Right Move--A Gay Cowboy Romance

by A. M. Arthur

  “Yeah. I didn’t hear from him again for years, so I assumed he’d moved on. But this past summer, he showed up at the apartment. He was so polite and contrite over the speaker, said he wanted to formally apologize in person, that I took a chance and let him in. Orry wasn’t home or he would have talked me out of it. As soon as I let him in, he put the chain on the door and started yelling at me. I tried to stand up for myself, but he was just there. In my face.”

  They were maybe a mile from town but Levi didn’t care. He pulled over to the shoulder, because George was getting upset, and this story deserved Levi’s full attention. He shifted into park, took off his seatbelt and slid closer to George on the bench seat. Took on a chance on squeezing George’s knee.

  George covered that hand with one of his and met Levi’s eyes. Grief and anger stormed together in their depths. “I finally told him that everything that happened, all the reasons I quit were his fault and to fuck back out of my life. He hit me in the face hard enough that I knocked the futon over backward and a picture fell off the wall.”

  “Fuck.” Fury blazed deep inside Levi where he tried to hide his quick temper. Running and meditation helped but he couldn’t do either of those things in this moment. All he could do was twist their hands until they were palm to palm and listen.

  “Derrick and Slater had just gotten home from a date and they heard the thump. Came upstairs and knocked. Adrian tried to send them away, but Derrick threatened to call the police. Adrian said some mean things about us and left. I haven’t had contact since.”

  “Thank the universe for Slater and Derrick. You could have been hurt a lot worse.”

  George trembled once. “Believe me, I know. Orry came home a few minutes later, and they were so kind to us both. Supportive. After that, Orry and I started hanging out with them in the living room more.”

  “We’re all put in the places we’re meant to be.”

  “I don’t think I always believe that but it’s a nice sentiment. However—” George’s eyes brightened a bit “—I do believe it in our case. You’re the first person I’ve told about that night with Adrian, beyond the people who witnessed it firsthand.”

  “I’m honored that you continue to trust me with your secrets, George. Sincerely.”

  George released his hand and rubbed at his own eyes. “I didn’t mean to share all that in your truck. Fuck, we won’t be late, will we?”

  Levi glanced at the dash. “Nah, we aren’t too far, and Reyes knows we’re coming so even if we were a few minutes late, he’d hold the wagon.”

  “Okay. I’m okay.”

  “All right.” Levi slid back across the seat, buckled up, and got them back on the road.

  They didn’t speak again as they drove through Garrett. Main Street was decorated with Christmas lights and pine garlands, and some of the businesses had decorations in the windows. George seemed completely charmed by it all, and too soon they were through town. The two big boulders announcing the entrance to the ranch lands appeared. A few dozen yards down the bumpy dirt road was a four-sided chain-link-fence enclosure that served as the parking lot for that week’s guests. Three other cars were waiting, folks still in their vehicles thanks to the morning chill likely still hanging in the air.

  “I read about this on the website,” George said, leaning forward, eyes fixed on the trail. “They pick us up in a wagon.”

  “Yup. It’s something Arthur always insists on, unless the weather is super bad.”

  Maybe a minute passed before two horses came into view on the horizon, cresting a small hill, followed by two men riding on a buckboard. Even from the distance, Levi recognized the familiar forms of head cowboy Reyes Caldero and ranch foreman Judson Marvel. Both men wore long-sleeve ranch polos, jeans, boots and cowboy hats.

  When other folks started getting out of the cars, Levi shut off the engine and climbed out. They each got their bags from the pickup bed and joined the eleven other folks waiting by the parking lot gate. Levi studied the people he’d be spending time around for the next week. A pair of men and a little girl stood together, the men’s elbows brushing, both obviously excited to be there, and the looks they shared suggested not just best friends on vacation. The girl was practically bouncing on her tiptoes.

  A family of four were squabbling over something. The parents looked tired, and their two teenage daughters...well, he wasn’t sure. Probably missed their cell phones. The other group was four older adults, late thirties or early forties. Two men, two women. Couples or simply friends. They were too far away to properly clock their fingers for wedding rings.

