Page 89 of When the Storm Breaks
“Drink up. Might be the last time I buy you a drink. Second thought, wait for Jude.”
I looked over my shoulder as Jude strode in, to the tune of Johnny Cash’s “I Walk the Line” blasting from the speakers. Knowing him, he probably thought that was his theme song.
Colleen set a beer and a shot on the bar for him too. He gave her a smile and leaned across the bar to give her a hug. Colleen’s son, Reese had enlisted in the Marines with Jude but hadn’t been as lucky. He’d died in combat, and Jude had been right there with him, so he and Colleen shared a special bond.
“What’s the big news?” he asked Austin.
Austin lifted his shot glass, and we did the same, waiting to hear what we were drinking to. The last time he’d called us to celebrate at The Roadhouse, it was to tell us he was getting a divorce.
“You’re looking at the newest member of Texas A&M’s coaching team.”
“Holy shit. Who did you have to sleep with to get that job?” I asked.
Jude laughed and we congratulated Austin then downed our shots. Only then did it really sink in. He wouldn’t be here to coach the high school team this year. And Texas A&M was a two-and-a-half-hour drive from here. Doubtful he’d be commuting. “What about Walker? Is he cool with it?”And what about Ridge?
“I wouldn’t say he’s thrilled but he understands. I never wanted to work on the ranch. The only reason I came back home was to help out my old man. After he died, I felt like it was my duty to keep things running. But it’s not the life I want. And now that my dad’s gone, my mom’s talking about selling.”
I took a pull of my beer, thinking about his words. “You’re looking to sell the ranch?”
He nodded. “It’s a shitload of work. I don’t gotta tell you that. She’d love nothing more than to sell it to you.”
“Yeah, well, I don’t have the money.”
“I know, man. Just wish you did.”
So did I. The Armacosts owned a couple hundred acres of beautiful land and it was practically in my backyard.
“I’d lend you the money if I had it,” Jude said. And I knew he would. Same as I would for him. But neither of us would ever accept the offer. “Why don’t you give Gideon a call. He might be able to figure something out.”
“Nah. I’ve already asked him for too many favors.”
“If…when… we decide to sell, I’ll let you know before it goes on the market,” Austin said. “You never know. Your fortune might change by then. You might win the lottery.”
“I’d have to buy a ticket to win.”
“When are you leaving?” Jude asked Austin.
“Beginning of August. When this opportunity came up, it was too good to pass up.”
“You have to do what’s right for you. The ranch was your old man’s dream, never yours,” Jude said.
Austin nodded. “Damn leg.”
“Fucking lousy break.” Jude shook his head and took a swig of his beer.
“Very punny.” Austin laughed. At least he could joke about it now.
In college, Austin had been the wide receiver for Texas A&M. He was supposed to get drafted into the NFL but at the start of his final season, a fractured tibia and fibula ended his football career. That was how he ended up back on the ranch he’d wanted to get away from.
“So… how’s your girl doing?” Austin asked me.
I took a pull of my beer. “I’m sure she’s doing just fine.”
“What the hell does that mean?” Jude asked, his eyes narrowing on me.
“You don’t understand English now? You need me to translate?”
“I don’t understand Brody talk. Because it sounded like you don’t have a fucking clue how she’s doing.”
