by Ali Spooner
She looked over at Gene who was grinning broadly. They both knew it was a near-perfect run. When the judge lifted the flag, she moved Shadow forward to loosen the rope to allow the steer to kick out and Gene retrieved his rope.
They cantered together to the end of the arena to exit. They walked over to the watering trough to give the horses a drink, and then rode back to the trailer to unsaddle and load their horses and gear.
“You did good, big boy,” she said to Shadow as she slipped a halter over his head and took the lead to load him into the trailer.
After the final team competed, Gene and Coal remained in first place. She, Gene, and Lucas joined the others in the stands to await the final ceremony.
“Great job you two,” Melissa crowed when they arrived.
“Thanks, boss,” Coal said, taking a seat beside Mary Leah.
†
After the awards ceremony, the crew departed with handsome paychecks and the Top Cowboy trophy. Melissa also accepted Stormy’s winnings in her absence, much to the chagrin of Big Bob. Melissa was determined to prevent him from getting his hands on her earnings when he couldn’t be bothered to leave the shade of the stands to check on his injured rider. She decided then that the MC2 just added another rider.
“Would you mind if I ride back with Del?” Mary Leah asked her.
“Of course not,” Coal answered with a smile. “Are you coming out to the ranch?” she asked Del.
“I thought I might. To check to make sure Stormy is getting along,” Del said with a light flush to her cheeks.
“We’ll see you there then,” Melissa said as she climbed in behind the wheel as Coal removed her chaps and climbed inside the truck.
†
“Give Harley a call and see if we need to bring anything home. Check on Stormy too, please,” Melissa said.
Harley answered on the third ring. “Hey Coal, what’s up?”
“The boss wants to know if we need to bring anything home, and to check on Stormy,” Coal explained.
“I’ve kept her on ice, and she refuses to lie down and rest, so she’s watching me destroy the boss lady’s kitchen.”
“Oh dear Lord, what are you doing?”
“Cooking dinner,” he chuckled.
“What are you cooking?”
“Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, and green beans,” he answered.
“You’ve got my mouth watering already. Is there anything either of you need?”
“Hang on a sec.”
She could hear him talking to Stormy in the background. “No, ma’am. We appear to be good. How much longer before ya’ll make it home?”
“About forty-five minutes.”
“I’ll be ready to serve by then,” he answered. “Be safe and I’ll see you soon.”
Coal ended the call and turned to Melissa. “He’s cooking dinner, and apologizes in advance for destroying your kitchen. Stormy is sitting in the kitchen, so he’s keeping an eye on her.”
“That’s good. He can make a mess, but the man can really cook.”
“I will gladly clean up after one of his fried chicken dinners,” she said.
“Oh my, yes. Call the boys and tell them to drop Shadow off first and then come to dinner.”
“Should I also let Del and Mary Leah in on the dinner plans?”
“Yes, let them know I’m going to stop off at the bakery for something sweet for dessert.”
“I’m all over it,” she said and started making calls.
Chapter Eighteen
The kitchen filled with a flurry of activity when Melissa and Coal arrived at the house. The crew was busy carrying the meal out to the bunkhouse to a larger table, and Mary Leah and Del were fussing over Stormy.
“How are you feeling?” Coal asked.
“It’s painful, but Del just gave me some of the Tylenol.”
“I plan to take her to see a doctor first thing in the morning, unless you feel you need to go tonight,” Melissa said.
“I’ll be fine, Mrs. Conway. You don’t need to go out of your way for me.”
“I make sure all of my hands are taken care of,” Melissa told her.
“That’s right, Stormy, and we don’t argue with the boss,” Coal told her.
“Yes, ma’am,” she said.
“Come on. Mary Leah and I will help you out to the bunkhouse,” Del said.
“Is there anything else that needs to go out?” Coal asked Harley.
“Just that delicious cake you brought in,” he answered. “I think we have some ice cream to pair with it,” he added.
“Let’s eat then,” Melissa said.
†
After enjoying the wonderful meal, the team pulled together to clean up as Melissa and Del took Stormy back to the house. They sat her on the edge of the bed and Melissa leaned over to remove Stormy’s boots.
“Where have you been living?” she asked.
“I rent a room at the boarding house in town,” she answered.
“After we finish at the hospital tomorrow we’ll go by and get your stuff. Do you want something to sleep in tonight?”
“No, ma’am, I’m okay in my T-shirt and boxers. If you’ll help me get out of this sling I can manage from there.”
“I don’t mind helping you,” Melissa said.
“I appreciate that, ma’am, but I can undress myself,” she said with a bashful smile.
“Okay, just holler out if you change your mind and want help,” Melissa said as she eased Stormy’s arm out of the sling. “Do you want more Tylenol?”
“That would be great.”
“Hang on and I’ll go get them with some water,” Del said.
“I’m only a few doors down the hall, so if you need me tonight just holler out,” Melissa said.
“Thank you, ma’am.”
Del brought her the bottle with two pills remaining and a fresh bottle of water. She poured a pill into Stormy’s hand and opened the water for her.
