Page 41 of Someone to Hold
“Of course.” He nods and adjusts the thick black frames perched on his nose. “Skylark’s loss is the Albuquerque community’s gain. My wife will be sad not to have your flowers on our table all summer.”
I nod. “Thank you for saying that but?—”
“For the record, Dad and I both told Linda that the farmwould sell quick. She doesn’t need to make the deal with Chase Calhoun. I get that she has sentimental feelings, given his friendship with Teddy, but she’s leaving money on the table. I’m sure of it.”
I blink and glance up at the blue sky overhead, then blink again when spots appear in front of my vision like I’ve been looking at the sun for hours.
“I’m not sure I follow, Bryson. What deal with Chase?”
“The plan to sell it to him as a pocket listing.” He looks at me like I’m slow on the uptake, and when I don’t respond he continues, “Because he’s helping you and the kids while she’s away.”
My heart begins hammering in my chest, but Bryson’s smile widens.
“You don’t have to pretend with me. Linda made it clear Chase doesn’t want to publicize their agreement because he’s not ready for word to spread that he’s retiring. I haven’t told a soul.”
I find myself nodding even though there’s nothing remotely agreeable about the words coming out of his mouth.
“Chase Calhoun is retiring,” I repeat. “And buying my—Linda’s farm.”
“It’s hard to believe, right? I can’t help thinking he’s going to change his mind,” Bryson says. “I guess even the best bull riders have to hang up their chaps or spurs or whatever they hang up at some point. It’s a big get for Skylark that a hometown hero like Chase wants to settle here.”
He leans closer. “If the wife and I got to choose, we’d pick you both. Have you considered leasing part of the farm from him for your flower operation?”
“We haven’t discussed that.” My voice is hollow because everything I considered is like crops decimated by a hailstorm after what Bryson just shared.
I don’t know why it’s such a shock, but Chase knows thatIwant to buy the farm. There’s no guarantee I’ll succeed, but heknows I’m trying. Here I am, finally pushing open a new door to walk through, only to have it slammed in my face. Chase must have gotten a big kick out of me sharing my dream, thinking that I’m as much of a fool now as I was when I first arrived in Colorado.
A white BMW SUV pulls to the corner, and I say goodbye to Bryson.
“Do you need help with the crutches or your bag?” he asks.
“I’ve got it.”
I’m so sick of people thinking I need help.
Avah is halfway around the car, but I hold out a hand.
“I’ve got it,” I repeat and open the back door to load the crutches inside.
“Alrighty then.” She goes brows-up. “What’s got your panties in a twist?”
I clench my hands into fists as I sink into the plush seat. “Chase isn’t helping me because he owes the McAllisters. At least, that’s not the only reason. Bryson just told me he and Linda struck a deal. If he helps me while she’s away, she’ll sell him the farm. The same farm I want to buy from her as part of my bucket list challenge.”
“He can’t buy it,” Avah says as she pulls away from the curb. “Because you’re buying it.” She glances over at me. “Do not cry, Molly. There’s no?—”
“Crying in flower farming,” I finish with a shaky laugh then dab a finger under my eye when a tear spills over. “You make it sound easy.”
She points a finger at me. “You’re making it too hard. Going after what you want doesn’t have to be so difficult. I believe in you. We all do.”
As much as I appreciate the support, it feels like climbing a mountain with my crutches might be easier. I hate the fact that I never truly learned to rely on myself. I went from the crappy one-bedroom apartment my mother and I shared, to the cramped atticspare room in my grandparents’ house, to Teddy’s cabin in the woods, to my mother-in-law’s house.
How pathetic is that?
I’ve never once lived on my own. I’ve never paid a utility bill. So maybe this was bound to happen all along. Whether it was Chase or some other buyer, I’m not sure why I ever thought I could make something of myself alone. We don’t talk on the way back to the farm. Avah seems to realize I need a few minutes to process this new piece of information.
“We’re going out tonight,” she says into the silence as she turns down the long driveway.
“I’m not asking Chase to babysit,” I mutter. “I’m going to text that I don’t need his help for the weekend.”
