Page 15 of Pitch for You

“No, of course not. He looks forward to hanging out with you and it’s good for him to have someone to look up to too.”

I nodded and she turned to leave.

“I should get Max home. It's getting late.”

I caught her hand. “I’m glad you came.”

She squeezed my hand. “Me too.”

As I watched her gather Max and say goodbye to Rich and Cassandra, there was a glimmer of hope. Maybe this was our progress. Slow and steady.

After they left, I started cleaning up, my mind replaying every moment of the evening. Rich and Cassandra helped, but they were itching to leave and give me some space.

“You did good today, buddy,” Rich said as they headed out. “Real good.”

“Thanks, man. For everything.”

As I closed the door behind them, I sighed. The house felt empty now, the silence almost deafening after the people filling it. I grabbed another beer and headed out to the back porch, settling into a chair and staring up at the stars.

My phone buzzed in my pocket.

Max is already asking when we can come back. Thank you for tonight.

I typed out a reply, deleted it and then typed again.

Anytime.

I saw the three little dots and patiently waited.

Maybe we could do this again sometime? Just the three of us?

My heart raced.

I'd love that.

Maybe, just maybe, things were starting to look up.

9

Sofia

A plume of dust swirled in the air as a sleek black car pulled up to the Walters' ranch, its tires crunching over the gravel. The door opened with a soft click, and out stepped Roger Adams, a middle-aged businessman with slicked-back hair and a sharp suit. He surveyed the land.

“Beautiful property you've got here,” he said, his voice smooth and ingratiating as he approached me. “It would make a fine addition to my collection.”

I stood my ground, arms crossed and eyes blazing with defiance. My long, brunette hair whipped around in the warm breeze. As tough and independent as I was, the land bore the weight of my family's legacy, and I refused to relinquish it without a fight.

“Mr. Adams, I already told you as did my mom before me. This ranch isn't for sale. My family built it from the ground up and I intend to keep it in the family.”

“Ah, but think of the possibilities,” Roger persisted, a sly smile playing on his lips. “The money you'd make from selling could set you up for life. You could move to the city, give your son a better education, a brighter future.”

“Max is happy here,” I retorted, gritting my teeth as I thought of him, who had come to love the ranch as much as I did. “We both are. This land means more to me than just a price tag. It's where I grew up, where my family taught me everything I know. The memories we've made here are priceless.”

I uncrossed my arms and clenched my fists at my sides, fighting the urge to lash out at this man who threatened everything I held dear. “I will not sell our legacy to satisfy your greed.”

“Stubborn woman,” Roger muttered under his breath, his smirk faltering for a moment. He straightened his tie and cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure. “You're making a mistake.”

“Maybe so,” I admitted, my eyes never leaving his. “But it's my mistake to make. Now, if you don't mind, I have work to do.” With that, I turned on my heel and marched back towards the ranch house, leaving Roger Adams standing in the hot sun, his hands balled into fists.

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