“Thanks,” she said and took the pill.
†
Melissa and Del left the room. “Will you call me tomorrow and let me know what the doctor says?”
“Of course I will,” Melissa said. “Coal starts back to therapy with you tomorrow night doesn’t she?”
“Yes, we start phase two this week. The first few sessions may be really tough for her.”
Mary Leah and Coal walked in as they reached the kitchen. “Come on, we’ll walk you out,” Mary Leah said.
“See you tomorrow, boss,” Coal said as they left the house.
As they walked across the yard, Del looked at her. “I will see you tomorrow night. It’s going to be a hard session, but you’re going to do great.”
“Thanks, Doc,” she said as she opened the car door. “See you then.”
“Goodnight, Mary Leah,” Del said and hugged them both.
“Drive safe,” Mary Leah said when she released Del.
Del nodded and climbed into her car. Coal closed the door behind her and they watched as she backed into the drive. She slipped her arm around Mary Leah’s shoulder and said, “Let’s go home.”
†
They drove Melissa’s truck to their home and parked in the drive. Coal walked around to open the door and offered Mary Leah her hand. “I want to check on Shadow. Would you like to join me?”
Mary Leah slipped her hand inside Coal’s. “Yes, I’d like that,” she said.
They walked hand in hand to the barn to check on Shadow. The boys had given him fresh water and a block of hay. She hugged the horse around his neck and patted his shoulder. “You were great this weekend, big boy.”
“You were both great,” Mary Leah said.
“Yeah, we were, weren’t we?” Coal said with a grin.
“Come with me, cowgirl, it’s time for bed,” Mary Leah said with a devilish grin.
†
Coal drove Melissa’s truck back the next morning and walked into the house to find Melissa and Stormy sitting at the kitchen t
able drinking coffee. “Good morning, ladies.”
“Someone is bright and chipper this morning,” Melissa said as Coal walked to the coffeepot.
“It’s good to be home. How are you feeling Stormy?”
“I’ll live,” she answered with a grin.
“Were you able to sleep last night?”
“Until about five when the throbbing in my shoulder woke me and I took the last of the Tylenol.”
“I’m taking her to the hospital this morning,” Melissa said.
“Good, better to be checked out to make sure there isn’t any permanent damage.”
“Are you two going to team up against me?” Stormy teased.
“Nope, when the boss speaks, we listen,” she said with a wink to Melissa.
“Is the crew heading back to the hayfields today?” Melissa asked.
“Yes, ma’am. Tom and Roy got a couple of fields cut over the weekend, so they are taking the day off while we continue cutting and baling, if the hay’s ready.”
“When we get done at the hospital I’m taking Stormy to pick up her gear and if we’re running late, I’ll bring some lunch from town,” Melissa said.
“I can come back and make sandwiches, if you get hung up,” Coal volunteered.
“Keep your phone handy, and I’ll text you if we’re running late,” Melissa said.
“I don’t have much at the boarding house, so we can come back here and I’ll go back to town and get my stuff,” Stormy said.
“Don’t be silly. We can get it while we’re in town. These guys won’t starve.”
Coal finished her coffee and rinsed her cup, placing it in the dishwasher. “You won’t win an argument with the boss, so you might as well get used to it,” she teased.
“Yes, boss,” Stormy said.
“See y’all later,” Coal said and walked out to the bunkhouse.
“Let’s roll,” Melissa said.
Stormy followed Melissa from the house and they headed for town.
†
The rest of the crew was sitting around the breakfast table. Stan had joined them and they were discussing the day’s work. “I hear we have a new hand,” he said as she sat beside him.
“Yeah, Big Bob treated her terribly when she got hurt,” Harley said. “He didn’t even check on her or anything.”
Stan just shook his head. “How is she?” he asked Coal.
“The boss is taking her to get checked out, but Stormy is pretty tough, and will be fine,” she answered.
“She can do some of the driving this week until she’s cleared for lifting,” Stan said.
“What are the assignments this morning?” Harley asked.
“I’ll drive the rake if you want the baler. Coal can drive the truck and Lucas and Gene can load and stack. If she’s up to driving when she returns, Stormy can drive the truck and Coal can rake while I start cutting again,” Stan said. “We also have a surprise coming this week.”
“What’s that?” Gene asked.
“The boss has agreed to green break two dozen colts for a ranch out of Austin and they will be delivered Wednesday. If we finish the hay this week, you young’uns can start on the horses this weekend.”
“Good deal,” Gene said.
“I thought that might give you some extra incentive,” Stan told the young man.
“I’ll go get the truck,” Gene said, leaving the bunkhouse.
†
The x-rays and tests cleared her from any serious damage. She left with instructions to use the sling for two more days and prescription strength ibuprofen to help reduce the swelling and pain. When they left the hospital, she gave Melissa directions to the boarding house.
Melissa parked and walked inside with her. “Hey, Stormy,” the owner Sue Thompson said as they entered the kitchen. She smiled when she saw Melissa. “Melissa Conway, I haven’t seen you in ages. How have you been?”
