Weston Ranch, Fisher's Story

by Stephanie Maddux

  "Why did Fisher take you home from the Zumba class?" Maddie asked, pausing the television that she had blasting.

  "I wanted to talk to him about the land. It didn't go over well," Claire sat down on the sofa with a plop.

  "You can always use our land," she said, sitting down next to her.

  "I wish, but the layout is all wrong and it is not enough space," Claire leaned back and closed her eyes. She could hear Maddie rustling around. She told her what her next step would be.

  "I will go to the realtors tomorrow and see what else is available,” she continued talking. Maddie didn't respond. She opened her eyes to find her sister had left the room. So much for moral support. Claire went to her room, which had a connecting shower. She stripped her clothing and jumped in, letting the pulsing of the water sooth her knotted muscles from her Zumba workout and the hot water relieve her stress from dealing with Fisher.

  Fisher watched has Claire made her way home. She was relentless when she wanted something. He closed the door, flicked the lock and made his way back to the kitchen. His mother walked in from the back entry door. She was accompanied by his father. He rubbed his hand over his face, feeling the beginnings of faint hair stubble. "What did you guys do today?" He asked them politely.

  "There is nothing much to do around these parts when you are old as us," his mother joked. His father placed his hands on her shoulders. It was a common gesture his father did when his mother was upset by something. He was about to be chastised for something. He was never too old to be scalded.

  "Was that Claire that just left?" His mother asked.

  "Yes, she was looking for Ash," he lied, seeing that neither one of his parents believed him. This was proven true when his father grunted.

  "Don't lie to your mother, Fisher. We heard most the conversation. You weren’t being quiet about it," his father said, showing his displeasure at his son's behavior.

  "Why would you not sell her the land? We need the money. We use that portion for grazing. We could survive without it,” he said.

  This is what Fisher hated the most. His father was supposed to be retired, but he was still trying to run the show. Fisher had reasons to why he didn't want to sell. He just wasn't going to share them. Not yet at least. The money situation was another thing he didn’t want them to know. He already poured his own personal money to keep the ranch going. He needed to talk to Asher about taking over the books from their mom. Her system wasn’t working.

  "I have plans for the land that I do not need to share right now. The ranch is moving up under my running. I have only been at the wheel for a year. It will take more time fix the damage. Please don't question me on this." Fisher saw his father's jaw tick. He clearly wanted to say more.

  "Leave Fisher alone dear. He is right. You are retired, let him do his job," his mother eased out from his father’s grasp. It was satisfying that his mother stuck for him.

  "It’s alright mom, I understand that it is hard for dad. Just leave it be for now. I will think on it, if that will make you happy," Fisher made this statement towards his dad.

  His father nodded. He and mother went upstairs to their room. It was nine o'clock, late for them to be still up. Fisher wanted the land for a specific purpose and Claire could move on and buy from someone else. There was more than one spread that could offer her what she needed and for the right price. He couldn’t believe that he revealed so much to her about his family's financial problems. His parents obviously overheard their conversation and probably that part of it. He knew that he would be dressed down by his father by the end of the day tomorrow, out in the fields when no one was around.

  Chapter Four

  Claire met Asher for lunch at the local diner the next day. Everyone she remembered welcomed her with opened arms. She had just ordered a vanilla milk shake when her sister slid into the booth beside Asher.

  "What are you two love birds doing?" Lexie asked as she grabbed a menu, clearly making herself at home. Claire didn’t mind, but she was second guessing Asher. He went from being light and easy going to being stiff and stodgy. Tension flowed off of him.

  "We aren’t lovers. I was about to ask Ash about the ranch," Claire cleared up the part about being lovers. She was not about to let that rumor around in the small town.

  "I honestly don’t know anything about the business side of the ranch. I am a ranch hand. I own a small part over at the east end of the property line and I do my share of the work. Nothing to what Fisher does or owns now. As far as him not selling you land, I can't actually say one way or another as to why. I’m sorry I couldn't help you out, sweet cheeks," he answered her, utterly ignoring Lexie.

  "Are you sure you’re not lovers, sweeeeet cheeeeeks?" Lexie mimicked Asher on the last words, drawing it out. Apparently, Lexie was not in a happy mood today.

  "Do you mind? We are trying to have a conversation. Go do something worthwhile for a change," Asher lashed out at her. Claire glanced between the two. She had never seen Lexie intently pick at someone before. That was usually Maddie’s department. Asher made stiff movements trying to move away from Lexie’s hands that were waving furiously as she was started talking again.

  "What the hell is your problem with me, Ash?" Lexie asked, getting out of the booth, heedless to the heads that were turning to the sound of raised voices.

  "Go home before the waitress asks us all to leave. Claire and I have things to discuss that do not pertain to you," Asher sneered at her.

  Claire was fascinated at the scene she just witnessed. Lexie left the diner quietly. The usually calm and collected Asher was running a hand through his hair, a clear sign that he was agitated. She patiently remained quiet, waiting for Asher to explain what the hell she had just seen. The last she knew, Asher was hung up on Maddie, always ignoring Lexie.

