Memories on the Ozarks (Close)

[TabascoKV]

Beth had grown accustomed to her life on the farm. It seemed like an eternity since she had driven up here that morning instead of the month and a half it had been. Things were running smoothly, and she felt like she had finally earned her place. Brisa had completely relaxed around her, and Beth had gotten to the point of being able to put a saddle on her. She had not attempted to ride the mare yet, but they were moving closer to that every day.

She and Dan weren’t avoiding one another quite as much, and actually got along some of the time. He still perturbed her, but she was learning to live with it.

They had been discussing Brisa’s progress when a knock came and they answered it. She stood there completely dumbfounded as the deputy handed her the paperwork. Turning to look at Dan, she crossed her arms after she closed the door.

“Sooo…what exactly do I need to know that I don’t know now?” Her voice was tense as she looked at him expectantly.

 

[pa1ndru1d]

Dan had honestly thought he was in the clear. He hadn’t been arrested and that was a good sign.

“All right. I had assumed that since I hadn’t been arrested that it had all gone away.” Dan sat back in the chair and sighed. “When I picked up Marcus from the hospital that night, I blew my top. I yelled, he yelled, and then… fuck. Sorry. Then I hit him. After that there was a brawl in the middle of the parkin’ lot. I think I got the worst of it, but I had left him layin in the lot.”

Dan had been opening the letter as he spoke. He took a minute to read the summons.

“What the hell?!?” Dan had thought that he might be sued for battery. That would make sense, but that jackass was suing BetheL and him for wrongful termination. Marcus had claimed that he was fired because of how he had treated Brisa.

 

[TabascoKV]

Beth stood there as he spoke, blinking as he relayed the story of what happened. She was truly at a loss for words. Walking over to the dining room table, she sat down, reading the summons. She laughed sardonically as she comprehended what they were being sued for, but she was relieved. Her mind had already begun working over how to get him out of another fight, but this would be easier.

“Daniel, do you have a fight quota you have to meet each month?” Looking up at him, there was a bemused expression on her face as she looked at him. “And if so, could we maybe invest in a punching bag and dress it up to look like your target?”

Shaking her head, she got up and walked over to the fridge, putting the court paper on the fridge with a magnet.

“He doesn’t have a leg to stand on. No worries. We’ll be ready to defend our decision by next week.”

 

[pa1ndru1d]

Dan wasn’t proud of fighting Marcus, or Jimmy either for that matter. At least he hadn’t started the fight with Jimmy. “Look,” he said, losing his cool, “I basically jumped his shit for not listening to the boss. You. I told him that he should pay attention to whose name is on the bottom of his checks. When he called you a bitch… I lost it.”

His head dropped in shame. It had taken Dan six years to stop fighting with everyone he could and it pained him to feel as if he had lost so much ground in such a short amount of time.

 

[TabascoKV]

Beth listened to him, feeling slightly taken back that the fight was in her defense. She stood there for an unusual amount of time before she walked up to him. Without thinking, she reached out and laid her hand along his jaw line, lifting it so he’d look at her.

“Daniel, you have nothing to feel ashamed about. I appreciate you coming to my defense, especially because I’m willing to bet you’ve agreed with that on more than one occasion.” She removed her hand and took a step back. “We’re going to be just fine. When I took over the situation with him, I did everything I was supposed to do, and then some. If he thought I was a bitch before, just wait until he has to fight me in court.” An almost mischievous smirk crossed her face at the thought of tearing him down in front of the judge.

 

[pa1ndru1d]

Dan felt a shiver of excitement press his flesh as her hand lay across his face. He hadn’t felt anything similar to that since the night she doctored him up in his office. He wanted to kiss her again, but after being shot down so thoroughly in the kitchen, there was no way he’d move on his feelings again.

“Becca, I’m not worried about the case. The most he’ll get is restitution for the beatin’ he got in the parkin’ lot. ‘Cuz I’m almost positive he went right back in to the ER when he came to. We both know he wasn’t fired for the way he treated the mare.”

