeans are getting a bit snug. “He’s making his move. I am betting Sage shoots him down.” I turn my head, so I have a clear view of what is going to happen. Cassia doesn’t look happy about being left at the table alone. It’s quieted down a little in the diner, so everyone will be hearing what is said and all the busy bodies will be paying attention. I guess today that includes me.

“Hello Nick. It has been too long since I’ve visited with you, neighbor. Who is your beautiful new friend? Is this the young lady interested in buying that farm of yours? You know my dad would meet her bid and give you more to boot.” Branton has his hand in front of Nick to shake and Nick gives it a reluctant shake.

“Branton Stillman have you lost all your manners? You didn’t even address me or our other guest. I know your mama taught you better manners than that.” That’s our Haddie. She’s never cared for Branton.

“I’m sorry Haddie, please excuse my rudeness, but this young lady’s beauty has me mesmerized. I thought I would come over and introduce myself, so I didn’t miss the chance of meeting her while I am in town. The way I hear it between you and Nick you keep her time occupied and I thought she might like to get out and see how the younger people in our community do things.” Branton is trying to be charming but Sage’s body went stiff when he started spouting his crap. Branton makes Sage uncomfortable—smart girl.

“She’s going to shoot Branton down. Her back went straight as a rod when he opened his mouth,” I say, and Trask smiles a big smile.

“I knew I liked that woman. She sees through the load of crap he’s dishing out. I can’t wait to see it. It’ll only make him pursue Sage more. I’ll have a word with him tonight.” I almost laugh.

“Like that will stop Branton.” Branton doesn’t listen to anyone but his dad and only him when he wants something. The noise has picked back up in the diner as it’s getting busier again. We can’t hear much more of the conversation, but I see Nick’s face turning a little red which means he is pissed. I don’t wait to try to hear what is being said. I stand up before I know what I’m doing. Branton is not coming into the diner and upsetting the people that mean something to me by trying to set up his next target. Nick and Haddie are good people and they should be able to have a meal in peace or that’s what I’m telling myself anyway.

“This is going to be fun.” I hear Trask say as he follows me to the table that is calling me to it. I feel the protective side of me come out and I don’t even want to think about why. I walk up beside Branton and get between him and Sage. He’d inched his way closer to her while standing there talking. Their conversation stopped when I stepped up. I think Branton had been keeping it going because the other four people sitting down didn’t seem friendly at all to him.

“Haddie it’s good to see you away from the bed-and-breakfast having a meal out.” Haddie smiles at me. “Nick, I haven’t seen much of you the last week. I was getting worried.”

“Been busy, Botie,” Nick says to me and then his eyes trail to Branton. “It’s nice seeing you today unlike some people that have interrupted our lunch.” The insult directed at Branton doesn’t even register on his radar.

“Sage, it’s nice seeing you again.” Sage’s eyes come to me and her eyes are even more beautiful than I remembered. I nod my head to the man sitting beside her.

“I was just telling this beautiful lady that she should be my dinner companion this evening. I can show her all the sights and introduce her to the movers and shakers in our small community. I can’t believe you and Trask have been neglectful of the newest citizen of Comfort. I’d invite you along but three is a crowd,” Branton says arrogantly.

“Where does that leave Cassia? She’s the woman you’re supposed to be having lunch with, the woman you brought to town and who is sharing your bed at home. Didn’t you say she was your meal ticket right now, or was that her dad?” Trask surprises even me by the venom in his voice. Trask isn’t one to not back his brother’s move but it seems that’s changing. “I’m sure you’d only take Sage straight to Dad, so he could pump her for information as to why she wants to buy Nick’s farm.” Trask looks at Sage. “My advice to you is to steer clear of Branton. You can’t believe a word coming out of his mouth and you seem like a nice person.” Trask doesn’t wait for anyone to say anything to him. I can feel the anger between the two brothers.

“Don’t pay any mind to Trask. He’s having a difficult day and we’ll be having words about this.” Branton tries to save face in front of the people at the table and the entire diner. What Branton means is he will be telling their dad about what has been said and Donald will be giving Trask hell over it.

“Does that mean the woman leaving your table is not sharing your bed and you wouldn’t take me to meet your dad?” Sage surprises me by confronting Branton. Branton watches as Cassia walks out the door with Trask following behind her. Branton seems a little lost for words.

“That’s no way to treat a lady Branton. I don’t know what the heck has gotten into you since you left here but it seems to me that your dad needs to take you to the woodshed and remind you how a real man acts— you’ve lost your manners and your good sense. You need to go after that woman and apologize, not that you deserve her accepting that apology.” Haddie is saying what everyone else in the room is thinking.

“I was just trying to be neighborly. I can guarantee that any changes I have made to myself is for the better and it was my dad that taught me not to let go of what I want. Backing down is for the weak and what you think of me is of no matter to me. You’re all small town and that is all you’ll ever be. I’m going places and one day I will own this entire town and see where that will leave all of you.” Branton is showing his real self to everyone here.

