“Hey, Colt. How was the trip?”
I turned to give her a quick smile, then got back to work.
“It was good. Just got what we needed.” I was hoping I could cut the conversation short and Daisy would take the hint.
“I saw you and your dad talking when I got back from riding Domino. You two seemed like you had a good time. Did you find anything interesting in town?” She placed her hand against my back. It felt so nice to feel her touch again, but I knew it was only making things harder. I moved my body so her hand would leave me.
“Yeah, just the usual stuff. Just a usual trip.” I avoided making eye contact with her, trying to make it easier.
“Colt, is everything okay? You seem…different. Did you and your dad get into a disagreement while you were in town or something? If you did, you can tell me. You can talk to me about it, whatever it is.” I appreciate herwanting to be there for me. It reminded me of when we were kids. But this was not the right time. This was not what I needed right now. I needed some time and space to be with my thoughts and think this all through.
I finally looked at her, unsure of what to say or do.
“I’m fine, Daisy. Just tired, I guess.”
“You know you can talk to me, right? We always used to talk to each other about everything. If something is bothering you…” She was right. As kids, we would talk for hours about anything and everything. But this was not just a carefree day, and we are not kids with our little problems. We are adults now with grown-up problems.
“It’s nothing. I’m fine. Just busy. There’s a lot to get done today.” I had no idea what she was thinking, but I could only imagine how she was feeling right now. I was cutting her short,and after the night we had, I’m sure she felt things were off. I didn’t want this, but what else could I do without talking to my dad?
“Colt, I’m just…worried. I don’t want you to feel like you can’t tell me things or need to hide stuff from me. I want to be here for you. After last night, I thought there was something between us.” I didn’t respond and she kept talking. I could tell she was probably scared. “Was it only a one-time thing? Was it just a way for you to get a little action since apparently you don’t get much? If you were just using me, then at least be man enough to tell me.” I couldn’t believe those words. There was no way she could really believe that, could she?
“You know dang well that I’m not like that.”
“Then tell me the truth.” I sighed, knowing I had to come clean. Seeing her like this was breaking my heart and the last thing I ever want to do is hurt her or cause her any pain.
“Will you please just let this go? I don’t want my dad to see us talking like this.” I hoped the truth was better for her than letting her mind wander.
“Like what? We’re just having a conversation.” I wanted her to keep her voice down. The last thing I needed was for my dad to hear any of this or even catch a glimpse of this argument. I had no idea what he would say or do. I wasn't ready for that discussion.
“Yeah but if he saw this, right now, he would be able to see that this isn’t a friendly conversation. He would know something’s up, and I’m not ready to deal with that. I still haven’t figured out what to say to him…how to explain this.”
“Explain? Can’t you just tell him that we’re seeing each other?” If only it were that simple. I could only wish.
“You don’t understand. It’s not that simple.”
“You’re right. I don’t understand. I don’t understand because you won’t tell me anything. Colt, you must know thatI’m just worried about you.” She always did care so much about me. I loved that side of her.
“I know, Daisy.” I rubbed the back of my neck.
“So? Are you going to tell me?” I had to come clean with her. I only hoped it didn't hurt her.
“When my dad told me he agreed with John to let you stay here, he made me promise him something.”
“Okay?”
“He told me you were here to learn hard work.”
“I’m so sick of hearing that.”
“Will you let me finish? He told me that he was doing this as a favor to your father, one that he owed him. I told him he had nothing to worry about.”
“That still doesn’t explain this…”
“He told me to leave you be. He told me that I was to leave you alone…I wasn’t supposed to let anything happen between us. This was supposed to be strictly business.” Maybe he remembered how close we were askids, and he was afraid now that we were adults something would happen? I wasn't sure why he did what he did, but that was besides the point.
“So, let me get this straight. Your dad basically told you to keep your hands off me? Is that it?” I nodded.
“Daisy…” I reached out to touch her, just wanting to wrap her in my arms, then stopped myself.
