For a month and a half, I have been going back and forth between Montana and Texas. All the doctors say Dad won't wake up. Beth and I know he will. He is to damn stubborn to die. In the first few weeks I was running between Kayce's room and Dad's. I tried to help Monica keep Tate's mind off everything. Tate was dealing with so much after the events. Once Kayce's went home he kept watch around the main house. Tate seemed some better that was until he stayed in the house the whole time. I wouldn't step foot on the ranch. Beth, Rip, and Kayce was taking care of the ranch. I would stay in a hotel close to the hospital in case I had to take off. James and Constance had a friend in Montana that would allow for the helicopter to land and take off. I said I would return to the ranch when Dad did whether that be dead or alive, and I was betting on alive.
"Ricki, you need to get some rest. You have been here all night. You need to go back to the hotel." Kayce said walking into the room.
"I'm fine."
"No, you aren't. You need sleep."
"I wont sleep at the hotel either so I might as well stay here."
"You are still as stubborn as you always have been."
"Big brother that aint changing and neither is my bitchiness."
"You need to get laid." Beth said walking in the room. "It will help you sleep. Some say it will help with bitchiness but its never helped me." She took a seat on the other side of dad. Kayce still standing at the foot of the bed rolling his eyes. I just looked at my sister.
"What? You have a four-year-old, and you are a single mom so I'm guessing what five years since you have had a good fuck."
"Beth." Kayce said "I don't want to hear this shit."
"I think she was hoping it would scare Dad awake, and he would yell at us." I said smirking.
"I can't unhear this shit."
"Then get the fuck out of here little brother." Beth told him.
"I got to go to work anyways." He said walking out.
"You really love to torcher people don't you."
"Yes, but seriously how long as it been."
"8 years since I've had anything good, but you are right five years."
"See get the hell out of here tonight go to the bar. Maybe you will rest decently." She smirked at me.
"You know I hate it when you are right, but I don't want to leave Dad's side."
"I will be here all night if anything happens, I will let you know."
"Beth."
"Shut the fuck up and do as I tell you."
"Get fucked or shut up because I can't do both."
"OUT!"
"Fine. I'm leaving."
Later on, that night I decided to go to the bar around the corner from the hotel. I really just needed a drink. I wasn't planning a picking up any strange men even though my sister really would have loved that idea. I had been sitting at the bar for a little bit when this cowboy wannabe came over to me.
"Hello, gorgeous, can I buy you a drink?"
"No thanks."
"Why don't I pull up a stool next to you then?"
"it's a free country. Do as you like."
"So, what is a pretty little thing like you do here alone?"
"I'm not up for much conversation. So, sit and leave me alone or leave."
"a feisty one. I know what you need baby." The dude grabs my arm trying to pull me off the bar stool.
"Listen asshole you do not want to mess with me. It's been a shitty day and month. I'm not in the mood to deal with asshat cowboy wannabes. So, fuck off." I yanked my arm back.
"Listen here bitch." He said grabbing arm again and pushing me against the bar.
"The lady said leave her alone so I would suggest it."?
"You and what army?" the guy said turning around and then letting me go once see the y on the guy's jacket. "let's go boys."
"You, ok?" the guy asked me.
"I'm fine thanks for that. I really didn't want to get into a fight." I said smirking.
"My names Ryan. Ill be over there if you need anything." He said pointing to the pool tab where a couple of his friends where at.
"Ricki." I said shaking his hand. "Did Rip suggest y'all come here tonight?"
"No, he didn't. You know Rip?" he said looking at me strange.
"Yeah. Let me ask this did someone like Kayce or Beth suggest y'all come here tonight."
"No, since it's been an interesting few weeks we decided to get out. Why the questions if someone sent us? You not running from the Dutton's, are you?" he asked laughing.
"Just checking they have a habit of trying to keep me safe and it's been known for them to send someone to keep an eye on me."
"Oh, so your friends with the Dutton's"
"You could say that."
"Why haven't I ever seen you around there? I've worked there awhile."
"Life getting married, my husband dying, meeting a guy, him ditching me when I got pregnant, being a single mom, and now after what happened to John I decided to come home for a bit."
"I'm sorry about all of that."
"Life happens. You learn to move on. I should probably let you get back to your game. I'll probably head back to the hotel soon anyway."
"When you get ready to leave let me know. I will walk you back just incase that asshole is lurking."
"You don't have to do that."
"It's my duty" he said showing me his livestock badge. "And if I let anything happen to the commissioner's friend well, I would be dead meat."
"Ok then I will let you know." I said smiling.
Well maybe my night isn't a total bust. I thought laughing to myself sitting back down to enjoy my drink.