Page 7 of Saddles and Snowstorms
Rowan
On Saturday afternoon, by some miracle, I closed the vet office on time. Then, exhaustion seeping clear down to my bones, I dragged myself across the street to Dolly’s Diner. The moment the bell overhead tinkled announcing my presence, Dolly looked up with a giant smile on her face.
“Well, look at what the cat dragged in!” she grinned, waving her bright red acrylics my direction. “Bless your heart! You look like you’ve been rode hard and put up wet. Come on in and let’s fix that!”
I nodded, unable to stop myself from smiling as I stepped up to the counter and took a seat at one of the high barstools. I crossed my arms and put my head down on the cold surface, ready to fall asleep right there. The thunk of ceramic announced the coffee mug Dolly sat down in front of me. She began to fill it up, the scent of fresh coffee filling my nostrils.
“I can’t tell if you look worn out or like you just finished runnin’ from the law—should I grab you a drink or an alibi?”
“Coffee’s fine,” I grumbled, picking my head up just enough to smile at her. “Long week.”
“I can understand that, sugar. I don’t think I’ve seen the parking lot empty at your office since you opened Monday.” She reached under the counter, pulling out a small bowl full of creamer pods. She knew I likedmy coffee a bit on the sweeter side. “You just sit here and drink your coffee. I’ll put the order in for your dinner.”
“But I didn’t tell you what I wanted…”
“Honey, the only thing that’s gonna fix those dark circles is a steak. Trust me.”
“Bless you, Dolly,” I mumbled, dumping three creamers into my coffee and stirring it with more concentration than necessary. The rich brown liquid swirled hypnotically, and I felt myself drifting until Dolly’s voice snapped me back.
“So, tell me what’s got you lookin’ like death warmed over,” she said, leaning her ample bosom against the counter. “Is it just the usual critters or something more?”
I took a long sip of coffee before answering. “Three emergency C-sections on prize cows, one colicky stallion worth more than my student loans, and Mrs. Hargrove’s goddamn cat ate another sock.” I rubbed my eyes. “Plus, the Richardson ranch had some kind of parasite outbreak.”
“The Richardson place?” Dolly whistled low. “That new foreman they got must be runnin’ himself ragged too.”
“He sure is.” I took a sip of the coffee, savoring the warmth as it ran down my throat. “Oh, and I had two more calves this week too. One for Earl Smith and the other out at Brooks Callahan’s place. Earl’s kept me up all damn night, but Brooks did most of the work himself.”
Dolly nodded. “He’s used to that sort of thing. Being a hermit, you gotta be self-reliant.”
“I mentioned that you call him a hermit,” I grinned, glancing up at her. “He didn’t seem to like that.”
“Well, it’s the truth one way or another,” she sighed. “And he’s still deliverin’ beef, so I guess I’m not in the dungeon just yet.”
“You were right about him being handsome too.” I took another sip. “Kinda standoffish though, isn’t he?”
Dolly sighed. “Life ain’t exactly been kind to him. But he’s doin’ the best he can, just like the rest of us.”
The bell above the door jingled, and I didn’t need to turn around to know who had just walked in. Something in the way Dolly’s eyes widened told me everything.
“Speak of the devil,” she whispered, her red nails tapping excitedly on the counter.
I kept my eyes fixed on my coffee, suddenly finding the swirling cream fascinating. The heavy footfalls behind me were slow, deliberate, like a man who never rushed for anyone. The scent of leather, hay, and something earthy—something distinctly male—drifted over me before he even spoke.
“Afternoon, Dolly.” His deep voice rumbled through the diner, that Texas drawl stretching each syllable like warm honey.
“Well, Brooks Callahan!” Dolly’s voice went up an octave. “Twice in one month? Must be my lucky day.”
I could feel him standing behind me now, his presence as solid as a wall. I took another sip of coffee, wondering if I should acknowledge him or pretend I hadn’t just been talking about him.
“Just came to drop off your order,” Brooks said. “Just got that steer back from the butcher this mornin’. Want me to just take it around back?”
“Sure,” she smiled brightly. “I’ll have Leroy get it all in the freezer. So why don’t you come in and have a cup of coffee while you’re waitin’? It’s on the house.”
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Brooks glance my direction. “I… uh…”
“Brooks Callahan,” she said, placing her hands on her hips. “I ain’t heard hardly hide nor hair from you in a month. Last time you didn’t even chat with me. That’s not very neighborly now, is it?”
“I don’t know…”
