Chapter 3: Chapter 3

“No surprise there, cowboy. And the answer’s still no.”

“You’re so mean to me,” I groused, stepping away to set the table.

“You say that all the time, but I’m still here, so—”

“Can I help it if I love having you around, and not just because you’re a good cook?” I said.

“Trying to sweet talk me won’t work, either. Tell me about the new guy.”

I pulled out silverware for four people and was about to give him the story when Ret walked in.

“What’s the story on our guest?” Ret asked as he grabbed bowls from one of the cabinets near the refrigerator.

“I was just about to tell Roscoe,” I replied. “I was on my way back to the truck from the store when I tripped over this guy’s legs.”

“You were staring at the sunset again, weren’t you?” Roscoe cut in.

I stuck my tongue out at him. “He was just sittin’ there on the sidewalk, leaning against a wall. Man looked like he hadn’t a friend in the world.”