Bluebonnet Days

Someone is Hiding Something

The next morning I get up early to start packing stuff up. I need to head home to get settled and ready for work tomorrow. I look across the way and notice Westons tent is gone as well as his truck. Hmmmm, guess he had to head out early. I hear some rustling around, only to catch Mia sneaking out of Dylans tent. All I could do was smile. “You owe me details later” Mia laughs and says “yah I know. Only in exchange for details on what happened with you last night!” ``''Ugh, it will have to be later once I process everything myself.”

Eventually we load up everything and head home. It is a quiet ride as most just want to sleep. I can not though, so I keep Jackson company as he drives. He lets me know that Weston told him to tell me he would be back on Wednesday.

“O, ok, is there something I need to prepare for a meeting? Not sure why you are letting me know this. I thought I had already accounted for all my upcoming meetings this week.”

“Come on, Sam, you know it's not business related. He just wants to talk to you. He sent Southern Belle home this morning with the hopes of her not returning again”

“Well I hope he is happy with that decision, as I do not know why you look at me, like it was my doing?

“That's not what I am getting at.. Just wanted to keep you in the loop. You were not the only one who suffered when he did not come back home. Though he is my best friend, like my brother, in the end you are my sister. I will have you back whatever you choose. But our parents have always taught us to listen to all sides before making a final decision.”

I give him a side glance and say “ok, I'll think about it”

It is about noon, when we get home mama has lunch ready for us. Egg salad sandwiches with homemade chips and sweet tea. Jackson and I catch mama up on the day before, of course leaving anything out about Weston. Though she did ask how it was seeing him again. I can only manage to say it was fine. I hurriedly finished my lunch and went up to my room to shower. When I came out, I hear some people talking outside. I quickly get dressed and walk over to my window and pull the curtains back. The rooms on the corners of the house have large panoramic windows. Mine looked over pastures and stables, with rolling hills in the background. As I take a look out, I look down to see Weston and my dad talking. Weird, I thought he had already left. I am trying to eavesdrop.

“I’m sorry Weston, just give her time. I hope in the interim you can forgive your father. It has been many years and he feels awful about it. But he just wanted the best for you and to succeed.”

“Thanks Mr. Dupont. Well I am about to head out to Tulsa to close that deal out with the Annex Farmers Market selling our beef. It really is a great deal for both sides. Hopefully this will push us into more market opportunities as more and more people are wanting to shop local and fresh. As we expand in Oklahoma, have we thought about the land we need to purchase and who is going to control that territory?

“Yah this is an exciting deal for sure. No, I wish we had more of you and Jackson to help run it over there. Might have to look in pulling in a cousin or 2 and see who is willing to make the move. I know that's hard when we are all so close.”

“Well let me feel around out there and see who is out there already that is trustworthy and might be willing to take over. I know we typically do not bring in outsiders but the more we grow, the more we will need to lean on this.”

“I agree son. Some changes might be inevitable. Alright son, well have a good trip and we will see you Wednesday.”

“Will do, bye sir.”

It sounds like business is going as good as I thought, so that's a plus. But what was that about giving her more time…. Was that about me or who? And I didn't realize there were issues with Weston and his father. He has always been a stern man, expected a lot out of Weston and his little sister, but I always thought was gentle as well. Mrs. Lancaster is as sweet as they come. Even when she speaks poorly of someone, it still sounds like a compliment. I am now curious to know what has been going on since I’ve been gone. This is a dual family business so there is not much room for animosity amongst us. There have definitely been arguments throughout the years, but everyone always made peace and moved on. My understanding was that Weston did not come home much while he was off in college. As all of our duties had been planned out for us before we could make a choice. Weston was to become the family and the Ranchs’ lawyer and to takeover Lans Enterprise. I know we used to talk about how much pressure Weston was under and that going to an in-state school was not good enough for his dad. HIs sites were for Weston to attend Yale to get his degree and become a lawyer. Even though Weston got a full ride to Texas between academics, football and debate team, having a prestigious lawyer in the family from Yale was what his dad wanted. So Weston complied. Though I do not think any of us would think of him going away would be the end of us. I might need to ask mama or Jackson about what happened while I was gone.

It is Sunday evening and we just finished the traditional large Sunday dinner, ending with chocolate and pecan pies. The five of us are still sitting around the table chatting it up and we realize it's getting late. Dad reminds Jackson and I, that we have a busy day tomorrow with getting me caught up on everything. I turn to dad, who now has his arms wrapped around mama. He loves her, even after almost 30 years together, he would still move Heaven and Earth for her. I do take in that he has lost weight and looks more haggard than when I saw him 2 years ago. I push it off that there must be a lot going on around here. That if something was really going on, Jackson would know and tell me. I hug and kiss everyone good night, then head to bed. Everytime I close my eyes though, I see Weston. Scenes from the previous night replaying in my head. He said he came to Paris to find me? When and how? I never saw him, why did he not contact me? Eventually my mind decided to shut down on its own and I drifted to sleep.