 

[TabascoKV]

Being that close to him threw into high alert, and she silently scolded herself. Sitting down at the table in order to distance herself from him, she looked at him curiously.

“Becca?” Crossing her left leg over her right, her eyebrows furrowed together, but her face was still gentle. “I don’t think anybody’s ever called me that before.” It wasn’t the usual chastisement she gave for not being called Beth.

“If you aren’t worried about the case, then what are you worried about?”

 

[pa1ndru1d]

Dan thought about making something up, but then remembered that promise they had made a couple weeks back. Open and honest. Right. Sonofabitch.

"I... uh. Can't." His eyes averted away from hers.

"I just remembered, there's something I gotta be doin'." At least that was true. There was always something he needed to be doing. Dan turned and stepped out her door. He hopped on the quad he had driven over and started it up.

 

[TabascoKV]

Beth shook her head, feeling irritated, yet again, by Daniel Collins. Walking out onto the porch, she watched him drive off, her eyes narrowed at his back. Glaring at him was becoming a vocational trade. Shaking her head, she decided it was time to get off the farm for a bit. Opening the door to her truck, she grabbed the keys off the seat. She had taken to just leaving them in the truck.

Driving down the dirt road, she turned off onto the paved road and drove. She wasn’t really sure where she was going, but when she saw the Pearson’s gate, made a last minute decision. Driving down the driveway, she was transported back to trail rides and milking cows as a child. She knocked on the front door, but got no answer. Driving down to the barn, she got out.

“Matt?” Calling his name, she shielded her eyes against the sun. An old beagle came out from the open barn door, wagging his tail. Crouching down, she scratched the dog right above the tail, his butt lifting slightly. Laughing, she shook her head with amusement.

“Beth? What are you doing here?” Matt came out, looking exhausted.

“I was just out for a drive. Thought I’d stop by. Dan’s on my last nerve.” Smiling, she shrugged. It was hard not to notice how good he looked, despite the weariness and the grime. There was something about a man carrying a hard day’s work that had started appealing to her.

“He’s good at that, but he’s a good guy. Why don’t we go up to the house?”
*
A few hours later, Beth returned to the farm. Heading down to the stables, she checked on Brisa, who was munching contentedly on horse pellets.

 

[pa1ndru1d]

Dan took off from the stables and headed straight for the waterfall. He sat there for a few hours before heading back home. What he really wanted to do was go straight to the bar. Damn, that woman. She drives me to drink. Why must she be so infuriating? He couldn’t help it that he found her attractive, and he wasn’t the cause of all her past issues. Did no one ever tell her that she could just let them go?? Course not. Joe passed on before she bothered to come see him. He’d have told her.

*

It was Saturday and Dan was doing some chores around the house. The other work hands were allotted two days off a week, but Dan only took one, rarely even that. Most often he ended up tying up loose ends from the previous week.

A knock sounded on the back door that pulled him from cleaning the kitchen. He dried his hands off and found Matt standing there. “Hey, bud. What can I do for ya?” Dan asked as he stepped aside to allow him to come in. Dan poured them both a cup of coffee and sat down with him.

“I just stopped down to see how you was doin, Danny. You never did come over for supper.”

“Sorry, Matt. Tell Sheila I said sorry, too. I been a little busy breakin’ in the new boss.” Dan smiled as he spoke.

“Actually, that’s why I’m here, Dan. She came by to see me yesterday.”

“Becca… uhh.. Beth did? Did she talk to you about your farm?”

Matt looked perplexed. “My farm? No… But…”

“But what? Matt, what’s going on?”

“Look… At the funeral, I said that Sheila was sick. She ain’t. She took Kaelyn and went to her mother’s place in Poplar Bluff.” Matt looked down at the table and picked his nails.

“Matt, I’m sorry. You need to talk about it?” Dan really wanted to ask him what that had to do with Becca, but didn’t think it was appropriate.

