Page 75 of My Cowboy Freedom
“Which denomination do you belong to?”
I’d been raised a Catholic, but that was a nonstarter now. “Anywhere they don’t ask too many questions is fine.”
“Because you’re gay or because of prison? Or is there something else?”
My gut clenched. “I—”
“I’m not judging.” She held her hand up. “And I’m not going to repeat anything you say here, even to Rock.”
I wasn’t sure I believed her, but what choice did I have? “I attended Bible study every day inside. I guess I’m one of those people who need to hold on to something. I don’t know if you know—”
“Boss told me about your troubles. I’m so sorry for your family.”
“Do you remember when the Rocking C used to have something called Cowboy Church?”
She let her gaze drift past me. “Oh heavens, yes. I remember sitting in the meadow, singing hymns. The family used to celebrate Easter at sunrise with the hands and we’d hide eggs for the kids.”
My throat tight, I nodded. “I never forgot.”
“Lots of things changed after Mrs. Chandler left.”
But we had those good memories. “I read a poem for everyone one Sunday.”
“Did you?”
“Something about a brook?Men may come and men may go, but I go on forever...”
She smiled at that. “I need to know what’s happening between you and Rock.”
Her words made me feel like I’d crashed into a wall.
“How come?”
My mind was throwing possible scenarios. Was she accusing? Was she going to say I did something I didn’t? My heart started racing real hard. Was my friendship with—oh God, my attraction to—Rock going to be a deal breaker?
No fair. No fair.
I couldn’t be expected to figure on someone like Rock being here.
On him being so decent when he had every reason to shine me on.
Elena sighed. “You have inmate face right now.”
“What do you know about that?”
“I was married to one an awful lot like it for a while,” She said drily. “Well, to be fair, he was just a kid when I married him. He went to prison later.”
I nodded. “I’m sorry.”
“My son did time when he was seventeen years old too. Possession with intent to distribute and resisting arrest. So I’d say I know more about the penal system than I’d like.”
“Sorry.”
“That was a long time ago. But you should know I’m no bleeding heart. They put men in prison for a reason. So now you have that on me. Are you worried more about being gay, or an ex-con?”
“I’m gayandI just got out of prison so I doubt your local church ladies will be lining up to sit next to me.” I looked her right in the eye. “I’m also fully aware it’s not something the Boss approves of.”
“But you like my boy?”
