Salad
Cornbread
Baked beans
Barbecued ribs
Peach cobbler
“Wow,” said Sarah. “That’s the menu for tonight? Looks fabulous.”
“Let’s get to work, missy,” complained Dale. “While you were off lollygagging, I’ve been busting my tail with the meal.”
Sarah laughed at him. “Lollygagging?”
“Get the salad ingredients out and I’ll tell you.”
Sarah just smiled as she went through the food locker looking for what she’d need.
“This good?” She showed him what all she’d collected to start the salad.
“Don’t forget the radishes and avocado.”
“Yes sir…”
Dale turned down the Dutch oven on the baked beans and turned his attention to the ribs that he’d been smoking.
“… All right. Lollygagging. I saw you by the stream with Matt.”
“He was showing me how to fly fish,” Sarah protested.
“Well… Did you catch anything, besides Matt?”
She blushed. “It’s not like that, Dale. He’s just being nice.” She peeked over at him. “Isn’t he?”
“It’s not my place to say, I’m sure.” He glanced at her and they grinned at each other. “Okay, maybe a little.”
“Tell me his story.”
“That’s not fair. He asked about you and I wouldn’t tell him anything.”
She gasped. “He asked about me?”
Dale rolled his eyes back. “You mean to say, you haven’t noticed he’s interested in you?”
“I thought he was just helping a guest.”
“He helps guests all right, but not like he helps you. Matt likes you, Sarah. Anything you want to do about that?”
She looked down at her vegetables and continued making the salad. “I told him I was a mess, Dale. My life’s a mess… I wouldn’t get involved with me right now.”
“Do you need some help?” Dale started smearing the sauce on his smoked ribs.
She smiled. “Everyone has helped me so much already. I’m making a few decisions.”
“Really? Like what?”
“Were you serious about having me stay on for a while, Dale. You know, as an assistant?”
He turned to look at her and put down the rib. “Yes.”
“Okay.”
“Okay?”
“Yes, I’d like to work for you, if you still want me.”
“Of course, I still want you.”
“… I’m rethinking priorities. The West is good for me. The East, not so much… I’m quitting my job, for sure, and I’m going to concentrate on starting up my own online consulting business.”
Dale beamed. “I’d give you a hug, if I could, sweetie. That’s wonderful.”
He winked at her. “Couldn’t you do an online business from anywhere?”
“Yes,” she smiled. “Another benefit.”
“Proud of you…” He finished the ribs and started the peach cobbler. “Here. Take the cornbread.”
She put the salad down and took out the cornbread ingredients. Then she found a bowl and began mixing them.
“What about you, Dale? Is this what you always envisioned for yourself?”
Dale chuckled. “No. I had a restaurant in Reno for a few years, but it eventually closed.”
“Why? What happened?”
“It’s a tough market over there with the casinos. They practically give away food to get people through the doors to gamble. Plus, we didn’t get the foot traffic we needed from the location.”
“Maybe you can try another place.”
“… Actually…”
“What?”
“I did find a location in Wells that I might try.”
“Wells?”
“Remember? It’s the small town not far from the ranch. Anyway, I might try a Tex-Mex menu with barbecue too, like I had in Reno. I like those foods…”
“Well, if you need some help, I’m your man.”
He looked over at her. “Really, Sarah? You’d help out?”
“Yes, you’ve helped me. I want to reciprocate.” She smiled and then laughed out loud.
“What’s so funny?”
“My father and grandfather are going to faint when they learn of the plans I’m making – And without them. It’s another first for me.”
“Word is out that you’re from a prominent family. Care to say how prominent?”
“Is it going to change the way people think about me here? Because if it is, I’m not saying.”
Dale crossed his heart with a spoon. “I won’t tell a soul.”
“Even Matt?”
“No, you can tell him yourself and you should.”
“Okay… my grandfather was governor of Maryland thirty years back. He’s still a major power player in the party and is helping to run the current governor’s primary election.”
“Wow… And your father?”
“He works as chief of staff to the mayor of Baltimore.”
Dale whistled. “Impressive. How does that affect you?”
She blew out a breath. “I’m roped into all kinds of election parties, campaign functions, much glad-handing, smiling and bad food.”
“You don’t like it, I take it?”
“Not at all. I just do it for my family. It’s always been expected.”
“What about the boyfriend?”
“…Ex-boyfriend, you mean.”
“Yeah, him.”
“He expects me to suck it up and do whatever Grandfather needs. Which I’ve always done.”
Dale smiled and put the peach cobbler into the generator-powered oven he brought. He wiped his hands on a cloth.
“Matt has a grandfather too.”
Sarah was finishing the cornbread. “What should I do with this?”
“Let me take it… Anyway, Matt’s grandfather lives about ten miles south of here on a beautiful property. He’s a nice man and Matt’s only living relative. Have you met him yet?”
She laughed. “Why would I meet his grandfather?”
“Just asking. He’s a good guy and will probably leave that property to Matt.”
“Should you be gossiping about him?”
“Everyone around here knows that.”
“I’m not from around here, Dale.”
“…Oh, I forgot. You do seem to blend in pretty well, Sarah.”
Her mouth dropped open.
Dale laughed at her expression. “Come on. Let’s start hauling all the plates and utensils out. Dinner will be ready in about thirty minutes and there’s lots of hungry folks to feed.
Riding the River (The Westerners, Book One) Page 21