Page 4 of Rafe

“Yes, sir.” Rafe removed his hat, wiping a sheen of sweat from his brow with the back of his hand, then wiped his dusty bootson the welcome mat before stepping inside. The cool air from the A/C enveloped him like a refreshing breeze, and he sighed in relief. He hung his hat on a peg by the door, then followed Fred into the living room, where the soft hum of a ceiling fan added to the cool atmosphere.

“Have a seat, son,” Fred offered, gesturing to a plush armchair.

Rafe nodded, waiting respectfully until Fred settled into his own chair before he did the same.

“Is something wrong, Fred?” Rafe inquired, a hint of concern in his voice.

“No. Why would you think that?” Fred replied, raising an eyebrow.

“Because Maggie told me you needed to see me, and you rarely do that on a weekend,” Rafe explained, leaning forward slightly.

“Oh, that. I took care of it. I needed a hole dug for a rose bush. I’m sorry I had her waste her time. Were you busy?”

“No, sir. I was in the pool, trying to beat the heat a little,” Rafe admitted with a grin.

“Yet, you rode your horse here in this heat,” Fred said with an amused grin.

Rafe chuckled as he shrugged. “I like to ride.”

“I know you do. So, what are you planning for the rest of the weekend?” Fred asked, curiosity in his eyes.

“Being lazy,” Rafe replied with a relaxed grin.

“Best way to spend a weekend,” Fred declared with a satisfied nod, his eyes crinkling in genuine contentment. “Would you care for a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade? Maggie made it herself and kindly brought it over for me.”

“Sure, that sounds good.”

“I’ll be right back,” Fred added.

“Yes, sir.”

Rafe gazed around the room, absorbing every familiar detail with a sense of comfort. In his eyes, Fred was a pillar of virtue and strength, a man worthy of immense respect, so much so that Rafe couldn’t help but contrast him with his own family. His father, perpetually lost in his drunken stupor, was nothing more than a pompous, self-absorbed man, and his mother fared little better, often clouded by the haze of various mind-altering substances.

Years ago, Rafe had arrived at the expansive Hancock ranch, his voice hopeful as he pleaded for a job in desperate need of a fresh start. He wanted to save money to get away from the toxic remnants of his childhood home. The last memory he held of his parents was bitter; a year prior, when they had unexpectedly appeared at his cabin to ask for money. He knew all too well how that cash would be squandered under the influence of their ever-lingering vices. While Rafe appreciated a beer every now and then, never did he cross the line into excessive indulgence, determined never to mirror his parents’ self-destructive behavior.

When Fred re-entered the room, Rafe stood in respectful greeting, accepting a glass of lemonade from him. Following Fred’s own seating, Rafe sat as well, lifting the glass to his lips. With each sip, he nodded in quiet approval.

“It’s very good,” Rafe remarked, his voice filled with genuine appreciation.

“Maggie makes it using real lemons, not that store-bought kind,” Fred responded with a broad grin that hinted at both pride and mischief.

“What are your plans this weekend, Fred?”

“I’m planning a trip into town,” Fred explained with a spark of anticipation. “I’ve never had the pleasure of visiting the little shop where Maggie works, and knowing how passionate she is about it, I promised I’d pay her a visit.”

“Isn’t she off today?” Rafe asked, eyebrows arching in quiet surprise.

“No, she popped out during her lunch break and surprised me with a burger,” Fred laughed.

Rafe couldn’t help but return the grin. “I see. That was nice of her.”

Fred’s eyes softened as he spoke, “Rafe, that remarkable young woman will always be welcome in my home. After discovering how Frederick mistreated her and what he inflicted upon me, he is no longer welcome, but if she ever needs a safe haven, this door will remain open.” He paused, a tender smile curving his lips. “That said, she loves the independence of her own space. She told me she lives above the shop where she works, her boss kindly provides her a place to stay rent free.”

“That’s generous of her,” Rafe commented as he took another sip of his lemonade.

After a short moment of lingering conversation, Fred excused himself. “I hate to cut this short, but I’m going to grab a quick shower, I spent the afternoon planting a rose bush out back, and I could certainly use a refreshing rinse before heading into town. Would you like to go with me?”

Rafe raised his eyebrows. “Uh, no, thanks, Fred. I have some work to finish in my barn, and then I plan on spending the rest of the day just relaxing.”

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