  "What the hell just happen? When are you and Lexie at odds? Did I miss something, I know I have been gone awhile, but come on," she said, trying to make sense of everything.

  "No, I just didn’t want to deal with her today," Asher said.

  Claire expected him to further explain himself, but he never did. He was saved by the lunch that the waitress brought out. She spent several minutes eating, allowing Asher time to relax.

  "I will talk to my brother if you want. I don't think that it will do any good. I wish I could tell you more, but I just don't know. Ever since Fisher took over, everything has gotten better, so no one has questioned his leadership with the ranch,” Asher said as he finished his meal.

  "I get what you are trying to say. I won’t put you in that position. It was wrong of me to ask. Don't worry. I am going over to the realtor after we eat. I didn't even know about the land until my sisters said something, so it wasn't a tremendous loss," she said shrugging off her intense disappointment.

  Claire and Asher finished their meal with light banter about ranch life. Asher did the gentleman thing and paid for the two. Just like high school, she mused. She waved goodbye as she walked across the street to the realtor office, and he walked towards his pickup truck. Her own truck was being delivered later in the day. Apparently, the company was ahead of schedule, so she had to get back to the house in about three hours.

  Hopefully, Maddie didn't forget about her. They came into town together and went their separate ways since Maddie had a doctor's appointment. She had no clue where Lexie went after the confrontation at the diner, but she was surprised to see her in town at all, being a veterinarian assistant and spending most of her time in the fields and barns.

  Claire heard the bell ding overhead, signaling a new customer when she entered the realtor office. The building the office was in is new. There were elegant paintings on one side of the wall; the other side of the wall had listings of property on printed paper that was held up by thumb tacks. There was no one at the reception desk, and the other doors were closed. Claire moved closer to the listings, browsing through to see if anything jumped out at her.

  "Welcome Miss Hicks. Thank you for coming in. How may
I help you?" A voice said behind her. Claire faced the older woman, who came out of one of the closed door.

  "You're welcome and I am fine. I am looking to buy some land around this area to buy." Claire was trying to find a name tag or name plate so she would know what to call the lady.

  "Well, I might be able to help. How much land are you looking for?” The lady asked.

  "I need about fifty acres, more if possible, with water, sewage, buildable lots and preferable mineral rights included," she said.

  It was a staggering amount. Claire rendered the poor woman speechless, probably from the commission she would get if the sale went through.

  "There is no land for sale with that amount of land, at least not around here. The best people to ask are the Weston's. They own most the land in this town. May I ask what you are planning to do with this land? Does it need to be commercial or residential zoning?" The realtor asked, sitting down and taking out a pen, presumably to take notes.

  "I am not sure what the zoning would be. I am opening a special needs camp for kids. I wanted land that has scenery but still flat. I have already spoken to the Weston's, which is why I am now here," Claire said nicely.

  "Probably commercial then, but you can always get the zoning changed through paperwork. I will make some calls and see what I can do for you, but it will take a few days to get back to you. Is that alright?"

  "That would be great. Here is my number, just give me a call when you're ready." Claire wrote down her cell phone number on the back of her business card. She thanked the lady politely and walked out the door. Maddie was waiting for her in the parking lot, much to her relief. Claire adjusted her sunglasses on her face and got into the Land Rover.

  "Any luck with finding some land?" Maddie asked as soon as she finished buckling her seat beat.

  "Nothing yet, now spill about what is going on with Ash and Lexie." Claire wasn't going to be deflected from her curiosity. Maddie was mulling over what to say. It took a few seconds for her to spit it out.

  "Asher makes her unsettled. For the past year, he has been hovering around her. At first I was amused by it, because I knew he wanted me back in high school. They stayed the weekend together once last summer when Lexie was taking care of a calf of his. They came back all weird around each other and acting that way ever since. This game isn't funny to me anymore. I am jealous as hell now. He’s totally forgotten me. I guess I am mad at him too," she said, backing out onto the street.

  “You never paid Ash any attention from day one. You told me that you weren’t attractive to him. So why now?” Claire asked, curious.

  “I don’t know. I guess I miss all the attention. I know Lexie has always liked him, so I never encouraged Ash’s attentions and still won’t. We need to get Lexie to spill on what happened, then we can help them,” Maddie said, cheering up somewhat.

  "Well that makes all us sisters upset with the Weston boys." Claire was trying to make light of her situation.

  They drove the fifteen minutes back home listening to Taylor swift's Mine song. She was relieved when she saw her shiny black dodge pickup sitting in the drive way with a moving truck behind it. She jumped out as soon as Maddie parked.

  After signing the delivery papers, the men started unloading her boxes into the house. It would be gratifying not to depend on her sisters for rides and clothing. She looked over her truck making sure there were no dents or dings. Satisfied, she went inside to start the long unpacking process.

  Chapter Five

  Fisher was pulling out of his drive way to go into town when he saw the delivery truck and black dodge pull in next door. So, that must be Claire's truck. Figures she would drive a half ton, crew cab, diesel that she didn't need. It had to be fairly new, probably a '06 or '07 model. Claire would look sexy as hell behind the wheel. He shook his head. He had other things to worry about.

