Crashing Into Tess (The McGreers)

by Christine, Lilly

  He could not banish the memory of kissing her, and the curl of desire intensified. I am such a fool.

  “I got the notice about a presentation on freeze branding at the Rancher’s Alliance meeting on Monday. Looks like you’ll be giving it. Good for you, jumping right in.”

  “Oh, right,” Tess blushed. “With Ron. It’s just a power point the Ag Department puts out. Doc asked me to do it. Honestly, I’m a little nervous about it. I don’t know where the Grange is, and I haven’t done all that much freeze branding.”

  “Just outside town. Doc will show you. Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. It’s not a tough crowd.”

  “We missed you Saturday night at Green Forks.”

  “Yeah, busy weekend,” he said nonchalantly, trying to focus on the elk hunting article. Just as he’d adjusted to the sensations in his torso, a wave of longing crossed his chest.

  What is it about her, anyway? He’d been out of circulation for so long, not meeting anyone new. Tess was pretty, but he’d always dated pretty women. He shifted in his chair, relieved when the nurse finally called her name, and she went in the back.

  She came out a few minutes later, signing something at the desk. “What’s happening with that Tacoma Lotts found for you?” he asked, across the room.

  “How do you know about my Tacoma?” She moved towards him, pink chapped lips smiling, brow furrowed.

  “It’s a small town, Crash. I was at the bar Sunday night, and Lotts filled me in. I know the guy who’s selling it, Aaron. His brother left town for a sales job in Atlanta. He left the truck for Aaron to deal with.”

  “Well, you know lots more than I do. I haven’t seen it yet. I’ll have Dave check it out before I buy it like you suggested, though.”

  “Good girl.”

  “You saved my butt last week, Jake, and you and Cassie got me pizza. I owe you lunch.” Her big blue eyes danced invitingly.

  “You don’t owe me lunch, Tess. I smashed into you, remember? You still have my number?”

  “In my cell,” she waved the phone.

  “Call if you need anything,” he said, eyeing her over the top of the magazine.

  Pulling a down vest off the coat tree, she eyed him quizzically. “Okay.”

  She waved as she stepped through the door. Relieved, he settled back in the chair, trying to convince himself he was right to have turned her down for lunch. There’s no way I will have it this bad for her for the next time I see her.

  ***** Tess walked home from the doctor’s office trying to brush off hurt feelings. The weather matched her mood; damp, grey and chilly. Why wouldn’t he get lunch with me?

  Morning frost had turned to midday haze, and the temperature hovered at the freezing mark. The sidewalks were slippery, and the cold air made her head pound. Ugh, have I made a fool of myself already?

  As she walked towards Mamma Boccini’s, homey smells of yeast and tomato paste, warm and familiar, grabbed her from the street. She ordered a slice and a soda, and took them to a small table. There, gooey flavors of mozzarella, salty, tangy prosciutto, basil and spinach boosted her spirits.

  At home, Rhiannon was waiting. Tess took her for a long walk. Then, unable to resist the lure of lavender polka dot flannel, she crawled beneath the covers. At half-past two, her cell buzzed, startling her awake.

  “Hi Tess! Lotts called. Aaron can bring the Tacoma down today, if you want,” Alice chirped. “Doc will be here, too. I can come get you anytime.”

  “Thanks.” She felt a rush of gratitude for Alice. She already felt like family.

  “So what did Doc Estes say?” Alice asked when she pulled to the curb an hour later.

  “Not much, it’s just a strain, she suggested the chiropractor.”

  Alice nodded. They drove in silence, the radio playing softly.

  “Jake was there,” Tess blurted. “I bumped into him in the reception area, like a total dork. He wouldn’t get pizza with me, but he said to call if I needed anything. I don’t get it. Maybe he just feels guilty about the accident?”

  Alice shot her a look of sympathy. “Oh, honey, I don’t think it’s that.”

  “What else could it be?”

  “I think he’s scared,” Alice said, braking at a stop sign.

  “Really? I just didn’t want to eat by myself.” Well, more kissing would be nice, too. “You’re certain he doesn’t have a girlfriend?”

  Alice shook her head. “There’s nobody else, I’m positive. Jake falls kind of easily, and I’ll bet he’s already a little head over heels for you. He got burned so badly in his divorce, he most likely feels safest keeping his distance. Lotts told me he’s always asking for you.”

