Page 19 of Losing his Daddy

I chuckled at Princess Aster’s enthusiasm. “Maybe not the cake or the house, but yes on the job front. I’ve got some money stored away, but it won’t last forever.”

One of the men wearing a crop top and shorts moved closer. As he approached, I noticed the outfit was covered in tiny donut shapes. It was really cute actually. In a past life, I might have even worn it for the sake of trying something new. Now, though, it was less an inclination to experience it and more an appreciation of a pretty fabric on someone else.

“Tell us what you’re good at. We have lots of friends all over. Maybe we can put in a good word,” the guy said.

I tilted my head back. “That’s a bit of a tough question. My skillset is ranch work. I know how to care for animals and run things there, but that’s not something I want to go back to necessarily. I’d rather start fresh.”

The man nodded and hummed. I should really work harder to remember his name.

“You said you ran things? Like how? Explain it to us.”

I leaned forward, my elbows moving to my knees where they were crossed. “I mean that I ran things. Mostly from the accounting side, but I handled a lot of the site coordination aswell. Creating schedules, training new hires, setting up ads to bring in new workers, and things like that.”

Princess Aster grinned widely. “So, you were a manager?”

Shrugging, I tilted my head down to look at my hands. “More or less.”

“Then Doyle is right. We definitely know some people who would love what you do. The roles are more corporate than rural, though I’m sure a lot of it translates.”

One of the men towards the side raised his hand. Princess Aster pointed at him.

“Yes, Gracie?”

“We all know my boss is kind of a big deal,” he said, making the group laugh. “I’m sure if I explained that I had a friend with your skill, he’d have you hired within a couple of days. If not for himself, then for someone he knows.”

My heart swelled at the kindness before me. “Thank you. Even if nothing comes of this, the fact that you all believe in me so much means a lot.”

The group gave a collective sort of grumbling sound. Princess Aster scoffed as well, then said, “We take care of our people, Gerald. Despite whatever has happened to bring you our way, we know your heart is good. That’s all that matters to us. We know you’d have done the same if we’d have shown up on your doorstep.”

I nodded, though a still hurting part of me curled inward at his words. The person I was now would absolutely do so. But the one I was a few months ago, hell, even a year ago, would have been too far gone to notice someone else needed help. I let my pain take over my life. I let it lead me to an addiction that will be with me for the rest of my life.

We changed gears after that to discuss our favorite movies and food. Even though the men all knew each other inside andout, they entertained me with the games until bedtime. Only then did everyone settle down to get some sleep.

As the men around me began to drift away, I sent up a prayer that I’d made the right decision. While my heart would forever be connected to the ranch, I didn’t know if I could ever live there again.

Chapter Eight

Weston

The club was packedwhen I arrived. It was only as I went to order a drink that I realized it was Friday night. Of course it made sense there were people at every turn.

After grabbing a beer, I took off to find Tucker. Or maybe I’d find Patrick first. Usually where one was, the other would follow when it came to the club.

“Looking for someone?” A sultry voice purred from behind me. I turned to find a woman in a barely there outfit and a collar at her neck. It was clear she wanted to play.

I shook my head. “Sorry. Not playing tonight and this is a no-go for me.” I motioned toward her collar, then gave an apologetic smile. I never played with anyone obviously marked by signs of having a committed relationship. Collars didn’t always mean that, but I used the simple rule to keep myself in line.

She shrugged before turning to leave. As I watched her leave, Tucker came into view. He had a wicked grin on his face as he laughed.

“Already breaking hearts?” He asked, pulling me into a hug.

“Not intentionally. She was very forward. I figured blunt would do it.”

His laugh was muffled by the cheers of the crowd as a couple took to the stage. Grabbing my arm, he wove us through the room to where the private offices were.

When we slipped behind the door, the noise from before vanished. I could finally hear myself think again.

“That’s better,” he said. “I was going to tell you that Allyn would be fine. She knows that she isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.”

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