Page 13 of Rough
Crawling back into bed, I push my feet under the covers, trying not to dislodge Lucy from where she’s lying. Once I’m settled, she belly crawls her way up to my side and drops her nose into my armpit, then blows out a heavy breath in contentment.
I let my hand fall to her head, stroking slowly as I stare at the ceiling once more. There are small creaks and soft footsteps making their way through the house, but I’m not sure who is moving around. Probably one of the guys getting settled.
Lucy’s warmth along my side eventually soaks in and is enough comfort to have me finally dozing off. My last thoughts are of Betsy before I drift off.
Waking a few hours later, the first thing I notice is that Lucy is gone. Sitting up slowly, I can hear movement and muted noise outside my now fully opened door, dishes clanging together, and the scent of coffee wafting up the stairs.
It only takes me about five minutes to throw water on my face after pulling my jeans on and brushing my teeth. Once I makemy way downstairs, I’m surprised to see Remy curled over a cup of coffee while his mom cooks breakfast at the stove. Wilder is also at the table next to him, sipping at a mug, but Trina is nowhere to be seen. Seeing it’s not even seven yet, I’m not surprised that she’s still asleep.
“Mornin’,” I rasp out, clearing the sleep from my voice.
Renee Landry drops her spatula on the counter when she jerks her head toward me. “Clyde,” she breathes out, wiping her hands on her apron, before making her way to me with open arms.
“Hey, Renee. I’m sorry about Donny,” I croak, fighting the emotion lodged in my throat. She throws herself against me, wrapping me into one of those mom hugs I’ve only ever received from her.
Her arms are around my neck, so I bend forward and lean into her. “I am too.” Heartbreak fills her words, but she doesn’t stumble over them. “He’d be happy to know you’re here. You boys have been away way too long. You gonna go visit your family while you’re here?”
“Mom,” Remy bites out with a small reprimand, but it’s not harsh.
I press my lips together and let her know the question doesn’t bother me. “It’s alright. No, I won’t go over there.”
“Sorry,” she whispers, cupping my cheek. Her eyes are watery from held back tears but filled with affection. “I’m so glad to see you. It’s just me and Betsy now, so having you all here is such a joy.”
From the corner of my eye, I see Wilder’s head jerk up in surprise. “Whatcha mean it’s just you and Betsy now?”
She pats my cheek before pulling away to head back to the breakfast sizzling on the stovetop. “Well, I mean exactly that. Since her grandpa is gone, and now Donny, it’s just us girls.”Renee side eyes her son. “Unless you boys are gonna come back home now?”
Remy makes an unintelligible noise before asking, “Where’s her grandpa gone?”
“Rem,” Renee scolds and I look at him, confused. “Don’t be like that.”
As soon as I see his face, I roll my eyes. This fucking dick doesn’t remember. “Remy, Country’s grandpa died well over a year ago. I told you this.” Apparently, he doesn’t remember because he drops his mouth open in shock. Letting my eyes wander over to Wilder, I can tell it didn’t register with him, either.
I’m so fucking annoyed with them, and they can tell when I stomp over to the coffeepot to pour myself a cup and scowl at them as I sit down. “I toldbothof you when he passed. You fu—” I cut myself off, eyeing Renee when I almost curse. “You jerks didn’t call her, did you?”
“Who passed?”
All of our heads lift when we hear the question from the doorway. For a split second, I hoped it was Betsy, but it’s Trina. My eyes stray over her shoulder to the entrance of the living room, wondering if Betsy’s still asleep on the couch.
“Oh! I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize we had another houseguest.” Moving the pan away from the heat, Renee spins around and quickly removes her apron. “I’m Remington’s mom, Renee Landry.”
I watch as Trina glides into the room, her hands outstretched to grasp Renee’s between both of hers. “I’m Trina Colby. I work with the guys. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about Danny.”
Renee’s brows furrow, the hurt on her face quickly wiped away with a forced smile. “Donny. And thank you, dear.” She looks at Remy for help, but he’s still staring at his mug like it’sthe only thing important right now. “You work with them at the ranch?”
Her perfect lips spread wide, quirking in humor, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Ido, in a sense. I’m their public relations rep. I get most of the footage we use for uploads for our videos, and I respond to the comments. They’re always so busy, it’s the least I can do for them. I also keep their sponsors happy and arrange for new ones.”
Renee only blinks at her, then looks in question to Remy, who’s still ignoring everything. Then she looks at me briefly before turning back to Trina. “Umm, I don’t know what you mean.”
The tittering laugh that escapes her grates my nerves before she waves Renee off. “It’s a lot if you don’t understand how our world works. Basically, I’m making money for your son, and them,” she adds, nodding toward me and Wilder.
At that, Renee jerks her head back. “I don’t…” She trails off, looking at me once more for an explanation.
Shaking my head jerkily, I redirect the conversation. “I’ll tell you later, momma. Whatcha cookin’ over there? Smells delicious.”
Her shoulders slump in relief, and she moves back to her pan. I glare at Trina for making Renee feel stupid when she’s anything but. “Ham steaks, breakfast potatoes, bacon, fried eggs… just the way you boys like them, and biscuits.”
There’s a small noise of distress from Trina, so Wilder moves to her side and guides her out of the room before she offends Renee again. Remy’s mother has always felt that breakfast is the most important part of the day, and apparently, even losing her husband less than twelve hours ago won’t stop her from feeding an army.