“It’s the farm. Cash flow. My effin brother and sister are to blame.” Anger rose in his voice. “If I had their support, I could get some help from the bank, just to get us over this rough spot.” Tears welled up in Matt’s eyes and he looked ashamed for it. “I… love them, Danny.”

 

[TabascoKV]

Beth slept fitfully that night, and around three in the morning, she gave up on sleep. Throwing on some clothes, she walked down to Joe’s office and began digging through his paperwork. Thankfully for her, her uncle had kept excellent staff folders. She found the one with Marcus Johnson and began flipping through it.

Her mind drifted to Matt, feeling a pang of empathy spread through her for him. He had told her about his wife leaving him a few weeks back, and even though he’d put on a brave face, she could see the pain in his eyes. He was working himself to death on that farm of his.

Shaking her head, she started pulling out paperwork that would aid in their argument in court against Marcus. By the time the sun peaked through the clouds, she had compiled an evidence packet, which she had numbered tabbed. Court would be a walk in the park.

She was in the stables when she heard Matt’s truck roll by, but she continued prepping Kallisti. Two of the farm hands had set up barrels for her in the arena. It was time for Beth to see what the mare was made of, and how horrible she’d gotten over the years. She walked the mare through the course twice before running it. Beth’s heart pumped as she stayed low, her bottom slightly lifted as they rounded the last barrel, sitting back as Kallisti picked up speed for the straight line to the finish line. Pulling the horse to a stop, she looked down at Jon.

“Well?”

“That’s her fastest record. You almost tipped the second barrel, but gravity saved you.”

“Let’s do it again.”

 

[pa1ndru1d]

He spent the rest of the morning sitting and talking with Matt, he was eventually able to get the subject off from his troubles and on to some stories about Becca when she was younger. He still wasn’t quite sure what the two had spoken about or if there was an interest there. What Dan did know was that Matt looked thin. He wasn’t sleeping, he wasn’t eating. “C’mon Matt. Let’s go see what Beth is up to. She’s probably at the stables again.”

Matt took a moment to wash his face and then they rode up in Matt’s truck. They found her in the arena working Killisti. Dan couldn’t help but watch her ass as it moved up and down in the saddle. The two men leaned forward against the railing until she finished the run.

“Becca!” Dan called out to her. “Hey, I had an idea. It seems Matt here ain’t been eatin so good lately. I thought maybe you and I could make him some supper tonight. What do you say? I heard some stories about you today, and I think might need to hear your side o’ things.”

Matt’s mouth worked up and down. “Shush it, Matt. If she ain’t busy, you’re comin’ to the main house. An if she is, you’ll eat at my place.”

 

[TabascoKV]

When Dan’s voice cut through her concentration, she turned to face him, ready to ream him a new one. Her face lit up at Matt, and she walked Killisti over to the two men. She shot Matt a playful glare as she crossed her arms over her chest.
“Matthew Pearson, just remember, what goes around comes around.” Grinning, she offered him a lighthearted wink. Reaching up, she readjusted the cowgirl hat on her head. “Why don’t both of you come over around six and I’ll cook for both of you. You’ve cooked a lot lately, Dan.”
*

She had finished up early, and went back up to the house. After showering, she dressed in a pair of jeans and a long sleeved shirt. By the time six came around, she had chicken frying on the stove, potato salad in the fridge, and fresh green beans from the farm cooking. Opening the freezer, she pulled out some dinner rolls and placed them on a baking dish and set them in the oven.

Pulling the chicken out when she was done, she placed them on paper towels to soak up the grease, leaving perfectly crispy chicken. She heard a knock on the door as soon as she had placed the platter of chicken on the table and poured the green beans into a bowl. She expected to find Matt at the door, since Dan rarely knocked.

“Hey, Matt.” Smiling as she opened the door, she tried very hard not to notice the smell of aftershave as he walked by. “Dan’s not here, but I suspect he will be soon. Make yourself at home.”

She walked back to the kitchen and pulled the rolls out of the oven and turned it off. Plopping the rolls on a plate, she turned around, and found Matt standing directly in front of her. Her heart plummeted into her stomach as she looked up at him.

