A/N: Apologies for not updating sooner. I've been quite busy this weekend.
Serena went back into the living room to finish the last of her coffee and get the last word in the conversation she'd been having with Steve.
"I'm sorry, but somebody's gotta move." she said. "I can't fit anyone else in the bunkhouse and guests take priority. You can stay out in the pigpen; it's covered."
Steve blew up. "I ain't stayin' in the damned pigpen! Billy's out there! He'll shoot me in the head while I'm asleep! I just know he will! Billy's a goddamned lunatic!"
Serena butted in, not wanting to hear any more of Steve's drunken ramblings. "Fine. I'll put Billy somewhere else."
"Where, the bed of your pickup?" asked Charley.
"Nah, it's too cold for that tonight." said Serena."It's a thought, though. I guess Billy can stay inside tonight."
"Oh, it's too cold for Billy to sleep outside, but not cold enough for me!" shouted Steve. "I cain't believe you're doin' this to me, you bi--"
"Do you really want to finish that word?" asked Chavez, holding out his knife.
"All right, that's it!" said Serena. "Everybody go to bed! Y'all are givin' me a headache."
Dick was the first to stand up. "You heard the lady."
Serena went upstairs to the bathroom. She filled the tub, stripped off her clothes, and climbed into the hot bath. This had to be one of her favorite times of day, when there were no broken fences, renegade cattle, or stupid fights between the men to deal with. The hot water relaxed her sore muscles, seeming to make everything go away. She held her breath and ducked below the surface of the bathwater to rinse the trail dust from her hair.
Because she was underwater, she never heard footsteps on the stairs or the squeak of the bathroom door as it opened. However, she did hear the masculine voice saying, "'Rena? You in here?"
"Billy, what the hell!" Serena yelled.
"I just wanted to know if I could have a piece of that pie. I'm awful hungry." Billy said coolly, wiping his soapy hands on his pants. Honestly, he wasn't all that hungry; he was just trying to get his own way. Billy was a lot like a small child in this respect. If he didn't get what he wanted right away, he'd con and charm his way to it.
Serena busied herself with arranging the shower curtain in such a fashion it would prevent Billy from seeing anything but her head. Then she replied, "You just had dinner."
"But I didn't get any dessert." Billy pouted. "And you make the best damned blueberry pie in New Mexico."
"How would you know? You've only been here three days." said Serena.
"It's just a rumor goin' round. And speakin' o' rumors," Billy continued,"word is I get to sleep in the house tonight and Dirty Steve stays with the pigs. That true?"
"Yeah, it's true. Satisfied? Can I bathe in peace now?"
"Where am I gonna be?" Billy pressed. "You know, that king-size bed of yours looks pretty comfy. All we need is some candles, soft music, and a big ol' glass of wine."
"Sorry, I don't do sex." said Serena coldly. "You're staying on the couch. And if you 'just happen' to sleepwalk into my bedroom, I'm gonna let Chavez downsize you a little, if ya get my meaning."
Billy backed away, looking scared. "Arright. I get the message. I'm gone." Serena settled back in the tub, chuckling as she heard him crashing back down the stairs. That would teach him.
