Page 66 of Grady

“Damn it, I don’t want to argue with you. I just don’t trust him.”

“Do you think I do?” she said through clenched teeth.

“Do you still have feelings for him?”

“No. He killed that, and I told him so, and that is another question you shouldn’t have to ask,” Vanna’s voice held a firm conviction, though her heart still ached with the memories of their past and the way Kirk had hurt her. She didn’t care one iota about that man. He had killed any feelings she had for him.

“I think it’s best I go for now,” Grady said.

“I totally agree.” She hung up, then tossed her phone onto the sofa.

Chapter Ten

Grady let out a deep sigh as he set his phone down on the arm of the recliner. The weight of his mistake settled heavily on his shoulders, and he knew he had just made a big mess with Savannah.

“Fuck,” he exclaimed, his frustration bubbling over as he stood up from the chair.

He paced around the living room, trying to think of a way to make it up to her. He knew he was in the wrong and was man enough to admit it, but getting her to forgive him would be a challenge. He knew she needed time to cool off, but telling a woman to calm down was never a good idea. He remembered his father making that mistake with his mother and how it only made things worse. A small chuckle escaped him at the memory, reminding him not to make the same mistake.

He needed some time away, away from everything and everyone. Grabbing his phone, he called Warren to ask for a week off. With most of the cattle already moved and maintenance being the only task left on the ranch for a while, he knew they could manage without him for a week. Next, he called Maverick to let him know about his plans to leave town for a bit. Finally, he called his mother to ask if it would be alright for him to visit them at their cabin in Kalispell.

“We’re actually at the cabin right now, so of course you can come visit!” his mother’s voice echoed through the phone.

Early Saturday morning, Grady loaded his duffle bag into his pickup truck and hit the road toward Kalispell. The familiar drive brought back memories of when he first arrived in Clifton, searching for job opportunities. He had stumbled upon The Feed Store where local ranches and farms posted job openings. As he stood in front of the bulletin board, he had a clear idea of what hewanted - to work on a cattle ranch. He had spent many summers helping out on his uncle’s ranch before his passing, and was well-versed in the operations of a ranch.

He couldn’t help but grin as he remembered standing next to Robert Coleman, the owner of the Triple C Ranch, while they both scanned through the postings. Robert had noticed him and struck up a conversation.

“Looking for work, son?” Robert’s deep voice boomed.

Grady nodded. “Yes, sir. I’m interested in working at a cattle ranch.”

“Do you have any experience?”

“I worked at my uncle’s ranch from the age of twelve until his passing last year.”

“I’m sorry for your loss. Are you from Clifton?”

“No, sir. I’m from Missoula.”

“I see. Are you looking for summer work or something more permanent?”

“Something permanent,” Grady replied confidently.

Robert extended his hand for a handshake. “I’m Robert Coleman, owner of the Triple C Ranch here in Clifton. It’s one of the largest ranches in the state.”

“It’s great to meet you, sir. I’m Grady Henderson.”

“How old are you, Grady?”

“Eighteen, sir.”

With a smile, Robert handed him a business card. “Come to the address on this card tomorrow morning at ten, and we’ll chat. I’m always in need of experienced ranch hands,” he said.

Grady took the card gratefully, his fingers tracing over the embossed lettering. His heart swelled with gratitude for the unexpected opportunity. “Thank you, Mr. Coleman. I will definitely be there, sir,” he replied earnestly.

As Robert left the store, Grady couldn’t help but feel hopeful and excited about the potential job offer. He gazed down at thecard in his hand, envisioning a future where he could use his skills and hard work on a ranch once again.

Returning to reality, Grady shook his head in disbelief. He never would have imagined that a chance encounter could lead to such a promising opportunity. Robert Coleman was not only kind and generous, but also a shrewd businessman who recognized talent when he saw it.

---