Chapter 2

Kid and Lou stayed away from each other for the next two weeks. Kid mostly kept to himself and volunteered for as many runs as he could. Lou walked around and tried to act like nothing had happened. Everything seemed to be moving along until Kid started to take interest in a girl from town. He made sure that he took every chance that he could to smear it in Lou's face. Lou started talking with Jimmy about everything which made things worse. Kid brought Lauren to the station for dinner.

"We are so glad that you could join us." Said Rachel to Lauren.

"Thank you all for having me. I've heard such great things about you. I was really excited to meet you."

"How's your father doing?" Asked Teaspoon.

"As good as can be expected since the accident. Kid has really been a huge help around the farm." She said as she smiled at him.

Lou rolled her eyes as he smiled back. Lauren didn't notice but Kid saw her.

"Lauren is going with me to the dance next Friday." Said Kid watching Lou.

Cody and the others saw him looking at her. They sat in silence.

"Great news." Said Lou.

"Oh, are you going to get to go?" Kid asked in her direction.

Lauren finally noticed the way Kid was purposefully directing questions at her. They must have been together at one point. She watched the other girl's reaction.

"Matter of fact, I am."

The others looked on in wonder. Teaspoon chewed slowly watching as well.

"And who is the poor guy?" Asked Kid.

"I'm going with Jimmy."

Cody just about dropped his fork. Noah looked over to him.

"That's great. I should have guessed."

"Well ma'am, it should be a grand time for all." Said Teaspoon changing the subject.

Talk started around the table about other things going on in the area. Cody leaned over to Noah.

"Do you think that Jimmy knows that he is going?"

"I doubt it. He's gonna be in for a surprise when he gets back."

"I want to be around when he finds out."

"So do I." Smiled Noah.

Jimmy rode in the following day around noon. He passed the pouch off to Buck and walked his horse into the barn. Cody made his way in behind him. He leaned against the stall door while Jimmy unsaddled his horse. Cody stood with his arms crossed with a goofy grin on his face. Jimmy finally turned to him.

"What the hell do you want Cody?"

"I know something you don't know."

"Personally, I don't care. Now move."

"Oh you are gonna care since it involves you."

"Like I said, I didn't do it so whatever it is, I could care less." Jimmy started brushing down his horse.

"Quick question."

"What, Cody?" Jimmy said laying his arm on his horse's back.

"Do you know how to two step?"

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"This is gonna be good."

"You better get away from me, Cody!" Jimmy said as he stepped toward him.

Cody laughed as he jumped around Jimmy and ran over to the bunkhouse. Jimmy stared at him as he ran off. He finished his task and went to wash up for dinner. When he came from cleaning up, Lou was waiting on the porch steps for him. He walked up trying to get inside.

"Can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Everything ok, Lou?"

"Can we take a walk?"

"Yeah."

She looked over her shoulder at the bunkhouse. She saw eyes watching out the windows and she knew they would be listening. Jimmy followed her around to the back of the feed shed. She turned and looked at her feet.

"So."

"Something you need Lou?"

"There's a dance Friday night."

"Don't even. You know I don't dance."

"Just hear me out."

"You know I don't go to those things anymore. I can't take you."

"Well I maybe already said that you were."

"Lou, how the hell did that happen?"

"Kid was trying to make a fool of me at supper the other night since he had invited his new lady friend over. When he asked me, I just let it slip that you were taking me."

"Lou." Jimmy said putting his hand over his eyes.

"Please, you're my best friend. I'd rather go with you. Can you do this for me?"

Jimmy put his hands on his hips. He was going to regret this.

"Sure."

Lou jumped up and wrapped her arms around him. He breathed in the scent of her. He knew that he didn't need to be getting too close.

"Thank you."

"Anytime."