Page 8 of Wrangling Nash

I hesitated. I knew the next twelve months were going to be transformative for me, but it would be nice to have a connection here to Houston still, companionship every other weekend with Patrick didn't sound that bad. He was a nice guy, and we were certainly happy in our relationship. Patrick worked as a senior accountant for a major accounting firm in downtown Houston and was thoughtful and attentive. We’d met on the Hinge app six months ago and hit it off right away, making things official shortly after. On paper, we were the perfect match.

Off paper though, something had always been lacking. I wasn’t sure what it was, but I hadn’t been able to put my finger on it and I knew that I didn't want Patrick to wait for me. Our chemistry wasn't quite there, and he deserved a chance to date and not lose a year of his life, especially if what Stevie said was true. Also, who knew how much time off I would get? In the years I knew of my grandfather, he'd never taken a vacation.

I took another bite of my mozzarella stick, stalling for time. I knew what I had to do, but it didn’t make it any easier. I'd never broken up with someone like this before.

“I think it’s best if we just have a clean break. You deserve to move forward with your life, not put it on hold just because I’m putting mine on pause for twelve months.”

He tapped the table nervously, processing my words. “Is that really what you want?”

“It is,” I said firmly, doing my best to exude confidence.

He sighed deeply. “Well, it’s not what I want, but I respect your choice. With that said, I want you to know that, without any doubt, I’m waiting for you here, Jovie. I think what we have is special. Call it a break-up if you wish, but I’ll be here in twelve months, ready for us to pick things up again when you’re done with your mission.”

Chapter 6: Jovie

Present Day

“Hello, Mr. Cameron, it’s good to see you again,” I greeted as I entered my grandfather’s home for the first time in 20 years, following closely behind him.

“Oh, call me Rig, Jovie. I’m glad you’re here. I know you don’t remember me, but your grandfather adored you. He talked about you and your sister all the time. And though I’d love to assume ownership of the ranch now and connect our two properties, this is what he would have wanted, his granddaughter here, learning and living. I always respected the man and what he wanted.”

I nodded, still trying to wrap my mind around why exactly my grandfather had desired this. Our special relationship during my childhood flashed in my thoughts. Every summer, my mom would bring me and my sister down to the ranch, where we spent days exploring on customized golf carts, attempting intricate puzzles, catching wild animals, and swimming in the backyard pool. It was always a special treat when my grandfather took us to San Angelo to watch bull riding where we'd drink Vanilla Coke's and eat whoopie pies after.

Sadly, these summer trips abruptly halted 20 years ago when my grandmother and father passed away. My mother found it too painful to return without her mom and husband gone, and though it saddened my grandfather, he’d never pushed it. Grandpa had continued to visit us occasionally in Houston, but it was challenging for him to leave the ranch in the hands of employees without anyone else to manage it.

Rig ushered me into the familiar living space and towards the back of the one-story home where my grandparents’ bedroom used to be.

“I wasn’t sure how you felt about it, but I had Clay pack up your grandfather’s belongings so that you could move in. This is the biggest bedroom in the rancher. We moved those boxes down into the basement if you wanted to go through them and see if there was anything you’d like to keep or donate. Clay can take you to the Goodwill in San Angelo sometime next week.”

“Who is Clay?”

Rig grinned, “I forget that you were young when your mother stopped your visits here, and Clay would have been just a toddler. Clay is my youngest son; he’s 22 years old.”

“Oh, I had no idea.”

“Then you already met Nash; he’s 32, and then there’s my oldest, Wylie, who is 33. The boys are the ones who will be showing you the ropes of Clarence’s property. I might have left out that detail when I said I’d agreed with Clarence to help you get up to speed.”

Yeah, you certainly left out the major detail that your three sons are the ones who will be helping me.

“Thank you, that’s really thoughtful.” I responded with instead.

My eyes scanned my grandfather’s old room, now empty, the bed made with fresh sheets and nothing but a small dresser in the corner. It felt strange sleeping in his room without him here, but I hoped it’d help me feel closer to him as I attempted to navigate his world and take care of the ranch he loved. I remembered there was a big soaker tub in the master bathroom connected to the space that Stevie and I used to bathe in when we were little. I'd have to check that out this week.

“Alright, so there are three more guest bedrooms on the other side of the ranch that I believe you and Stevie used to stay in when your mother would come to visit. I wasn’t sure if you planned on having any visitors, but I had Clay make up the beds nonetheless so that they’d be ready.

"I know it’s been a while since you’ve seen the rest of the property, so I'll give you a quick tour of it now. Oh, and Clarence had hired a housekeeper who comes Monday through Friday to help prepare his meals, clean the home, and tend to the pool. It’s a lot of work to manage the home and the ranch. I don’t know how you feel about continuing Gloria's employment, but she’s a great lady and I’d hate you to cut her loose before you realize just how much you need her.”

I nodded as I swallowed nervously.

Was the ranch really that demanding that I wouldn’t be able to cook my own meals? Cooking was something I’d always loved to do. I made a mental note to look through my grandfather’s finances to see how much Gloria was being paid weekly.

“Sure, I’ll keep her on while I get up to speed.”

He nodded and smiled. “I know it’s a lot to take in, but like I said, the boys will be here to help you for the next few months.”

And you’re always ready and eager to take over if I bail.

“I’m sorry; you didn’t mention which of your sons I'd be starting with tomorrow?”

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