  Tess remembered how he’d been in the diner. Shy, and a little nervous. The idea that she’d scared him off made her face burn. But then she thought of when he’d touched her. He hadn’t been scared then. Or shy. At all.

  “You said he was the best catch in town, Alice.”

  Alice’s eyes were understanding. “He is. But just take it easy, and give him some time. I’ll teach you billing codes when we get back to the office, okay?”

  “Oh, billing codes? That should get my mind off Jake,” she laughed.

  To: NBamberger@SNLLaw.com, RBamberger@RSTBLaw.com From: Tess.Bam@vmail.com Subject: Petticoat Green Junction Date: September 27, 9:34 pm

  Dear Mom and Dad,

  I looked at a pickup truck today: It’s everything I need,

  four wheel drive, high off the ground, less than fifty

  thousand miles, and really nice inside. Doc Harnes offered to buy a toolbox for the back and put new snow tires on it for me. It has heated seats, so I’ll be set for the winter. Once I have a truck, I can start doing farm calls on my own, so I really hope this is the one. The mechanic checks it out tomorrow.

  I’m taking small animal visits at the clinic alone now, and I’ve gone out on a few farm calls with Doc. Work outside the clinic setting is challenging, but Alice is a huge help, and I’m learning so much.

  It’s already cold here, and it snows a little bit every night, just an inch or two. I set up firewood delivery for next week. I’m glad I brought those insulated coveralls along. I know how you love those, Mom. Besides being a total fashion statement, they are super warm.

  Mom, if you can mail the rest of my winter clothes that would be great. Hug Grandma for me~ I called and told her about Mamma Boccini’s. Knowing how much I like to cook, she’s glad someone is feeding me ~

  Love you both Oodles, Your girl, Tess

  ***** Friday morning, Tess worked in the clinic, and her afternoon ranch calls lasted well past dark. Tired and dirty and still in the mountains, she was heading for home when her cell buzzed.

  “Hey, bet there’s a hungry vet heading towards town about now,” Alice’s voice called cheerfully. “I just called Mamma’s. Eggplant parmesan on special, and fresh napoleons for dessert. How about I bring dinner over to your place?”

  “Homemade napoleons in Green Junction, Colorado? Yum, mia nonna bella will be so happy for me.” “You have an Italian grandmother?”

  “Nonna Maggie. Northern Italian. She lives in South

  Philly, in the house where my mom grew up. Every Sunday, she takes the train from the city to make us dinner, lamb or beef or veal, homemade pasta and her own gravy. It’s a tradition.”

  “Hmm, just like our Friday night dinners, from Momma’s,” Alice teased.

  “I’m always one for tradition,” she giggled. Alice arrived with dinner as Tess was kicking off her boots and dirty coveralls. “Wow, it smells like heaven. You and Mia Nonna, si così generoso! You both feed me,” she laughed, grabbing silverware and napkins from the drawers.

  “Nonna Maggie sounds like my kinda girl,” Alice answered, sorting through the bags on the counter. “I adore her. My table cloth and napkins are from her hope chest, from the old country, and Nonna Maggie made the quilt on my bed. She makes fresh mozzarella and grows herbs in tubs in her little garden. I hope she can come visit next summer,
with my parents. She’d love to meet you.”

  Steam escaped from the containers Alice was opening. “Oh, before I forget: Jackalope dinner, next month at the high school, Doc and Bea’s treat.”

  Tess dished up dinner, handing Alice a plate of eggplant and chicken. “Jack-a-what? I thought Trick or Treat was next?”

  Alice laughed as she sat down. “It is. A Jackalope is a mythic creature: a jackrabbit with antlers. The taxidermists make them up around here as a gag. There’s one down at the bar, I’ll show it to you. They do fundraising dinners with game dishes, elk, antelope, rabbit, and so on, and call them Jackalope dinners. Rotary is hosting. The whole town will be there. Doc and Bea are excited about introducing you to everyone.”

  “Bea’s not wearing a costume, is she?” Tess asked, grabbing Pellegrino from the fridge and pouring it into the glasses Alice had set on the table.

