Page 44 of Yours To Take
He sighs, leaning back in his chair. “You worked closely with her, so I thought you might know why.”
It’s the perfect opportunity to talk to him again about why he doesn’t need to be handling this. “You know I could take this off your plate…”
“It’s easier to handle myself.”
When our manager left earlier this winter, it was the perfect chance for me to finally get what I’ve been working for. Except that Logan’s injury derailed it.
Not that I’m blaming him. I wouldn’t wish what happened to Logan on anyone. But instead of letting me take the reins, Gramps stepped back into the position. Said he didn’t want to have to worry about the ranch while worrying about Logan too.
“But I know how to do this stuff.”
Gramps leans back in his chair, his mustache twitching. “I need you to keep doing what you’re doing. I rely on you to keep this place running.”
“But—”
Gramps cuts me off. “Listen, they’re talking about a severe storm blowing through tonight. Will you check with the staff that everyone has what they need so no one has to go out in it? Just in case.”
I blow out a frustrated breath. He trusts me enough to do everything that he should be doing, but I’m still just punching the clock. Before, Gramps didn’t want to promote me because he didn’t want to step on the manager’s toes. Now with her gone, it’s just another excuse.
I hate how frustrating it is to get him to take me seriously. Why wouldn’t he want a Winchester running the family ranch?
“I’ll make sure everyone is taken care of.”
“I appreciate it.”
He goes back to work as I head back out to my desk, making calls and getting everyone squared away.
It’s easy work. Something I’m used to, as we do this during the winter.
Maybe one day I won’t be the one making the calls, but instead instructing others on how to do it.
The wind is picking up outside as the main door swings open.
“Aunt Gemma!”
Willow’s face is happy as she races over to me.
“There’s my favorite girl!”
She leaps into my open arms.
“I’m your only girl.”
“Doesn’t mean you aren’t my favorite.”
I turn my attention to my brother. He seems grumpier than usual.
“I really appreciate you taking her. Peter needs help closing down the bar.”
“What kind of help?” I ask, setting Willow down. She goes over to the desk, setting down her backpack and taking out her homework folder.
“The kind that requires me to get over there now.” His tone is short.
“Where’s Ivy?”
“I don’t know. It shouldn’t take more than hour.”
“It’s fine. Just get back here before the storm hits.”
