Enjoy!


Chapter Two: Rude Awakening

"... so apparently, I'm now cut off." Mercedes explained, rolling her eyes and handing her credit card to the clerk. "He told me I had one week to get my affairs in order then he was shipping me off… to Texas."

"That's still a state?" Her friend Kitty asked, shocked.

Mercedes nodded. "Right! Like who lives in Texas willingly? I just hope he gets over it soon because with the Christmas ball coming up I can't be in the country… it's just not going to work with my schedule." She replied, smiling as the clerk handed her card back.

"Wait, if you're cut off how are your cards still working?" Bree, her other friend asked.

Mercedes sighed. "I think he was bluffing to scare me. I get it, I shouldn't have bought that ranch but it wasn't a bad purchase either. He's the one that gave it back." She replied, shaking her head in frustration.

Kitty shrugged. "Well, at least he made sure you were still able to buy what you need for the Christmas ball. That was thoughtful of him." She said reassuringly.

Mercedes nodded in agreement before adding, "Yeah, we totally need to start planning that too. "

The trio laughed as they finished up their shopping and walked out of the store. Mercedes had known Kitty and Bree since high school and they had hit it off fairly quickly.

Kitty Wilde was the daughter of Frank and Helena Wilde, one of the biggest fashion houses in their region. The Wilde influence had given Kitty a starring role alongside her mother and sister in the most recent spring campaign; she was petite, with long blonde hair, piercing green eyes, and flawless makeup that accentuated her beauty.

Bree Westbrooks' father, Ken, headed the AR team at Capitol Records. He made it his personal mission to sign his daughter under contract once he heard her sing for her school's talent showcase, which earned her a standing ovation. Bree's mother, Jennifer, was an actress having been in several blockbuster films made a name for herself all over Hollywood for her dramatic performances that earned her many awards. Bree was also poised to inherit a large inheritance on her 30th birthday from her grandparents.

The three of them were now walking down the street towards a nearby cafe when Mercedes asked, "So what do you guys want for lunch?"

Kitty smiled as she thought about it before saying, "I think I'll have some sushi!" Bree nodded in agreement as well before adding, "Yeah I think I'll have some noodles!"

Mercedes chuckled at their enthusiasm before leading them into the cafe. Once inside, they ordered their meals and found a table to sit at while they waited for their food.

Once they had settled in at their table, they looked over the menu before deciding on a variety of different sushi for the table and soy sauce noodles for Bree and Kitty. After ordering from the waitress, the trio discussed their plans for the upcoming Christmas ball while sipping on complimentary tea.


As they ate their lunch, Mercedes brought up a new idea that she had come up with for the ball: hiring a professional videographer to document the entire event. "This way we can have beautiful pictures and a video to remember this night forever." she said excitedly.

Kitty questioned Mercedes, "What is your plan for the event's theme this year? I heard Harmony Samuels was going for a Winter Wonderland, so that won't work." She directed her gaze towards Mercedes.

"Well... I was actually thinking something simple like White Christmas with snow and gold decorations." She replied, thinking over decorations in her mind. "We could even do it at my house this year."

"Oh my God! What if Tyson shows up?" Bree asked, smirking. "You two have been chasing each other for months!"

Mercedes smirked. "It would be rude if he didn't, considering I sent him an invitation."

The girls all gasped in excitement, dreaming of Tyson and Mercedes finally getting together. Bree started up a chant of "Tyson and Merce-des, Tyson and Merce-des..." that made them all laugh.

They finished their lunch with an air of anticipation for the ball. They fussed over who's gonna pay and Mercedes ultimately won and handed the waiter her card. "I'm thinking mani/pedi's next." She said looking at her nails. "I want some that say 'I'm available but only to the best.' you know?"

Bree nodded. "Well blue is definitely your color so go with blue."

"Yeah and maybe mid-almond, those look good on you." Kitty added,looking at her own nails. "I think I may invite Wells to your party, he's been sniffing around so I think I'll see how he does at your event."

"Pardon me, ma'am." The waiter spoke up. "Your card was declined."

Mercedes laughed, obviously amused. "No, that has no limit," she said. "Try it again."

The waiter nodded, a little embarrassed, and disappeared back to the kitchen. He returned a few moments later with an apologetic look on his face, "I'm sorry ma'am," he said. "I ran it three times and it still declined. You'll need to pay another way."

Mercedes tried not to let her frustration show. "I just used that card not even thirty minutes ago. Run it again." She said firmly.

The waiter hesitated for a moment before shrugging and heading back to the register. He ran the card again, but it still declined. Mercedes sighed heavily and rattled off another card, but it too was declined. Tension filled the air as Bree watched on with worry in her eyes.

