Page 140 of My Cowboy Freedom
Chapter 33
Sky
No matter how worried we were about the boss, no matter what happened to Rock, over the next few days, we had plenty of hard work to keep us busy.
We took turns riding out to check the stock, feed the animals. We looked after the property and the wildlife on it. I pitched in wherever Foz thought he could use me. Took over a lot of Rock’s chores.
I fed and cared for the goats, pigs, and chickens.
I tended his garden as best as I knew how.
We got daily reports on the boss’s condition—he was stable. Recovering from the surgery. But with a traumatic brain injury like his, there was going to be a real long recuperation process. Every moment was touch-and-go.
It was going to be a long time before we knew if the boss would ever be able to go back to work.
Everyone’s nerves were frayed as hell.
Plus, I’d heard nothing from Rock since that first night.
All my calls went to voice mail. He never answered my texts. I started worrying after three days.
On the fourth, I decided to do something about it.
A single light burned in the ranch house kitchen. I figured I’d find Foz there, making himself a cup of tea, since that’s where he went most nights.
“What are you still doing up?” He glanced at me from where he stood by the sink. “Want some?”
“No, thanks. Got a minute?”
“Sure.” He tossed his tea bag into the trash before meeting me at the table. “What’s on your mind?”
“Have you heard anything from Rock?” I took a seat facing him and removed my hat. It gave me something to do with my hands.
“Elena says he’s back home and his folks are real glad to see him.” He picked up his tea, took a sip, and winced before stirring it again, making his teaspoon tick rhythmically against the sides of the mug. “How come you ask?”
“We talked the night he left.” I took out my phone. “He called from the road.”
“How’d he sound? Okay?”
“Sure, but he hasn’t called since. He doesn’t answer my texts either.”
Judging from the expression on his face his second sip was more pleasant.
“You guys saw each other a few days ago. Don’t you figure he’ll call when he can?”
There was sympathy on Foz’s face. I probably looked like a dumbass. A guy bent out of shape because his boyfriend—or whatever—hadn’t called for a couple of days.
I just had a feeling, is all. And if I were to go out on a limb for anyone, I’d do it for Rock.
I’d open a vein for Rock.
None of that crystalized for me until right then, though...
“We should have heard something more from him by now.” Despite how needy it made me sound, I persisted. “If Rock’s been in touch with Elena, then it’s fine, yeah? But if she hasn’t heard anything either—”
“Did you ask her?”
I shook my head. “I figured I’d talk to you first. I don’t want to sound likesome hookup who don’t know when the party’s over.”