“I’ll get that for you.” His voice had softened as he peered down at her, reaching over and taking the plate from her hand. Beth, don’t go there. You’ve sworn off men.

“Thank you.” She could feel the heat rise to her face, and was thankful when he turned to put the plate on the table. Without another word, she finished setting out the food.

 

[pa1ndru1d]

Dan and Matt looked at each for a second as she turned with irritation in her eyes. Dan shrugged and Matt allowed a bit of a chuckle to escape.

“Ahh ok. Ok.” Matt waved her off and turned with Dan. “Can she cook?” He said as they walked toward the truck.

“I dunno. Only thing I’ve seen her make is a salad.” The two burst out laughing as Matt got in the truck. Dan threw up a hand in a half-hearted good bye and started to walk back to his cabin.

*

Dan was tempted to just show up as is. As he started puttering around the cabin, though, he found himself absently showering and shaving. Instead of his regular shit-kickers, he put on his nice boots. Clean jeans and a tan colored button-down shirt topped it off. Dan ran his fingers through his hair with a bit of gel. After he slapped some cologne on, he paused and stared at himself in the mirror.

What the hell am I doing? Shit. You’d think I’m out to impress someone…

He went ahead and hopped in his truck and headed up to the main house. As he approached he saw that Matt had already arrived. “Thank God.” Dan muttered as he walked up to the back door. “At least there won’t be any awkward moments before supper.”

He opened the door to find the kitchen empty. Dan moved into the dining room to see Becca standing there with a blush on her face. Did I interrupt something? he thought. “Hey guys. You didn’t start without me, did you?” A forced smile on his face.

 

[TabascoKV]

The sound of the slamming door caused Beth to jump, and when Daniel came around the corner, she felt like she was a kid who just caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Offering an awkward smile, she shook her head.

“Not at all. Let me go grab the tea pitcher.” Walking back, she had to brush past Daniel, feeling her face flush red. She felt like a hussy at the moment. Daniel smelled good, and he looked good. Granted, Dan looked good covered in dirt and sweat. Walking over to the fridge, she opened it and grabbed the pitcher of sweet tea.

Inhaling sharply, she returned to the dining room.

“Let’s eat.”

 

[pa1ndru1d]

When Becca returned, there was a momentary awkward silence. Dan broke the ice by speaking up. “Well… Matt was tellin me about a time not too far back when there was this lil twelve year old girl with buck teeth. It seems she had a crush on an older boy in the neighborhood…” Dan’s smile came back and he chewed on another bite of chicken.

Matt took it up. “Yeah… Oh, lord. Beth do you remember that time that you rode that sow around the house? That was hilarious. You didn’t expect it to take off like it did, but there you was holdin on to its ears and screamin for dear life.”

Dan burst out laughin and helped himself to more green beans.

 

[TabascoKV]

Gasping, Beth put down her fork, shaking her head. “I did not have buck teeth. I just hadn’t grown into them yet.” She glared hard at Matt, but there was a smile on her face. “And there was no crushing. You were like an older brother to me, thank you very much.” Taking a bite of potato salad, she followed it up with a sip of tea. Her ears were beginning to red, and she shook her head.

“How about when you were learning how to drive? See…” Looking at Daniel, she had an impish smirk on her face.”Matt had just gotten his learner’s permit like three days prior. He thought he’d take us all for a ride while his parents were in town going shopping. So, all four of us piled into his mother’s car and went for a spin. He ended up driving through Ruby Johnson’s bathroom while the poor woman was having sex in her shower with a boyfriend.”

 

[pa1ndru1d]

Dan noticed the shade of her ears. “You can deny it all you like, but I ain’t never seen that shade of red on someone’s ears before. Another round of laughter rounded the table. Matt was crackin up along with them.

“I have more stories than you, hon. You don’t want this war.” Matt started chuckling. “I seem to recall catchin you out behind the cattle barn learnin how to kiss with Johnny. It wasn’t till later that Sarah let it spill that you was only practicing.”

