Page 44 of Rival

Sorry

The dots on my phone pop up and go away, so I set my phone down and drive straight to mom and dad’s. They’ve never had a problem with me just showing up without announcing it. Plus, we’ve been through this before when I’ve run into Clayborn Hughes in the past, and I need to expel the fury that’s never fully gone away.

Normally, dad has me do some grueling work to build a sweat and exhaust me. It’ll take hours, and I don’t enjoy the labor, but it works. It’s what I need right now.

When I arrive, it’s like mom had a sense that something was off because she’s waiting at the top of the steps of their wrap-around porch with a large glass of water and a soft smile. I feel my phone buzz in my pocket, but I ignore it and greet her.

“Hey, mom.” With a kiss on her cheek, I take the glass and down it, then wipe my forehead again.

She tilts her head and studies me. “Your dad’s in the back. I’m sure he could use a hand.”

I nod once, thanking her without words and move to pass by, but she stops me with a hand. “You want to tell me what happened?”

“Not right now,” I murmur, my voice scratchy from emotion. “I’m gonna stick around for dinner. That okay?”

“Always, honey.” Patting my arm, she lets me move on and I drag my feet through the house, following the sound of my father banging on a pipe or wall. Before I push through the door to find him, I quickly read Edith’s response.

Oh, okay. Maybe next time. I hope the rest of your day is good.

I want to write back, but my dad’s grunt is a reminder of why I’m here this early in the day. Ignoring her message, I squat next to him and wait until he notices me, his head buried under a sink with an obvious water leak.

Once he lifts his head and sees me, his eyes roam over my face and something passes behind his eyes. Going back to his work, he lets go of the pipe and points away.

“Bales need to be stacked in the barn. They’re a mess.” That’s it. Nothing else is said because he knows exactly why I’m here.

I pat his thigh and stand. “I’ll get on it.”

The rest of the afternoon and late into the evening, I burn off my hatred for Clayborn by hoisting bales of hay around in the barn. They didn’t need to be stacked, but I use the hours to move them from one end to the other. It’s enough for now.

Chapter Twenty

Edith

It’s been four days since I heard from Jaxon. He was right when he thought work would stop because of the weather. It’s been raining on and off all week, so I haven’t seen him. I haven’t seen him atall.

With my head down as I slip through the trees walking away from Coopers’ ranch, I chew on my lip while reading through the last few texts I sent, all without a response. I battle with wanting to try one more time before I take the hint, or maybe I should take the hint now and just stop pestering him.

Does he regret offering to teach me how to ride now that we’ve tried it once?I stop walking immediately when a bigger worry hits me.Does this mean we aren’t friends anymore?

Another thought crosses my mind, and I make my decision without hesitation.What if something is wrong and he’s not okay?Quickly, I type out probably the longest message I’ve ever sent him.

I apologize that I keep texting, but I grew concerned that something was wrong. Are you okay? Is there anything I can do for you or that you need?

There.I’ve apologized if he’s irritated that I won’t shut up while also expressing I’m just concerned about him.

I start walking again and as soon as I step out of the trees, my phone vibrates in my pocket just as my father blocks my path. There’s no way I can answer the phone, not with him facing me down like this.

My throat closes up because I don’t know what’s about to happen. His eyes look over my shoulder briefly before moving back to me. “Where you comin’ from, girl?”

His question doesn’tsoundworrisome, just as if he’s asking a simple question, but if I tell him the truth, he’ll be furious.

“Just walking through the trees.” It’s not a lie. Iwaswalking through them. I’m just not going to tell him where I’m walkingfrom.

I don’t think he believes me, and I fight not to close my eyes, knowing I’m about to get it, but he shocks me.

“Come inside. I’m leavin’ for a job, and I need you to get some shit together for me.” Turning away, he walks toward the house without waiting for me.

My mouth falls open as I quickly catch up.Did Griffin really get my father to leave town?I don’t want him to ask how I knew he was leaving, so to play into that, I ask, “Where are you heading to?”