Page 24 of My Cowboy Freedom
“Now, wait. There are men who would see your... condition... for lack of a better—”
“UncleSterling.” My face was now officially on fire. I called him uncle out of habit. Out of affection, but we aren’t related. Right then, I was kind of glad for that. “Which condition are you talking about? The epilepsy or thegay?”
“Now son, you know my policy on that subject.”
“Right. Your policy islightning made me gayand we don’t talk about that.”
“No.” His gaze turned stern. “My policy isifwe don’t talk about it, I won’tbe forcedto tell your parents you haven’t given up on this... delusion you have.”
“Delusion?” I sputtered. “I’m delusional now because—”
“For fuck’s sake. Nottonight,boy.” He turned away to drop his pipe into the ashtray.
At his brusque tone, Maisy barked. I hushed her and put her into a down between us, where I could pet her.
“My head is throbbing, Rock,” Chandler complained. “Just tell me how Skyler seemed to you.”
“He seemed like an ordinary, okay guy.” That wasn’t the whole truth, but it was all I gave him.
He rubbed his temple again. “That’s good. But let the older hands handle him, and you keep on doing what you’ve been doing to help Elena out. I saw the gardens when I came in. Looks like those pumpkins are going to be winners again this year.”
While I was still keeping myself from saying anything I’d regret, Chandler excused himself and left for bed.
So much for all that simpatico we had going for us.
Sterling Chandler would offer me whiskey to save my ego while at the same time telling me not to worry my big, fat rock-head about cowboy business.
Real men’s business...
I glared at the door long after he left.
