“If you’d just come back to Colorado we could work this all out, darlin’.” There was a nuance and timbre to his voice that unsettled her. “We both miss you and want you to come back. I called because I also wanted to fill you in on our progress.”
“What progress?”
“They’ve posted the date for the sale of the ranch on the auction house’s website. Both the ranch and the horse auctions are taking place on March first. Your father and I plan to be at both. I’ve liquidated some assets and our plan is to get them both back.”
“Thank you, Roger. You won’t be out the money long, I promise. I’ll make sure you’re paid back every cent. I found a job here in Divine to last until the end of February and then I’ll be on the road.”
“You taking on a job isn’t necessary, darlin’. That’s what I keep telling you. Just come home and we’ll work something out.”
She knew there was no way she could pay him from the horse training venture fees. It would take some time to get her clientele built up and she couldn’t spend her seed money for her business on a loan. The funds Roger was making available would need repaying rapidly. She didn’t think he’d be interested in letting her make minimum payments for the next thirty years. Not that she’d accept that option anyway. “Barrel racing is the only means I have to win the kind of money I’d need to pay you back.”
“What will you do about a horse?”
Tutti immediately popped into her mind. She had the spirit, energy, and drive for it. She didn’t want to complicate things with her boss so didn’t mention the roan mare. “I don’t know. I’m exploring my options right now.”
“Darlin’, this all sounds like a big crapshoot. Attempting another winning season without a horse already in hand. I think you’re wasting your time.” His doubtful tone depressed her and reminded her of the starkness of her situation. She was homeless, horseless, had few options, and she didn’t want to go live at Roger’s ranch. That wasn’t a solution. Beneath it all was his continual use of the endearment “darlin’.” It made her uncomfortable coming from her father’s best friend. She didn’t want anyone else calling her that but Chris.
“Darlin’? You there?”
Gwen scrunched up her shoulders and wished she could just pretend the line suddenly went dead. “Sorry, Roger. I was thinking. I understand that Dad wants me to come home—”
“We both do, darlin’.” There was that tone again.
“I’ve committed to do this job and I’ve got to follow through on that. Dad knew about this already. I’ll be safe, earning some money, and working on my situation from here. Going on the rodeo circuit for another year is a done deal too. It’s not up for debate.”
Roger sighed and then cleared his throat. “Well, will you at least check in with me periodically?” She wanted to ask him why he continued to personalize everything between them but didn’t want to do that over the phone. She’d just as soon not talk about that at all.
“Of course. Tell Dad I’ll call him regularly just like always. And, Roger, thank you for helping our family. It means the world to me. I know you think I’m being difficult by not coming home but I truly have to do this. I know you’ll need the money back soon and this is the best way.”
He tried once more. “Without a horse?”
“I’ll work it all out. And tell Dad that I’m having some work done on the trailer so that it’ll be road worthy for a while longer. I don’t want him to worry.”
“Sure thing, darlin’.” He sounded unhappy but resigned. “I’ll have your dad get in touch when he gets back to the ranch. I wish you could understand how I—”
Her phone beeped and his voice was muted for a second or two. “Roger? I think I’m in a bad area for cell reception or something. I didn’t hear what you said.”
He sighed. “Nothing, darlin’. Maybe me and your dad could come and visit you in Divine before you head out on the road.”
“Sure. That’d be great. Just let me know.” Her phone beeped once more. “I’m afraid I’m gonna lose you, Roger. I’m on horseback in a pasture and I don’t know how good the signal is way out here. I have my laptop set up at the house where I’m staying and I know they have good service. Why don’t you ask Dad to call me on Skype tonight.”
“I’ll do that instead of calling your phone. It’d be good to see your face. I know it would do your dad some good too.”