Back Country (The Country Duet #2)
H.J. Bellus
Dedication-
To my Hunter, always.
I can never thank you for sharing this life-changing story with me. You’ve inspired hundreds and thousands, to believe in the good of the world.
I’d like to remind everyone that Dave and Hunter’s story is based, one hundred percent, on a true story. All of Dave’s insane comments, grumpy attitude, and admiration for Hunter are straight from my notes from when I talked to Hunter. And yes, Hunter has dumped over a hundred dollars in black licorice.
If you take anything away from this story, I hope it’s the power of kind hearts, small towns, and the one and only Hunter Yates, who has dedicated hours of his life to Dave.
Love,
HJB
1
Hunter
“I learned a man’s gotta be a lot tougher than the timber he’s cutting.” -Johnny Cash
Two weeks at the feedlot and I was promoted to the manager. It was like taking candy from a baby. The majority of the workers here are students and have never been around cattle a day in their life. Like everything else in my world, it’s a complete circus most times.
It’s still amazing to be on horseback working cattle. It eases some of the stress of taking care of Dave, yet nothing touches what Teale did to me. One simple word and a quick glance of remorse, shattered everything between us. She hasn’t sent a text or attempted a call, and me the same.
“He’s all yours.” A nurse pats me on the back.
Just like the first nursing home, this one is all too ready to send Dave home. Hell, they invited me to the party they’re throwing later. Dave’s upright in a wheelchair, with all of his color back and smile on his face. His spirits have been up lately. He’s eager to get home.
“Let my boy push me out,” Dave growls at one of the nurses.
She’s more than pleased to let me deal with the cranky old man, with her hands up in the air and a smile plastered on her face.
“By all means, Dave. Remember, home health will be coming to your house tomorrow.”
He growls at her, then I roll him out to my car.
“What in the hell is this?” Dave leans closer to the black car.
“Better gas mileage,” is all I offer up.
It’s not a lie. My truck was sucking up my extra cash with the miles I was putting on her. It wasn’t reasonable, so I traded it off for a black Honda Accord. The shitty-ass road out to Dave’s is a bitch on it though.
“Turning into a pussy, Hunter.”
In the oddest of ways, Dave’s antics have soothed me over the last two weeks. It makes the wound in my heart ache less. I haven’t told him about Teale. I’m not ready to hear Dave give me lessons on my titty groping skills. I haven’t spoken her name since that day. The town is just big enough, and busy with college students, making it possible to not run into Teale. Hell, I don’t even know if she’s still in town or went back with her husband.
“Going to make a quick stop at Costco to get you some shakes and other things.” I turn the key to the car missing the old, familiar roar of my truck.
“Drop me off then you go get it.” Dave lays his head back on the headrest.
“I’m not driving you home then back down to Costco, Dave.”
“You need to get laid?” He grunts.
But thankfully before I can reply or tell him to go to hell, Dave’s eyes flutter shut. I’m able to enjoy the rest of the drive without his demands and plans of work when we get home.
After several minutes of roaming the parking lot for a decent spot and then waking up Dave, I’m beginning to think I enjoy self-torture.
“I’ll stay in the car,” he grumbles.
“No, getting out will do you good.”
“You decide to go to nursing school?”
I stare at him with a blank stare.
“Because you’re becoming a pain in the ass just like them.”
“C’mon, get your ass out.” I hold out my arm for him. “We’ll get you one of those scooters.”
Dave’s bones grind together as he struggles to get out of the car. I’d scored a parking spot nearest to the door without having a handicap pass. He keeps his eyes focused down on his feet as we creep into the store. I get him settled in a motorized cart, then grab a regular shopping cart.
As we roll down the central aisle back to the shakes, on-goers part ways for Dave making it easy on him. About the third person who steps aside for him, he brakes the motorized cart then glares at the other customers.
“Dave,” I warn, recognizing the glare of hatred in his eyes.
Of course he ignores me, continuing to stare down the customers who’ve stepped out of his way.
“Get the fuck out of my way.”
Their eyes bulge, and it seems they freeze in shock.
“Get the fuck out of my way,” he grits out again, not giving a shit that there’s small kids around.
Agonizing seconds float by as we all take in Dave’s crude words. Then he’s full-throttle again, doing the same thing to a dozen other customers. I tip my hat in their direction and say excuse us at least a half a dozen times, before we make it to the protein shakes.