"Fourth time's the charm," Bree said quietly as she handed over her card, the waiter nodded before heading to the register.

Mercedes sighed in anger. "This can't be happening! How could my dad actually do this to me?"

"Here you are." The waiter said, handing Bree's card to her. "Is there anything else I can do for you all?"

Kitty waved her hand dismissively. "Let's go." She said.

The girls all stood up and grabbed their bags, heading for the door. As they stepped out into the light of the day, Mercedes shook her head in disbelief.

"I'm so sorry," Bree said as they walked down the street. "Do you think you can get it sorted out somehow?"

Mercedes sighed. "I guess I'll have to call my dad and find out what's going on." She muttered, reaching into her pocket for her phone.

Kitty patted Mercedes' back reassuringly. "It'll be okay," she said comfortingly.

Mercedes nodded and dialed her father's number, trying to hide the annoyance in her voice as she greeted him.

"Yes?" Her father said.

Mercedes took a deep breath. "Daddy, why did my card decline? I was getting lunch with the girls, do you know how embarrassing that is?"

"Mhm." Her father said unsurprised."I told you, you had a week to get everything in order. That was a week ago, you are officially cut off."

"You can't be serious... daddy, I apologized!"

"And I told you that the only way to make this right was by you working at Evans Ranch, who are expecting you tomorrow morning."

Mercedes groaned in frustration. "I am not going to Texas! I have my Christmas ball and a ton of events that I can't just back out of now!" She exclaimed, her voice filled with desperation.

"Marie packed your bags," her father replied sternly. "There will be a car waiting for you when you get home which needs to be in the next fifteen minutes. The driver will take you to the jet and you will be on said jet come hell or high water. Do you understand me?"

Mercedes sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat. She couldn't believe her father was actually doing this to her. She made one mistake and now she was being shipped off to Texas like some sort of punishment.

Mercedes frowned. "Yes, I understand." She said quietly before hanging up feeling embarrassed and angry.

Kitty put an arm around Mercedes' shoulder's reassuringly as Bree rubbed her back in comfort. "What did he say?" Bree asked soothingly.

"He's... making me go to Texas. I have to leave in fifteen minutes."

The girls made their way back to Mercedes' home silently, each lost in their own thoughts as they contemplated what had just happened. As they got closer to Mercedes' house, Kitty suddenly stopped and turned to face Mercedes with a determined expression on her face.

"What if we kidnap you?" She asked and Bree's eyes lit up.

"Yeah! I can hide you at my parents' villa in Paris." She offered.

Mercedes smiled at her friends, thankful for their loyalty and support. But she knew there was no getting out of this. "As much as I would love to stay at your parents' villa, I know my dad. I just have to prove that I'm sorry and he'll let me come home in time for my ball." She said, looking out the window seeing a large SUV sitting in her driveway.

Kitty and Bree shared a worried look before turning back towards Mercedes with determined expressions on their faces. Kitty stepped forward and hugged Mercedes tightly. "You can do this," she murmured reassuringly into her ear.

Bree nodded in agreement before adding, "We know you can."

"Thanks girls. Now I'm putting you two in charge of the party until I get back, the decorations have been paid for and there's a spare key to my house in the rose garden." She said before turning towards the car waiting for her outside. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her bags and walked towards the vehicle knowing the next few weeks were going to be anything but easy.


The next afternoon she was in Texas, Mercedes was exhausted both mentally and emotionally from the journey. She got out of the car and thanked the driver before looking around, seeing the property was surrounded by rolling hills of green pasture land as far as the eye could see. She looked down at the note her father left for her on the jet and read it.

My dearest Mercedes, I believe that this is the best route for you to take right now. You will report directly to Dwight Evans and he will help you through this transition. Please understand that I didn't want to do this but you have to learn there's more to life than what you've seen.

With love,

Dad

Mercedes sighed as she trudged down the long driveway, her suitcases dragging behind her. The Texas heat was oppressive, and she was already sweating by the time she reached the house. Taking a deep breath, she knocked and fanned herself as she waited for someone to answer. After a few moments the door opened and she was greeted by a petite woman with dirty blonde hair.

"Well hello, you must be Mercedes?" The woman asked warmly. "I'm Mary, one of the owners of Evans Ranch." She said, holding her hand out for Mercedes.

Mercedes shook Mary's hand and nodded. "That's me. Nice to meet you." She said trying to sound polite, though she was exhausted from the journey. Mary smiled and stepped aside, allowing Mercedes to enter the house.

"Take a seat in the living room and I'll get you something cool to drink." Mary said before disappearing into the kitchen.

