The Stable Boy Read Free Page B

passenger side and climbed in. We drove over to the Everett farm in silence.
    “Which is your truck?”
    “That beat up jalopy.”
    I pulled up next to the rusty, white Ford F150. He hopped out.
    “I will see you first thing in the morning.”
    “Okay, sounds good.”
    We both looked toward the screen door opening on the Everett’s porch. Bob and Alison Everett came out and over to us.
    “Do you think he is going to work out for you?” asked Bob.
    “Yeah, it seems he might.”
    “Good, I sent him over there with your horse. I knew your last guy left and you needed the help. I know if I called you, you would have just refused. He did not know my intentions when I sent him there. I simply do not have enough work to keep him busy here. He is a real hard worker.”
    “He seems to be. Thanks Bob.”
    “You’re mighty welcome, Claire.”
    “How have you been holding up, sweetheart?” asked Alison.
    “Doing the best I can, I suppose,” I answered.
    “You know I am just a phone call away, if you need someone to talk to.”
    “I know, thank you, Alison.”
    “You’re welcome.”
    Josh climbed in his truck and pulled up to the barn. I left. Back at home, I went inside. Closing the door behind me, I locked it. I was putting the dishes in the dishwasher when there was a knock. I looked out the window to see Josh standing by the door.
    “Hey, what’s wrong?” I asked as I opened the door.
    “Um, nothing,” he said rubbing his neck. “I was just kind of wandering if I could, maybe, sleep in the barn?”
    “Why would you want to sleep in the barn? Do you not have a home?”
    “No, not really, I just, kind of, always slept in my truck on the farm or in the barn.”
    “Josh, why didn’t you tell me that? Come in. I have four bedrooms in this house; you can sleep in one of them.”
    “I don’t want to be a bother. The barn will be just fine.”
    “You are not going to bother me. You can have the bedroom on this floor.”
    “Thank you, I really do appreciate it.”
    “You’re welcome.”
    I went to the back of the house to make the bed up, while he finished loading the dishwasher. I was almost finished when he walked in the room.
    “I’m sorry. I thought that maybe Mr. Everett told you my situation when we were over there.”
    “No, he did not. What happened?”
    “I have no family. My momma and daddy where killed in a car wreck when I was a kid. My grandparents raised me. They have both since passed away. The bank took the house for back taxes my grandfather owed. I didn’t know anything about it.”
    “There was no life insurance?”
    “No, they could barely afford to feed the three of us.”
    “I am sorry to hear that. There you go. The bed is all made. You already know where the bathroom is. Do you have clothes?’
    “Yes, I brought them in from my truck.”
    “There is plenty of closet space in this room and there is an empty dresser.”
    “Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome. I am going to head to bed.”
    “Okay, have a good night’s sleep.”
    “You, too,” I said as I brushed passed him. I had a feeling that I was going to regret having him in this house. He smiled and watched me walk down the hallway. I ran up the stairs. I walked down the hallway to the last door on the right. I closed my bedroom door and began to get undressed. My bathroom was attached to my bedroom. I grabbed my red robe from the back of my bedroom door. I turned on the shower and waited for the water to heat up. Undressing, I took a hot shower. Letting the water run over my body, I recounted the day. I could not believe what was taking place. I was going to have to speak to Bob Everett about this situation, but it could wait until tomorrow. Tonight, I was too tired.
     
     
     
    2 THE NEXT DAY
     
     
    I had restless sleep all night that night. I kept listening to see if he was moving around downstairs. It had been a long time since there was another person in this house. Finally, I woke up at 5:30am and stayed