  He was meeting a home builder in town. He decided he would build a home on the extra land for his parent. It would be his gift to them. A retirement gift, a house and land deeded back to them. Fully paid for out of his own pocket. This is why he wouldn't sell the land to Claire. This was too important to him. The ranch was going to be given to Asher and then he can return to New York.

  He did feel a small amount of guilt over denying Claire. He knew a little of what the land would be used for. He also knew there was more land to choose from, other than his own, probably not as large as she wanted nor in town. He arrived at the developer's office. He had a firm plan in mind for what he wanted, a two story, three bedroom home with a wraparound porch. He wanted his parents to look out of their window and see for miles. He wanted them set on their porch, rocking in their rocking chairs without a care in the world. They deserved this after working hard for the last fifty years.

  Twenty minutes later, with the meeting over with and plans drawn up, Fisher was satisfied with the end results. The building would begin in six weeks. He would have a new house by winter. His phone started vibrating on his dash board. He picked it up and glanced at the screen. Tricia was calling. He hit the ignore button. He didn't want to talk to her. The only woman occupying his thoughts these past few days lived across the street and by the looks of it, she would be around for a while.

  Fisher sat in his truck in front of the developer's office, deciding his next move. He wasn't needed on the ranch today. His parents were over in the next town enjoying the Amish country and flea markets. His brother, well he had no idea where he was at since he wasn't answering his phone. He drove back home, before he turned left into his drive, he decided to visit Claire. He hung a right and the gravel crunched under his tires, announcing his presence.

  Fisher barely knocked on the door when she answered. Claire was sweaty and red faced when she bade him enter.

  "Need help?" He asked.

  "Since you are offering, then yes. I certainly do need help. My sisters magically disappeared,” she grumbled.

  "Show me what do, babe." He entered the foyer of the house and boxes were littered everywhere. "What happened to the movers? Did they just throw everything here in this pile and leave?" He looked at the mess, and his mouth twitched with amusement.

  "Don't get me started with them," she said as she bent down and moved a box towards him. "Here you go, you can start with this one,” she said, going back to work.

  She returned to the box she must have been working on before he arrived. He briefly wondered what he let himself in for when he volunteered his services. He looked at her receding back for a second, wishing for other services that he could offer her. He mentally shrugged and went to work, helping her unpack and put things away.

  For the next three hours, they worked side by side in harmony. Unpacking boxes, sorting things out that she wasn’t going to keep and cleaning up the mess of empty boxes and bubble wrap. By the time the last box was unpacked, they were sweaty, dirty and exhausted. Who knew climbing up and down stairs would provide such a workout. Here he was, thinking he was in decent shape.

  "You want some pizza or something," Fisher asked, wiping his face with his sleeve.

  "You making it?"

  "Um… No. I will gallantly have it delivered to you," he laughed. With a nod of her head, he took out his cell and placed the order. Flipping the phone closed, he walked up to Claire and gently placed a kiss on her forehead.

  "It will be back in twenty minutes. I am running home and jumping in the shower. I will be right back," with that said, he let himself out and jogged over to his house. As he left, it dawned on him that he kissed her before he left as if it was something natural and done all the time. It was somewhat upsetting since he never consciously meant to do it. He didn't want to delve into it too much.

  Fisher jumped into the shower, threw on some shorts and a crisp white shirt and went back to Claire's. Her sisters weren't home yet, and he hoped they would make themselves scarce for the rest of the evening. He walked in, without bothering to knock to find Claire wasn't downstairs. He assumed she was cleaning herself up. He
made himself at home in the living room and was flipping through channels on the TV, when she came in. Her hair was wet from her shower, and she looked like a teenager with no make-up and in shorts and a top.

  Thankfully the doorbell rang before he had a chance to say something stupid. He paid for the pizza, got plates and drinks and met her back in the living room. She had been placing a DVD in the player.

  "What are we watching?" He asked her as he got a plate ready for her.

  "We are watching Billy Madison, my all-time favorite movie. You have seen it right?" She asked when he didn’t respond right away.

  "No, actually I have never seen that particular movie," he said, sheepishly.

  She threw him a horrified look as if he was lying to her. It was amusing that she found this unbelievable.

  "Oh my God, who are you?" She exclaimed sitting down and reaching for the controller to start the movie. When they were both settled, side by side on the couch with their plates on their laps, she pushed play and the movie started.

  Right away, Fisher knew it was going to a dumb one. At least Claire was relaxed and munching away on pizza. Twenty minutes into the movie, she placed the now empty box on the floor and cuddled up to him on the couch. It was pure torture. She was fresh from the shower, and her hair smelled like lavender. He itched to run his fingers through it. It wasn’t long until the day of hard work caught up to her. Claire grew heavy and slumped against his side, dead asleep to the world. Fisher gently dislodged her, stood and stretched. She looked incredibly peaceful laying there. He was reluctant to move her.