  Excitement charged the air when Judson brought the buckboard to a stop by the gate. “Ho, there,” Judson said in a familiar, booming voice. “Welcome to Clean Slate Ranch!” A scattering of applause. “Name’s Judson Marvel. I’m ranch foreman. This here quiet fellow beside me is Reyes Caldero, our head cowboy. You wanna work with the horses, chances are you’ll have to face his ugly mug.”

  The speech felt slightly canned but that was only because Levi knew the men. Arthur Garrett, the ranch owner, was no longer actively involved in the ranch itself, but he still insisted on a little bit of theatricality for the guests.

  Reyes tipped his hat at the crowd and climbed down from the wagon. “You can leave your luggage here,” he said in his lightly accented voice. “We’ll lock the gate and send a truck down to retrieve it all and have it brought up to the guesthouse. Don’t worry, we’ve never had anyone’s things stolen.”

  Everyone made a small pile with their luggage. Levi noticed a flash of fear on George’s face but it was gone fast. He lightly squeezed George’s elbow and winked when George met his eyes. George nodded, then let out a long breath.

  Reyes helped everyone climb onto the buckboard. It had benches along both sides, and Levi waited until last so he could make sure George was on the end with Levi on his left side, instead of sandwiched next to a stranger. Reyes gave him a knowing smile but didn’t comment. He returned to the front of the wagon, and once he was situated, Judson turned them around.

  Levi relaxed into the gentle rolling of the wagon and the easy pace of the horses. The land stretched out all around them in hills, grass and trees, and in the far distance, huge crags of mountains teeming with wildlife. While Levi was familiar with the property, he’d never experienced it as an actual ranch guest before. Not like this, and he wanted to enjoy the experience.

  Even the hard parts he expected to face with George and his anxiety.

  George looked everywhere, even snapped a few pictures with his phone. Levi sucked in the familiar country air. The other guests chatted amongst their own groups but folks mostly looked. Experienced. Admired the beauty all around them.

  Eventually a big, three-story building appeared on the horizon, followed by a smaller, two-story one. A barn and corral. Another barnlike building beyond it where staff hid their cars.

  Judson circled the wagon past the main house, which had a sign that read Office over it, and stopped in front of the guesthouse. Patrice, the den mother who took care of guests and cooked all the meals, waited patiently on the wide front porch. She was a genuinely kind woman who also struck Levi as an old soul.

  Reyes helped everyone down, while Judson went onto the porch to stand beside Patrice. When everyone was down, Judson said, “We are very excited to see all your smiling faces today, on our last full week before the holidays, and we thank you for joining us. We’re an open-minded, family-friendly place here at Clean Slate Ranch. Everyone is welcome here as long as they remember that.”

  Levi glanced at the other pair of men in time to see their wide smiles.

  “While we do our best to give all our guests the most authentic experience possible, this isn’t the eighteen seventies. Among the injury release forms you have to sign, there’s also a conduct form. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated, and we reserve the right to keep your
deposit and send you home at any time. Clear?”

  Lots of nods and murmurs of clear went up around the crowd, and Levi basked in the broad grin on George’s face.

  “Now that we’ve reviewed the serious stuff,” Judson continued, “let’s talk about your stay this week. This land has been in the Garrett family for generations, and I’ll repeat some wisdom that’s been handed down for generations: respect the land, and the land will respect you. There are wild animals out there on this land, mostly harmless but we’ve seen evidence of mountain lions out in the wilder areas. Stay on the marked trails and don’t go wandering, and you’ll be fine.”

  Reyes now stood at the base of the steps leading up to the porch.

  “You’ve all met our head cowboy, Reyes Caldero,” Judson said. “He’s in charge of the horses, and he’ll help guide you through the process of learning to properly saddle, mount, and ride your assigned horse. Most of the animals are rescues, but they work extensively with them down at our horse rescue facility, so they’re safe to work with.

