Page 140 of Fire and Icing

“If you say so.”

“I do. I’m not running away from Dustin. If you’ll notice, I’m right here in Waterford. He’s the one thinking about leaving. Not me.”

“Just don’t forget to leave a note for the boy who’s going to think you still live upstairs.”

Chapter 30

Dustin

I would travel to the ends of the earth to find you,

because you’re a part of me now …

~ S. M. Soto

I never thoughtI’d see the day I was riding an ATV, herding cattle.

Patrick, Greyson and I showed up at dawn on our day off to help Cody and his family move the herd to the summer pasture. We sorted the cattle, and now we’re riding along, flanking the herd as the animals meander at a pace that makes me wonder why I’m on anything with a motor. It’s slow. The sun is high and we’re about to break for lunch. Two cowhands stay with the grazing herd. We dismount from our ATVs and meet Cody’s mom when she pulls up in a pickup towing a trailer. She sets out a meal and we dig in.

“Dustin?” Patrick pulls me aside.

“Yeah?”

“I think you should share your big news with Grey and Cody.”

“I don’t know.”

He nods, indicating he’s sure I should. Then he tips his chin in the direction where Cody and Greyson are leaned back against the side of the pickup eating their sandwiches.

I walk over toward them, still unsure about whether or how to insert myself into their conversation.

“Dustin’s got some news, guys,” Patrick says from behind me.

So much for uncertainty.

“Yeah? What is it?” Cody asks.

“Well, after the gig a few weeks ago, a guy from Nashville approached me. We talked. He wants me to come record a demo.”

“What?” Cody says loudly. “You’re kidding! That’s incredible!” Then he whoops and steps in to hug me and clap me on the back. “Well, remember us little people when you’re hitting the big time.”

“It’s just a demo,” I say.

“Good job, Rookie,” Greyson says. “You’ve got what it takes. Congratulations.”

“Thanks, Greyson.”

“So, tell us everything,” Cody says. “Man, oh man. This is huge. How did you not talk about this sooner?”

“I’ve been … getting used to the idea.”

“Heck, yeah,” Cody says. “Dustin Reed. Remember that name, boys.”

“We’ll remember it because we see it every day on the roster at the station,” Greyson says.

“Nah,” Cody’s beaming. “When he hits it big, he’s not going to be fighting fires. Are you, Dustin?”

“I don’t really know yet.”

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