Page 275 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“How did the roping go yesterday, Joey?” Mabel asked. “You stayed so quiet at supper, we didn’t hear how Felix did.”
“Felix and I had fun roping yesterday,” Joey said. “He learns fast, and I think he’s going to be a competitor to beat at the 4th of July Rodeo this year. It’s one of the toughest, and it just got tougher.”
Felix eyed his empty plate. Joey never mentioned how well he did yesterday. He thought he did okay, but he focused on Joey’s sad mood. His chest warmed at Joey’s words of praise.
“Wow. Congratulations, Felix.” Mabel began gathering the empty plates. “If Joey says you’re that good, then you’re one of the best in the county. Your father will be impressed with that.”
At the mention of his father, Felix’s stomach knotted. “I hope so.”
“C’mon…let’s go. We need to hitch a team to the wagon, and with the trip over and back, loading and unloading the hay, and putting it in the loft, we have a full day ahead,” Joey said.
They put on their hats and bounded out the back door.
* * *
The Bowden Farm was about five miles south of Sterling Ranch. As they rode off the ranch, Joey found Felix preoccupied with something. “What’s wrong, Felix? Talk to me.”
“Why should I? You wouldn’t talk to me yesterday.”
“Aw, c’mon,” Joey elbowed him. “I did finally talk to you.”
“Yeah, you did.” Felix sighed. “Everything was fine this morning until Pa Sterling mentioned my father, and my world came crashing down.”
“Your father has quite a stranglehold on you, doesn’t he?”
“As soon as Father came up in conversation, my stomach tied in knots, and I almost lost my breakfast.”
Joey shifted the reins to one hand and reached over to put his arm around Felix’s shoulders. “Remember what I said last night?”
“Which thing?”
“I said, let’s enjoy the time we have. You’re a member of our family now. You’re old enough to live your own life. While you’re with me, live it as my best friend and brother and my parents as your parents.”
Felix shook his head. “That’s fine, Joey, but I can’t forget about my family in Blackfield. I need to go back to my father at the end of the summer. I don’t have any other options. We kinda talked about this last night, but it hit me hard at breakfast this morning.”
Joey fingered the hair on Felix’s neck. “But this summer, we’re a team. You and me.” He grabbed Felix’s hand and kissed his knuckles.
“Thanks.” Felix smiled. “The one amazing thing my father did was send me out here. I didn’t want to come at first and figured I would hate it. Boy, was I ever wrong.”
Joey wanted to kiss Felix at that moment. He hoped Felix wanted to kiss him, too. He felt Felix’s arm slide around his waist, tugging him to the center of the wagon seat. They rode along in silence, hip to hip, enjoying the closeness and admiring the beautiful summer day.
As the Bowden farmhouse and barn came into view in the distance, Felix drew back his arm and slid to his end of the bench. Joey did the same. As they approached the farmhouse, Mr. Bowden stood on the porch and waved.
Joey returned the wave and steered the team around the east side of the house. “Howdy, Mr. Bowden.”
“Howdy, Joey. You need a load of hay?”
“Yessir.”
“Pull on back to the barn.” Mr. Bowden kept pace with the wagon as they neared the hay barn. “Who’s this young feller you got with you?”
“This is Felix Bonner. He’s working on our ranch this summer.”
“Ah, yes. I heard about you working the ranch, Felix. It’s nice to meet you.” Mr. Bowden gave a short wave.
“Nice to meet you, too, sir,” Felix said.
The barn doors were open on each end, so Joey steered the wagon inside.
