Page 26 of My Cowboy Freedom
“It is good to see you, kid.” His smile had dimmed somewhat. “I guess you ain’t a kid no more. You look just like your dad looked at your age. God that brings back memories.”
Pleased, I nodded. “I’ve been told that.”
“How you settling in here?” His stride was so long I had to run to catch up.
“I didn’t sleep much.”
“Don’t you worry about that none.” I hoped he was heading for the ranch house and some food. “Pretty soon you’ll be working so hard that sleeping will be the last thing you have to worry about.”
I had no doubt of it. “I’m sure, sir.”
“If you’re going to help us move the herd tomorrow, we’ve got to get you some gear. Tad will drive you into Bitterroot so you can get what you need. You all right with that?”
I hesitated. I hadn’t opened ’Nando’s envelope yet. I wasn’t ready. How much was in there? “I’ve got some cash, but I’m probably going to have to wait until I start earning before I buy gear. You can make me a list of the things you think I’ll need. I’ll get the bare essentials as soon as I can.”
“Yeah, no.” He stopped, and gave me a hard stare. “I need you on a horse, moving cattle, tomorrow. And to do that, you’ll need the proper gear. So Tad will get you set up, and we’ll hold back some of your pay, say... twenty percent each envelope until it’s paid off. Sound fair?”
“I can’t let you—”
“Are you arguing with me already?” His tone was light but his eyes were serious. “I told you how it’s gotta be because I need you up to speed, ready to work tomorrow.”
“But—”
“That was your cue, son. You’re supposed to say, ‘Yessir.’”
“Yessir. I’ll get the essentials.”
“Good. That’s settled, then.”
I followed the boss down the trail to the ranch house where Elena was getting breakfast ready. One by one, the men came bumbling in like cold wasps.
We sat around drinking coffee and eating breakfast burritos while light cracked the horizon. Some of the hands left for the barn, but Chandler and I went back for seconds. Elena’s cooking was going to spoil me. Scrambled eggs and beans and rice with fresh tortillas. Fresh salsa bursting with heat.
After a few minutes, I recognized Julio on the back of the mare Tad’d brushed down the day before, Goldie. The boss headed over to give him some last-minute instructions.
“Morning,” Tad lifted his coffee mug in greeting.
“Morning.” I refilled my mug and tested the temperature before taking a big sip. I sat down across from him.
“Did the boss tell you? You and me are heading into town today.”
I spoke between swallows. “Shopping. Yeah.”
“Don’t sound so excited.”
I glanced up. “Since when is shopping exciting? I hate it.”
“Yeah. Me too.” He looked around like he wanted to make sure no one could overhear. “But my girl works at Dent’s.”
“I get how it is.” I ribbed him. “There’s a woman involved.”
“Duh.” He shot me a look. “The town is kinda cool too. You’ll see what I mean.”
The boss was still talking to Julio, whose horse danced beneath him, eager to be on the move. You could hear Chandler’s voice over everyone else’s. “I’ll get the trucks ready and call the McCaslin boys. Make sure they know to be on the access road at first light tomorrow.”
“Got it.” Julio reined his horse around to join the rest of the riders. As they headed out, we watched.
“Okay, Tad.” The boss turned his attention back to us. “You take the Bronco.”
