Chapter 7
Kid and Louise talked late into the night, both reveling in the connection they felt with the person across the table. Though neither said it, they especially appreciated the connection because neither had anyone else to share with. Louise had a hard time relating to the other girls, and Kid wasn't about to mention the word 'feelings' in front of the guys, whom he suspected would tease him until the end of time before they let him forget he had admitted to having emotions.
They covered all kinds of subjects ranging from their shared love of horses and open spaces to their agreement that nothing beat a good steak for a nice meal and even some of their favorite memories from childhood. Kid was pleasantly surprised to discover that Louise shared many of his beliefs and ideals, but he was even more shocked when she willingly expressed thoughts that directly opposed his own. His Southern background led him to expect women to defer to men and never admit their own thoughts, which he had found maddening at times. He remembered vividly his mother's silence during his father's bouts of drunkenness, despite her own convictions of the evils of alcohol. She would even pour his drinks, further contributing to the behavior she detested. Though he did not blame his mother for her actions because she well understood his father's cruelty, he had a feeling that were Louise in a similar situation, she would pour the drink on his head before she would compromise her principles. At that thought, he realized why her profession weighed so heavily on her mind because it required her to abandon all her ideals. Suddenly a solution popped into his head, and he immediately shared his brilliant idea.
"Louise, our station mistress Rachel has her hands full trying to take care of us guys. She's always telling Teaspoon that she wishes she had more help. I know Teaspoon would give you the job if I asked, and I'm sure Rachel would appreciate it. It ain't much, but at least it's not this."
She saw the hope in his eyes and knew his offer was sincere. A part of her longed to say yes and follow him wherever he might go, but before she could get the words out, her pride surged within her. Her job might be demeaning, but she did truly earn her money. He might not intend it, but his offer sounded too close to charity for her independent heart.
"I appreciate the offer, I really do, but I can't accept it. You know I don't have any domestic skills, and Rachel deserves someone who knows what she is doing, not an extra burden. I may not be able to say much for my life since I struck out on my own, but I can say I've never accepted charity. I don't want to start now," she replied, wondering whether her stubborn streak would be the end of their relationship.
Knowing it probably wouldn't work, Kid tried again to convince her, not wanting to give up his chance to have Louise become a regular fixture in his life. That thought was just too appealing to let go of so easily.
"It wouldn't be charity – Rachel really needs the help. Besides, she's a natural teacher. She would love the challenge, educating you in the 'domestic arts,' as she calls them. I know for a fact she wouldn't complain a bit. I'm sure she'd appreciate having another woman around too – she's always complaining about being surrounded by men. You'll see, she'll love you," he pleaded, giving her his best puppy dog eyes, the ones which his ma had always told him could convince her to do anything.
Feeling her resolve weakening, Louise forced herself to say no, ignoring the persistent voice that told her this might be her only chance at a new life.
"You sure don't make this easy when you give me those sad eyes, and there is a part of me that wants to say yes, but I can't. From the way you describe them, your friends sound real nice. I'm sure they'd welcome me if you asked them to, but that's the problem. I don't want to rely on others' kindness. I want to earn my living. It's my dream to have a respectable life, but I don't want it if I can't say I earned it fair and square. How would you feel if you only had a job with the Express because Teaspoon was doing a favor for someone? That you were no good, but he kept you around just to be nice? How would it feel to know the others earned their money with their work and sweat, but you were given a handout? If you imagine that, maybe you can understand why I can't accept your offer."
Kid nodded glumly. He understood exactly how she was feeling, even thought it didn't make it any easier to accept. He had his pride too, and he wouldn't easily trade it, even for an easier life. Not wanting to hurt her further by continuing to argue, he replied, "I do understand, and I respect you for it. I'd probably do the same thing if I was in your place."
Louise gave him a sly smile and joked, "I don't think you'd do too good in my place. The dress sure wouldn't fit you, and besides, you look better in pants."
Kid shook his head, chuckling. "Very funny. But I bet you wouldn't do any better in my place. You couldn't even find any pants to fit you, you're so skinny. And you may like horses now, but see if you still like 'em after riding practically non-stop for days on end. What do you say about that, Miss Louise?" Hs grinned as he emphasized her name.
The fire in her eyes told him she wasn't about to play nice. "I say, you're on."
"Huh?" he said confusedly.
"You said you bet I couldn't do better in your place. I say, prove it. I just happen to have a horse, we both have some time, so what do you say to a race? Loser buys dinner for the winner. Are you up to the challenge, or should I just hand you my dress now?" she finished with a smirk, her enjoyment of their playful banter evident. Unconsciously she rose and stared him down with her hands on her hips.
Never one to pass up a challenge, Kid stood, imitating her defensive stance. "You're on. And you can keep the dress. I think I'll wear a suit when you take me out for my victory dinner."
"We'll see about that. Get your horse ready, and I'll see you at the livery in ten minutes."