  “Nope, that’s the Hallowe’en Dance at the Elks Club,” Alice said patiently. “That’s the last Saturday in October, three weeks away. Better put that one on your social calendar, too. We’ll need to come up with costumes.”

  Tess put a fork loaded with chicken and eggplant in her mouth. “Yum, will the food at the Jackalope be this good?” “Well, I’m not a big game eater, so I pretty much stick to the smoked trout and wild rice, but you can try rattlesnake jerky if you want,” Alice offered diplomatically, digging into her salad.

  “Rattlesnake jerky?” Wrinkling her nose, Tess shrugged. “When in Rome, I suppose. I should probably give it a shot. It’ll give me something to talk about with the ranchers.”

  They ate the better part of dinner silently, enjoying the food. Finally, Tess pushed her plate back. “I was hungry. I start running again tomorrow, now that my hip is better.”

  “Has Cassie stopped by?” Tess smiled. “She was here yesterday. We looked at my vet books and I made her a root beer float. It’s clear her dad adores her, but I get the feeling she doesn’t get much attention from her mom. She’s such a great kid. Next time, I want to take her to the library, but I can’t figure out if I should ask her mom. I don’t want it to seem like I don’t think she’s doing her job.”

  “Mmm,” Alice said noncommittally. “This is Vicki’s

  weekend, so we’ll probably see Cassie at the clinic tomorrow. Did you set up your bank account?”

  “What?”

  “Your bank account, did you set one up here in Green Junction yet?”

  “I get my first paycheck next week, I’ll do it then. Why?”

  “Vicki’s the manager at the branch near the shopping plaza. Avoid it. She knows that Cassie and Jake helped you move in, and she’s got you marked. She can be lethal.”

  Tess got up to make coffee. “Are you kidding me? What problem could Vicki possibly have with me? We’re neighbors. Cassie stops by to visit like it’s nothing.”

  “Green Forks Ladies night was Tuesday.” Alice set the new pickaxe cups and saucers on the table with the sugar bowl. “Twice a month, mixed drinks two dollars. Lotts usually works. As you can imagine, he’s much more patient with the single girls than I am. He wasn’t feeling well, so I covered the bar. Vicki came in with a bunch of friends. She knows we work together. You’d think she’d appreciate the time her kid spends at the office with us, and play nice, especially since she’s Bea’s niece, but that’s not Vicki. I heard much more than I wanted to know, Tess. I’m telling you, open your account on Main Street. Out of sight, out of mind. You don’t want to give her any ammunition. ”

  “Thank you for that. It’s sad for Cassie, though. Was her mother always this way?” Tess asked, pouring fresh coffee.

  “Vicki? I wish I had something nice to say, but Vicki is just miserable, as far as I can tell. I’ve only been around since right after Cassie was born, but best I can figure, she took Jake for all she could get from the start. The worse it got at home, the more Lotts and I saw of him at the tavern.” Alice poured milk and sugar in her coffee and stirred.“The custody situation with Cassie just tore him apart, but things seem to have settled down in the last six months.” Flashing a devilish grin, Alice said, “Jake usually stops in Friday nights around seven-thirty when Cassie’s at her mom’s, for a beer with Lotts. Let’s head to Green Forks after dinner.”

  “Oh, to add fuel to the fire?” Tess rolled her eyes. “I’m not even sure I should make the effort, Alice. He hasn’t called.”

  Alice sipped her coffee.“Hey, Doc made me promise to do what I could to keep you around. I take my work seriously, and Jake’s the best Green Junction has to offer.” Then, at the look on Tess’s face, she said gently, “He’ll come around, don’t worry. This coffee is great.”

  “My sister sent fresh roasted beans and a grinder from New York as a housewarming gift. I’ll give you some to take home. Lotts will love it.”

  ***** On Monday afternoon, Doc introduced Tess at the regular business meeting of the Rancher’s Alliance. The crowd of more than two dozen ranchers included two female sheep ranchers, and a woman who raised dairy goats.

  After chatting with everyone and listening politely through the meeting, Tess faced the room, nervously narrating a power point presentation on freeze branding. Jake stood in the back, as appealing and friendly as he’d been at Green Forks on Friday night. He gave her a big smile of encouragement when she began, but by the time Ron had circulated the sign up sheet for an on-ranch demonstration, he’d disappeared.

