Page 29 of Ember Meadow
My thoughts are interrupted by Miles’s low voice. “Did you really not know this ranch was owned by Autry’s?”
“Of course not. Do you think I faked not knowing you worked here? That’s a little insane, even for me,” I say, a bit annoyed. Seems to be a regular feeling around Miles.
“I was just wondering, is all. We have a website with all of our names and photos. I figured you had to have seen it.”
“No, Miles, I didn’t look at your website,” I sigh. I’m picking my battles wisely with this man, and this is not one of them. “If I knew this was your family’s ranch… well I don’t know what I would have done. But I probably would have been a lot more prepared to see you than I was. Don’t worry, I’m not some creepy stalker going after a one night stand from years ago. I just want to do my job, and move on.”
I turn to look at him, and catch a flicker of a softer emotion on his face in the moonlight. It’s gone before I can determine what it was, replaced by his usual scowl.
“That’s not what I meant,” he argues.
“Well what did you mean then?” I demand.
“Nothing.”
“Okay, well, if you don’t mind, I’m going to excuse myself from your lovely interrogation and head inside. It’s been a long week and I need some sleep,” I say, pulling my curls up into a ponytail.
Miles tracks the movement of my hands as I tie the scrunchie around my hair. He seems to have trouble swallowing.
Eventually, he nods and shuffles away, leaving me at my doorstep without so much as a goodbye. About thirty seconds later, his boots stop walking as I’m unlocking the door. When I turn back, he’s already looking at me with that quiet intensity I’ve come to know. The air feels a whole lot thinner in the dark night.
“You called me Miles,” he says, breaking the silence.
“So? Isn’t that your name?” I ask.
“I liked it.”
Chapter 10
Your Elbow Is In My Ribs
Another week working onthe renovation has come and gone. Another week of Miles working on the fence outside and avoiding my glance at all cost. I’ve buried myself in paperwork this week, and helped out the crew with a few projects when I can.
Our biggest jobs are just about finished. New plumbing is installed, the wiring has been checked and fixed in a few spots, and it looks completely like a construction zone. Which means everything is moving along well. We’ve had a few issues, but nothing out of the ordinary for an old cabin.
After all, according to Walter this was one of the original ranches of the area. I’m actually surprised with how well it has been taken care of.
Miles is about a quarter of the way done with the fence. He wasn’t around at all at the beginning of the week. I assumed he had things to do at his actual job like roping cattle or whatever he does up on the ranch. But he made good progress yesterday and today. The fence looks even better than before.
I still don’t know what to make of him walking me home on Branding Night. It seemed so out of character for him. Or rather, out of character for the new Miles. I feel like old Miles definitely would have walked me home. Maybe he’s warming up to me. Finally.
Taking off my gardening gloves, I wipe the sweat from my brow. It’s later in the evening on Friday night, and the crew has gone home. I’ve spent a few evenings out tending to my little side project, planting some new flowers and weeding.
After Branding Night, the ones I had planted already slowly started to grow just a bit taller and fuller. Now, when I look out at the garden, it’s a beautiful mix of reds, purples, and whites.
I grab my trowel, my gloves, and the tin watering can I found on the side of the cabin yesterday and head back into the cabin. It’s quiet when I’m the only one around, but it’s kind of nice to just sit with my thoughts. I set the supplies down by the backdoor where I usually keep them, and head over to wash my hands.
I still haven’t heard from my parents, which is troubling. When they’re this quiet while I’m out on a job, it’s usually a bad sign. I’m much more comfortable with their unrelenting criticism. At least then I know I’m doing something right. Now, I’m not sure what’s going on. I talked to Aunt Millie this week who said they’re probably just busy, but I have a sinking feeling in my gut it’s something else.
Pushing stray hairs out of my face, I walk to the kitchen table and pick up my laptop. It’s one of the only pieces of furniture that was in the house when I got here, and I used it to make the kitchen my sort-of office for now.
I can see almost the whole house from here. The back door on the far side of the kitchen, the dining room right through the door, the living room through a window in the other wall.
As I look around the house, I feel it again. That warm, belonging feeling from before. As still as a statue, I look around the house. Everything’s in place. There’s no indoor breezes, no ghosts floating around in the rooms, no glints of light.
My phone vibrates in my pocket, startling me so badly I almost jump out of my skin. The warmth fades as I catch my breath and see who’s calling. None other than Walter Autry.
“Hello,” I answer, voice shaky.
