Page 40 of Sizzle

“Is something going on with the farm?”

While we’re all completely dedicated to our craft, this is a passion for each and every farmer in this area, and it’s not uncommon that sometimes things go sideways. Whether it be financial, like the cost to harvest, the economy effecting our sales to the food industry, or bad seasons affecting outputs, there is always risk in operating a farm. This life is tough, it’s hard work, and we’re not always rewarded. Even when we are, it could be in a minor way, and you have to turn around to repeat the process all over again.

I’ve seen the nicest, most determined people fall victim to something out of their control, and those were agriculture families that spanned generations. Dan comes from the like, but he looks about tapped out as he stands in front of me.

“Half my land was just zoned to be demolished for that state highway they want to extend. They want to build that road right over the property my family has owned since before I was born. Just take it. I won’t be able to produce with what they’re leaving me with, nor will our farm thrive if it’s set up right next to all that noise, pollution … you get the drift. I have no choice.” His voice is hoarse as he tells me this, as if he’s trying to hold back tears.

“There has to be something we can do. My nonno established that coalition a while back, right? We could try to get that group together again, try to fight them?—”

“It’s no use, Liam. I’ve tried everything, talked to counsel, sought other options. They’re taking my farm, and there is nothing more I can do about it.”

Shock, anger, sympathy, and so many other emotions wrap around my throat like a hand squeezing my air supply.

“But they’re paying you? For the land, the house?” Where will he go if he’s not going to keep working on the half they leave him?

He nods, rolling his eyes. “Yes, I suppose I should be grateful.”

We both know he’s anything but. “What are you doing here then?”

“Just trying to get some supplies while I still can, make the most of the herd and potential sales I have left to pad my bank account before the one thing I’ve ever loved is ripped from me.”

From what I can recall, Dan never married. He has no children. Aside from the extended family who help him run the farm, he doesn’t have anything else.

“I can’t believe that. It makes me furious.” My hands ball into fists because it shouldn’t be allowed for someone to just take his land.

Even if the road is necessary, I see red when it comes to thinking about any of my property being taken from me.

“Of course it does, but at least you get the luxury of that while still maintaining your pride and joy. You wouldn’t understand. You’re an Ashton. No way they’d ever do this to you.” If I’m not mistaken, there is some malice in his voice.

And something about his body language is alerting me in a way I can’t pinpoint, but it’s probably his anxiety and stress causing him to act skittish.

“Dan, I didn’t mean to?—”

“Whatever, Ashton. Like I said, don’t worry about your land. They’ll never take it. I’m just another casualty while you and your family will succeed for lifetimes to come.”

With an angry stomp, Dan marches away from me, his supplies and future purchases forgotten as he haphazardly discards them to the floor. The jingle of the bell above the door barely registers past my shock, because while I wouldn’t call us friends, Dan has never acted so hostile toward me.

But I see what he’s saying; he’ll blame anyone and anything to ease his pain at the moment. Lashing out isn’t uncommon; I’d probably do the same thing if I were in his shoes.

Bending to retrieve the number of goods he left on the floor, I put them all back in their correct spots to save the shop owners the trouble.

After buying what I need and getting in my truck, I head for the farm. Even though I get to drive home to our land, which is intact and safe, I can’t shake the uneasy feeling Dan Quillin left me with or the thought that something like that could come for us someday.

19

LIAM

“They already love you. You don’t need to worry about anything.”

“You’re the most sullen of the bunch, so I guess charming anyone else won’t be the lift it usually is with you. But I’m not nervous about who is in there, I’m just worried about … the whole meeting the family thing is something I’ve never done.”

I blink at Gabrielle, who won’t stop tapping her shoe on my parent’s front porch. “Wait, never?”

“I told you, I haven’t dated all that much, and nothing was long term.”

“I guess I knew that, but I just thought …” I don’t know what to say.

Do I want to celebrate that she’s never gone home to another guy’s family? Absolutely. Do I also love, in a caveman kind of way, that I’m going to be her first in so many ways? Yes.

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