Her heart melted a little. He could be quite sweet at times. “Okay. Give me a minute, I'll see you outside.”
She quickly changed into her jeans, brushed her hair, put on a little makeup and perfume, her best boots, and grabbing her handbag and jacket, left her room. Making her way outside, she found Aden and Lucas leaning on either side of the truck in silence. They'd obviously been having more words as the air was thick with tension.
“This should be fun,” she said in dark jest as they both slid inside the truck, one either side of her.
“It wasn't my idea,” grumbled Aden.
“You aren't going anywhere alone with Mads,” Lucas snarled at him.
“Excuse me... I'm not a piece of meat to fight over,” she objected in disgust.
“Sorry,” Lucas said with a small apologetic smile.
“So, what's to do in town?” she asked with interest, and to change the subject swiftly.
“Horsefeed, supplies, gasoline for the generator, the usual kind of thing,” Aden replied. “I was going to go tomorrow, but as you want a whole day out riding, I'm doing it today instead.”
“I fancy a long ride tomorrow as well,” Lucas added pointedly.
“You have your work and I have mine,” Aden reminded him.
“How come you get all the fun? I'm coming and that's that.”
“Oh for God's sake!” Maddy exclaimed in exasperation. She put the radio on and finally found a station which she tuned into loudly, sitting back with her arms crossed as Aden tore along the road at a frightening speed. He obviously knew the small road well, but she was sure they didn't have four tires on it very often. She closed her eyes as they negotiated yet another hairpin turn at top speed.
“Jesus Christ, I'm going to throw up my lunch soon,” she finally admitted, putting her hand on the dash to steady herself.
“We're nearly there, don't worry,” Lucas said, patting her hand. “Then Aden can stop trying to FUCKING KILL US..!”
“If I wanted to kill you, you'd be dead by now,” he replied with an icy calm that belied the inner fury she could see in his eyes.
The town's buildings and church steeple finally came into view as they descended the hill towards Heart. Maddy breathed a sigh of relief as they parked up outside the feed store. She accompanied Aden inside, Lucas close behind. She found it fascinating being in stores such as this. It was like something out of an old western movie. The large cabin was piled high with every animal foodstuff known to man and beast. Aden selected a large cart and heaped it with sacks of oats, dog food, and various other things. She stood and watched as he paid and wheeled it all out to the truck, heaving it into the back effortlessly. He was obviously very strong and fit. They left the truck and walked over to the grocery, cum general store across the road. He gathered a few dozen items and she picked up a large pack of potato chips, wine, chocolate, and some mints. They returned to the truck with those and got inside.
“We'll get the gas on the way back. Fancy those pancakes Maddy?”
“You bet. It's the only reason I came,” she laughed.
They drove a minute further along the wide main street until Maddy saw the sign for Betty's in bright blue lights above the diner. They drew to a stop outside. It was a fairly modern looking place. She smiled at Lucas, hoping to get a reaction, but he simply turned away and looked out of the window instead.
They entered and a small middle aged and somewhat plump woman with a blond bun and a spotless white frilly apron called out to them.
“Well hello there boys! How's my favorite hunks doin'?”
“I'm good Betty. How's yourself?” Aden replied with a little grin of greeting as he approached the counter, taking a seat.
“I'm always good. What about you Lukey my love? You look a bit peaky, if you don't mind me sayin'. Never mind. A nice plate of my special stack will put some pep in your step, eh?”
“Not hungry Bet. Just coffee for me,” Lucas said, wearily taking a seat next to Maddy.
“I'll have your special, though,” Aden said quickly. “With double whipped cream.”
“What about your little lady?” Betty asked, looking at her appraisingly. “Where did you find this cute little thing?” she asked, addressing Aden directly.
“Ha ha...” Maddy laughed loudly at being called cute. “I'm Maddy Jones. I'm a guest at the ranch and I'll have coffee and your special too. As long as it's got maple syrup on it."
“You bet it has. On it, in it, and under it,” Betty added with a big smile. “How's things at Heart ranch?” Betty asked, busying herself with the orders and coffees.
“Just great,” muttered Lucas.