Page 32 of Long Time Coming

I can’t seem to muster any defensive response because I already know that no one will get out of this mess unscathed.“I can’t win, can I?”

“Not if you give up so easily.”

I glance back at the truck. The doors were left open, and Beck sits in the front seat looking like he hopes I won’t notice. I close some of the gap between Pris and me, hoping we can set down our weapons and be on the same team again. “I’m not giving up. I’m facing reality. We shouldn’t have done that, and we both know it. Even though we started down a path, it’s one that hits a dead end.”

“Why?”

“Because I don’t live here, and I’m not moving back. My kid’s mother is in the city. Your brother will kill us. It’s an impossible situation. So it’s better to give us time and space, the distance needed to cool things between us.”

“So you walk away despite what you felt yesterday?” She crosses her arms over her chest and angles away from me. “Yeah, that will solve the issues.”

“We shouldn’t even have any issues, so if we’re being forced to solve them, then it’s a disservice not to acknowledge that this can’t happen between us.”

She lowers her arms to her sides, and disappointment wrecks her expression, souring the look on her face. “You’re probably right. There’s no use in trying to make something happen when it’s not meant to be.”

That doesn’t make me feel better. But I don’t think it was supposed to.

I nod, taking one last good look at her. “Maybe I’ll see you around next time I’m in town.”

“Yeah, you and Beck are always welcome on the ranch.” She shifts, and I think she senses this is goodbye like I do. “And thanks for filling in for Davey the past two days. You were more help than I gave you credit for.”

“I don’t need any credit. It was good to be back in the saddle and put some physical work in. Saved me a couple of trips to the gym as well.” I try to muster a smile but fail.

Her grin blooms like a flower for me. “There are no gyms in Peachtree Pass for a reason.”

“Now I know why.” I step up on the truck and steal one last lingering look. Her eyes latch onto mine like she knows what’s coming. “I’ll see you around, okay?”

She nods, shoving her hands in her pockets. “See you around, Tag.”

I get in not feeling any better than how the day got started. I’m used to it, though. The demands of work make most days run into the next. Beck climbed over the seat and buckled himself up in the back. I start the engine and turn the truck around without looking in the rearview mirror. It’s better for both of us if we leave things where they are instead of pretending we have more time to figure it out.

Heading toward the two-lane road that will lead me back to the house, I stop just on the other side of the cattle guard and look back at my son. I’d be a richer man if I’d made the bet. Beck’s fallen asleep, leaving me with my thoughts on the way back to my parents’ house.

We’re back at the house earlier tonight, which might be the reason I’m not as tired. My dad cracks open a beer as I walk with him to do the final round before night comes. He says, “You’re leaving tomorrow.” Not asking much. He never did.

But I answer anyway. “Yes, sir.”

“Joey stopped by to pick up some extra eggs from us.”

“Joey from high school?” I haven’t thought about him in years. He played football with Baylor and me. Caused some trouble but was a good friend. “What’s he up to?”

He takes one barn door while I take the other, and we close them at the same time. “He said he’ll be down at Whiskey’s later and said you should stop by.”

“I think I’m good.” I latch the barn doors closed and head back to the house with him.

“We’re not doing anything but watchingWheel of Fortuneand last week’s episode ofSurvivor.” On the porch, he says, “Can’t say we’ll be much fun.”

“I don’t mind. The days have gone fast.”

Patting my back, he says, “He seemed like he really wanted to see you. Think about it once we head to bed. I know you kids start your nights late. Nothing exciting will be going on here other than my snoring.”

“I’ll think about it.”

As soon as I walk in, my mom says, “Anna called to talk to Beckett.”

I would have rather been here, but she’s allowed to talk to her son. “How’d that go?”

“Seemed to go well. She talked to me before I handed over the phone.”

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