Page 5 of Rival
Chewing on my lip, I squeeze my eyes shut, remembering his words.
“You stay the fuck away from them, you hear me, girl?”
I keep my eyes on the floor, nodding quickly so he knows I understand. His booted feet step closer until we’re toe to toe. It’s hard to know if he wants a spoken answer, or if I’m supposed to stay quiet.
When he growls in annoyance, I lick my lips quickly and whisper, “I understand.”
“Fuckin’ Coopers. The whole lot of ‘em need to disappear,” he grumbles, my answer good enough for now. He continues to complain about how horrible they are, and my question slips free before I can stop it.
“Why do you hate them?”
I wince at his sharp inhale. Instead of seeing him, I sense as he lowers his head to look directly into my face. His is covered in fury and disgust. “It don’t fuckin’ MATTER why, girl. You’ll do as you’re fuckin’ told and stay the fuck away. You need a reminder? I got no problem givin’ it to ya.”
Swallowing hard, I shake the memory off and hurry to my regular spot. There’s a boulder set about ten feet back from the edge that’s easy enough for me to climb onto without worrying about slipping and tumbling off the ledge.
As soon as I’m settled, I take a slow, deep breath, and allow myself to relax. It’s so unbelievably peaceful here. My mind wanders back to my neighbor, wishing he would have given permission for me to assist him.
Most likely, I would have only been in his way. I’ve never touched a cow before, though. They don’t seem entirely snuggly, but I’m fascinated, nonetheless. Frowning, I remind myself Icanbe useful. Maybe I’ll get in the way at first, but I’m a quick learner and never make the same mistakes twice.
Pastor Danielson and his wife Ruth have told me often they appreciate the extra hand I give them when events come up. It’s odd to me that my father insists on going to church every Sunday, but going is something I look forward to. I’m not always so sure about the messages they teach us there, or if I believe everything, but my favorite part is when the pastor stands behind the pulpit and reminds us over and over how much we are loved.
I think that’s what I cling to most; the idea that no matter what I do, there’s something or someone out there who will always love me unconditionally.
My deep frown loosens its tension when I think of that. Maybe all of it is a bunch of baloney and full of nonsense, but I’ll keep going for those good feelings. Besides, the two of them are so stinking kind. Always happy, greeting me with a warm hug and handshake when I arrive, trailing my father.
I think Ruth knows her hugs are special to me. They’ve grown tighter and longer over the past few months of Sundays, and she’s so warm and soft. It’s easy to just sink into her.
Which reminds me, I promised I’d bring some baked goods for Sunday service. Sometimes other members will bring treats for members to take on their way out, but she didn’t have anything planned for this coming service. I was sure to ask father if it was alright. He wasn’t thrilled, but he grunted out permission after making me promise I’d clean up my mess when I was finished.
I’d pay for the ingredients myself with the little cash I’ve earned when the church needed some hands. It’s the only time I’ve been allowed to work. My father says there is plenty of work to be done here at the house, so he refuses to drive me to a regular paying job.
Slipping from my rock, I find my feet and firm up my shoulders. I’m twenty years old. It’s time I found regular work, even if I have to walk every day. I’ll talk to him tomorrow when he seems to be in a decent mood. For now, I’ll focus on baking a few dozen cookies for Sunday.
Glancing toward the neighbor’s property once more, a little thought pops into my head.Maybe I’ll take a plate over to the Coopers’ place. Just because father doesn’t like them doesn’t mean I have to feel the same.
Chapter Two
Jaxon
“Thorton Construction and Restoration. This is Jennice, how can I help you?”
I tilt my head to the side in an effort to listen in. Jennice Graham is new to me, and today is the first day she’s on the phone alone. My mom was my last receptionist, and I don’t blame her for wanting to fully retire. Dad quit a few years ago, although he’ll still help me on jobs from time to time.
It’s not that I don’t trust Jennice, I do. She’s just very young. I debated if I should evenhirea high school student which leaves me without anyone to answer calls during the weekdays. The plan is to forward to my cell until she shows up after school, but I may end up hiring another part-timer.
“Umm, he’s here. Did you want me to get him for you, Mrs. Danielson?”
Closing my eyes, I inwardly sigh. It’s not that I don’t want to talk to Ruth, but I don’t have time to do whatever it is I know she’s going to ask of me.
Jennice laughs into the phone before whispering, “I’ll do my best. Hold on a second.” Peering down at my desk set, I watch the line as she flips it to hold. A moment later, she’s knocking onmy door. “Hey, uhh, Jaxon? Ruth Danielson is on line one and she told me that she knows you probably don’t wanna talk to her right now, but she’d beever so gratefulif you took her call, anyway.”
The corner of my lip turns up a bit as she fights to hold back her laughter over my predicament. Jennice really does seem like a nice kid. I was also hesitant to hire a Graham, considering her father and his brother make up the trio with Clayborn Hughes, but Clayborn’s sins don’t fall on this girl’s shoulders. I’m not so close-minded that I can’t draw a line of separation, as long as she does her job and does it well.
Waving her off, I pick up the phone before connecting the call. “I’ll take it. I’ve got some receipts that need to be scanned and attached to files. Do you remember how to do that?” She nods, so I hand her a file stuffed full. I connect the call once she disappears to the front. “Morning, Ruth. What can I do for you?”
“Ahh, Jaxon Thorton. I’ll thank you for taking my call, but I’m not sure you had much of a choice. Lovely girl, that Jennice. Now, I know you’re a very busy man, but I’m in desperate need of your assistance for the next few weeks if you aren’t too backed up with jobs. It’s a good cause, my dear.”
Eyeing my calendar, I wince. I do have quite a few jobs lined up, but I could probably spare some time for her, depending on the task. “What is it you’re looking for? Can’t make any promises, but I’ll hear you out.”