  I have to just forget him. Ignoring a stab of disappointment, Tess packed up the projection equipment and carried it to Ron’s truck.

  “You did a nice job with that presentation,” Doc said afterward, over coffee at the diner.

  “Thanks, Doc. It was great to meet the ranchers. I don’t have much experience with an actual branding operation, so it was a relief that the questions were easy.”

  “You can get practical experience this week if you want it. Jake McGreer has some late season calves he’s branding on Thursday. He’d like you to stop by, if you’re interested. You can learn the technique he uses now, before the spring rush. You been over to his place?” Doc asked, in his now familiar laconic drawl. She shook her head. “You’ll see the very best procedures. He runs a clean, professional operation.”

  “I thought he didn’t sign up because he wasn’t interested in freeze branding.”

  “The McGreers have been freeze branding for ten, twelve years, at least. His dad always had a real forward thinking, independent streak, and from the looks of things, Jake’s following suit. They’re both smart men, and damn hard workers. No one at the place works like Jake. That is the way it is with most of the successful ranchers around here, you’ll find. It’s six, seven days a week, easy,” he said.

  “Thanks for suggesting it Doc, I’ll definitely go. It’ll be great to see a real operation in full swing, so I’m ready for calving season in spring.”

  “Good for you. Every bit of experience helps,” Doc said approvingly, putting a five on the table.

  *****

  Thursday morning, long before dawn, Tess dressed in work clothes, warmed up her new maroon pickup, and got on the road, arriving at the gates of the McGreer Ranch at quarter after six.

  Her headlights cause sparkling pasture, stretched out on either side of the driveway. There had been a light dusting of new snow in town, but up in the mountains four inches of heavy, slippery snowfall lay across the driveway. She slipped the truck into four wheel drive, took a deep breath, and started down the snowy lane.

  Just as Alice said it would, the road forked, with a big hay barn to the right. As she drove over a knoll, Rhiannon barked excitedly. Ahead, young cattle milled in portable pens, bawling in the early light. Two men tossed them flakes of alfalfa.

  This is it .

  Feeling out of place, she got of the truck to a biting wind. Jake’s truck pulled up, and she swallowed hard, uncertain about seeing him on his home turf. I just hope he doesn’t make any more city girl comments.

  ***** In the half-light before dawn, Jake
surveyed Tess’s heavy work jacket, shapeless insulated overalls, and tall pack boots. Her curls were pulled back into a braid that fell down her back. Unable to keep from smiling, he handed her a travel mug of coffee. “Welcome. Are you warm enough?”

  “Once I start moving I will be,” she answered cheerfully. Pink light brightened the eastern sky, and in the cold, her blue eyes shimmered. Curls escaped her fuzzy sky blue wool cap, framing her cheeks. Angel in coveralls. And still too damn cute. Maybe I’ll just have to get used to it.

  “We’ll start the calves through the crush shortly. We dehorn and brand heifers first, and we’ll castrate the steers after lunch. You can try all the jobs if you want. That’s what Doc sent you here for, right, to see how this is done?”

  “He spoke highly of your operation. I want to understand all of it before spring,” she said politely, stamping her feet to warm up. “I’ve never seen this done on a large scale.”

  “Ah, not much to it, it’s routine ranch work, you’ll get the hang of it in no time. Feel free to warm up in my truck anytime, there’s a special heater in my cab.” She returned his smile with less sparkle than he remembered, and he felt guilty about kissing her and not calling. At least she doesn’t hold a grudge.

  At the pens, he introduced Larry and Ralph. “You want to let Rhiannon out, see if she’ll tag behind Van and learn how to round up cattle?”

  “Sure, if you want to give it a try. Let me know if she gets in the way, though.”

  “We’ll know soon enough.”

  The sun was rising as Ralph guided Tess through the de-horning process. Van helped Jake rally the heifers into the crush, with Rhiannon tagging behind. While Tess dehorned, Ralph and another helper did the freeze branding. Freeze branding was annoying to the animal, but not painful, and far more humane than the old electric heat branding.

  Larry took the young heifers down the chute afterward, opening the gate to let them graze in the pasture. By eightthirty, the sun had burned through the cloud cover, and the snow began to melt.