The group used a variety of cardio and weight-lifting exercises, as well as full-body movements that were designed to increase overall strength and flexibility. Bailey did her best to keep up, but she knew she would have to push herself just as hard if she ever wanted to be a part of the group. If she can do it, I can do it, she told herself firmly.
While she got the hang of things, she thought about the routine that took place in the evenings. Older women, he said. The women who met at sunset and enjoyed a lighter version, filled with yoga and aerobics only. Tempting, but I can’t allow myself to be delegated to the weenie portion of the group.
“Nice to see you hanging in there,” Nung informed her with a wide grin, then showed her improvements for her push-up technique before continuing. “You really can take your pick. No one is going to think less of you if this is too much.”
Bailey grimaced, fairly certain that his statement held truth, and there would be little she could do that would make them think any less of her than they already did. What I need are ways to make them like me more.
By the time they were finished that morning, the girl had begun making a list of sorts in her mind. Well, two really, one being her list of friends in her new home—a rather short one indeed. She wasn’t sure she would call the other list her enemies, but they were definitely less tolerant of her, and Amanda’s name landed at the top.
Half joking, she labeled them the naughty and nice lists, thinking that the latter would be her go-to community members when she needed anything and the former the group she would do her best to avoid. Her putting things into perspective brought a smile to her lips as she arrived back at the ranch house and climbed the stairs to her room. If I’m careful, I just might survive here after all.
Twenty-Three
Maid of Honor
“Bailey, can you take the cart an’ fetch us a new bag o’ flour?” Alissa Porter called from across the workbench in the diner’s kitchen.
“Sure.” She washed her hands and swished her auburn locks behind her. “I’ll be back in a jiff.”
From the very first day, it had been Bailey’s job to help in the field with the gardening each morning, and that never changed. However, the rest of her chores had become haphazard since Martha had been providing less structure for her afternoons and evenings after her fight with Amanda. Left to her own devices, the girl gravitated towards two things: people on the nice list and opportunities to learn.
Sliding onto the cushioned seat, she wound around the dirt road, observing the sun as it sank lower in the sky. I need to hurry. Everyone will be ready for dinner soon. Pulling up behind the Tates’ garage, she let herself into the cellar and bounced down the steps. Locating a sack of the white powder, she hauled it up and dropped it on the back seat of the repurposed golf cart. There we go.
Making the return trip, she recalled how much easier her choices had become once she had dedicated herself to working hard and doing her best to fit in. I need to earn my place, she reminded herself, as Caleb had said I would. She hoisted the sack to her shoulder, pleased with how her strength had been slowly growing. Inside, the bag landed on the counter with a thud. “Here you go. I hope it’s enough.”
“Oh, heavens, yes.” The older woman smiled her praise. “More than enough. Le’s grab a saucepan, an’ I’ll show you how t’ make th’ gravy.”
Watching intently, Bailey felt pleased with the niche she had found. As the cook’s assistant, she had gained insight into the infrastructure of the community and learned that although they could survive on their own if they had to, they still brought in supplies from the outside world—such as the flour, rice, and sugar in the Tate’s basement. She could not have been more pleased with the new knowledge the post had given her, as it helped her to feel that she did, in fact, belong.
She had learned after her arrival that meals were prepared in rotation so that only half of them were served by the individual households. Breakfast every morning being the majority, they also consumed two or three dinners a week in homes. Other than that, everyone picked up plates at the designated location for lunches and ate at the diner for the four or five evening meals, and they would be arriving shortly to enjoy this one.
Caleb had explained having only a few cooks allowed everyone else to focus on other chores. That makes this a very important task, she contemplated while she stirred the thickening mixture. She liked the feeling contributing and being useful gave her and wore a small smile while her arm circled above the pot.
“Tha’s perfect.” Lynette peeked over at Bailey’s handiwork. “I can’t wait t’ try it.”
“Thanks.” Her green eyes shone when she cut them over at the shorter girl. “I learned from the best.”
Lyn giggled at her flattery and began preparing the dishes for the serving line.
Bailey had been there for four weeks, and it felt good to be slowly gaining a bit of trust, at least with a portion of the group’s members. It had almost felt like a promotion when she was given the job of using their electric cart to help with the process, mainly because it meant she had been allowed to know more about the secrets of their community.
And I found out the Knight stores are poisoned. She shuddered at the thought, realizing the gravity of the knowledge. She wondered why they would intentionally taint their own food but not enough to push the issue and ask. Knowing not to eat it or serve it is enough, I guess.
The discovery had left her feeling guilty after her confrontation with her uncle and Jim and the distress her cavalier attitude had caused them. She almost wanted to apologize to them, and she hoped the love and care she put into preparing their meals said what was in her heart clearly enough.
Watching the community members file in, Bailey located her brothers and made sure they were getting settled. “How was your day?” she asked cheerily, putting mashed potatoes on each of their plates.
“It was fun,” Jess informed her. “We got to help with the stock tank over in the pasture today.”
“Stock tank!” Her eyes widened in surprise. “You guys have cattle?” She stared at Caleb as he moved into the line.