Mercedes looked around the room admiring how well kept it was before taking a seat in one of the armchairs near a window. A few minutes later Mary returned with an ice-cold glass of lemonade and handed it to Mercedes with a smile before sitting down opposite her.

"So your father sent you here for some time away from home?" She asked, taking a sip of her drink.

Mercedes nodded, feeling still annoyed that her dad had sent her away like this. "I wouldn't put it that way... more like forcing me to come here."

"Hmm," Mary said softly. "Sometimes we all need time away from our everyday lives to reflect on things and find ourselves again." She smiled knowingly before continuing, "Dwight should be back soon and he will show you around the ranch and introduce you to everyone else."

Mercedes nodded, though she was still unsure what to expect. She took a sip of her lemonade as they waited for Dwight to return.

"MARY!" A loud voice bellowed. "I need you to run to town and grab-" The man stopped when he spotted Mercedes sitting there. "And who might you be?"

"Oh, I'm Mercedes, Mercedes Jones." She answered standing, smoothing down her dress.

The man nodded, smiling. "Well shit, I thought that guy was kidding about sending his daughter here. I'm Dwight Evans, I assume you met my wife?" Mercedes nodded.

"What do you need me to get?" Mary asked, stepping into the living room, smiling. "I see you met our guest." She said to her husband, standing on her toes and kissing him.

Dwight was a tall man, with sun kissed skin and light brown freckles that speckled across his body. His eyes were bright blue, like the cloudless sky outside. When he smiled his whole face became alive. Mary was the opposite, she was short and petite with sandy brown hair and dazzling green eyes.

"I did, I guess a tour of the property is in order then." He said looking Mercedes over once more before whispering something into his wife's ear. Mary nodded, looking at Mercedes before turning and leaving.

Dwight clapped his hands together, smiling. "Alright little lady, let's show you the property." Mercedes noticed the exchange wanting to ask but decided she had bigger issues at hand.

She followed Dwight outside, immediately missing the cool from inside. The sun beat down on her and she used her hand to shield her eyes. "Follow me." He said.

Mercedes followed Dwight around the property, as they walked he pointed out where things were located and what belonged to whom. She listened carefully, wanting to remember every detail that he said.

"It'll get cooler at night," Dwight said, handing her his hat. "I'm used to the sun." She smiled, thankful for the hat Dwight handed her.

They walked further away from the house and Mercedes could see more of the land spread out before her. The sun was setting and the sky was changing colors from blue to orange and pink. Mercedes marveled at how beautiful it all was and couldn't help but smile.

Dwight stopped in front of a large barn and opened the doors wide. "This is where we keep most of our livestock," he said proudly as they stepped inside. It was cool and musty smelling inside with hay scattered about on the floor. Mercedes saw chickens clucking about in their cages while horses whinnied from their stalls nearby.

Dwight introduced her to some of his workers who were tending to animals or loading supplies onto trucks outside, they all seemed happy to hear that someone else was around helping out now too. As they continued their tour around the ranch, Dwight showed Mercedes many other places on the property including a large pond where they did most of their fishing, an old cemetery filled with family members who had passed away long ago, and a garden full of fresh vegetables that Mary tended too each day

They walked around the fence line, looking at different types of cattle that were grazing in nearby fields. Dwight pointed out different types of hay and how they affected the quality of meat production. Mercedes couldn't help but be impressed with his knowledge and passion for his work.

"So you eat the cows?" She asked, looking at the field.

Dwight looked at her with surprise, before bursting into laughter. "Mercedes! Of course we eat the cows!" He said, still laughing. She nodded, feeling embarrassed for asking such a silly question.

He could tell she was embarrassed, so he gave her a comforting smirk. "It's not a foolish question," he replied softly, "just don't get asked it often."

"This is all new to me," she murmured to herself, processing every detail of the tour.

"Let's go," he declared with a smile, "time for you to meet the kids."

Mercedes followed Dwight to a clearing that housed a few small cottages and an office-looking building. "Here's where you'll be staying," he said, walking up to a cottage on the far end and grabbing a set of keys from his pocket. He unlocked the door and they stepped inside. It was cozy, with wood paneled walls and comfortable furniture.

"This is where all of my ranch hands stay, when they aren't out in the fields or tending to animals."Dwight told Mercedes.

Mercedes turned and looked at him before letting out a nervous laugh. "Wait... what?" She asked.

Dwight shifted. "This is where the ranch hands stay." He repeated, letting his words sink in.

She shook her head. "No, no... no. See I figured it'd be doing some office-like stuff, maybe helping with the accounting?"

They both heard a deep laugh behind and turned, Dwight shot a look at the man standing, who threw his hand up and walked away. "Your father was very specific about what job you'd be doing here."

