Page 21 of Evergreen Desires
"Why pot farming?" I asked.
"It’s a lucrative business. I have to follow rules and regulations, go through inspections, but ultimately, it's just like any other cash crop. It's no different from growing pumpkins or cabbage. My instincts told me I had a chance to be an early mover in the market—it was a great opportunity to be one of the first farms to get in. But as recreational use becomes more common, the market will become flooded. So I got in at a good time. I like it because you're always trying to improve a strain or the final product. It's something to be proud of, and it helps build a name for itself," Beau explained.
"Wow, that's a good answer. Do you ever sample the product?" I inquired.
Beau picked up his drink and took a slow sip, his eyes flicking toward mine as if weighing how honest he wantedto be. Then he leaned back in his chair, casually hooking one arm over the backrest, like we weren’t tiptoeing around a topic that made most people either defensive or way too enthusiastic.
“No, I have no desire to,” he said. “Will tried it a bit in the beginning, just to understand the product, but it’s not really our thing. For us, it’s strictly business. No different than growing Christmas trees.”
I was eager to learn more about his background. "So, farming is something you've always done?"
"It's the family business. You could say it's in my genes. My family has been working that mountain for generations.”
"Where's the rest of your family?" I asked, curious since he hadn’t really talked about them.
"My father retired about ten years ago and moved to the coast of Georgia. My mother passed away when I was a teenager—car accident. I have some scattered extended family—uncles, aunts, cousins—spread throughout the country. Most of them are in agriculture or outdoor jobs like farmers, forest rangers, arborists, or plant geneticists, funnily enough. Oh, and I do have a cousin who makes moonshine in the Appalachian Mountains, and he grows all his own ingredients," he finished with a chuckle as the waitress arrived to drop off our plates. “Now, do I get a turn?”
I felt a flutter of nervousness in my stomach. What could he want to know about me?
"What do you like about me?" he asked, his gaze fixed on mine.
"Oh, you're diving right in with a hard one.”I took a moment to figure out my next words. "You've been completely selfless since we met. You took me in, protected me, stood up to a police officer and a city council member, bought me things, and even gave me a job. You've treated me better than any past boyfriend ever has, and it's only been three days. You haven't asked for anything in return. That scares me a little bit," I admitted, feeling a mix of vulnerability and gratitude.
"Why? I'm not trying to scare you," Beau responded, his voice filled with sincerity. "Hold on, let me ask you something different. Do you believe in fated lovers or love at first sight?"
"That only seems to happen in rom-com movies on Hallmark. My past experiences tell me it's not real. I do feel some connection to you, but I'm a bit damaged," I confessed. “I’m not sure how easily I can trust another guy again.”
"We're all a little damaged, but you're not broken. I told you about my instincts earlier—I knew the minute we bumped into each other that I would be yours. I've said it, and I'll wait as long as it takes until you're ready. I won't push you," Beau reassured me, his unwavering support shining through his words.
"Okay, okay, change of topic. This food is delicious. This might be the best Thai food I've ever had," I said, trying to lighten the mood.
"I'm glad you like it. Want another Mai Tai?"
We continued with small chit-chat throughout the meal, covering topics like living with my grandparents,photography courses, how easy social media really was, and even the types of awards you could receive for top-shelf cannabis. With our bellies full, Beau paid the bill, and we walked outside. I found myself holding Beau's hand, needing his support to navigate the world after three strong Mai Tais. Surprisingly, he seemed perfectly sober, a steady presence beside me.
As we exited the building, I heard someone calling Beau's name. "Beau! Beau!" We turned to see Rich walking down the sidewalk with two men. They looked familiar, perhaps the guys from the diner a few days ago. I wasn’t entirely sure; I didn't get a good look at them then, and now, with the alcohol swirling in my system, I couldn’t trust my eyes or memory.
Beau’s body tensed beside me. "Hi, Rich. Why is it that I keep running into you when I'm not even in town?"
"It's weird that we keep running into each other. Are you two out on the town partying?" Rich asked, seemingly oblivious to Beau's annoyance.
"No, I'm actually on a date now. Why are you bothering me?" Beau reiterated, his tone firm.
Rich gestured to a spot about ten feet away from the main foot traffic on the sidewalk. "Come with me, let's talk over here for a moment."
"You have a minute," Beau said, turning to me and kissing my cheek. "I'll be right back."
"Okay," I replied, feeling a mix of uncertainty and curiosity as I touched my cheek where he’d kissed me. Rich and Beau moved towards the side of the building, leaving mestanding awkwardly with the other two men in an uncomfortable silence. They pulled out their cellphones, seemingly engrossed in games or scrolling through social media. I shifted my gaze towards the conversation between Beau and Rich, trying to eavesdrop. Rich's face turned red under the restaurant's lights, his frustration building. Beau, on the other hand, seemed composed, calmly disputing whatever was being said. As the tension rose, Rich became more animated, pointing his finger at Beau's chest.
Unable to contain myself any longer, fueled by anger and a few too many drinks, I lost control. "Hey! Leave him alone!" I shouted at Rich, my voice booming. I took a step towards them but quickly realized that my head was spinning too much to maintain my balance. "I don't care who you are, leave him alone!" I continued yelling at the top of my lungs, attracting the attention of passersby.
Rich seemed to notice the growing crowd and quickly glanced around at the people walking by. Even his companions took a few steps back, clearly wanting to avoid being pulled into the spotlight. Rich smirked and walked back towards the sidewalk with Beau.
"You two have a fun evening," Rich said dismissively, then turned and headed towards the valet stand with his companions.
Beau rejoined me, taking my hand in his. He lifted my hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to the back of it. "My knight in shining armor," he murmured.
"He's just a DICK," I spat.
