Page 79 of Never Started
I’m trying to enjoy this day, but my worries are consuming me. His family has been welcoming. They remind me of my own, and spending a holiday without them is weird. But the Cole family has been nice to be around.
She admitted that she loves me. But why on earth is that so hard for her to do? Why does it anger her that she’s fallen for me just like I have for her? Doesn’t she trust me? Doesn’t she want to love me?
Too many fucking questions, so I admit, “Yeah, Bear. I don’t know, man. Izzy just seems off since we got here, and we got into a bit of an argument. She won’t open up to me, so I really don’t even know what’s going on.”
Ander sighs. “It’s Iz. She’ll come around. Just give her time.”
“Yeah.” I force a fake grin. “But she was fine until we got here. I’m not sure what changed.”
“Iz used to love it here,” he says, and I can sense there’s more he isn’t willing to share.
Another thought forms on my tongue, but just then, a guy walks in and hugs Anders' parents. His clothes are worn, tattered, and he appears dirty, like he’s been working hard. He looks completely out of place in contrast to everyone else, dressed nicely for the holiday.
“Who’s that?” I lean over to ask Ander, keeping my voice quiet.
“That’s Mark. He’s friends with Jett, and he works here on the ranch,” Ander says, the tone in his voice unsteady, as if there’s more to the story there.
The guy, whom I now know as Mark, doesn’t look right. He’s fidgety, sweating for no reason, and talking a mile a minute. I don’t know this guy, but I know what it looks like to be high as a fucking kite.
I don’t pry… Even though it’s hard not to. Hell, I want to help the guy. It’s basically a habit at this point; my parents and I help many of the homeless we hire to get clean. But this time, it isn’t my place. I don’t even know him.Maybe I’m reading into it.Better yet, Kasten comes around here a lot; maybe I’ll ask him.
Conversations carry on as Ander tells me about the workings of the ranch. The pride in his voice tells me exactly how much he cares for this place.
“It truly is beautiful here, man,” I say with a smile, one that Ander returns. “I mean it, if you ever think about selling some acreage, let me know. I love places like this. It brings a sense of peace over me.”
“Yeah, okay, City Boy,” he jokes. “You’ve already got your hands full with your farmhouse in Sugarland that you don’t know what the fuck you’re doing with.”
“Chickens,” I say, laughing. “Fucking chickens. Whoever thought I’d be the owner of chickens? And those little fuckers are so damn feisty.”
“I rest my case,” Ander says, his laughter still floating in the air. “If you can barely handle chickens, how’re you going to handle cattle on a fucking ranch?”
I shrug. “Hell, I’d figure it out. I might be a city boy, but I’m smart as hell and work my ass off. And you know it.”
Ander glares. “Don’t flatter yourself, Mav.”
“Ander?” His mom calls out from the kitchen. “Can you come help your father? He’s wrestling with the damn bird, and losing.”
Ander and I both chuckle. “Sure thing.” He turns back to me. “Grab a beer and relax, man. I’m sure Iz will be alright. She always bounces back. It’s Iz we’re talking about.”
I nod, and he walks away.She always bounces back.If that’s what he thinks, does he even know her at all? Does Via? Out of everyone here, I may have known her for the shortest amount of time, but I swear I’m the only one who truly sees her.
She isn’t okay. Whatever’s going on, how can she be expected to justbounce back?This fucking nagging feeling tells me it has to do with that dick Jett. But, as much as I want to keep pushing for answers, I know it’ll only backfire and cause her to retreat further.
I just have to believe she’ll eventually trust me enough to let me in and tell me. I have to trust in Izzy.
Chapter thirty-six
Izzy
November 2023
"FUCK!" I shout after Maverick leaves, and throw my slipper against the bedroom wall, hoping to ease some of my frustration.
Mission failed.
My frustration remains. Lucky me.
I'm being irrational. I know I am. However, I can't get myself to stop.
