“Jake. Jake, get up.” Grace stood in the doorway with her robe hanging loosely despite being tied. Her hair was wet from her shower and she hoped like hell she wouldn’t have to battle Jake this morning. She was running late. Again.
Jake mumbled and rolled over. He forced himself up and wiped the drool from his face. His hair stuck up on one side and he looked like he’d slept as hard as she’d suspected. “What time is it?”
“Time to get up.”
He stood and stretched. “God, I’m sore.”
“A nice hot shower will help. Hurry up, though, we don’t have much time.”
He trudged to the bathroom and slammed the door. Grace hurried to her room and finished getting ready. When she emerged, Jake was pouring himself a huge bowl of Frosted Flakes.
“I don’t want to go today,” he said.
“Yeah, me neither.”
“No, seriously. I’m not going.”
She sighed and stopped in front of the refrigerator. “Jake, not this morning. Please.”
“It sucks there.”
“You have to go.”
“No, I don’t.”
“We’ve been through this.”
“Yeah, well, I’m leaving. Right after I eat.”
She poured herself a glass of orange juice. “What about your ankle monitor?”
“I’ll cut it off.”
“They will know. As soon as you try.”
He paused, spoon nearly to his mouth. “Bullshit.”
“Really.”
He lowered his spoon and she spoke.
“Look, Jake, I know the place isn’t great. But it beats juvie and it isn’t forever. Besides, you get to work with that baby horse. Ms. Clark said so herself.”
“Yeah, after I slave away all day. No thanks.”
“Well, you have no choice. So come on. We’re already running late.”
“But I’m eating and I didn’t get to play video games at all last night.”
“Bring your cereal with you and you can play tonight.”
“Damn it, Aunt Grace.” He stood and cupped his bowl.
“Stop talking to me like that.”
“You’re making me late.”
“I thought you didn’t care?”
“I don’t.”
“Then get in the car and quit complaining.”
She returned the orange juice and grabbed his water cooler, which she’d filled and chilled the night before.
They drove in silence with the occasional sound of Jake slurping his cereal. Panic settled in over both of them when she missed the correct turnoff for the ranch.
“I’m gonna be late!”
“I’m trying, Jake.” She checked her mirrors and did a U-turn. They got stopped at a light.
“She’s gonna make me run.” He fidgeted in his seat and ran nervous hands over his new jeans. “I’m gonna be running for the rest of my life. It’s all your fault, Aunt Grace.”
“Calm down.” But she was panicking too and she gunned the engine and drove back to the proper turnoff. Dirt flew up behind them as she continued onto the dirt road. Jake began to sway back and forth. She’d never seen him so worried or concerned before.
“She’s gonna make me run. I’m gonna get the shit chores.”
“I’m going as fast as I can.”
“Then go faster!” He whipped his damp hair behind his ears and snugged on his ball cap. “This is a joke, Aunt Grace.”
She looked at him in shock and they hit a hole. The car jolted a little but she caught control.
“Jesus Christ!” Jake shouted. “You’re gonna kill us.”
She yelled back. “I’m doing the best I can, Jake!”
“Well, maybe your best isn’t good enough!”
“I—” But the words penetrated and they bit into her conscience. She floored the Mercedes as she turned at the ranch sign, forcing the vehicles leaving to pull off to the side.
“Hurry, Aunt Grace, hurry! It’s six forty-seven!”
“Jake, shut up, please just shut up! I can’t go any faster.”
She saw Madison Clark directly ahead, clipboard in hand, scowl on her face. Grace slammed on the brakes as three dogs came at her from the front and sides. The car halted fiercely, jerking her and Jake in their seat belts. Dust shrouded them and the dogs yipped outside the vehicle. Jake was out of the car and scrambling toward Madison before Grace could put the car in park. She saw him run up to her, throw up his hands, and then bow his head as she spoke.
“Shit.” Grace crawled from the car and walked carefully in her plum-colored high heels and matching suit. She shooed the dogs that enclosed her, still yipping. They stopped once she reached Jake and Madison.
“Tell her, Aunt Grace. Tell her it’s your fault,” Jake pleaded breathlessly.
“It is. I’m terribly sorry. Please don’t punish him for it. I woke up late and—”
Madison blinked but said nothing. Then she looked at her clipboard. “You’re three minutes late, Jake. Get started on those laps.”
“But—”
“Yes, ma’am?”
He closed his mouth, gave Grace a deadly look, and took off.
Madison watched him for a moment. “The run’ll do him good. Get rid of that anger. It’s too early for that kind of anger.”
“In my opinion he has a right to be angry. It’s my fault we’re late. I woke up late and I had to get Jake going—”
“Jake doesn’t have an alarm clock?”
Grace stammered. “Uh, yes, but…”
“But what?”
She stopped and stared at her. She was every bit the same stern cowgirl she was before. Only her jeans were worn and faded and fit loosely. A thick brown leather belt held them up on her trim waist, with a faded navy T-shirt tucked haphazardly in on one side. She was a lesbian’s dream, but Grace only tasted the acid the woman brought up in her.
“Look, I’m sorry he’s late.”
“Don’t apologize to me,” she said as she eyed Jake, who was running and breathing hard, his face already red.
“I—”
“Yes?”
“Nothing.” Grace turned, walked carefully to her car, and brought out his water cooler. She set it on the ground along with the $3.50 for lunch. “It won’t happen again.”
“Let’s hope not.” She eyed Grace quickly, sweeping her gaze up and down her body. Then she tugged on her hat. “Have a nice day.”
Grace remained still, wondering about the look. Was it interest? Or contempt? Did it matter?
She waved to Jake and turned to leave. The white dog followed her, touching a cold nose to her leg. Grace climbed in the car and was disappointed to find that Madison had moved toward the stables.
“Did I want her to watch me or what?”
She started the car and backed out. The dog chased her all the way down the dirt road.