“Hank, Dolly, leave it.” They immediately stop and pad their way back inside. “What’s going on, Cash?”
“Not much. I was just in town and figured I would stop by, catch up. You know.”
“Come on in then, brother.”
Chapter 12
Small Town USA
Callie
Floating on air after my interview, I get back to Lizzie’s in time for her to offer me dinner of the best meatloaf I’ve ever had. Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever had meatloaf, but it was the best either way.
“I’m going to head up and change then go over to Waylon’s,” I tell Lizzie and Mr. Cox as I carry my plate into the kitchen and rinse it in the sink.
“Leave it, I will take care of it. You can’t go to Waylon’s tonight.”
“Why not?” I ask as I walk back into the room.
“Closed on Mondays, Sundays too.” Well, there goes my plans.
“Nevermind then, I’ll just read. Thanks for talking to Vickie. Pete was so incredibly nice, and I can start next week.”
“That's amazing. I’m working on finding out anything about apartments,” she tells me, pride in her face at my, very small, accomplishment.
“Pete has an apartment above the feed store, remember Lizzie? That Tara girl lived there?” Mr. Cox adds to the conversation. He’s a man of few words but his words always bring value.
“That’s right! Callie, it would be perfect.” She looks so happy with this development. Score one for Mr. Cox. “I’ll ask Vickie about that, too.”
“Thank you, Lizzie, Mr. Cox. You guys have been so wonderful.”
“You can call me Bud.”
“Thank you, Bud.” He just inclines his head. He reminds me of Duke.
Upstairs, I decide to text Duke and Cash to tell them both I got the job.
I got the job *dancing* I can start next week!
Cowboy Cash
Congratulations darlin’. Can’t say I’m not as pleased as possible you’re staying. I want more days like today.
He is always the sweetest. He isn’t making it easy to decide what to do. Now that I’ve punched a few things off my list, my mind drifts back to my dilemma with Cash and Duke.
I had a job interview today. I got the job. I start next week. I guess I decided to stay.
Grumpy Not-Cowboy
They would have been stupid not to hire you. Congratulations, Sunshine.
If I don’t respond, my friend Cash is over, so I don’t want to be rude.
I don’t respond to him. My mood immediately deflates.
Oh shit, I think this just got a lotmore complicated.
Bzzzzzz