Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 102185 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 511(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102185 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 511(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
We didn’t grow up like some of the other ranching families in the area. The money came later, after a lot of hard work and sacrifices on my parents’ part. It was my sister who changed the game entirely. But we weren’t spoiled rich kids by nature. We all worked hard—I hit home runs, Baylor threw touchdowns, and Christine topped the podium as a barrel racer. But we’d still return home to chores that had to be done before catching up on homework.
We all made our way, taking different paths to success, and now have more money than sense. My contract with the Cardinals set a record for the team. Six years after being released, I still have money to last generations long after me despite trying to blow through it while traveling the world and escaping reality, if I’m honest with myself.
“I did a sponsorship for the pizzeria. Thought it was a good way to get word out.” We start walking again. “We were planning to go,” he says, grinning. “I had no idea I’d be treated to watching my big brother play again.” Tugging the door open to the pizzeria, he adds, “If you’d given me a heads-up, I could have picked you up from the airport.”
“No need. I bought a truck on my flight in. It was ready for me when I arrived.”
He looks past me toward the street. “Is that white Ford yours?”
“Fresh off the lot.”
With a few customers at the tables, he keeps his voice low when he says, “It’s a nice ride.” Nodding toward the counter, he chuckles. “Peaches knows better than to leave Dad working the register, but he likes the power behind the counter.” He tosses his hand in the air. “Hey, Dad, look who’s here.”
When he looks up, I see the way life has aged him beyond his years. He’s not old, but he’s led a hard life on the ranch as a child and then on his own property. When he sees me, he smiles. It’s one I recognize as my own. “Griffin, what? When did you get here?”
“Earlier today, but not more than twenty minutes back in the Pass.” I don’t want him to feel like he wasn’t a priority.
Coming around the counter, he embraces me. My father is not a hugging man, or he wasn’t before today that I was aware of. But a lot has changed since my mother passed seven years ago. Notably, that my dad is hugging me and dating again.
Peaches comes in from the back. Her entire expression lights up when she sees me. “Griffin, you’re back.” I give her a quick hug because she’s the lady who used to sneak a piece of candy across the counter at the Sundries store when I didn’t have enough money in my pocket to pay for it. She’s also now dating my dad, which in a strange way feels full circle somehow.
“Hey Peaches, how are you?”
She swats my arm. “Devilishly good these days.” I catch how she glances at my dad when replying.
I thought I’d feel more hurt somehow by their relationship, but it’s been the opposite reaction. I’m happy for them. Though I’m not sure how the newlyweds, Baylor and Lauralee, handle their parents hooking up. It’s not something I care to think about at all. “The place is looking good. Dad said on our last call that he was enjoying the pace of the pizzeria.”
She replies, “It’s a lot different from working the ranch, that’s for sure.”
“And air-conditioned,” my dad adds with a laugh.
“Don’t blame you for that.” When Baylor cuts out to return to the other space next door, I say, “So I know my showing up out of nowhere is a surprise. I can get a hotel room if I need—”
“I won’t hear of it.” My dad pats my arm. “Your room will always be your room, and you always have a place to stay.”
“Even at thirty-five?” I can admit I’m old enough not to have a “room” at my dad’s house any longer.
He chuckles. “Your age doesn’t change that you’re my son, kid. Why don’t you head back to the ranch, get cleaned up, and rest before dinner? I’m sure you’re tired after traveling and having practice today before that storm rolled in.”
“How’d you know I had practice today?”
Gesturing to the uniform, he replies, “Besides you walking in wearing a Dover Creek Armadillos uniform, which is blasphemy in some circles, Coach Barth contacted me for your current email. I figured you wouldn’t mind hearing about a chance to help the local high school teams.”
“I’m glad you did. It feels good to be able to help.” Taking a step back, I say, “I’m going to take you up on the offer and head back. I could really use a shower and a nap.”