71. Marnie

Stiletto heels and white rock parking lots don’t mix. I’m pretty focused on not breaking my ankles, thankful for Dusty’s steadying arm around my waist.

I’ve dated men in the past that charge ahead while I struggle to keep up in the torture devices we call heels. Why wear them? Because they make my ass look like a million bucks and I feel like a sex-goddess in them.

The price we pay for fashion.

He strolls beside me, telling me about The Go Around as we walk up. It was built over a century ago. I came here with Jerry Lind, but it’s completely different when I’m with Dusty. When we step inside, I can smell wood polish and sweet leather. A hint of smoke.

Dusty said we wouldn’t find beef tartar and caviar here, but that we could get an eighty-dollar steak if we were feeling fancy.

I’m not a big beef fan, which makes me an oddball in cattle country. He stops by the hostess’s stand, one arm casually slung around my hips. Someone calls out to him, and I feel him stiffen at my side.

I don’t recognize the man who called out, but I do recognize his friend.

Jerry Fucking Lind.

The two of them are sitting at the bar, drinking scotch or bourbon from crystal glasses.

And they’re waving us over. Well, Jerry’s looking reticent. But his buddy is grinning like Dusty’s an old friend.

Fingers tightening on my hip, Dusty pastes on a smile and leads me over.

The man who called us over beams at us. “Dusty! How the hell are you, son?”

“Doing good, Mr. Thompson.”

Dusty runs a thumb along my side. “Marnie, this is Chad Thompson. Bo’s dad.”

Chad’s eyebrows go up and he gives me a long, surveying look, not bothering to hide the fact that he’s checking me out. “Ah. So this is little Marnie Novak. Pleasure to finally meet you, darlin’.”

He nods at Jerry. “Have you met Jerry?”

“I’m familiar.”

My voice sounds sharper than I intended. I force myself to smile. “We’ve met before.”

Jerry sits back, returning my smile with one of his own. He’s handsome for an older guy. Chiseled, classic good looks and all that. But he’s also an arrogant prick.

“Marnie and I discussed my renting Gus’s land. Right here, as a matter of fact.”

Dusty goes rigid at my side. I never told him I met up with Jerry. It had nothing to do with selling the ground and everything to do with learning about my mom. But I can’t exactly say that.

Chad nods, eyes flicking to Dusty, before going back to his buddy. “That Novak farm ground is as good as gold. Jerry would take damn good care of it for you, Marnie.”

Dusty disentangles himself from my arms. He’s all smiles and effortless charm despite the conversation. “I’m going to run to the restroom, Marnie. Be right back.”

I watch him go, frowning as I turn back to the two strangers he left me with.

Jerry tilts his head. “You decided to keep the ground, then? Not selling anymore?”

“I’m planning on keeping it. But it’s only fair for you to know that I already have a farm manager and I’m not planning on renting it out to anyone else.”

Chad slides out from his stool. “You know, I think I might hit the head, too.”

I watch him go, feeling like I’ve been left alone with a wolf.

When I turn back to Jerry, I’m surprised by the expression on his face. It’s not mercenary, like it was seconds before. Regret weighs heavily on his features and his shoulders. “You look so much like her. It’s like seeing a ghost.”

“My mom?”

He nods. Spinning his glass a few times, he stops and looks over at me. “You don’t have to sell to me, Marnie. You’re a grown woman and you’re free to make whatever decision you need to.”

I frown at the way he’s trying to give me permission. “Okay.”

“But, for your mom’s sake, I feel like there are some things you need to hear.”

“And you’re going to tell me.”

He meets my gaze. “That Larson kid ain’t no good. You want to rent? That’s a prudent decision. Best you could make if I’m honest. But you’d be smart to find a better farm manager. Them Larsons are nothing but trouble.”

“I guess that’s your opinion.”

He frowns, frustrated. “It’s not an opinion, it’s a fact.”

He pauses, gaze flicking over to the restrooms where Chad and Dusty are chatting. “Nobody’s going to be honest with you about that kid. He’s a golden boy around these parts. Damned if I know why. But he’s got a past, make no mistake about it. And with you… Marnie, I’m afraid he’s trying to take advantage.”

“Well, Jerry. Thanks for your thoughts on the matter. But I’m ten years that man’s senior. So, if anyone is taking advantage, it’s me.”

Jerry sits back, frowning.

“Have a wonderful evening.”

I give him my most vicious, radiant smile and turn on heel.