compadre?”
His smile was contagious. “Exactly. You’re like sharing a meal with my sister.”
As much as I would have normal hated the analogy, I appreciate he felt comfortable around me, especially since I didn’t have many people I could be around without feeling like a complete screw up.
After a waitress came to our table, we’d almost ordered the entire menu. Wes wanted a large brisket sandwich loaded up with barbeque sauce, horseradish and onions. His sides were macaroni and cheese that they cooked in a crock, and baked beans. I ordered a pit turkey with a side of loaded fries and potato salad. You can never get enough potatoes. While we waited for our food, the woman brought us two large sweet teas.
Now, they have sweet tea in California, but nothing tastes like it does at home. Maybe it’s the water, or all the sugar they add for the perfect blend of flavor. Whatever it was, it felt nurturing to suck it up through my straw and enjoy. “Ah, some things never stop being awesome,” I said while taking another sip.
“I figured you’d be eating avocados with a side of green tea by now.”
“Stereotype! Don’t go there. I like both, but nothing compares to this.”
“So do you plan on staying in California?”
It was a hard question. In the past I would have answered differently. “Let’s just say recent events have changed my opinion on where I want to end up. I’ve done a lot of bad things; most of which I’m realizing can never be forgiven.”
“Fair enough.”
“What about you, Wes? When you take over the bank where will you settle?”
“I’m not sure. I guess it depends where life takes me. Since I know what I’ll be doing, it’s not really anything I’m hard-pressed to decide.”
We chatted for a bit before our food came, mostly about childhood memories we both remembered. After stuffing my face, and even stealing a bite of his delicious macaroni Wes paid for the check. “I guess you need to take me back.”
“Would it be inappropriate to ask if we could hang out again?”
“Does this have anything to do with your childhood crush on me? Are you planning on holding me hostage until Stockholm’s kicks in and I think you’re the best thing since sliced bread?”
He cackled loudly at my comment. “It’s possible. Though I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t need Stockholm syndrome to appreciate my charm.”
“Wes, I think you’re a nice guy. I’m just not in any kind of position to date someone. I’m getting out of something messy, and you don’t want to get involved, trust me. Besides, my sister already has her eyes on you. I’ve pissed off enough family for one day.”
“I wasn’t implying that we buy and house and raise a couple kids, Cam. I just wanted to hang out.”
As soon as he mentioned raising kids I lost it. Tears filled my eyes as I began to imagine how hard it was going to become for me. My child wouldn’t have a father, not one that wanted any part of them. It killed me to think about. “I’m sorry,” I apologized. “I’m not usually such a crybaby.”
Wes reached across the table and grabbed me a napkin. “Was it something I said?”
“It’s not just the affair that brought me home, Wes. There’s something I haven’t told anyone, and when they find out I’m afraid nothing will ever be the same.”
It only took him a few seconds to understand. His eyes widened and he had to look away when he asked. “So you’re pregnant?”
I answered in a whisper. “Yep. I’m about six weeks along. The father, my teacher, he wants nothing to do with it. He keeps pushing me to get an abortion.”
“Damn. Have you considered it might be a better choice?”
I was angry for him even questioning it. “No! I won’t do it.”
“Cammie, I didn’t mean…”
“Just take me home, Wes. I need to come clean and get this over with. I’m sick of keeping it bottled in. I’m sorry I told you. It’s not your burden. I don’t expect you to have to keep secrets for me.”
He stood and pulled his truck keys from his pocket. “I’m sorry if what I said pissed you off. It was insensitive.”
“No.” I shook my head. “It’s not your fault. It’s best if I go home and handle what I keep avoiding.”
During the ride back to the ranch Wes didn’t say much. He kept to himself, mumbling the lyrics to a few songs that came on the radio. I