  “This pretty lady to my right is Miss Patrice, and she’s in charge of the guesthouse. She’ll be cooking your breakfasts and most dinners, and we’ll offer cold sandwiches and salads for lunch.”

  Patrice stepped forward and commented on about various things, from food allergies to guests cleaning up after themselves and leaving the common areas tidy. A pickup carrying their luggage arrived right as her welcome speech wound down. Judson invited everyone inside to get their welcome packets and room assignments.

  George started tapping his fingers against his thigh. Levi leaned in and whispered, “Don’t worry, we’ve got our own room. No strangers.”

  The tapping stopped.

  A younger horseman named Hugo and an older veteran of the ranch named Ernie were already inside the bunkhouse, and Reyes went to stand beside them. Because of Robin’s motor mouth, Levi knew they were on standby to carry luggage for the female guests. The first group called to sign things was the older quartet. The Sanchezes and the Porters. Two couples, probably friends on vacation together. Reyes and Ernie carried the two ladies’ suitcases up the stairs on the far left. Straight ahead, beneath the stairs, was the entrance to the dining room.

  He and George were called next, so he didn’t learn the names of the other guests yet. They signed the appropriate spots and got their packets. “It’s nice to see you taking some time off, Levi,” Patrice whispered. “You enjoy your week here. Both of you.”

  “Thank you, ma’am,” Levi replied.

  Hugo guided them to the second floor. It had four rooms with four bunk beds and a private bathroom each. Every door had an animal symbol on it, and Hugo gave them the room with the coyote. The rooms weren’t huge but they also weren’t cramped for personal space, and theirs had a huge window with a gorgeous view of the land. George gravitated to the bunk beds on the left and put his bag on the bottom mattress.

  “You probably know the spiel,” Hugo said with a friendly grin, “but make sure to look over your welcome packets. Meet the other guests but don’t wander beyond the main yard yet. A cold lunch will be ready downstairs at noon.”

  “Thank you,” Levi replied, mindful George hadn’t spoken a word since they’d gotten on the buckboard.

  “Enjoy your vacation, man. You, too, George.”

  George startled, apparently not expecting Hugo to know who he was. “Um, thanks. You too?” Awkward but he was clearly outside of his comfort zone and struggling.

  “Yeah, thanks. Uh, I’ll see you guys in the corral later.” Hugo left with an imaginary tip of a hat.

  Levi put his bag down on the other bunk then closed the door. Put both hands on George’s shoulders. “Breathe for me, okay? I know this is new, this isn’t what you’re used to, but you are perfectly safe. I’m right here.”

  George sucked in a ragged breath, held it, and released. His color got a little less pasty and more lifelike as he took a few more long, cleansing breaths. “I’m not used to this.”

  “I know. And the good news is, all the activities are voluntary. If you need to stay in the room until lunch, do it. The only thing is if you want to ride this week, we do have to be at the corral for today’s first lesson.”

  “Right. I think, uh, maybe I should stay in here for a little while. Get my bearings.”

  “If that’s what you need, then do it. The ranch Wi-Fi password is in the welcome packet. Make sure you get it and text me if you need anything. Unless...you’d rather I stay?”

  George hesitated before shaking his head. “No, you go explore. If we both stay in here behind a closed door, people will talk.” His wry smile was somehow both worried and teasing.

  A fresh wave of tender feelings warmed Levi’s chest. “Wouldn’t want rumors on the first day.”

  “No. They’ll figure out I’m a basket case soon enough.”

  “You are not a basket case. You’re George Thompson and you are a fighter. We’ve got this.”

  They held eye contact for a long, lovely moment in time, and Levi really, really wanted to kiss George. But he wouldn’t. He was along on this vacation as chaperone, nothing more. George needed a friend, and Levi would give him friendship and support.

  George took a small step back and broke eye contact. “Thank you, Levi.”

  “I’ll see you in the little while.” Levi didn’t want to leave him alone this early in their trip, but he had to trust George to know what he needed.