“We have a few. They’re provin’ to be a bit more difficult than some o’ the other animals,” he admitted quietly. “So we’ll see if they end up remaining one of our food sources or if we butcher ’em an’ be done with it. We also picked up a few goats, an’ I think we’ll have better luck with them.”
“Nice.” She grinned at the blond, and he remained behind for several minutes to chat with her. “Will I get my lesson this evening?” she eventually asked with a half-grin.
“Sorry, little bit, got some business t’ discuss this evenin’. I’ll miss it though, an’ maybe we can get together tomorrow.” He winked with his reply and turned to walk away, taking his seat with a few of the men. Bailey frowned, seeing that Amanda was also at the table with the group, and a twinge of jealousy twisted her gut for a moment.
Noticing Lynette had been listening to their exchange, Bailey’s face flushed. Gathering a few of the empty serving bowls, she left the line to return them to the kitchen to be restocked. Placing the dishes on the flat surface a few minutes later, she made her own plate and chose a table on the patio, away from the others so she could eat in peace and reflect upon her day.
Arriving at the ranch house after the diner and its kitchen were spotless, Bailey had her shower, knowing she needed to get to bed. The boys were already asleep, as life on The Ranch started early, and there were no excuses for letting the rest of the community down.
The following morning, Connie headed the girl off before she could make her way over to the greenhouse and the field beyond. “You need t’ hang aroun’ here today. I got a few chores I need yur help with.”
“Yes, ma’am,” the girl gave no argument, taking the plates and starting on the dishes.
Growing up, Bailey had been taught that such tasks were beneath her and delegated to the maid. However, being a part of The Ranch had caused her to see things di
fferently. Every job had a purpose, and no ranking system could be ascertained. Each of them was valued as necessary, and she found that even being the maid was a place of honor. It was something she could aspire to, and she therefore no longer took offense at any job that they assigned to her.
She had worked her way in closer with the few who were willing to teach her, with the garden and with cooking the meals. So far, Connie had been a small part of her training, showing her the process of canning some of the vegetables and meats and how to make preserves from the fruit of the various trees. Finishing with the cleanup, the girl hoped that today would hold more lessons along those lines, as she surely needed the practice.
Once all of the plates, glasses, and flatware had been put away, the older woman began to give instructions, and the girl recalled that the group’s matriarch had not officially made the nice list. She tolerates me, but her actions cannot be construed as friendly. Pleased to discover they would in fact be processing food, the pair dug into bushels of carrots and okra, canning the one and pickling the other.
Completing that day’s food storage during the morning, the older woman gave the girl an additional list of chores after lunch. “You need t’ clean all three o’ the bathrooms, an’ don’ forget to scrub out the showers. After that, strip down th’ beds an’ wash the sheets.”
Bailey nodded. “Yes, ma’am. I can start the wash and scrub in between if it would be faster.”
“That’ll be fine.” The wrinkled hands began to take care of the kitchen for the second time that day.
Leaving her, the younger woman hurried up the stairs, stripping down all of the beds. While she worked, she considered what the men folk, as her brother put it, might be up to. She had only explored a small part of the compound and had no idea what took place in several of the structures.
Heaving a deep sigh, she took the bunk bed sheets and her uncle’s items down first, placing them in the washer in the small room off the back of the kitchen. Connie watched her as she passed and caught her on the way out. “Be sure t’ hang those out on th’ line an’ save the dryer.”
Bailey adjusted the bucket of cleaning supplies in her grasp, giving the older woman a nod. “Yes, I’ll be sure.” Making a quick exit, she went on to get started on the lavatories.
Working steadily, the girl made good time, washing the older couple’s sheets along with the sets out of Devon and Nung’s room. Tackling the second-floor bathroom, she found it to be a little rougher than the first but manageable. Making her way down the stairs with the final load of sheets, she noted that the matriarch of the community had been inspecting her work.
“Does it pass?” She gave the older woman a hint of a smile, not really intending to be sassy.
“It’ll do.” The crystal blue eyes shone at her. “I guess you’re in charge o’ them from now on.”
Bailey nodded, somewhat relieved to finally have a job that would be designated as hers permanently. While they were talking, her brother came in, covered in the smelliest mud she had ever encountered. “What on earth have you been doing!” she exclaimed.
“Helping muck out the pig pens,” he beamed. “I’m ‘posed to get a bath.”
“Not in my freshly cleaned tub, you’re not! Come back outside, and let’s hose you off first.” Leading him to the side yard, she stripped her younger sibling down to his cotton briefs and proceeded to use the garden sprayer to remove the majority of the filthy soil.
Giggling loudly, Jase seemed to be enjoying the attention when Jess joined them, equally as coated. “Is that what you guys do all day? And here I thought you were having fun,” she teased.
“It is fun,” Jess cackled. “We love working on the farm.”
The girl only shook her head, content to allow them to think so, fairly certain the opinion would change after the novelty wore off. Once they were ready, she escorted them inside for a proper bath and laid out clothes so they could dress for dinner. Giving the soiled items another rinse before taking them inside, she tossed them in the wash, carrying the last of the sheets out to the line.