Mercedes looked up at Dwight, confused. "I don't understand," she said. "What kind of job did my father want me to do here?"

Dwight chuckled and gestured for her to follow him outside. "Your father wanted you here to help out with the ranch," he explained as they walked towards a nearby barn. He pointed inside, where Mercedes could see several horses milling around in the hay-filled stalls. "This is where you'll be spending most of your time," he said. "Helping us take care of the horses."

Mercedes' eyes widened in surprise. She had never worked with animals before ,let alone be around any outside of her sister's dog."You want me to... to take care of the horses?" She questioned.

"Not take care of them, tend to their stalls." A voice came and Dwight patted the man on the shoulder, smiling at him.

"Mercedes this is my oldest son Jackson, Jackson this is our newest ranch hand, Mercedes." Dwight said and his son extended his hand.

Jackson towered over Mercedes, his dirty blonde hair hung in his face. He had Dwight's eyes but favored Mary in his features. He was attractive, even Mercedes could admit that but her mind was still stuck on the fact that her father expected her to do manual labor, she looked down at his hand before taking it and offering a partial smile.

He gripped her hand, studying it with a calculating look. His fingers were callused and she could feel the strength in his grip. She pulled her hands away, feeling uncomfortable as he asked, "So you're the one that saved the ranch? Have you done any manual labor?"

She frowned as she stepped back and met his gaze. "Never needed to... and what do you mean tending the stalls?"

Jackson nodded. "It's pretty simple stuff," he said, "Feeding, cleaning, and mucking out the stalls, that sort of thing." He smiled a mischievous smile. "You up for it?"

Mercedes looked up at Jackson, her brow furrowed. "Mucking?" She questioned.

Jackson nodded. "It's a part of the job," he said firmly. "Basically, it involves removing manure from the horse's stalls and replacing it with clean material." He paused for a moment before continuing. "You'll also need to brush and groom the horses, fill their feed buckets, and make sure they have plenty of fresh water."

Mercedes frowned and crossed her arms over her chest, not sure if she was cut out for this kind of work. Jackson seemed to sense her hesitation and stepped closer, his voice softening as he continued.

"I understand if you don't want to do it," he said gently. "But this is what your father wanted you to do here." He put a hand on her shoulder, a gesture meant to be comforting but it only made Mercedes more uncomfortable. She shrugged away from him and took a deep breath before nodding slowly in agreement.

"Alright," she said quietly. "I can do this."

Jackson smiled approvingly and clapped his hands together once before turning toward the barn entrance. "Alright then," he said enthusiastically.

"We're giving tours now?" Dwight slowly turned to his son, frowning slightly.

"This her?" He asked with a gruffness in his voice that sent shivers down Mercedes's spine.

"Mercedes, this is my second oldest son, Sam. Sam, this is your newest ranch hand, Mercedes." Dwight replied.

Sam looked like Jackson except his hair was blonde and pulled back into a low ponytail and his shoulders were stronger, his face was handsome despite the dirt blanketing his features, his eyes were green like his mother's and framed by long lashes. His figure was slim, but a close look at his dirty shirt showed that he had a lean, muscular physique.

Mercedes felt her heart race as Sam took a step closer, forcing her to take a step back. He watched her with a piercing gaze and she felt her throat tighten in apprehension as he slowly looked her up and down. His expression was unreadable, but the intensity of his gaze was intimidating.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he spoke. "You reckon you can handle yourself around here?" His voice was low and gruff.

"I can try." She replied, her eyes fixed on him.

Sam tilted his head, looking at her shoes. "You're gonna need boots and work starts at four am sharp"

She glared up at him, her fists clenched at her sides. "I don't need some chauvinistic cowboy telling me what to do."

He chuckled, a dark and dangerous sound that sent shivers down her spine. "Oh sweetheart, you have no idea what you need."He stepped closer, towering over her. "I run a tight ship around here and I damn sure ain't about to let some rich city girl change that. Four A.M. you will be at the stables wearing boots. Don't need you getting sent to the hospital cause you had the wrong shoes on."

Mercedes stood there angry as Sam walked out of the barn. "He can't be serious..."

Jackson smirked. "But he is and if you are late, you don't eat. Ranch rules, gorgeous- we all work here and we all help out." He explained before tilting his hat and leaving.

Dwight walked back over to Mercedes and put an arm around her shoulders."Welcome to your new home little lady." He said, smiling down at her before turning towards the house once more. "Go get settled, dinner's at seven." He said handing her the set of keys to her cabin. "Tomorrow's gonna be a long day!"


Oh and Dwight and Mary have five kids... and y'all know I love throwing Stevie in there ;) until next time xoxo!