“Good, thanks, Sue, and you?”
“Hanging in there, thanks. What brings you two in together this morning?”
“I’m stealing your boarder,” Melissa said.
“Are you finally giving Big Bob the boot? Damn, I didn’t see your arm. What happened?” she asked all in one breath.
“I dislocated my shoulder at the rodeo yesterday. Mrs. Conway is letting me join her crew.”
“Well, you’ve got yourself a hard worker, Melissa,” Sue said.
“We’re glad to have her join us,” Melissa said.
Stormy shuffled her feet with embarrassment. It was clear to Melissa that she wasn’t used to receiving compliments or praise. She wondered what the young woman’s history was.
“Can I get two big garbage bags from you?” she asked Sue.
“I’ve got luggage you can borrow,” Sue offered.
“Thanks, but I don’t have much.”
Sue walked to the pantry and returned with three plastic bags. “Do you need some help?”
“No, ma’am, I’ve got this, but thanks,” Stormy said and left the kitchen.
“She’s a good person, but she’s had some bad luck in her young life. I hope working for you will help her to continue moving forward,” Sue said.
“I’m sure she will be fine,” Melissa said and left to go help Stormy.
†
Stormy had emptied the closet and placed six pairs of jeans and work shirts on the bed on their hangers. “I’ll take these out to the truck if you want to empty the dresser,” Melissa said.
“Yes, ma’am,” she said and opened the top drawer.
Melissa picked up the hangers and carried them to the truck. She checked her watch and smiled. They were in good shape for time. She would stop off for sandwiches from a deli before leaving town. She walked back inside to find Stormy struggling to open a bag with one hand and she was about to remove the sling when Melissa walked in.
“Hold on and I’ll help you. You need to keep that sling in place,” she reminded her.
“Yes, ma’am,” she said as Melissa took the bag from her and opened it.
“You hand me the clothes and I’ll bag them.”
She nodded and emptied the three drawers, which easily fit in two bags. “I’ve got a few things in the bathroom and I’ll be ready.”
“I’ll take these out to the truck then and wait for you,” Melissa said. “Are you squared up with Sue?”
“I’ll pay up on my way out,” she said.
Melissa carried the bags to the truck and placed a call to the deli to order sandwiches while she waited for Stormy. The heat was already soaring, so she cranked the AC on high to cool off the truck.
A few minutes later, Stormy emerged from the boarding house carrying a final small bag, which she placed in the backseat, and climbed in beside Melissa.
“All set?”
“Yes, ma’am,” she answered.
“Let’s drop by and pick up sandwiches and then go home.”
“That sounds good to me. Thanks for taking such good care of me, Mrs. Conway.”
Melissa smiled at her as she put the truck in gear. “You’re part of our family now, and we take care of each other.”
“Yes, ma’am,” she said and laid her head back against the seat.
“It’s time for some ibuprofen, isn’t it?” Melissa saw Stormy nod. “I’ll get a bottle of water when we stop for sandwiches and you can take a dose.”
When they reached the deli, Melissa told her to sit tight and went in to grab a bottle of water. While they finished the sandwiches she brought it to her then returned inside. Five minutes later, they were on their way home.
†
Coal looked up from the tractor to see Melissa’s truck kicking up dust as she drove toward them. She turned and motioned for Harley to break for lunch and as she finished the row, she hollered for Gene to hop on the truck and then drove to where Melissa had parked.
“Hey there, what did the doc say?” she asked Stormy.
“He says I’ll live. I have to stay in this sling for a couple more days
, but otherwise I’m good. No permanent damage done.”
“That’s great news,” Harley said. He introduced her to Stan.
“I’ve heard a lot of good things about you,” he said.
“Thank you, sir, I will work my best for you,” she promised.
“Why don’t you take the afternoon to get your stuff settled. We can put you to work driving the truck tomorrow, if you’re up to it,” he suggested.
“I’m good to go now, sir,” she said.
“Maybe so, but we’re going to make it an early day anyhow, so get settled in and rest up. Can you cook?” he asked.
“Some, but I’m no gourmet.” She grinned.
“Well, I believe it’s Gene’s night to cook and he’s laid out cubed steak to smother. I’m sure he would appreciate some help with dinner.”
“I’ll take all the help I can get,” Gene said. “Coal has taught me some things, but I’ll always welcome learning something new. Can you make biscuits?”
“Yeah, but not out of a can,” Stormy said.
“We will get along just fine then.” Gene smiled.
†
Melissa and Coal spread out the sandwiches, chips, and drinks on the truck tailgate and the crew shared lunch together. After the meal, they walked back to their equipment to return to work. “Are you sure I can’t help today?” Stormy asked Stan.
“Don’t worry. There will be plenty for you to do tomorrow, and we have two dozen colts being delivered Wednesday that we need to green break next week,” he said. “So, get all the rest you can.”
“Yes, sir,” she said and climbed into the truck beside Melissa.