“Glad you still have such a high opinion of yourself boy, but our food is coming out and the crap your shoveling is not appetizing so move along and tell your dad the farm is sold.” Nick doesn’t even look at Branton as he says the words.

“I appreciate the invitation to dinner, but I decline and I’m not interested in any further invitations. I don’t mean to be rude, but I also am not interested in anything your dad has to say about the farm. I won’t be selling for any reason. I found my new home and I intend to make Comfort the place I stay for the rest of my life. Nick will be advising me along the way, so you can see that I am ready for whatever comes my way,” Sage says confidently.

“Trask and I will be lending a helping hand whenever our schedules permit,” I put in and I reach over and take Sages hand to shake it. “Welcome to the neighborhood neighbor.” Everyone looks surprised but no more than me. I then lift Sage’s hand and I bend the rest of the way and kiss it softly. I hear people sucking in their breath. I’m not a romantic man at all and I see why everyone would be shocked. I have sworn off women in a very public way. In my mind I’m only trying to keep Branton away from Sage but if I was thinking it fully out, I would see the errors of my ways. I release Sage’s hand and I see the confused look in her eyes but at least she didn’t jerk her hand away from me. Haddie winks at me.

“Botie since when have you become so chivalrous? I thought Talia had you swearing off women. How are Talia and Hawkins? They have any little Hillhouses running around yet?” Branton thinks I am going to lose my cool and any other time I might do just that but not today.

“Branton, you need to move along. You’ve given everyone enough to talk about today. Botie was doing you a favor so I didn’t get up and embarrass your punk ass. You have become nothing but an embarrassment to this whole community since you’ve become a mouthy little cuss, so move along or I will show you the door.” These are strong words coming from Nick.

“Nick is right Branton. You are disturbing the entire diner. Dara wants you out. The waitress won’t even bring these people their food until you leave. Either move along or we’ll walk over to city hall and I will book you,” Sheriff Jenkins says with an official edge to his voice. All eyes in the diner are on us. “Dara said that everyone’s lunch, but yours Branton, is on her. Your lady friend paid for it even though it wasn’t brought out yet. Dara apologizes for the long delay; it’s been busy all day and two of her workers called off.”

“Sheriff I was just leaving,” Branton says and never goes back to his table but walks out the front door. I see Dara watching us, so I tip my cap at her in thanks.

“Sheriff, I’ll be leaving too. Tell Dara thank you, but I think I’ll pass for today. I’ve seemed to have lost my appetite. I’m sure Nick and his guests would love to have their food. They’ve been waiting a while. Nice seeing everyone, and I am sorry for disturbing your lunch. Branton hits town and he can’t wait to cause trouble.” I turn to leave but Sage catches my hand and then drops it. I thought earlier when I kissed her hand that I felt a surge of urgency to kiss this woman somewhere besides her hand but with her instigating the contact between us the desire is much stronger. I have let this woman get in my head and I need to put distance between us, but I’ll be damned if I have the will to do it.

“Thank you for trying to run interference between Branton and me. I can handle myself, but I appreciate the assist. You made it easier for me and for that I am very grateful,” Sage says with a sweetness in her voice and I know she is going to be trouble for me.

“I may have put off Branton for now, but you have put a target on your own back. You turned him down and that means he will be determined to make you fall to your knees with undying love for him so get ready. He’s going to lay it on thick. I don’t think any woman has ever said no to him and stuck with it.” I am half laughing as I say it, but I am dead serious.

“Branton has never met me before. He’ll come to see it’s not going to happen and get tired of trying besides he has Cassia to keep him company.” Sage says it in an all serious tone and I half believe her, but I know Branton will give it his all. Sage lets my hand fall and I see all eyes on us. I can hear the rumors starting now. “Have a good day.” I turn and get myself out the door and I see Trask standing beside my truck looking up the street. I approach the truck and when I am standing beside Trask, he looks at me.

“I thought I would come over to your house and stay until morning. I already texted Bill to let him know what needs taken care of this afternoon. I can face Dad tomorrow.” Trask knows his dad is going to be furious.

“How about we fix the fence so that damn bull won’t get out again and we camp out by the pond tonight? I have beer in my ice chest at home, so we can fish and drink. I need the afternoon off to cool off and I am sure Mom will fix us some grub for the night. We can clean up while she gets the food together and head on out to the pond.” That’s the best plan I’ve come up with in a while. I never take an afternoon off but today I need it. Tomorrow I will spend the afternoon in the hayfield.

“Sounds like a plan. Let’s do it.” Trask is in agreement and I am ready for a cold beer. We get in the truck without saying a word and it’s a quiet drive back to Trask’s truck.