Ranch Hands 2: Jerry's Season
Ranch Hands

Excerpt

Chapter One
“Weeds and more weeds. Damn! Guess we need some weed control for this veggie garden after all,” Jerry grumbled as he extracted no fewer than nine small sprigs from the base of the tomato vines. He sat back on his haunches and cleared his sweaty forehead. His jeans were covered in mud, as were his work boots. The sleeves of his red checked shirt were rolled up, his tan forearms slick with sweat from his labors. His long, blond hair was cinched into a ponytail that insisted on falling forward at the worst possible moments, so it had been doubled up into a tighter arrangement. He let out a breath and glanced skyward; his eyes matched the cloudless beauty of the lovely early June day. He stood and stretched his short frame.
A voice interrupted his break. “Hey. You all done with the garden?”
It was Roger’s voice. That kind, gentle tone from the first man he actually considered to be his best friend. Roger wasn’t tall, but average in height. He had black, curly hair and a thick beard to match. His skin was still pale, despite all of his time outdoors. The thing that struck Jerry the most was his eyes—they were gray, like a silver wolf’s coat. This man, whom he’d met almost a year-and-a-half ago, had become quite dear to Jerry, as had Roger’s husband and partner, Sid. He’d saved Roger from an ex-boyfriend with a violent streak just in the nick of time. It was the best thing he’d ever done, as it had endeared Jerry to the couple.
Jerry shook his head and realized he hadn’t answered. “Oh, uh no. Not yet. I think my hunger’s slowing me down.” He reached down and brushed off what mud he could from his jeans and boots.
Roger laughed and put an arm around his shoulders. “Come on, let’s go fetch my hubby and go into town for some lunch. It’s past noon already.”
“Sounds great to me.”
A tall, strapping redhead appeared from around the corner of the barn and walked briskly towards them. Jerry grinned as he watched Sid approach. He looked so strong and masculine, yet his gruff appearance belied the tender emotions that Jerry knew were tucked away, belonging only to his husband, his dog Caesar, and, of course, his friends. He felt very fortunate to be among the last group.
“Come on boys, let’s go get some chow.”
“Sounds great to me,” Jerry replied, rubbing his stomach.
* * * *
They walked into the diner and said hello to all the regulars. It felt good to be accepted, to at last be on a friendly basis with everyone in this small Kansas town. The trio selected a booth right by the window, one that faced the street. Passers-by could look in, and they could look out. Some stopped and glanced through the window, then either waved or made a face. Once all three men were handed menus, they studied them carefully.
Roger shook his head at his husband. “How long have you been eating here?” He teased. “Has much ever changed on that menu?”
“Enough to keep me coming back here.” He glanced up at Jerry. “How about you, Junior? What’s looks good?”
Jerry stifled a laugh. He loved the new nickname Sid had given him. It beat the old one of “dickwad” hands down. He drummed his cheek with his fingertips. “Maybe… I dunno… one of them wraps?”
The couple nearly gasped. “A wrap? Good heavens, this place is going Fifth Avenue on us,” Sid said with a pretend snarl.
“Well, I like ‘em,” Jerry insisted. “They’re a lot easier to chew.”
“I bet.”
The waitress, Melba, walked up to the table. She was a portly older woman with gray hair, the strands twisted into a strange beehive hairdo. Her mint green uniform matched her eye shadow; they accented her dark hazel eyes. She had her order pad ready.
“What’ll it be, boys?” she asked in a smoky voice.
Sid glanced down at the menu once more. “I’ll have the pulled pork sandwich.”
She turned to Roger. “Sir?”
“I’ll have the Reuben.”
“And how about you?”
Jerry pointed to his selection. “I’ll have the turkey wrap.”
She quickly scribbled down their order. Roger caught her eye. “I’ve never tried the Reuben here before, is it good?”
Melba grinned, cracking her bright pink lipstick which was pasted on far too thick. “It’s terrific, honey. Got some fresh ‘kraut in today.” She paused. “Anything to drink?”
Sid picked up his empty water glass. “One more of these, please.”
Before she could ask, Roger uttered, “Iced tea.”
“Iced tea as well,” Jerry echoed.
She scribbled down the rest of the order and took the menus. “Be back in a jiff.”
As she walked away, Jerry noticed she stopped and looked back at them with not quite a sneer, but more of a ‘whatever’ look. He supposed she didn’t like coming to their table for some reason. He took a sip of his water and swished it in his mouth. “Some things never change.”
“What’re you talking about, kiddo?” Roger asked.
“Eh. The look she was giving us, or maybe just me. I’m not exactly liked in this burg.”
Sid scowled at him. “Now how can you say that? It was big news you saving Rog’s life. You’d think people would come around after that.”
“I guess.” He picked at a blister on his finger until Roger grabbed his hand and stopped him.
“Don’t do that, you’ll make it worse,” he chided.
“Damn, you’re like a mother hen, both of you are,” he joked. “I like it though, makes me feel looked after.”
Sid and Roger smiled at each other and then back at their friend.
“Isn’t that what you asked us to do? To help you revamp your image?” Sid asked matter-of-factly.
Melba brought their drinks and set them down in front of the proper owners, then walked away again. Jerry took a large sip of his tea and ran his fingers through the condensation on the glass.
“I want folks to think I’m a good guy, but I think some people will always remember how I was, and that won’t change, no matter what.”
