Chapter 11

After she shut the door, Louise sank to the floor, leaning against the door for support as she contemplated the myriad of emotions swimming in her mind. The giddiness from the kiss was still there, but the sadness also pushed to the surface, telling her that that was the first and last kiss they would share. She wasn't used to feeling much besides emptiness, and the conflicting emotions made her feel like she was about to burst. She was torn between hope and despair, and it was anybody's guess which would gain control. Suddenly she felt overwhelmed with exhaustion and dragged herself back to bed. Sleep wouldn't fix anything, but it promised a few hours of escape from the struggles of life. Her last thoughts before she lapsed back into sleep were of Kid and his promise not to give up on their relationship. Kid, please find a way.

While Louise suffered from her warring feelings, Kid felt only one emotion: satisfaction. He had to restrain himself from running back to the livery to retrieve Katy, but he couldn't help but spur her into a gallop as he rode back to the way station, and when he reached the barn, he couldn't help but whistle as he took off her saddle and brushed her to a gleaming sheen. It was hard to believe that twenty-four hours ago he did not know that Louise even existed, let alone know how quickly she would find a place in his heart. He had been happy before meeting her, but now that she was in his life, he knew it would almost impossible to remain happy without her.

As Kid approached the bunkhouse, he knew was in for some torture once he entered that door. The guys were going to have as much fun as they could at his expense, of that he was sure. He only hoped Teaspoon and Rachel might be able to bring the conversation to a more desirable subject, like anything not about his evening with Louise.

Much to his chagrin, Teaspoon and Rachel were nowhere to be seen, and he was instantly surrounded by his friends, obviously eager for the torture to begin.

"Kid!" shouted Cody, "Just the man we wanted to see. We were hoping you could answer a question for us. What could have kept you occupied all night long?" The others attempted to hold back laughter as they awaited his response.

"Nothing," he mumbled, knowing well that they wouldn't be put off so easily.

"If nothing happened, then I suggest you get your money back," Jimmy quipped, and the guys abandoned all attempts to stifle their amusement and practically shouted with laughter.

"Very funny, guys," Kid replied, "When's breakfast? I'm starved."

Not daunted by his efforts to change the subject, Noah said, "So you're saying that whatever it is you did all night long made you hungry? Did I hear that correctly?"

"Just drop it, okay?" Kid retorted, "I already told ya – it's not like it looks. All we did was talk, go riding, and sleep. That's it."

"Talk? So that's what they're calling it these days, huh?" replied Noah.

"I bet there was some riding involved," added Jimmy.

"Do you mean sleep as in sleep together?" finished Buck, nudging Cody with his elbow.

Kid sat himself at the table and stared at the space in front of him, as if concentrating would bring his breakfast. As luck would have it, Rachel entered that moment and placed the food on the table before him. Maybe now they'll shut up and eat. I know Cody can't resist stuffing his face. But he had forgotten about Cody's ability to talk and eat at the same time.

"So, Kid, I believe you were just about to tell us all about your big evening last night?" Cody said while shoving a whole biscuit into his mouth.

Just when Kid thought it couldn't get any worse, Teaspoon came through the door and said, "A big evening, eh? Did you have a date I didn't hear about?"

He felt seven pairs of eyes burning into him, and he resolutely stared at his plate of food. Knowing they were all awaiting his response, he jammed a biscuit into his own mouth, hoping for a delay as he slowly chewed. He knew this trick wouldn't hold them off for long, but he had absolutely no idea what to say. Jimmy solved that problem for him.

"Seeing as Kid is busy eating, I'll speak on his behalf. Yes, he did have a date last night. Of sorts." The other riders responded with muffled laughter, while Rachel and Teaspoon looked puzzled.

"Shut up, Jimmy," muttered Kid.

"Now, Kid, you don't need to be embarrassed. I think it's wonderful you had a nice time. You should invite her to dinner, so we can all meet her," said Rachel. She knew there was more to the situation but hoped to smooth things over by reassuring him.

"I don't think that would be a good idea, Rachel. She's not exactly the kind of girl you bring home to the meet the family, if you know what I mean," Cody replied, winking at her.

Instantly Kid jumped to his feet, his hands balled into fists and his breath ragged. "Don't you dare judge her! She's a good woman and a lady, and anyone who says different is gonna find themselves mighty uncomfortable after I'm finished with them."

"Whoa, slow down there, son. I'm sure nobody in this room would insult a friend of yours," said Teaspoon, directing a pointed glance at first Cody and then moving to include the rest of the riders in his hard stare.

Knowing he wouldn't be able to maintain control of either his emotions or fists, Kid decided to get out of there. Grabbing a biscuit, he said a quick thank you to Rachel and moved toward the door, muttering about getting started on his chores.

"Okay boys, who's going to tell me what's got him so fired up?" Teaspoon asked, looking around the bunkhouse at the riders, all of whom were trying to avoid his gaze. Relying on Cody's love of gossip, he decided to address him personally. "Cody, spill it."

