Ranch Life

Chapter 4

I've been trying to stay out of Braxton's way like he said. It doesn't seem to be working. We're always running into each other. He seems irritated every time. I just shrug it off. He's just a big brooding cowboy who should keep to himself.

Hailey's been back a few times. She's such a bitch. When it's just me and her, she's always being rude. When Charlie or Braxton come into the room she pretends to be sweet. Even Braxton's mood changes when she's here. He smirks at me every time she loves up on him. Charlie's says he's trying to make me jealous. As if. I might be slightly attracted to him, but it's going to take a lot more than that to make me jealous.

"Hey there, pretty lady."

"Hi, Charlie. What's up?"

"This bitch is back."

"Swell."

"That's what I said. She's just lovely." The sarcasm is heavy.

I laugh. "She's absolutely wonderful." I roll my eyes.

"I came to see if you wanted to go horseback riding."

"What about Tori?"

"Candace is coming to pick her up. She won't be home until tomorrow. So what do you say?"

"Fine. Let's go."

An hour later we're riding along the trail. He leads me to a meadow. It's so beautiful.

"I love coming out here. It's where I come to get away. It's my special place."

"Why'd you bring me here?"

"I figured you could use some time away. I know Hailey is a bitch to you. She's a botch to everyone except Braxton. Even then she's still pretty bitchy. That's why Candace was coming for Tori. Hailey plans on spending the night."

"I take it Hailey doesn't like Tori."

"Not at all. Last year at Christmas, Hailey wanted a really expensive gift. Braxton tried to explain to her that Tori comes first. She didn't like that idea. She said, and I quote, 'the little brat can do without this year.'"

"What the hell? She's just a baby. You can't take that away from her."

"That's what Braxton said. He dumped her on the spot. She didn't get the memo. She keeps coming back."

"Clingy and money greedy. Doesn't get any better than that."

"Don't forget she's also queen bitch. I don't hate people, but I despise that woman so damn much."

"Yeah. Me too."

He chuckles.

We stay there for a little while longer. Then we decide to head back to the house. When we get there Hailey's on the couch and Braxton's in the kitchen. I get myself a glass of water.

"Hi, Piper."

"Hi."

"Did you have fun?"

"Yeah."

"Where'd you go?"

"Charlie took me to his special place."

"Which is where?"

"I'm not telling you. It's Charlie's special place. If he wants you to know, he can tell you. That's not my business to tell."

"Fine. Be that way. All I did was ask."

"And all I did was tell you it's Charlie's place. I'm tired of you getting pissed off every time I talk to you. I don't know what your problem is, but you need to figure it out. This is your house but I deserve some respect. If you can't give me that, I'll leave. You're really starting to grate on my damn nerves. You're an asshole and I didn't do anything to deserve this treatment."

He turns around and storms out of the room. I take my glass of water and sit at the table. Hailey comes into the room a moment later.

"Hey, Piper."

"Hi."

She gets herself a glass of water.

"Do you mind if I sit?"

"Go ahead."

She sits across from me. She's quiet for a moment. Then she has to ruin the silence.

"Can we talk?"

"Sure?"

"Great. It's about Braxton."

"What about him?"

"He asked me to do something for him. It's really hard. I didn't want to but he just looked so upset. I had to agree."

"What? Just spit it out."

"He wants you to leave the ranch. He says you're not doing your job correctly. He hates to let you go but he can't keep paying someone who isn't doing their job. I'm sorry."

I'm just sure she is. "It's okay. Thank you for telling me." I can't believe he didn't have the balls to tell me this himself. The bastard.

"You're welcome."

She gets up and heads back into the living room. I finish my water and put the glass in the sink. I slam the door to the bedroom when I get in there. Throwing myself on the bed, I let the tears fall. I have to leave Tori and Charlie. I don't know where to go. If I go to my parent house, Mike could find me. I guess I'll just stay at a hotel here in Casper.

I wipe my tears away and pack my belongings back into my bags. Once I'm done, I head to Charlie's room. I knock on his door.

"Come in."

I open the door and go sit on the edge of his bed.

"Piper, what's wrong?"

I start crying again. He comes and pulls me into his embrace.

"What happened? What's wrong?"

"I have to leave."

"What? Why?"

"Braxton wants me to leave."

"Why?"

"I apparently don't do my job correctly."

"He said that?"

"Not to my face. Hailey told me he wants me gone. Since I can't do my job, I have to leave. He didn't even say it to my face. That's what hurts more. He had to have that bitch say it instead of being a man. Why couldn't he just say it himself?"

"I don't know, but I can go find out." He goes to get up. I stop him.

"Don't do that. I don't want you two to get in an argument. It's fine."

"It is not fine. My brother's an asshole. Do you think there was any reason he decided to tell you tonight instead of waiting till the morning?"

"I went off on him in the kitchen. I told him he was being an asshole and that I deserved some respect. He stormed out of the room."

"I'm sorry, Piper. Stay for the night and I'll talk to him tomorrow."

"No. I'm leaving tonight after he goes to bed. I don't want him seeing how upset I am."

"Where are you gonna stay?"

"I don't know. Probably a hotel."

"Okay. I'll pay for it."

"You don't have to do that. I have the money."

"I know you do, but I'm paying. I have to make up for my dumbass brother. I'm not gonna let a pretty lady stay in a hotel unless it's the best and I'm paying for it. I'll call and get you a room."

Why do I have to be attracted to the wrong brother? Why can't I have any feelings for Charlie? "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"Bye, Charlie."

"Bye, Piper."

I give him a hug and then head to my room. Once the coast is clear, I take my bags put to my car. I drive to the hotel where Charlie booked me a room. He really is sweet. He booked me the biggest and best room they have.