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Me:I'm sticking around for a few days.

Ryder:At home. With your father. Is that such a good idea?

Ryder:What about work?

Me:Already took a few days off for this, so I'll tell them I need a few more.

Me:I'm going to help around here until we know the ranch's fate.

Me:Plus I just learned Daddy fired two people last month and hasn’t replaced them.

Me:Which means there's a bunch not getting done. He definitely isn't doing shit, leaving it all to Bradley.

Ryder:Speaking of your brother...

Me:Oh no. What?

Ryder:I've heard through the rumor mill that some bad-news peeps are looking for him.

Ryder:Maybe the same who were looking for Caleb last year when Old Man Graves upped security.

Ryder:Keep an eye open if you're going be around there.

Me:Maybe you could send Kyle over to protect the house. Daddy would love that. You know, since I'm a girl and can't do anything right.

Ryder:Your dad is a sexist prick. I don't know who I'm more worried about you being around, him or Brenton.

Ryder:Which reminds me, how did the closure go?

Crickets chirped in the night as I stared at the last text. A hot wind blew a chunk of dark hair across my face, blocking the screen. I should tell her what was going on, but then she'd come over and talk me out of it, and that was precisely what I didn't want to happen. Because even though this was the worst idea ever, I wanted to see him again.

Me:Good. He says he was so messed up during that time that he doesn't remember anything.

Ryder:How convenient for him not to remember almost killing someone. I hope you gave him an earful.

Me:Yep.

Ryder:You okay? Need me to run by the liquor store?

Me:Nope, I'm good. It's too late to run by the apartment to get clothes, so I'll go in the morning.

Ryder:Okay, just stay away from your dad. And Brenton. And Brenton's slimy-ass dad. Shit, you sure this is a good idea? Want me to come over? I just got my LTC.

Me:That is terrifying. Why did you do that?

Ryder:You've seen the bar where I work. Shady as fuck. I needed protection.

Me:Do you even know how to shoot it?

Ryder:Stop being so judgy.

Me:That's a no.

Ryder:Hey, I had to qualify!

Me:Please tell me you bought something with a manual safety.

Ryder:You're no fun.