It didn't take much to get the natural storyteller going, especially when presented with a captive audience. Cody told the story in true Cody-fashion, encouraged by the shocked looks of Teaspoon and Rachel and the wild laughter of his fellow riders.

"So you're telling me that Kid, the one who is always talking about doing what's right, spent the entire night with a working girl?" Teaspoon sputtered when Cody had finished his tale. He prided himself on knowing his "boys", and this story didn't match up with what he knew of Kid. Either they're pulling my leg, or there must be more to this story.

Jimmy responded first to his question. "I know it sounds crazy, Teaspoon, but I saw it myself. He went upstairs with her, and he didn't come back until a few minutes ago. He may try to deny it, but I have a hard time imagining they were just talking."

Finally, something makes sense, thought Rachel. Aloud she said, "Jimmy, when have you known Kid to lie about something, especially something important?"

"Never."

"And when have you known him to casually get involved with any girl he happened to meet?"

"Never."

"Then you got to consider the possibility that he's telling the truth," Rachel finished with conviction.

"Aw, come on, Rachel, you can't believe that he spent an entire evening with a girl like that in her room and all they did was talk. Even Kid can't be that big of a fool," Cody responded, gesturing emphatically and looking to the other guys to confirm his statement.

"Now, Cody, just because you haven't developed the fine art of conversation, doesn't mean that Kid hasn't. I for one think that what Rachel's saying makes a heck of lot more sense than the pile of manure you're shoveling. I know Kid, and he don't lie and he certainly don't womanize," Teaspoon said, shaking his head as if to further deny Cody's story.

There was a pause in the discussion as each of the riders considered what Rachel and Teaspoon had said. Buck spoke first.

"You know, Kid didn't exactly jump at the chance to get involved with that woman. Maybe he just left with her to get away from us. We don't even know what it is she whispered in his ear. Maybe he is tellin' the truth. It sure sounds more like the Kid we know." Buck nodded his head and looked at the other guys to see if they agreed. Just then, Ike walked into the bunkhouse.

*What's wrong with Kid? He doesn't seem to be in the best mood.* Ike asked.

Cody was already opening his mouth to relate the latest gossip when Teaspoon cut him off. "Now, boys, before you fill in Ike with your story and waste away the day, why don't you get started on those chores you get paid to do? It might surprise some of you, but it is possible to talk and work at the same time." Teaspoon rose to his feet and headed outside, chuckling at this own joke.

Rachel began to follow, but before she left the bunkhouse, she added, "I think you owe Kid an apology for the way you were treating him. At least leave him alone until he gets a chance to cool off. I haven't ever seen him this worked up about something. Whatever happened, it sure sounds like this woman got under his skin. Hmmm," she trailed off, lost in her thoughts about a possible romance. Personally, she loved the idea of Kid finding some happiness, even if it was with a woman of questionable reputation. She certainly wouldn't judge what another woman had to do to survive.

As soon as Rachel was gone, Cody began, "Ike, my friend, you picked a bad day to be gone. We have quite a story for you. It will leave even you speechless."

*Very funny* Ike replied, rolling his eyes and shaking his head.

Jimmy took his chance to make a quick exit. "As much as I want to hear the same story again, I think I'll make sure Kid hasn't chopped the barn to pieces. Don't worry, Buck, I'll play nice," he added, seeing the expression of his friend's face.

While he searched for Kid, he replayed the events again in his mind, trying to make sense of it all. He wouldn't admit it to the others just yet, but he was beginning to think Teaspoon and Rachel might be right. It did sound more like something Kid would do, crazy as it seemed. Leave it to Kid to spend an entire evening alone with a prostitute and just talk to her.

He found Kid mucking out the horses' stalls. He knew Kid wouldn't be eager to talk, but he was hoping an apology might do the trick. The truth was that he was dying for some details of Kid's big night, even if they weren't as interesting as the guys had thought.

"Leave me alone, Jimmy," he barked, not even taking his eyes off the stalls he was busy cleaning.

Picking up a pitchfork, Jimmy joined him in shoveling fresh hay. "Nice to see you too, Kid. Listen, I ain't here to bother you. Actually, I'm here to tell you I'm sorry."

Kid responded with an incredulous look and mumbled, "Whatever."

"I know I ain't much of one for apologies, but I mean it. After you left, Cody told Teaspoon and Rachel what happened. They both think you're telling the truth about nothing happening. It got me thinking, and I decided I believe you." Jimmy paused to see Kid's reaction. When he noticed a faint nod, he concluded that he was forgiven, at least mostly. I guess I'll test my luck and see.

"So what's her name?" he asked with a hint of a smirk.

Kid studied him before he responded shyly, "Louise."

"See, that wasn't so hard. Now are you gonna fill me in on all the details or am I gonna have to drag 'em out of you?"

"Swear you won't tell Cody?"

"No way. I'd much rather see him squirm. So what did she whisper in your ear anyway?"

Kid smiled at the memory and began to tell Jimmy of his adventures. The two laughed and joked as they worked the morning away.