Roger patted his hand. “You ever stop and think that maybe it’s not you at all? Maybe it’s Sid and me? We’ve turned this hickville upside down being the first gay couple, much less being married. Don’t turn it into something sinister, Jerry.”
“I’m not… at least I’m trying not to.” He took a long sip off his water. “Hope that wrap’s easy to chew. These new teeth take some adjusting to.”
“How are they?” Sid asked.
Jerry shrugged. “Not sure. I’m eating, but not a whole lot. Eggs are easy, but this is the first sandwich I’ve tried in a couple of weeks.”
Roger cocked his head thoughtfully. “You’ll be fine. My parents both have them. They take getting used to, but you’ll be fine.” He glanced at his husband. “Hey, can I scoot out for a second? Need to run down the hall.”
Sid stood up and helped Roger out. “Come back soon, baby.” He accented his last sentence with a wink.
“You know it, partner.” Roger walked down the hallway to the restrooms.
Sid turned back to his friend. “I’m such a lucky guy. So, about you… you got a long time left to heal?”
Jerry nodded. “Yup, see this?” He held out the waistband on his blue jeans nearly a full inch. “Lost some weight because I couldn’t eat. As for healing time, he said about six months. He’s such a good dentist. He tried to be all nice and not gag when I opened my mouth. I was really nervous about all of this, but I’m happy as hell I did it. I really owe you guys a lot of money by now.”
Sid smiled. “Don’t you worry about that at all. You saved Roger’s life! It was absolute fate the way you were there in the nick of time when that bastard Quinn was about to kill him! That’s worth a lot more to us than a few bucks to get your teeth worked on.”
“A few bucks?” Jerry squawked. “That surgery was a thousand, and another grand for the teeth.”
Sid laughed. He reached out and tousled the young man’s hair. “Don’t worry about it. We have the funds now! Quit it and just accept the gift.”
Jerry smiled. “Thanks. It wasn’t too long ago you wanted to take my teeth out for me—with your fist!”
Sid shook his head. “Was more than happy to do that too, but you straightened yourself out. The day you saved my man, I knew we’d both always remember that. You showed your true character.”
Jerry smiled and felt his tanned cheeks blush. He fanned his face. “Aw shit, Sid. You’re making me all red. I’m just glad I was there at the right time and that I saw Caesar run out to the road. I knew something was wrong. That dog never leaves the property unless there’s real trouble.” The two exchanged a stiff hug and pulled back from each other.
Roger returned, smiling at both men. He approached Sid and hugged him briefly, but firmly. “Mmm, how’s my favorite husband?”
“Just missin’ you, and talking with Jerry.” Sid held Roger close, brushed his black, curly hair away from his face, and whispered something into his ear.
Jerry blushed as he watched the two together. They seemed to move in sync with every motion and word. He looked away and whipped out a fresh cigarette and lit it. His blue eyes scanned the counter for something to capture his attention while the newlyweds occupied themselves. His hair would do. It was matted and dirty, but he liked it that way; it made him feel like a farmer. Finally, the duo broke away from each other and turned their attention back to their friend.
“Sorry about that, just…”Roger began.
Jerry held up his hand. “It’s alright, no need to explain yourselves. You two are in love and happy. It shows plain as day on your faces. Sid, I think your red hair hides your blushing even better now.”
Roger looked at his husband and winked at him. “He’s a shy one, this one. Hey, after we eat we’re heading over to the feed store. We set aside that back thirty acres for you to plant whatever you want. Wanna come with?”
Jerry felt a wave of gratitude wash over him. A year ago, both of these men would’ve been more than happy to send him into a wall. Now they’d do anything to keep him happy and thriving. It was quite the switch for him. He finally nodded. “Wow, I haven’t had my own crop in a long time. I’m really happy being on the farm with you guys.”
Sid poked him lightly in the shoulder. “Wish you could live with us too, but we’d have to build another house. The one we’re in’s too small even for just the two of us! We know the three of us’ll work damn hard on it to make us a big success. Especially if we all work as hard as you do. You’re a damn good farmer, Jerry Evans.”
The fresh smile made another appearance and he hid his blush. “You guys have really been a help—turning a nothing joke like me with a drug and smoking problem into someone actually respectable. Damn, I got a smoke out again, didn’t I? Damn bad habit!” He looked down at the lit cigarette in his hand before he extinguished it in the ashtray; his friends grinned at him. He looked back up at them and sighed. “I thought things were done for after I got my truck repossessed. Rog, I can’t thank you enough for taxiing me around town.”
“Anytime, Jerry.”
Jerry sat back and let out a breath. “Now, I just need to find me a worthwhile guy, a decent place to live, and get me another truck, and I’ll be all set.”
Roger reached over and hugged him. “One thing at a time. I owe you my life for saving me from my ex. That’s all that matters.”
Jerry’s express grew serious. “I just hope I don’t let you two down.”
Sid clapped his hand down on Jerry’s hand. “Don’t worry—you won’t have time to let us down. Come on, after lunch we’ll head over.” Just as he spoke, Melba arrived with their meals.
“Thank you.” Jerry sighed as he looked at his selection. “No more protein shakes. Bleah! At least this place’s cookin’ is good!”
After they finished eating, they all piled into Roger’s pickup truck and headed down the street to the farming goods store.