The Deal

Oh, how foolish it was. That fateful handshake on that rainy day in mid-July. The smallest of details of that day will never be forgotten. They say everyone has their price but what they don’t tell you is, that no matter what you get in return, it’s never enough. He was the most beautiful man I had ever laid my eyes on. Graying beard, dressed to the nines, eyes of blue ice, and a smile so enchanting you forget about the hiss on his breath. It'd do no good for a true physical description because, I hear, it changes from person to person. My mind clouded while taking in this heavenly vision of a man that made my breath catch and my heart skip a beat. As he talked I could only hear faint murmurs. I had completely checked out from reality. Hell, thinking about it now makes my heart race. “Hello. My name is Robert.” Was all I had heard. Looking down I slowly realize that his hand was out waiting to greet me as if we were sealing a deal. Little did I know that’s just what my future held for me, but on a much stranger level. All I could muster, through my slacked jaw was a mumbled mess. “Rob-name-my-Henry”. Not able to move from the shock I was in I mentally scolded myself for surely embarrassing myself and this man who now probably thinks I’ve lost all coherent thought in my brain. Then that’s when I heard it. He chuckled. His chuckle sent a chill down my spine. A chill that could have put frost on my belt buckle. I realized I had started biting my lip while staring at him. Blushing hard, I fumble with my coffee and almost drop it all over him. We all know that would not be good. “Henry, are you okay?” he asks while going to help me out. Stuttering, I answer, “Yes, I-I-I'm sorry for that and I am so sorry for staring. The chuckle caught me off guard.” “All is good. I’ve been known to have that affect often. By the way I’m not being cocky, that’s me saying that I am use to it. Also, you are cute yourself.” Did he – did he just say what I think he did? Looking at this blue eyed bronze Adonis, I am sure his statement was a faux pas. I, of all people in the world – hell in this coffee shop alone, can not be his type. “By the shock in your eyes, I see you don’t believe my assessment of your outwardly appearance. Contrary to what many may tell you, I speak no lies, ever.” “So, you have a less than favorable reputation then? I should have known this might have been too good to be true.” He stared at me as if choosing his next words very carefully. After what seemed to be eons for me, he offered a seat with him. I had forgotten we had been standing this whole time. As I sat there he flipped a coin over each finger slowly and then back again. “Alright, Henry. I will tell you a story I have never told anyone before. It’s all truth. I am older than anyone knows. My eyes have seen hate, betrayal, and pain I wouldn’t wish on anyone. I never knew my mother, my father – well I got into a scuffle with him that caused a rift with him. It was so bad a few of my siblings were affected by this as well. From the look on your face I see your concern. Big family, there is still some fallout and siblings and I are doing fine. My father and I just couldn’t see eye to eye and I was young and dumb. So, I chose to leave and make a name for myself. I am originally from up North and moved to the South to find myself. After a few years there I moved here to Colorado and started my own ranch. Colorado was an easy choice for me. Heated summers and cold winters. Great combination. The winters here relieve this “old” man’s bones from time to time.” I sat and stared as he told this tale that seemed so familiar. Shaking my head had realized that I went through something similar. “My father was an abusive man while I was growing up. My mother worried about surviving on her own she feared leaving him, though she loved him till the day she died. My mother now gone, I like to think she escaped to a much better existence. Sadly he is still among the living and at times I wished it was him instead of her. I am the black sheep of the family. Both sides of the family, mom’s and dad’s. I feel like it’s a never ending headache. Especially considering family doesn’t know my truth and never will.”