Page 3 of In the Dust

Colton

Willow Creek, Georgia. Population: one thousand, seven hundred and forty-three. There are more cows than people, and it’s my favorite place to be.

“Hey girl.” I walk over to my horse, petting her mane. “You need to stretch your legs?” She waits patiently while I fix the saddle and hop on her. “Good girl, Peaches.”

Sunset is my favorite time of the day; you just know supper will be ready and the stars will be out not long after.

I take Peaches out around this time, to let her stretch her legs in the pasture. We ride until her stubbornness presents itself and she hauls me back to the stables, insisting she wants to sleep.

Today’s been a long one, and before I head home, I dip inside to grab a drink.

“Hey, Burl.” I walk to the fridge and pull out a cold beer. “Want one?”

Burl shakes his head, a wide smile making the wrinkles on his face more prominent. “Nah, Colt. I’ve gotta get the loft ready.”

My fingers curl around the can. “Why?”

“Dixie’s comin’ home.” His voice is high-pitched, matching the tone of a grandfather who hasn’t seen his granddaughter come home in many moons.

“Oh.” I try to act cool, leaning against the counter. But just hearing her name makes my heart beat for the first time in years.“Why?”

He sighs in defeat. “Your momma called her.”

I set down my beer as a cool chill runs down my spine, my mind traveling to the worst. Why else would she call my ex-girlfriend? “Is my momma okay?”

When Burl doesn’t reply, I reach for my keys. “No, Colt. Sit down.”

I don’t sit. I can’t. “What’s wrong with her?”

“Nothing. Everyone’s fine. This is why I didn’t want her botherin’ Dixie. You kids worry too much.” He stands, grabbing my beer from the counter and taking a long drag. “You know when I fell off the tractor last week?”

I nod my head. “Yeah.”

“Well, when Virginia drove me to the hospital while you wrangled the cattle, they said I fractured my arm in two places. I went back yesterday for a checkup, and I’ll be down until after harvest season.”

I shrug, “In high school I fractured my arm and was better after a couple weeks.”

Burl laughs. “Well, Colt, I’m an old man. It takes longer for my bones to heal.”

Fight or flight kicks in. “Well, I can take care of the farm. She doesn’t have to come here.”

“I’m not useless, Colt, I just have to take it easy.” A slight smile rises on his face. “Besides, we both know I do more work than you.”

I nod absentmindedly, my mind on a rollercoaster about Dixie returning.

Smile lines tighten around his eyes. “You still mad at my granddaughter?”

“Indifferent.” I shrug.

He places his hand on my shoulder, squeezing it. “I appreciate your help, Colt, but you’re one person. Your momma's right. Unless I get free help, I’m going to lose the farm.”

This summer just got a lot more interesting.

* * *

I lookout the screen door as a cloud of dust rolls down the driveway, chasing a fast car. The vehicle comes to a stop in front of the house, next to my old Bronco.

Dixie steps out, slamming the door. I pause as the breeze catches her chocolate hair and swirls the long strands in front of her face.

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