LGBT

Chapter 3: Lunch Under The Trees

Chapter 3: Lunch Under The Trees

The day was already promising to be hot and bright as they headed away from the ranch house. The horses moved at an easy rhythm and Allen kept a lookout, as always, wanting to make sure everything was running as smoothly as it was supposed to be.

Bill watched him. “How long have you been doing this?”

“Managing the whole ranch? About three years.”

Blinking, Bill was evidently doing the math. “You must have been just out of high school.”

“Close to it. I’ve worked with the Boss since I was thirteen, off and on, doing stuff all around the ranch. I’m good friends with his son, but Joe had no interest in the ranch, went off to college and he’s now in law school. Boss knew I’d take good care of things and here I am.” Allen glanced at him, then back to the trail.

“Nothing wrong with that,” said Bill. “You’re doing something you love and he’s got someone working his ranch who knows what they’re doing and wants to do it right. Sounds like a win-win for both of you.”

Allen smiled. “Thanks. Most folks around here know the story, but I’ve had other people think I just bribed my way into the spot or something.”

Bill shook his head. “You know what you’re doing. I can spot a phony, and you ain’t it.”

Allen smiled at him. "Thanks.”

They came to a fence line and followed it for a, while. Allen’s eyes traced the line of the fence, looking for any gaps or issues. He sighed as they came across a place where the post had been pulled free.

“We got a neighbor that thinks it’s funny,” said Allen, getting down off Gypsy and pulling out a pair of gloves and some equipment. “Well, I think it’s the neighbor’s kids. Nothing major, but they do like to pull out the fence posts sometimes.

Bill got down as well. “Anything I can do to help?”

“It’ll only take a minute. The creek is just through those trees if you want to water the horses,” Allen pointed.

“Sure,” Bill gave him a little nod and took the horses, walking them away.

Allen took a moment to admire the view (of Bill walking away, not the horses), then got to work on the fencepost.

By the time Bill returned, Allen had gotten it back into place, making sure the wire was still in working order as well. “Not too bad,” he said.

“I can tell you’ve done this a few times,” chuckled Bill.

“And I can’t ever catch the kids at it. Even if I wanted to, I don’t have time to mind the entire fence.” Allen pulled his gloves off and wiped his hands on his jeans, aware Bill was watching him. “You got any kids, Bill?”

“Oh no, not me,” said Bill, patting the horse. “Had a few girls try to hit up the soldier, but I never wanted that.”

“Don’t blame you.” Allen finished putting everything away and climbed back on. “Thanks for watering them.”

“Oh, it’s not a problem,” Bill got on his as well. “I know they appreciated it.”

“We’ll go a little further and then stop for lunch.”

“Sounds good to me.”

The land was open and gently rolling, a few trees standing in clumps. As it passed noon, they turned towards the creek. Allen slid off his horse and gave Bill another smile. “This is a good spot for lunch, don’t you think?”

“Looks good to me.” Bill wiped his brow as he got down, giving Harvey another pat in thanks. “This is a nice ride.”

“Yeah, now you know why I stick around,” said Allen, getting out the food he’d brought.

Bill walked over to inspect one of the trees, putting his hand on the bark. Allen watched him walk around it, inspecting the root and one of the branches.” Have a drought a couple years ago?” he asked.

“A bit, yeah,” said Allen. “The tree tell you that?” He couldn’t quite keep the amusement out of his voice.

“Something like that. You can just tell a lot about land from the trees, if there are any.”

“Oh, I’m sure. After lunch we’re going to follow the creek for the next little ways, so you’ll get to see more trees.” Allen sat down and offered him a sandwich.

Bill took it. “All right. And it’s nice, this land, the creek...” He looked up and met Allen’s eyes. “Spending time with you.”

Allen blushed. “Yeah?” he asked.

Bill moved a little bit closer. “I know you’ve been watching me,” he said. “And not entirely in an innocent way either.”

“Well, not a lot of company out here?” asked Allen, trying to salvage a little bit of dignity and failing miserably, if those twinkling green eyes were anything to go by.

“It’s okay,” said Bill. “I’ve been watching you, too.”

“You like guys?” asked Allen, holding his breath.

“Sure,” said Bill, moving a little closer, putting a hand on his knee. “And I know what kind of things can happen, when you’re all alone in the middle of nowhere.”

Allen swallowed. “Bill...”

Bill sat back. “No pressure,” he said, with an easy smile, taking a bit of his sandwich. “Let’s see how the rest of the day goes, okay?”

Allen nodded, hardly believing his luck. “Yeah, okay, that sounds good.” Bad enough that Bill was gorgeous, but he was interested too? They were going to get into so much trouble.