Dan perked up. “Oh, yeah? Becca? Who was you practicin’ for???”

 

[TabascoKV]

“Daniel, you’re fired. You aren’t allowed to defend him.” Grinning, she shook her head as she finished eating. Beth could not remember the last time she had laughed so hard. The sides of her stomach hurt, as did her jaw.

“I wasn’t practicing for anybody in particular.” She looked helpless as she spoke. “We were at that age where we were starting to notice the opposite sex, and neither one of us had ever kissed anybody. So, we made a pact to try it with each other.” She shot another glare at Matt. “We won’t mention what I walked in on you and Margaret Toller doing, Matthew James Pearson.”

 

[pa1ndru1d]

“Heeeeeeyyyyyy now…” Matt began, his own face turning to a shade of pink. “That was a low blow.”

“Wait just a minute here!” Dan’s face lit up as he interjected. “THE Margie Toller? Up the road, Margie Toller? Dude… that’s horrible. I wouldn’t let my dog near that girl. Please tell me she was prettier then than she is now…” Dan burst out laughing again. “I’m sorry.. I’m sorry.” His breath came in ragged gasps. “That was bad, even for me. But dude. Margie? Really??”

“And if I recall… Danny Collins, you romped with Margie Toller once yourself!”

“OOOooohhhh, no you didn’t. You were the one dared me to do that, AFTER you got me drunk when we was both sixteen…”

 

[TabascoKV]

Beth erupted into a fit of giggles at the two men squabbling. Shaking her head as she laughed, she stood up and began clearing the table. Wrinkling her nose, she looked at both of them.

“Man whores.” Grinning, she disappeared into the kitchen and began loading up the dishwasher. Once the current dishes were loaded, she pulled out three bowls and took out a container of ice cream. Grabbing the ice cream scoop, she started scooping out the ice cream into the bowls.

 

[pa1ndru1d]

Dan and Matt both stood and helped clear the table. “Man whores??? Like you have any room, lil’ missy,” Matt spoke up, “Have you completely forgotten about Toby Whatwashislastname? Schilling, TOBY Schilling.”

Matt began to crack up again. “Yup. That last summer you was here, you got caught under the bleachers at the competition by Uncle Joe, of all people. I had always thought that young ladies weren’t s’posed to talk with their mouth’s full!”

“Good God! BECCA!” Dan said in mock disgust as he pulled down the nuts and popped the hot fudge in the microwave to heat up. “It’s a good thing that I don’t work here anymore, I dunno if I could handle workin for such a hussy.” He shook his head as tears started to run down his face.

 

[TabascoKV]

Her jaw dropped as she turned around to face him. She had a spoonful of ice cream in her hand and she walked up to him. Without hesitating, she brought the spoon up and wiped it across his face.

“I will have you know, the only thing we were doing was kissing. There was nothing beyond that. I didn’t even see a man’s penis until I was in college.” Turning back, she tossed Matt a wash cloth, grinning as she did so.

“I thought my uncle was going to take a shot gun to Toby.”

 

[pa1ndru1d]

“I know, I know” Matt said, “but the rumors that I spread that summer were AWFUL.” He shook his head. “If Uncle Joe hadn’t been so near sighted and refusing to admit he was getting old and wear his glasses, he never would have bought my story that Toby’s pants were unzipped.” Matt wiped the ice cream off with a couple of fingers and stuck them in his mouth.

Dan looked to make sure that Becca was still laughing. He felt that was a pretty mean thing to do, not that he had been completely innocent at that age…

 

[TabascoKV]

Beth stopped, not laughing but not completely irate. His words had sucked the joviality out of the room, and she stood there slightly dumbfounded. Turning to look at him, her face was unreadable.

“Why did you start the rumors?” Granted it was something that had happened so many years ago it almost seemed petty to dwell on it. The fact, though, was that she had endured a lot of snide remarks and nasty looks the rest of that summer. Knowing now that it had come from somebody she’d trusted explicitly only reminded her that she couldn’t lay trust with anybody.