While she finished the chores, her uncle came in to get ready for dinner as well, stopping long enough to watch while Bailey dealt with the boys. He had no kids of his own and had thought he was really too old for it when they first got the call. But this hasn’t been half bad. He knew if he were honest about it, he and Brenda had been relieved they had never been blessed. The world is doomed, and it’s better we didn’t have any offspring to face the harsh times that lay ahead.
Moving to the third floor, he washed his tired frame and put on a clean set of clothes while mentally praising his niece’s efforts. She’s got a good heart and a strong work ethic. I only hope it’ll be enough in the end. Gathering his ready-made family, his face beamed with joy while they joked with one another as they joined the rest of the community for the evening meal at the diner.
Waiting in line, the crowd served their plates and enjoyed their dinner. Bailey again sat alone, watching her family and reflecting on her recent discoveries. Far away in thought, she didn’t notice the tall blond until he slid onto the chair beside her. “Hey, little bit.”
“Hey.” A small grin spread across her features. “Do I get that lesson tonight?”
“Sure, if you’re not too tired. I hear you’ve been workin’ your ass off around here.” He returned the smile.
“Well”—she shrugged—“I’ve been busy. I’ll say that. This’s a hard life.” She cut her eyes over at him. “Why anyone would choose to live like this is beyond me.”
She could see him sucking in a deep breath, so she raised her hand to cut him off. “I’m joking, Caleb. My uncle has informed me of the crazy notions that seem to be the norm around here. I’m just attempting a little humor about this whole…situation.” She wafted her hand at her neighbors.
“Yeah.” He shrugged. “I guess I get it. I’ve been here all my life, so these notions aren’t so crazy to me. Ya know?”
His smile gave Bailey a strange twist in her gut, and she flicked her eyes around, looking for the other tall blonde on the premises. “Yes, I know.” Not locating the girl, she figured she was safe to enjoy the rest of her meal—and the company. Standing a few minutes later, they trained under their tree behind the stables until the sun had set and it was too dark to see.
Walking the girl home, Caleb noted she hadn’t bothered putting on her makeup since her first day there. “You know, you look a lot better without all that stuff on your face.”
Bailey cut her eyes over at him, surprised by the compliment. “Pretty pointless around here. It gets sweated off before lunch.” She grinned. Arriving at the ranch house, she stepped onto the bottom step and turned to face him, able to look him in the eye.
“I wanted to thank you, Caleb. You’ve turned out to be a really good friend.” She stared into his smoky grey orbs, her mind briefly considering what he might taste like if she dared to kiss him, before reminding herself, Don’t be silly.
“Don’ mention it.” He smiled, lingering for a moment before taking an exaggerated step back. “Guess I’ll see you in the morning. It’s ‘Manda’s turn to lead, so there’s no tellin’ what she’ll have cooked up for us.”
“Oh, God.” Bailey rolled her eyes, certain the girl would be out to get her. “Ok. I’ll get some sleep and drag myself down there. I can’t wait.” She chuckled. Turning, she climbed the rest of the steps and made her way up to her room to do precisely that.
Twenty-Four
No One Else
The following afternoon, Bailey entered the stables to find Caleb wasn’t there. Turning to leave, she could hear noises at the far end of the structure and made her way down to investigate. Inching her way closer, she made out the distinct sound of a woman whining or moaning. Hearing a man grunt loudly a few times, she froze, her face growing flushed at the realization of what was taking place in the last stall.
Unable to move, her mind ran in circles as she listened to the noisy couple, image
s of them leaping into her vivid imagination. A moment later, the thought occurred to her that Caleb and Amanda might have decided to kiss and make up. Well, more than kiss. She snapped her gaping mouth closed in disgust.
At that moment, a hand clamped onto her shoulder, and she spun around with a gasp to find the man in question standing behind her. A single index finger pressed to his lips, he indicated for her to remain silent and beckoned her to follow.
Nodding her agreement, Bailey felt obliged to do so, not daring to speak until they were beneath their usual tree and only then in a low whisper. “Were they doing what it sounded like?” she demanded almost angrily.
“Yeah.” He shrugged, somewhat embarrassed by her discovery. “That’s generally the accepted place for horsing around, so don’t go down there, little bit. Unless o’ course you’re looking t’ get laid.” He cut his eyes over at her, giving her a crooked grin.
Bailey clicked her tongue loudly, taken aback that he would speak to her that way.
Seeing her shocked expression, he back-pedaled quickly. “Sorry, that was a little uncalled for,” and his face took on a slightly deeper shade of red.
Looking away, the girl glanced at the backside of the structure, aware that the couple was more than likely still going at it on the other side of the wall. “Who’s in there, do you think?” she asked quietly, knowing that there were a large number of female possibilities, but the man could only be one of a few.
“Who knows,” he lied flatly, well aware that Luis had been banging Judy for months, and he suspected that Don and Jennifer were also involved.
Shifting her eyes over at her closest friend, Bailey exhaled loudly. “This place is really messed up, you know that?”
Caleb only nodded, then raked the underside of her chin with a few fingers. “Yeah, I know that. Le’s get started and forget about those guys.” He indicated the lovers with a toss of his head.
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