  With a sad sigh, he went downstairs to meet the other guests.

  Chapter Nine

  George hated that he needed a break less than an hour into their vacation, but being alone inside the room, door shut against the world, helped immensely. He sat on the floor beneath the window and concentrated. He breathed in and out. Noticed the brown and gray shades of the wood floor and walls. The simple ivory blankets on the four bunked beds. The scents of detergent and something vaguely floral. The creaky sounds of the old guesthouse as people moved around inside it.

  Those things grounded him.

  He pulled out his phone and did a voice-to-text because his fingers were shaking too hard to type. “I’m here. Settling in. The place is beautiful. I miss you already.” Send. He played a word puzzle on his phone for a while. This particular game relaxed him because it forced him to focus on making multiple words out of a jumble of letters. It took all his concentration to complete each level, and he could block out everything else.

  Orry replied about fifteen minutes later: Miss you too, bro. You okay?

  Had a minor panic attack but I’m okay now. Handling it.

  He could only imagine the face Orry was making. The conversation seemed over for now. George set an alarm for eleven fifty so he didn’t miss lunch, then continued playing his game. Managed quite a few difficult levels before the alarm went off. His ass was numb from sitting on the hardwood floor for over an hour. He stretched carefully as he stood and popped a vertebrae in his neck, too.

  Then came the new challenge: opening that door and going downstairs alone. He stared at the door handle. And stared. And stared. Somewhere outside, a loud bell clanged, probably the call for lunch. But George still couldn’t open the door. Too many strangers out there. Even after the opening speeches, even knowing he was in a perfectly safe environment, he couldn’t—

  Someone knocked. “George, you still in there?”

  Levi. “Yes.”

  The door opened and Levi popped half his body inside. “It’s lunchtime.”

  “I know. I, uh, I tried.”

  “It’s okay, that’s why I came up.”

  “Thank you.” Instead of feeling like a child for not being able to do something as simple as open the door, he was grateful to Levi for thinking ahead. For coming to get him so George wasn’t alone.

  Levi winked in a familiar gesture of both amusement and affection. “Come on, I’m starving.” />
  They left together and descended the big staircase. The dining room was full of the other guests, plus Patrice. A big sideboard against the far wall held a commercial drink machine, as well as plates, paper napkins, utensils, and a bowl of snack-size bags of chips. The long dining table was loaded with a platter of assorted deli meats and cheeses, cold salads, and all kinds of pickles and condiments.

  The family with the teen girls had already settled in the big communal living space to eat, which calmed George’s racing heart a fraction. They weren’t all expected to cram around the table to eat and reach around each other for food. Good. The two men with the little girl got their food and stopped in passing.

  “Guys, this is my friend George,” Levi said to them. “George, this is Samuel and Rey Briggs-King, and their daughter Faith. We got to chatting a while ago, and I’ve already sold them on a ghost town visit if they’re ever back in California.”

  “You can sell the ghost town to anyone, I bet,” George quipped. “It’s nice to meet you guys.”

  “Please, come join us for lunch,” Rey said. He was shorter than Samuel with dark hair that contrasted Samuel’s blond. The affection between them was clear simply from the way they stood together, and Faith definitely favored Rey.

  Levi deferred the request to George. “Sure, okay,” George replied.

  The little family moved off. George got a plate and surveyed the options. Pretty similar to his typical lunch fare, even though at home he preferred low sodium brands. They’d been added to the guest list just in time to fill out the form about food allergies, and while George didn’t have any that he was aware of, he was generally a picky eater. Everything here was fine, though, and the online menu for dinnertime sounded great. Mostly simple food.

  He made a turkey sandwich on whole wheat, with a smear of mustard, sliced tomatoes, and some dill sandwich-sliced pickles from a jar. Took a small scoop of potato salad and what looked like some sort of broccoli salad in a white dressing. Levi made a much thicker sandwich with all kinds of fixings, and he helped himself to a little of each salad option. Food done, they got their drinks.