Page 14 of Something Tangled Something True (Rosa Ranch #1)

PROBLEM SOLVING

I’ve watched that woman ride that mechanical bull every year at the county fair when she’d drop into town for a short visit.

If the fair was happening, she was there.

And she loved nothing more than to show off.

Never in a million years would I have thought she’d go flying off that thing. Sure, I could chalk it up to her being out of practice, but after seeing the way her hands struggled to get a good grip and watching her do those dishes last night, I’m not convinced.

The moment we’re parked in front of Mayte’s cottage, I swivel in my seat to face her.

“We need to talk,” I tell her.

She stares up at me with those giant, honey-colored eyes, blinking rapidly before nodding. “We do. Come inside. I’ve gotta get Isabela to bed first.”

I unstrap Isabela, and Mayte unclips her car seat once I get her out of it. We head inside, and I plop down on the couch, waiting for her to get Isabela settled and ready for bed.

When she’s finished, she waves a hand at me to follow her to the kitchen.

We take a seat at her small dining table, and she places her forearms on the worn wood, leveling me with her signature stare.

“Alright, sweetness. Let’s get into it.”

I chuckle at how straightforward she is.

“I noticed Lola was in pain yesterday, and then tonight on the bull…” I trail off, unsure of what else to say.

She smacks her forehead dramatically. “Oh, god! You noticed that too!” she nearly shouts, uncovering her face as her big eyes meet mine. “Gosh, she’s worrying the hell out of me. I knew her condition would get worse as time went on without treatment, but I didn’t know how fast!”

My stomach drops to my toes as I struggle to put the puzzle together, eventually working it out. I’m unable to clear the shock written clear as day on my face.

Mayte smacks her hand over her mouth when she realizes what she’s done. “You didn’t know,” she breathes out quietly.

I shake my head. “I didn’t, but now that I do, I’d appreciate it if you explained.”

I lean forward onto my forearms, settling in for what I’m sure is about to be one long explanation.

Twenty minutes later, I’m fully caught up on Lola’s rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, her lack of treatment the last few years thanks to her lack of health insurance, and, of course, the bastard she almost married, who used her diagnosis against her as a manipulation tactic.

“So,” she says, slouching in her seat, “what are we gonna do about this?”

I close my eyes, rattling any semblance of an idea around in my mind, and come up short. “I don’t know, but I’m gonna figure it out.”

She nods slowly, her messy bun bobbing with the motion. “Just let me know how I can help,” she tells me.

“Will do. Now, go on and get to bed with that sweet little dumpling. I’ve taken up too much of your time tonight already.”

I stand, heading to the door. Before I step out, she surprises me, wrapping me up in a tight hug and pressing a kiss to either of my cheeks. “Thanks for caring, Ryder. Goodnight.”

I tip my chin at her, heading out onto the porch. “Always will. Night.”