Page 23 of Don't Trust the Cowboy

Chapter 8

Piper

I’dratherdiethansee the look on Billy’s face again, when he found out that I spied on him in the washroom last night. I’m not sure if the look was embarrassment or shame, or what, but the guilt rose in me so fast, I had to fight the tears. The trip into town is exhausting, but I end up getting what I need, and the guy at Crawford’s gives me a discount, which in turn helps Billy, making me happy. Just as I pull up to the ranch house, I see Billy inside the barn, with who I assume is Dr. Collins, the vet. Sprout is up walking with Mazy, and both look just fine.

“Piper, this is Dr. Collins.” Billy says by way of introduction.

“Pleased to meet you, ma’am.” Dr. Collins says gallantly, as he removes his Stetson.

“She’s here to replace Trixie.” Billy explains.

“Ah, yes. It’s high time you had someone come in and give you a hand, Billy.” Dr. Collins comments.

“Yes, she’s already done a fine job, sir.”

The vet pats Mazy on the snout gently. “Ah, well, this girl looks just fine, Billy. She did a great job. When does your stallion arrive?”

“I haven’t had word yet, sir, since I’ve got to build the stable first. This here barn isn’t going to cut it, but I need extra hands to get this show on the road.”

“Paxton’s kids are looking for work.” Collins says.

Billy waves. “Not interested in that family. Their daddy’s a drunk. I don’t need to mess with that. Last thing I need is for him to come looking for his boys here.”

“They’re good boys, Billy.” Collins argues kindly. “And Will’s cleaned up his act some, far as I know. Plus, you know as well as I do that Will’s afraid of horses.”

Billy frowns. “They wouldn’t be interested in coming to work for me. Nobody in town’s ever got anything nice to say about me, and since they’ve never come knocking on my door, I’ll assume they feel the same.”

“Trust me, Billy. I’ve been over to tend to their dog, Morris. They’re crying for work. Both of them just got laid off over at the factory. Since they’re new they haven’t got a chance in hell of being called back.”

“That wouldn’t be the textile factory, would it.” Billy states, guessing that these boys that Dr. Collins is referring to are former employees of his parents’ business.

“It is, Billy. But that doesn’t matter.”

Billy cracks a wicked smile. “It does matter. I’m guessing if they got laid off by my folks, got passed on, handed their papers, treated like yesterday’s news, I’m thinking we’ve got something in common.”

The vet smiles. “I suppose that’s one way of looking at it.”

I decide it’s time to intervene. “I’ll post the job today. Do these boys have a number where I can reach them?”

Billy’s face changes, like he’s defensive. “There’s no need for that, darlin’. I’ll reach out to them.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely. You put that post out, but make sure it’s only for Dallas, not Copper Cove, see.”

“Got it.” I nod.

“Alright. I’ll see you later, Billy.” Dr. Collins says, and then he tips his hat to me again. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Piper.”

“Likewise, sir.”

Billy walks Dr. Collins to his car, while I pet Scout and Mazy, wondering if I pulled that off to Billy’s satisfaction. “How’d I do?” I ask as he comes into earshot.

“You did just fine, doll. How’d it go in town? Where’s your stuff?”

“Just in the car. I’ll go get it.”

“Naw, you stay put and give these kids a little attention. I’ve been neglecting them all morning.”

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