Page 53 of Undone

“Fine. I’ll go alone. But Josh, you better keep an eye on the clock. I know how you are when things get busy. You promised that you’d be there for me—and I’m trusting you to keep that promise. You’ve got six hours before the flight leaves, and you still have to drive to Denver, which will take half that time, okay?”

I smiled despite myself. Six hours was a lifetime. Zoe obviously didn’t know how many times I’d had to run up to the flight attendant and sweet talk my way onto a plane as the gate was closing. But not this time, if I had anything to say about it.

“Okay, Zo. Got it.”

“And Josh? Good luck getting this figured out. I know it’s important to you and the ranch.”

“Thanks. See you soon.”

I hung up and immediately felt the pressure in my temples return as I walked back to the barn.

“You come up with a name?” I asked Eli who was staring at his phone.

“No, but I got a text from Caleb while you were talking to Zoe.”

I clapped my hands. “Fantastic. He’s on the way?”

Eli frowned and shook his head. “He’s got food poisoning. The only place he’s going is the ER.”

“Fuck!” I shouted.

“And I’ve run through everyone I know in the area and no one is available. Not even for a few hours,” Eli continued. “I’ve checked with half a dozen people. They all said no—and that they couldn’t think of anyone else who might be capable and available. Sorry.”

“Lemme call Shannon really quick. She might know someone you haven’t thought of.”

I hated the feeling of desperation gnawing at me. I never half-assed anything, let alone something this important. The pull between doing what was right for Zoe and doing what was right for the ranch was tearing me apart. I dialed my sister and hoped she had a solution.

“Hey, what’s up?’ she answered with music blaring in the background.

“Got a second?” I asked.

“I’ve got plenty, I’m sitting in traffic. What’s going on?”

“That guy, Caleb—you know, the one we hired to sub for me while I’m away with Zoe—has food poisoning. Eli and I are tapped out of people qualified to take his place, so do you know of anyone? At this point I just need a live body that knows how to ride and will be mostly polite to the VIPs who are coming.”

“Oh, that sucks. When are you leaving again?”

“I was supposed to go now. Zoe just took off on her own, and I said I’d meet her at the airport.” I paused. “She’s not pleased.”

“Can you blame her?” Shannon asked. “Anyway, everyone I know is up to their eyeballs in work right now. You know it’s peak season. I wish I could help, but there’s no way anyone I know can slip away for that many hours.”

“Right, right,” I said, rubbing my eyes. “Okay, thanks anyway.”

“Hope it works out,” she answered in a sympathetic voice. “And sorry this happened.”

“Yeah, thanks,” I said through gritted teeth. “Wish me luck.”

I disconnected the call and looked out at the horizon. It was a perfect day for a ride, sunny, clear, with a light breeze and no humidity. I stomped back to where Eli was getting things ready for the group.

“I’m staying.”

Eli looked up at me with a dumbfounded expression. “But I thought you?—”

“Nope, we can’t find anyone to step in, and it’s not like you can handle everything on your own. Plus, there’s the liability issue with my insurance company. I either go with you or we have to reschedule the ride, and how well do you think that will go?” I could feel panic clawing away at my throat as I swallowed down bile. We were barely open for rides now, there was no way I was going to screw anything up at this stage. The potential loss of revenue was a big deal, but also there was no way I was risking bad reviews while we were barely off the ground. That would kill this enterprise fast.

“I understand how important this is to you and the ranch. Hell, it’s important to me, too.” He rubbed his chin and straightened his hat. “Maybe you can head out afterwards? Catch the next flight?” Eli offered.

“Maybe.” I said, knowing deep down that it was unlikely. “I need to call Zoe and let her know. Back in a few.”

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