Page 71 of The Love Lie
Cooper:My father is very private. What do you want to know?
Sam:Where does the Dunne come from?
Cooper:There were two separate ranches until 1935 when Rebecca Dunne and George Kelley eloped. Very Romeo and Juliet. Her father wouldn’t honor the marriage unless his name stayed on the land. According to our family lore, there’s some contract somewhere stating every firstborn son needs to have both names too. Hence, Cooper Dunne Kelley. And my father, Francis Dunne Kelley.
Sam:How very patriarchal of you.
Cooper:I wouldn’t mind having a little Susie Dunne Kelley running around either.
Sam:Susie, huh?
Cooper:It’s my imaginary daughter. Butt out.
Cooper:Unless, of course, you’re hoping to be an active participant in this possible scenario…
Sam:Next question.
Sam:What kind of animals do you have? Aside from Nutcracker, of course.
Cooper:Aww, you remember her name? That’s sweet, Cuj. She’d be touched.
Sam:No she wouldn’t.
Cooper:How do you know?
Sam:Because you have a type.
Sam:Jealous assholes.
Cooper:Speaking from personal experience?
Sam:The animals, cowboy.
Cooper:Mostly cattle. But also sheep and goats. Other work horses. Some chickens and turkeys but not for commercial purposes. Barn cats. Two Australian shepherds, Harley andScout, though they prefer to stay with my dad. We’re a motley crew.
Sam:And will I meet your dad?
Cooper:You don’t want to. Trust me.
Sam:What sort of activities do you have planned for me?
Cooper:I’d rather not say.
Sam:How far from the airport is the ranch?
Cooper:You’ll see when you get here.
Sam:Is there a reason you’re suddenly acting cagey?
Cooper:What do you think?
Sam:You’re up to something.
Cooper:Me? Never.
Sam:Just tell me.
Cooper:Where’s the fun in that?
