Page 25 of Don't Trust the Cowboy

“That sounds perfect. Well, if you ladies need anything, just holler out here. I’ve got a lot of work to do. It was nice meeting you.” He says, tipping his hat again.

“It was nice meeting you.” They say in unison. Jade and Crystal could pass for twins in their seemingly shared demeanor. However, physically, they look quite different. Jade with short, dark hair and blue eyes, and Crystal with long, blonde hair and green eyes. Jade is a full head taller than Crystal, too, but it’s like they’re twins on the inside.

“Come on into the house. I’ll show you the place.” I offer, gesturing towards the door. I use the foot trick, and both girls give me a look, but I don’t comment.

“God, Piper, Billy is so nice.” Crystal comments.

“He is. He’s the sweetest.” I agree, as we enter the house.

“Oh, it’s cozy.” Jade says, looking around at the living room, where the fireplace is. “Like a little cottage, only slightly bigger.”

“Exactly. I don’t know why Billy thinks it’s a shack.” I agree.

“Yeah, with a little paint, some new flooring and windows, this place would sparkle.” Crystal adds.

“I don’t know if he plans on putting any more money into this house, since he’s building a new one.” I inform.

“That’s such a shame. I love old farmhouses.” Jade interjects.

“Me, too.” Crystal smiles.

“Yeah, well, now you get to clean this place.” I say flippantly.

We take a seat at the kitchen table. Crystal asks. “So, are you still living in your car?” She didn’t tell her folks about me living out of my car. I was too embarrassed. I couldn’t stand the pitiful expressions. It’s bad enough that they felt sorry for me for losing my parents. And part of that is guilt on my part. I feel guilty that I don’t miss them a whole lot. I did run away from them for a reason. Although I am hesitant to tell the truth, Crystal picks up on the hesitation. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

Jade leans in, putting on her maternal, sympathetic hat. “Yeah, how are you doing, anyway?”

I hate that tone. It makes me feel pathetic anytime anyone ever addresses me with it. “I’m fine. Actually, I’m staying here with Billy.”

Both girls’ eyes bulge. “You’re....staying here? But isn’t that weird?” Jade asks. “He’s your boss.”

Eye roll. “Don’t you think I know that? He found out I was living in my car and he was having none of it. He brought up a good point, too, that word would get around town that a vagrant was taking care of his books. That’s all he needs, so he offered for me to live here temporarily, and pay him rent out of my paycheck.”

Both girls glance at each other and nod. “Well, that’s valid.” Crystal states, agreeing. “And as long as you’re paying him rent, it doesn’t make it weird.”

Jade draws in a deep breath and releases it. “It shouldn’t take long to get this place in top shape. When can I start?”

“Whenever your classes let you, Jade. I mean, Billy doesn’t want this to come between your schoolwork anymore than your folks want it to.”

“I don’t have class on Thursdays, and I’m free Monday evenings. Will that work?”

“Of course.” I nod. “Hey, do you guys want a tea or something?”

“No, thanks.” Crystal says. “We can only stay for a minute. I’ve got to get back for school, I just wanted to come by and see how you were doing.”

“Okay. I’ve got work and a class tonight, too. So, I'll see you later?”

“Sure.” Both girls say.

“I’ll be by on Thursday.” Jade confirms.

“Of course. I’ll see you then.”

I walk the girls out and work for another hour, before making lunch, and getting ready for school. Billy comes in and sees me at the table, punching in some things on the laptop. “Your friends didn’t stay long.” He observes.

“No, they just wanted to pop by, and Jade wanted to meet you first before starting work here. They both have classes, and I do, too, so I’m off shortly. I’ll be working tonight, too, so I’ll be back late. Do you have a spare key?”

He waves. “I’ll be up, darlin’. Not to worry.”

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