Page 30 of Something More

Love, Hank

I folded the paper and tucked it into the top drawer of the dresser before heading out to the kitchen. I went about fixing myself a cup of coffee as I meandered around the kitchen in a dreamlike state, not even realizing that Jack was staring at me.

“Mom? You ok?” His nose crinkled as he stared at me.

“I’m fine,” I smiled. “Just happy, I guess.”

“I like it when you’re happy.” He grinned.

“Me, too.” I grabbed some bread and dropped it in the toaster. “You not helping Grandpa today?” I got butter and jam from the fridge.

“He told me to take the day off since school’s starting soon. Wants me to enjoy the summer.”

“You can help me get ready for our cookout tonight if you want.” I grabbed the toast as it popped and placed it on a plate.

“Sure.” He shrugged as he went back to watching his show. After adding butter and jam to my toast, I sat down at the table. I could see the guys outside prepping the tractor to mow the corn fields, and I couldn’t help but stare. Hank was out there shirtless, and as he bent down to pick up something, you could see the muscles in his back flex. Parts of me started to wake up, and I had to look away to keep from doing something stupid in front of my son.

*****

Hank

Leaving this morning was the hardest thing I’ve done, probably harder than being in the same room as her when she first came back. “Where were you last night?” Johney teased.

“None of your business,” I snapped. He was always asking questions about things that had nothing to do with him. We were heading down to the barn to prep the mower and get the tractor ready. Jeff wanted to get the fields mowed so we could begin the fall soil treatment. It was already hot as blazes outside, and after putting the blades back on the mower, I tossed my shirt over the fence.

“Nothing, huh?” Johney scoffed. “Them red marks say you was doin’ somethin’.” He pointed.

“If you don’t want some red marks of your own, I suggest you shut it,” Ben warned.

“Why? Were you down at Tumbleweeds with Gia again? Is that it?” Johney cackled.

“I’m warnin’ you,” I turned and snarled at him.

“I wouldn’t blame ya if ya was. She’s a firecracker.” He hooted. “I’s heard she likes ‘em rough. Two at a time sometimes.”

I glared at Jeff. “You shut him up, or I will.”

“I ain’t doin’ anything. He’s diggin’ this hole. He can get out of it himself.” Jeff rolled his eyes.

“I don’t need no babysitter,” Johney cawed.

“Maybe not, but you will.” I stomped up to stop in front of where he was standing. “Say something else,” I ordered.

“You’s just upset that I know what you do in the off hours. Bangin’ the bosses’ wild one.” He grinned and that was it. I reared back and threw a right cross at him, connecting with his nose in the process.

“Damn.” He clutched his face as blood gushed between his fingers. “All ya’ll saw that.” He pointed with his free hand.

“We didn’t see shit!” Bo waved him off.

“Go clean up and shut your hole in the process.” Jeff pointed to the bunkhouse. “I’ll be addressing this with the bossman if you can’t keep your opinions to yourself.” Johney turned and made his way up to the bunkhouse, and when he came back later that afternoon, he didn’t say one word to anybody.

Chapter 16

Hank

I felt bad about leaving her this morning, but I also didn’t want Jack to wonder why I was there so early. Neither Codie nor I have really talked to him about what’s going on. He’s ten. He has to see that something’s happening, and I really don’t feel right about keeping all of it from him.

The heat was oppressive today, and when we finally finished, I began the trek back to the bunkhouse. A cold shower was in order, and then I needed to see my girl. I planned to spend the rest of the afternoon doing whatever she wanted to do as long as we did it together.

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