Page 50 of Don't Trust the Cowboy

“Good. I’m almost done.”

I know that it’s time to tell her the truth. And not about Billy, either. Aunt Kay doesn’t know about the house, about me living in my car, however temporary, and of course, she doesn’t know that I’m now living with Billy, and madly in love with him. I hate dropping a bomb on her, but it’s much better this way, now that I’m settled and happy, for however short a time. If I was to tell her when I was living out of my car, it would have been much worse.

“Good. Good.” She looks great. Always does. Aunt Kay walks every day on her treadmill, listening to music, she attends so many groups and classes, keeps herself social. She’s the best. “So, tell me something new, something different.” This is her thing that helps her stay positive. We do this every time we see each other.

“Well, I got a job, and I got my friend Jade a job there, too.”

She’s impressed. Her pearly white teeth show as she smiles warmly. “That’s wonderful.”

“Yeah, and it’s good, because I’m not working for Hank anymore. Tina finally convinced him to give me the axe.”

She shakes her head. “Well, darlin’, it sounds like you’re better off without them. Tell me about this new job.”

“I’m working on a ranch. Well, it’s not quite a ranch yet, it’s a startup.”

She’s very impressed. “Oh, that’s right up your alley, Piper. Good for you.”

“It’s beautiful. You would love it. Billy’s building a larger ranch house for guests, and his horse just had a baby, and he’s got another horse being delivered tomorrow.” I know I’m rambling, but Aunt Kay is radiant with happiness, and I can’t help it.

“I’m so happy for you, sweetheart. If anyone on this earth deserves it, it’s you.”

“So, it’s your turn.” I prompt.

“Well, I met someone. A man.” She clarifies. “We’re just friends for now, but we’ll see what happens.”

My eyes widen. I’m giddy I’m so shocked. This, I did not expect. “Really? Well, I didn’t know that you were looking.”

“I wasn’t, love. We’ve known of each other for a while. I’ve heard about him here and there through my social club and some friends, too, but it was only just a week or two ago that he asked me to breakfast, and we went to lunch together yesterday. I’ve got a dinner date with him tonight.”

“A date?” I ask, impressed.

She smiles. “Yes, a date.”

“So, tell me about him.” I sit down, making myself comfortable. Aunt Kay rises and makes some tea. It’s crazy how she has her place set up so that she can find everything. If one didn’t know already, she could easily let her blindness slip by them. And she’s very gentle about asking for help, which is almost never.

“Well, we’re the same age, and he was born in El Paso, but he moved here to Dallas for work. He’s a teacher, and so sweet. He didn’t even know that I was blind until he asked me to tell him what number was on the ticket he picked up for the fifty-fifty draw they had at the social club.”

“And he didn’t get weird about it?”

“Well, he asked me out on a date, didn’t he?” She says, almost proud of herself.

“I guess you’re right.” I snuffle a laugh. Aunt Kay is such a happy person. I really hate to bring her down, but it’s time that I told her what really happened. She hands me my tea and sits across from me, on her small, two-seater kitchen table. The leaf on one side is let down, only to be brought up for special occasions. “Aunt Kay, I’ve got something to tell you.”

She takes a sip of her tea. I wait for her to swallow. “Piper, if this is about your folks’ house, I already know, darlin’.”

I stop breathing. “What?”

“Sweetheart, do you really think that I’ve gone all these years not talking to any of my sister’s neighbors?” She touches my hand. “Now, I know that y’all didn’t tell me because you don’t want me to worry, but darlin’, I really wish you would have. Now, are y’all staying with Jade and Crystal? Because I’ve got plenty of room. You could have stayed with me. ‘Lan sakes, you’re family. You’re not putting me out any.”

My eyes are downcast with shame. I leave out the part where I lived in my car for a month, but I figure that there’s no time like the present. “I’m living at the ranch, Aunt Kay. Where I’m working. Billy offered me a room for a hundred dollars a month and I couldn’t refuse.”

“Well, good on you, then. And this Billy is trustworthy?”

“It’s more him trusting me, Aunt Kay. It’s his ranch. His livelihood. Nothing I have is worth anything, other than what’s inside my head.” I pause. “I’m surprised mama’s neighbor didn’t have the goods on me already if she knew about the house.” I tut, irritated.

She dodges the comment. “Piper, nobody’s going to tell you how to live your life, honey, but just make sure that you know you’ve still got family. You don’t have to live anywhere y’all don’t feel comfortable living. It’s no mind to me if you need a place to stay.”

“So you knew.” I say flatly.

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