Chapter 19

Grady could only conclude that “never ever” had he and “never ever” would he meet a lover quite like Jessica Witt. She was confident in her skills, demanding, and persistent if not relentless in the art of whoopee. As she explained as they rode back to the ranch, “No one is done until everyone gets their cookies.” The image of the vital young buck seducing one and all met the reality of a thoroughly knowledgeable woman, and the illusion was left for dead somewhere on the trail.

Sex was put Tab A in Slot B, but Jessica changed the game to pace, intent, and intention. In Middle School, the sex acts were defined as playing baseball and getting from first base to home. Everyone cheered from the stands. Jessica taught him that sex was not one play but a whole game with innings. He laughed at his own triteness as he watched her frame sway in the saddle.

There were teachers and then there were Teachers, he mused.

She was humming a quiet little tune as they returned to the barn. Bri came out to retrieve the horses, breaking into a knowing smile when she saw Jessica’s face. With no more than a word of greeting, she helped Grady remove the bridles and saddles before shooing him off, taking responsibility to brush and feed the animals. When he turned back to say thanks, she gave him a wink and a thumbs up.

He strode into the house, only to find Bettina in the kitchen making dinner. “Mother suggested I spend the evening with a friend. I’m getting on her nerves again.” She turned around and gave him a good look. “You look like you’ve been through the grinder, Grady. Did Jessica chew you a new asshole?”

“Something like that,” Grady said, trying to hide his embarrassment. “I’m going to take a shower. Did you bring beer?” He did not wait for answer as he tromped off to his room and shower. He emerged with a basket of dirty clothes and dumped them into the washing machine. After setting the machine, he walked into the kitchen and asked, “What’s for dinner?”

“Arroz con pollo with corn and beans on the side,” Bettina said. “We have company tonight if you would be so kind as to set the table for six?”

“Six? Who do we know that rates a place at the Wolcott table?”

Bettina held up her free hand to count on her fingers; her other hand was holding a spatula. “You, me, Brianna, Jessica, Christina, and her friend.”

“Eh, friend?” Grady said, scratching his chin. “The last I knew, she was a one-man band and a pariah to boot. Claws – she had her claws out and anyone who drew near: ye-ow, hiss, hiss, pfft.”

“Brianna said you could probably use a barn cat or two,” Bettina said. “You imitate a cat a little too well.” She waved her spatula at him like she was admonishing a bad boy. “She is bringing a friend and Jessica is running back to town to pick them up now.” She paused. “Did you have sex with Jessica Witt?”

Grady stared at her, not knowing how to reply. He was not one to lie nor was he ashamed. He did not want to hurt Bettina’s feelings though. He prevaricated, “She’s older than you are.”

“She’s prettier too,” Bettina said with knitted eyebrows.

“First, if you hang around here, you’re going to see a lot the Grady you don’t know yet. Make no mistake, Bettina, I want you to hang around here. You’re a true friend. Two, I’m neither ashamed or embarrassed by whom I’ve had sex with and hopefully, neither are they. You and I both know the word discretion though. Three, when you come over or we meet up, my day is brighter. To me, you are luscious and to that point, there is none who can match you.”