He winks at me, but I can’t let his presence distract me, so I immediately turn around. I know what he’s doing, so I’ll keep avoiding and ignoring him the best that I can.

Twenty minutes pass, and Dad announces that we need more coffee. After I grind some beans and fill the giant container, I carry it out there, and that’s when I overhear Gavin and Grayson’s conversation.

“Yeah, I’ll be at the rodeo for sure,” Gavin says, then continues. “I’m still training Cooper. He’s trying to qualify so he can compete at the next level.”

“Oh yeah, hasn’t he been riding for a while?” Grayson takes a huge bite of pancakes.

“He’s determined and listens. He has what it takes,” Gavin tells him.

“Well, he’s got a world champion giving him instruction. I might come watch.” Grayson smiles.

Gavin pauses for a second, and I don’t even dare to look at him, though I don’t mind eavesdropping. “Determination can be deadly, though. Most don’t realize how dangerous it really is out there, and the moment you get sloppy, is when you could lose everything, including your life. Rodeo life, though, I really loved it.”

I swallow, fill the sugar packets and stirrers, then go back to the kitchen, not wanting to hear any more. If he loved it so much, why would he want to stay on the ranch? Eldorado is small and simple. Moving from big town Houston to here is probably nothing more than a temporary getaway for him. I give him a year before he gets bored and finds some other place. I wasn’t good enough for Timothy. Considering Gavin’s history, I don’t think I’m enough to make him stay. Or at least that’s what I keep telling myself while keeping my distance. At this point in my life, I’m not looking for a fling.

The rest of the morning goes by in a blur. As I’m preparing for lunch, I call Grandma to tell her the good news, and she’s ecstatic for me.

“If you ever need a taste tester, call me,” she says with a laugh before we say our goodbyes.

Sandra washes the dishes, and considering how many people were in and out today for breakfast and lunch, I decide to do a deep clean. It’s something I typically do once a week. Since Jane has already swept, I grab the mop and bucket and then drag it out to the main room.