Page 16 of Pay Dirt

Chapter 8

Nathan, Clayton, and I proceeded down the stairs toward the sound of voices and clinking silverware. My palms turned sweaty as a fluttery feeling overtook my stomach. I’d never had to play the role of girlfriend before. Sure, I’d dated, but playing the part with a man I barely knew anything about, other than he was a solid-ten kisser, was a first.

Nathan slipped his fingers through mine and squeezed as if sensing my turmoil just before we stopped in the dining room. A big rustic table with seating for twelve took up most of the room. A deer-antler chandelier hung from the ceiling, complete with added tear drop crystals from the antlers as if trying to make it look chic. It was nothing quite like I’d seen before and probably never would again.

Several men were already seated while Amanda and Mildred carried casseroles and serving dishes out of the kitchen.

“Well, don’t just stand there, sit down, and get some food before it’s all gone,” the man, wearing a cowboy hat and sitting at the head of the table, said.

“No hats at the table,” Mildred said, knocking the man’s arm.

“Dad, I’d like for you to meet Cassie and Clayton.”

“Um-hum,” he said, loading his plate up with fried chicken. “Amanda and Mildred already filled me in.”

“Guys, this is my dad, William Murray.” Nathan pointed to the others at the table. “You already met Grandpa, but that’s Pete and Joe. They help my dad with work on the rig.”

I held up my hand. “Hi, and thanks for having me.”

Nathan guided me to the table and pulled out a chair. Everyone’s gaze followed, as if this had been a trick performed by a monkey instead of Nathan. Maybe it had been true that he never brought home girls.

“Well, dig in,” Mr. Murray said, gesturing with a biscuit toward the other platters.

There was a sensory overload with the food. Country cooking at its finest. Everything from dumplings to fried chicken and all the southern veggies to go with it.

Clayton and I both filled our plates. The others watched in curiosity, especially William, Nathan’s dad. It was as though he was waiting to see what I’d eat, as if each dish had its own meaning.

I didn’t hold back. I took fried chicken, a heaping mound of mashed potatoes and gravy, a biscuit, and just a pinch of greens, trying to save room for that apple pie I’d smelled on the way in.

I could just imagine what he was thinking. Meat eater, check. Mashed potatoes and gravy, doesn’t care about calories or carbs, check, check.”

I must have passed his initial inspection because he turned his attention back to his own plate.

Talking around the table resumed after I took my first bite. The conversation revolved around the day in the field and how they believed the oil they’d tapped was starting to dry up and they’d have to move the rig to another place soon.

The chair at the end of the table sat empty. A single glass filled with wine sat in front of the chair. I’d expected Mildred to occupy the seat, but she never did.

William turned his gaze on Nathan. “We usually don’t see you until the end of the month. Why did you deviate from your normal routine?”

Nathan had a mouth full of food and held up his finger to his dad because he couldn’t answer. As I looked around this table, I thought there was no way they wouldn’t see through my ruse.

As if Nathan knew I was about to spew the ugly truth, he stopped me by resting his hand around the back of my chair and took a big swig of his beer.

“I wanted to show Cassie where I grew up, and she’s never been to a rodeo.”

“And you?” William turned his gaze to Clayton. “Are you always their third wheel, or are they into some kinky shit where they like three-ways?”

Clayton coughed on his drink.

“William Murray, you know that Jenna, God rest her soul, would have your hide for talking to your son’s guests that way.” Mildred said as she took a seat.

“I’m just Cassie’s driver.”

“And best friend,” I offered. “Clayton’s never been to Texas, but he’s fantasized about being a cowboy and learning the Texas two-step. Isn’t that right?”

Before Clayton could even answer, Amanda started with her questions. “Why the limo? You trying to impress us or don’t you know how to drive yourself?”

“Sure, she does. I’m just better at it,” Clayton said.

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