Page 8 of New in Town

Acloud of dust drifts along behind Bullet as he and Grey speed across the wide open plain. The bay quarter horse’s rich brown coat dazzles in the sunlight, rippling over his muscles with every stride. Grey takes great pride in his horse, their bond well-established for some years now.

They’d spent the day branding, one of his favorite tasks on the ranch. And beyond that, branding also means the kickoff of his favorite time of year. After the herd is marked, they can start turning them out, sending them off across the open ranch for the summer. It is a delicate balance, making sure it isn’t done too soon or too late, to have peak health in the cattle.

Turning the cattle out also means he is able to spend more time disappearing into the mountains. Like Bullet, Grey craves the ability to roam the vast ranch constantly. And yet, for some inexplicable reason, he is currently in a hurry to deposit his horse at the stables and leave the ranch, for town.

Despite the restless urge to get in his truck, he takes his time cooling Bullet down post-ride and moving to untack him. Following one last pass with the brush, he leaves Bullet in the corral alongside a handful of other Hayes Ranch horses and makes his way up the hill to his home.

He's taken this walk hundreds of times, his footing sure as he comes over the crest and catches the path from the main house down to the cottages. Two white homes sit side by side, about a hundred yards apart, and looking out over the winding river which cuts through the ranch.

“Hey, Pip!” Grey calls, crossing the threshold to his home. He’d named her on the drive home that first night. Pippa, meaning lover of horses. He read it in a book a while back and as he was determined to make a horse loving, cattle dog out of this little lady, the name seems like a good fit.

He crouches down as the small puppy bounds towards him. “What do you say I go get you some things, girl?” he asks, scratching her upturned belly.Some things like actual dog bowls, a collar, training treats, he adds to himself. So far, he’d only gotten her puppy food and even that was dwindling quickly.

That’s the only reason I’m going to town, he tells himself. And even he doesn’t believe his own words.

* * *

It is nearing evening when he turns onto Main, the town livelier than his last few visits as people head to restaurants for dinner. He loosens his clenched jaw and rolls his shoulders, suddenly wondering why he doesn’t just order these things online. Out of the corner of his eye, a flash of a brunette ponytail catches his attention. It isn’t her, but it quickly reminds him why he is shopping in person.

Maddie.

There is no guarantee he’ll see her today. Logically, he knows that. But thoughts of her had needled him the last few days.

He parks at the feed supply store and takes a deep breath. Food, bowl, collar, treats—he can be in and out. Grey climbs from the truck and heads inside.

The doors part to reveal an open, warehouse-like space. He grabs a cart and moves past the small animal section, coming to a stop at the sign labeled for canines. Throwing the dog food and treats in the cart, he heads to the next aisle where he finds the bowls as well as a dog bed. Imagining Pippa curled up in the bed next to the fireplace helps settle the growing tension in his chest.

Another aisle down, he locates the collar and somehow ends up with an assortment of toys as well. He chuckles to himself as he throws a stuffed cow into the cart. Turning towards the checkout, he comes to halt, seconds before colliding with a fellow shopper.

“Grey James! What brings you to town, dear?” the tiny woman asks him.

“Just getting some things for home, how are you ma’am?” he replies politely.

“Lilith? Ah! There you are, and with Grey! Good to see you,” a man exclaims as he nears.

“Lou, good to see you as well,” Grey says, accepting the handshake extended to him. Lou and Lilith have been staples in the community since Grey was a young boy. They run the bakery that supplies most of the bread for the restaurants and market in Sterling Ridge. He watches as Lilith peers into his cart.

“Did you get a dog?” she asks excitedly.

“I did, just a few days ago,” he replies.

“Well, how lovely. Oh, don’t be surprised if you take it to the vet and see someone other than Arlo there,” Lilith says with wide eyes.

Grey feels his heartbeat quicken.It’s because I’ve been idling here chatting, he assures himself,not because she just mentioned Maddie.

“She’s new. Moved into Henry Wells’s old place above our bakery. And so quickly after he passed! May he rest in peace,” Lilith continues.

“And she’s a mighty sweet girl. We are happy she’s there,” Lou cuts in, a stern look on his face.

“Oh of course, dear, mysterious is all. Who knows how long she’ll be here though. Arlo mentioned that only one person has let her treat their animal so far this week. It’s a shame.”

Grey feels his face heat with anger at the idea of people treating Maddie poorly. Had no one seriously brought her their pet since him? His hands flex as he works to settle his reaction. Lilith and Lou were some of the few people that were always kind to him growing up, despite the reputation attached to him in high school. Reacting with anger would only make them doubt the kindness they have for him.

Saying his goodbyes, he moves quickly through checking. Once he’s back in his truck, he rests his head back and lets his body relax into the seat. He is frustrated for Maddie, at how the town is treating her. She has uprooted her life to come help them and they are turning their noses up at her. Never mind the fact that she was adorable, and he isn’t sure how anyone could look into those big brown eyes and turn away from her. Shakingthatthought from his mind, he pulls out his phone to text Brett.

Grey

I met the new vet the other day. Just found out people haven’t been welcoming.

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