Page 63 of Country Charm

Me: Anytime you need anything, I’ll get it to you.

I mean it. The girl could tell me she needed a ride to the bookstore, and I would drive up there right now and get her there. I want to make sure she has what she needs and wants.

If Cassidy could be interested in dedication like that from me, that would be some serious progress on her part. I hit send, hoping to keep moving in a positive direction.

Cassidy: =)

It’s better than nothing. I don’t want to push too far, so I switch gears and text Harrison.

Me: Hey. Gotta run over to Jake’s place after I finish up in the fields. Still haven’t gotten word on him. Would you mind closing and locking up the barn after you’re done?

Harrison: NP. I’ll toss a few steaks on the grill and wait for you in the house. Hope everything is all good.

Shit. Me too.

Later at Jake’s trailer, I see all the lights on, but his bike isn’t in the front chained to the railing like it usually is when he’s home. That sits a little uneasily with me. Turing my headlights off, I undo my buckle and pull my phone out.

What if Sharon thinks Jake’s at work today and I cause her unnecessary trouble? When he passed out in the field the poor woman almost died with worry. She left the diner without another word, even though I assured her he would be fine after cooling off and having some water. The tires of her beater ate the gravel as she peeled into the ranch. I never want to see that look on her face again. Jake and his mom are closer than I can understand.

I dial Cassidy, unsure of what to do.

“Hey. What’s the news?!” She’s as eager as everyone to know he’s all good.

“I pulled up in front of their place. The lights are on, and his mom’s car is here, but Jake’s bike isn’t. It’s weird.”

“What did his mom say?” She’s thinking, the gears in her head turning at warp speed.

“I haven’t talked to her yet. What if he just played hooky to hang out with some friends today? I don’t want tomake his mom worry. She almost died when he almost had that heat stroke.”

“Hunter Hill. You don’t know where that kid is. If he wanted to play hooky, he would have called you and said he was sick. He would have said something. He is not the type of boy who just doesn’t show up. You man up and knock on that door. What if he’s in trouble and she’s been looking for him all day too?!” She’s mad but in a sweet way. She cares about the people who matter to me. By association, I get to say that means that Cassidy cares about me too.

“Okay. I just really hope I’m doing the right thing. I—” A knock comes on the glass of my window, and I jump. “SHIT!”

“WHAT?!” Cassidy yells. I squint and see Jake standing next to his bike holding a plastic bag in his hand.

“It’s Jake. I’ll call you back. He’s fine, he’s on his bike and everything.” I hear her sigh heavily and then take a deep breath. “You call me on your way home, okay?”

“I will,” I reassure her.

Sliding my phone back into my back pocket I climb out of my truck and look over Jake. The boy is a mess. His hair is disheveled, his eyes are swollen, and he looks tired. He’s wearing basketball shorts and a plain shirt with a zip-up hoodie, but sandals instead of sneakers. He’s out of breath and his eyes dart between me and his home.

“Sir. I’m sorry but can I call you tomorrow?” His voice shakes with an uncertainty that adds to my worry.

“Are you alright, son?” The words come out with ease, just genuine concern. His eyes gloss over, and he shakes his head hard twice.

“Tell me what’s going on,” I say. Jake turns toward his house and speed walks as he pushes the bike up to the steps of his trailer.

“My mom is sick. She said it was just a cold or something, but she wasn’t acting like herself this morning. She hasn’t been able to eat or drink and she sounds awful. I don’t know what I’m doing. A little while ago I went to check on her and she was burning up. I don’t have anything to check her temp. Sir, I don’t even know what a fever is. I biked as fast as I could to the pharmacy.”

As Jake is talking, we walk up to his house, and he chains his bike to the railing of the steps.

“The pharmacist gave me a thermometer and medicine for fevers and some drinks for her since she hasn’t drunk anything all day. I don’t know what to do. This is the first time my mom hasn’t been able to take care of her—” He’s on the verge of a breakdown. I can hear it, but he steels himself and takes a deep breath.

I put a hand on his shoulder and give him a squeeze.

“It’s going to be okay; I’ve helped my family out plenty of times when they’re sick. Let’s head inside.” Jake nods his head once and brings a sleeve to his eyes while he’s facing away from me.

“Okay.”

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