Fields of Iris

Unexpected Arrival

"I have to run, so details gotta wait!" I said before looking around for my keys before the sudden memory struck me. I groaned, smacking my head.

"Ughhhh! Chase drove me home. He's supposed to drop it back off today," I said, realizing how irresponsible I had been last night.

"I can drive you! I'm opening the docks today, so now I can get the details!" he remarked as I rolled my eyes and followed him out the door and made it into his car. He didn't wait a single second after we pulled off to look my way and beg for the story.

"I don't know, Raymond! He was just so kind and helpful yesterday and... and Chase just made me so crazy..." I rambled as Raymond's scoff interrupted me.

"Oh, you can't be seriously trying to say you kissed Billy because of Chase," he said, rolling his eyes.

I raised my finger shaking my head. "Don't forget about the fruity alcohol!"

"How about he is hot, and his family has money but he's too humble to live under them, and he ain't never forgotten his roots, and he is madly in love with you!" He responded as I now was the one to roll my eyes and cross my arms.

"Don't be sayin' all that now, Ray. Billy will understand it was a heat of the moment kind of thing,"  I responded not sure if I believed myself. The truth was, I enjoyed the kiss. It was soft and sweet, but I didn't know why I did it. I never thought I had romantic feelings for Billy, but now my heart fluttered a bit thinking about his lips.

"It doesn't have to be. I'm sure you'll see him at Bucky's later tonight," he said as I huffed and shook my head.

"I forgot what day of the week it was. I don't even know if I can even drink tonight. I mean after finishing with gathering for the supply run on Friday, I gotta help at the Docks and I haven't even slept that much. Also I gotta be back here to get my car!" I hollered as Raymond let out an odd sound waving his hand at me.

"Yada Yada. Did you forget about Toby Hayward's service on Friday? They're spreading the ashes and I already told Mickey we would come. And you said you'd come," he retorted as my mind flashed to the old bastard. I rushed the thought out of my mind shaking my head. Maybe it was good to put the devil to rest. It didn't help that there was a huge memorial board for him at the front of the town. They did it for every person who passed away, but it still felt undeserving.

"Yeah I didn't forget. It's not till like 6, right?" I asked as he nodded his head. "Alright then. Supply run ends at 2 and then I'll stop by the community building and get that dress from Jesse Lynn and meet you at the house by 5. Sounds good?" I said as he nodded his head, pulling into the farm. I still wasn't sure why Ray was so intent on going to Toby's service. He hated the man just as much as I did, but I also knew Mickey and him were always kind of secret friends. Sometimes I wondered how close, but I avoided asking him unless he wanted to tell me himself.

"Call me if you need a ride!" he hollered as I nodded, hopping out of the car. "And I didn't forget about Ivan!" he retorted as I nodded. "Love you!" he yelled once more.

"Love ya!" I responded, turning and going into the house to smell french toast. I walked into the kitchen to see Mary flipping the toast on the stove. "Morning, Mary! Sorry, I'm running behind!" I said walking over as she handed me a plate.

"Oh, don't worry. It's been a good morning. I know you were out there late gathering the stocks, and Jerry already collected the eggs and Rust has got everything else bagged and boxed up. It's all about focusing on the animals now," she said as I smiled, glad this run was looking to be a good one for us.

"Well that's good to hear! You know, I prayed about it and the good Lord answered," I responded as she nodded her head, brushing the sweat from the heat off her forehead with a rag.