Page 23 of Whiskey and Wildfire

“Mom, that’s... unexpected,” I managed to say, my mind racing. “Where are you staying?”

“Oh, don’t you worry about that, honey. I’ve got a room at the Sagebrush Inn for now. I just wanted to surprise you!” Her voice was chipper, but I could hear a hint of uncertainty underneath.

I took a deep breath, trying to process everything. “Well, you certainly succeeded there. How long are you planning to stay?”

“I’m not sure yet,” she replied. “I thought I’d play it by ear. Maybe look around, see what Sagebrush has to offer. Who knows? I might even decide to settle down here!”

The idea of my mother living in Sagebrush sent a jolt of panic through me. Don’t get me wrong, I loved her, but the thought of her being so close, potentially prying into every aspect of my life, was terrifying.

“Settle down here?” I echoed, my voice cracking slightly. “Mom, are you sure that’s a good idea? I mean, what about your job at the tribal center?”

“Oh, I can work remotely for now,” she said breezily. “And who knows? Maybe I’ll find something new here. It’s time for a change, don’t you think?”

I swallowed hard, trying to keep the panic out of my voice. “Yeah, I guess so. But Mom, Sagebrush is pretty different from the reservation. Are you sure you’ll be happy here?”

“I’m sure I’ll be happier than I was with your father,” she said, her tone hardening slightly. “Besides, I miss you, honey. We hardly ever see each other anymore.”

Guilt twisted in my gut. It was true, I hadn’t been home much in the past few years.

“Mom… people around here… well, they aren’t exactly fond of people like us. Nobody hardly talks to me as it is.”

“You telling me that this town isn’t gonna like having a Cherokee princess in town?” she joked, her voice high and girlish.

“Everyone in town thinks they’re related to one,” I sighed. “So maybe.”

“Well, I’ll set them straight, don’t you worry about me. I’ve got a lifetime of experience dealing with white folks who don’t know better. I ain’t bothered one bit.”

“Are you sure?”

There was a long pause. “Do you want me to go somewhere else?”

Guilt flooded my chest, and I cleared my throat. “No. Of course not. I just… well, I had to leave home for a reason you know.”

“Honey,” she said gently, but firmly. “I don’t give a rat’s hairy nutsack what kind of people you date. You’re my son. That’s all that matters.” She paused for a moment. “I… I hope you haven’t been thinking this entire time that I didn’t support you.”

“I didn’t know,” I whispered, feeling tears come to my eyes. “Or at least, I wasn’t sure.”

“I’m sorry honey,” she replied at last. “I should’ve said something. When your father drove you off… I did everything I could to change his mind. But you know how he is.”

“Yeah. I know.”

“I’ve always been on your side, baby. Don’t ever doubt that.”

I was glad she couldn’t see the tears falling down my cheeks. “Thanks Mom.”

“Of course. Now, where is this ranch of yours? I’m in town right now and I’d like to take my boy out to lunch.”

“You don’t have to?—”

“That wasn’t a request,” she interrupted. “What ranch is it? Barker? Beluga?”

“Baker Ranch.”

“Got it. Can you text me the address?”

“Sure thing.”

“See you in a half hour. I can’t wait to hug you!”

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