Cowgirl Up Read Free Page B

nice-looking stock. I especially like the young black stallion,” she said as the horse danced away from Stan’s approach.
    “He’s a spirited one and is from excellent bloodlines,” Stan said. “You have a good eye.”
    “I’ve had the good fortune to work with horses all my life.”
    “I can tell you are ready to get on with the training.”
    “First things first, we have to finish bringing in the hay,” she answered.
    “We’ll be done soon at this rate. You pushed the boys pretty hard yesterday,” he said with a grin.
    She was a little surprised at his comment. “I thought it was a productive day, but it didn’t seem to be all that hard.”
    “I bet there wasn’t anyone in the bunkhouse that had a hard time getting to sleep last night. Come on, and we can go check while I get some coffee.”
    “Right behind you, boss,” Coal said as she dropped down from the fence.
    When they entered, Harley was hollering for the rest of the crew to get a move on so they could get started to work. “This danged heat has everyone feeling lazy,” he said to Stan as he and Coal entered the room.
    “We could get an earlier start and then lay off during the heat of the day,” Stan said. “Don’t need anyone dropping from heat stroke.”
    “Naw, I think we will be fine once we get to moving,” Harley said.
    She placed her coffee mug in the dishwasher and said, “I’ll wait for y’all out at the truck.”
    “She’s a good worker, and a great cook,” Harley said to Stan.
    “I’ve been pleased so far,” Stan said as he refilled his coffee mug.

    †

    It took the crew four more days to finish the first cutting of hay and everyone was glad to be finished with that chore. There would be at least one more cutting, but that wouldn’t happen for many weeks yet to come.
    When they finished unloading the final truck, Stan passed out the weekly paychecks. Coal intended to cash hers and use it to buy some extra clothing for work as her few pairs of jeans were starting to look threadbare. Gene asked for a ride into town so together they piled in her truck and headed off the ranch for town.
    Gene gave her the ten-minute tour of downtown, and then directed her to the bank so they could cash their paychecks. “Man, I can taste some cold beers now,” Gene said as he tucked the cash into his wallet.
    “I need to pick up some jeans, and then we’ll head back,” Coal said. Earlier in the day, she heard the boys discussing going to town for a few cold beers and knew that they would head back in after supper to kick up their heels. The boys had invited her, but she hadn’t made up her mind yet if she was going to join them.
    “McCoy’s is the best place for jeans,” he said, giving her directions.
    They walked in together and Gene noticed a few of the customers eyeing her closely as she walked over to a rack of jeans. He smiled to himself as he joined his new friend. “Finding what you need?”
    “Yes, my old Levi’s are beginning to fall apart,” she said as she selected three new pair.
    “You should take your old ones into the flea market. People will pay an arm and a leg for worn-out jeans,” he joked. “It’s beyond me to understand why they would pay good money for jeans with holes and tears, but they do.”
    She smiled up at him. “You got me on that one. I prefer breaking in my own jeans.”
    She paid for her purchases and they returned to the truck. “Have you given more thought about coming out with us tonight?” he asked as they drove home.
    “I just spent most of my paycheck, but I may drop in and see what you fellows are up to,” she answered.
    Gene smiled broadly. “You wouldn’t have to worry about buying beers. Me and the boys would keep you flowing.”
    “Actually, I’m not much of a drinker, but I do enjoy a good game of pool.”
    “Harley is actually pretty good and makes a few extra bucks when we go into town,” Gene said, “so don’t let him hustle you.”
      “Thanks for the