The Country Duet(73)

I end up sitting next to Baker, listening to her ramble on about the cartoon characters, and even though Teale’s hands are busy braiding, she brushes the tops of my shoulders every once in a while. It’s a rare day where I don’t have any classes or have to work at the feedlot. I should be at the feedlot to make sure none of the city slickers screw up, but I’m going to take full advantage of my Saturday with my girls.

I’ll head out to Dave’s before dinner to check on him and make sure he has food and whatever else he needs. The side of my neck is stiff and the length of my spine screams out in soreness, reminding me of the fall I took yesterday and my still tender shoulder from the motorcycle accident. A chuckle escapes me, picturing me eating shit off Dave’s roof then ending up in the hard packed snow.

Of course, Dave would’ve heard the ruckus up on his roof. That damn man, as insane as he is, never misses a damn thing.

“What’s so funny, Cowboy?” Teale asks.

I shake my head and ignore her question. Shit, she’d have me in the ER having me checked out. Not to even mention how Baker would have Band-Aids all along my neck and chest. It dawns on me in the rarest of moments, nursing has never been Teale’s cup of tea, but the way Baker went to town bandaging my knuckles makes me wonder. Then it all clicks together. It’s Baker’s passion, and Teale is doing everything in her power to set a good example for her daughter.

My cell phone begins ringing in my pajama pants. My beating heart stills when I see Dave’s name on the screen.

“Hello.”

“Hunter?”

“Yeah, Dave, what’s going on?”

“I’m in the hospital in Lewiston.”

I jump to my feet at those words, not thinking twice. “What happened? How?”

“Called the ambulance because my damn feet hurt too damn bad.”

“On my way now.” I hang up before hearing any further explanation.

I’ve learned the hard way that Dave tends to make everything seem better than it is. I curse under my breath, racing up to Teale’s room to slip into my jeans and t-shirt from last night. She’s kept one pair of pajama pants for me here at her apartment for movie nights and lounging time, but it’s the only clothes I have here.

I’m pissed I’ve let Dave con me into thinking he’s better off than he is. If he was forced to call the ambulance, then I know it’s bad. Teale and Baker are standing on their feet with worried looks painted on their faces when I rush back down, making me regret my hurried pace.

“Baby.” The one word falls from Teale’s lips coated in worry.

I walk right up to her without hesitation, wrapping my arms low around her waist. My forehead drops to hers. “It’s Dave. He called the ambulance. I have to go.”

Her eyes water up in worry. She hasn’t spent any time with Dave since we’ve reunited, but I do know she always worries about him. They had an instant connection. Just like before, she was always there for me, never questioning the endless hours I spent with Dave. I don’t know of another woman who would always be there for me when dealing with Dave.

“Call me when you know what’s going on.”

“I will.” I kiss the tip of her nose. “I love you, Teale.”

“Love you, too.”

There’s a tiny tug on my hand, and I peer down to see Baker staring up at me, worrying her bottom lip. I kneel down next to her.

“I love you, little one.” I tap the tip of her nose. “I have to go take care of a friend, but will back later tonight.”

“You promise?” The tears are evident in her eyes.

“I promise.”

“And we can burn waffles tomorrow?” she asks.

I pull her to me, wrapping her up in a tight hug. “We can burn waffles every morning the rest of our lives.”

“Okay.” She nods her little head.

I feel like a dick leaving her behind upset, but it’s at least a forty-five minute drive down to the hospital, then going through the damn circus of getting back to see him. The same nightmare just a different day. The only silver lining is knowing I have my girls to come back home to.





Chapter 16


Hunter


“Life is tough, Darlin’, but so are you.” –Unknown


George Straight is on repeat the whole trip to Lewiston. I watch the speed limit, knowing I can’t afford a worthless speeding ticket. The pain in my gut strikes hard and fast. It’s always been there, some days are worse than others. I’ve learned I can’t eat anything too fast and to stay away from certain foods or I end up barfing.

I slam my truck into park in the same parking lot where I picked Teale up off the ground. This place will always hold a dear memory of the tender steps it took for us reuniting. She’s recently scored a full-time job at a local clinic in Moscow. I love the fact she no longer has to drive.

Rushing into the waiting room, it feels like home away from home. Hell, I’ve been in and out of so many different hospitals and nursing homes over the last months with Dave. Today there’s more action with lots of family members waiting. I recognize the receptionist behind the desk and decide in the blink of a second that lying will be the only way I get back to Dave.

“How can I help you?” She peers over her wire-framed glasses.