Page 5 of She's My Kind Of Rain

Because feelings and personal stuff really isn’t my favorite thing to talk about, I point toward the hallway and add, “Down that hall to the right is a bathroom, if you ever need to use it. The bunk house has one too, of course, and then off the kitchen theother way is a couple of guest rooms if your parents ever wanna visit. Since we both know the only momma’s boy here is you.” I jest, raising another laugh out of the both of us.

“Alright, show me to my new bachelor pad and you weren’t serious about Judd’s sister, right?” He chuckles.

“No, you dumbshit,” I laugh out. “As long as it isn’t illegal, do whatever you want.”

“Touché,” he jests, following me out the door, toward the bunk house.

The space has been vacant for years, and unlike the main house, it needs a good cleaning. “Sorry it’s a mess in here. But as you can see it’s nothing special.” I look around and notice the ancient kitchen, so I add. “You’re welcome to use the main house kitchen. This one looks to be on its last leg—I’m not even sure if the appliances work, to be honest.”

“Do I strike ya as someone who needs somethin’ fancy? At this point I woulda been happy to sleep in the barn over drivin’ everyday.” He releases a breath. “Thanks, man. Really. This is gonna help out a lot.”

“Yeah, no problem.” I finish showing him the rest of the bunkhouse, which isn’t much other than two small bedrooms and a decent sized bathroom, before we head back outside.

Once we reach the barn, his brown eyes fill with what appears to be confusion. “Ya call this a ranch, but there ain’t any livestock or much of anythin’ beyond the gates besides the house. Shit’s pretty well kept, so either ya got a lot of time on your hands and just hate animals, or ya got somethin’ to explain.”

“Well I’ve got a horse in the barn, but that’s it,” I say with a shrug. “Billy next door does most of his care since I’m gone all week, and then I tend to the rest on the weekends. I rent out some of the fields to farmers, and Pops got rid of the cattle once he turned eighty. He said he was just too old to deal with theupkeep, and he didn’t want to leave anyone with livestock to deal with. I think he truly just thought I didn’t want to be a rancher indefinitely and didn’t want me to convince myself that I should keep this place going just because he had. Turns out, only two years after that he was gone. So now it’s just Wrangler.”

I rub the back of my neck, feeling a little stressed about the fact that I’ve yet to figure out what I want to do. “Haven’t really thought of getting anything else just yet, especially since Billy is the one taking care of him, but I’m sure he gets bored being here alone. Like I said, I just haven’t figured out what I want to do in general. Renting the land out is honestly more than enough income and I really don’t mind doing construction, but I mostly decided to do it because I like to keep busy and work with my hands. So I figured, might as well do something I enjoy while I figure shit out.” I take a breath and run a hand back through my hair, shrugging once more. “That and I thought adding animals to my ‘to do’ list would only complicate things if I decided to take a different path in life.”

“Well, how ‘bout this? Maybe I could keep my horse here too, so yours ain’t lonely, and so I don’t feel like a dick for leavin’ her back at my parents’ house. I plan to do as many ropin’ events that Nashville and the surroundin’ areas have to offer, so best to have her and my trailer with me. I’ll do the mornin’ and late night care for both the horses, and ya can cut on the cost of havin’ Billy out all the time. If ya wont take my money for rent, then at least take my labor for it.”

My head cocks to the side, a soft grin forming on my lips. “You know that ain’t a half bad idea. I always feel bad that Wrangler is here on his own. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind having a friend.”

I know I don’t.

Rhett smacks the back of my shoulder. “Yeah and if he’s anythin’ like ya, I won’t have to worry ‘bout him bein’ a ladies man.”

2

DAISY - MAY 3, 2004

May is alwayshard for me. The warm weather and budding flowers remind me of new beginnings, but with that comes the reminder of the loss of my dad.

Walking into work today, the air feels heavier than normal and I am hesitant as to whether or not it’s my overthinking or the eerie silence of the office. The building is quiet and there is no scent of coffee permeating the air, which feels off for a Monday morning here at Wellington Music Group.

A small pile of empty boxes lay near the secretary’s desk. I frown. That’s odd. I don’t remember those being there Friday night when I left. I can’t help but think I’m just overanalyzing little things today to help distract me from the inevitable sadness this month usually brings, or if it’s all in my head. Placing my binder and purse on the secretary’s desk, I stride across the room to hang up my coat. I take in a deep breath and exhale slowly, hoping that I can release a bit of my worries along with it. My jacket swishes as I reach to pull down the zipper. A hand touches my shoulder and I jump, startled by Gina’s approach.

An embarrassed smile reaches my lips. “Good morning, I didn’t hear you come up.”

I survey the room, still feeling like something is off, when I notice Gina’s face. Though to most, her smile would seem warm and genuine, I can see the strain in it, the worry hidden behind her eyes. Something’s up. A sense of dread rolls in with my worry.

“Is everything alright?” I question, my heart now thumping in my chest.

“Daisy, today is Wellington Music Group’s last day.” Gina’s expression is filled with sadness. “Bob and I were approached by a much bigger recording company about selling W.M.G. We haven’t been bringing in as much revenue as we used to and we decided now may be the only chance we have to retire and enjoy traveling while we’re still able.” A soft sigh escapes her lips and she places a hand on my shoulder as if it might help comfort me—it doesn’t. “Unfortunately, they intend to bring in their own team to run this office. Everyone who previously worked here will have to reapply if they choose to do so.”

I’m at a loss for words, suddenly feeling like I might throw up. My stomach falls to the floor and I search her face for any indication that this is a joke. That some famous guy is about to jump out and tell me I’m being punked. She breaks eye contact, tucking her short, red hair behind her ears, and looks down at the floor, telling me all I need to know.

“You’re serious, aren’t you?” I ask desperately, hoping that she will crack a smile and the charade will end, but it’s clear this will not take a turn in my favor.

This is it. I’ve officially lost my shot at being a part of the only record label close to my hometown of Tansy Bay. The job that was solely created for me because my mom was friends with Gina, the head of the Artists and Repertoire department, who just happened to be married to the owner himself, Bob Wellington. And it was the only thing that brought a tiny piece of my dad back into my daily life since I lost him.

“I’m really sorry, Daisy. I would have given you more notice, but Bob and I decided last night and let them know we were willing to accept their offer. They said they would like to finalize the acquisition today. I encourage you to apply once they reopen these doors, or if you ever find yourself applying elsewhere, please feel free to use me as a reference.” Gina grabs my hands and gives them a gentle squeeze, her expression is sad but full of kindness. “You have done amazing here and I have all the faith in the world that you are capable of great things no matter where you end up.”

“I appreciate that, Gina, thank you,” I say, trying to ensure my words come out strong so that she can’t see the emotions warring within me.

“Of course. Feel free to grab whatever you need from your office.” She motions to a small pile of boxes on the floor.

I nod, breaking eye contact with her, fighting back the tears that threaten to fall before I’m alone. I grab a box, and head down the hall to pack my things.

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