Clouds and Rain

even as much as kissed since that horrible night. When Flynn retreated, Gable grabbed his hand and held him back. He didn‟t say anything, but there was a pleading look in Gable‟s eyes that Flynn couldn‟t resist.
    “Scoot over a bit,” he gently told Gable, then he crawled onto the narrow bed next to him and snuggled closer. He had to admit it felt good to have Gable in his arms, despite the fact that it made it even clearer that Gable was skin and bones and the bed was really too narrow for the two of them. “I need to fatten you up a bit,” he told Gable, placing his hand gently on Gable‟s hollowed stomach.
    “I miss your cooking,” Gable replied quietly before growing heavy in Flynn‟s arms as he fell asleep.

    87

    Zahra Owens

    Flynn did talk to Gable‟s doctor, and the man was polite enough not to laugh in his face. Instead, Flynn was given an explanation of why it would be very difficult to take care of Gable at home. None of the arguments were unexpected. Gable had barely been out of bed. The nurses transferred him to a comfortable chair every day, but after barely an hour he was exhausted. He couldn‟t even stand on his good leg, let alone make his way around the house on crutches or even a wheelchair.
    Then there was the dialysis and the physiotherapy he needed to get stronger so he could be fitted with a prosthetic leg. All of these things could be accomplished easier in the hospital, unless of course, Flynn could provide round-the-clock care.
    Fully aware of the financial situation Gable was in, Flynn knew that the round-the-clock care would fall only on his shoulders, and he had neither the experience nor the energy to do that and run the ranch at the same time. The hospital bills were piling up, and although Flynn had some ideas to make money, he needed Calley‟s cooperation, since she had Gable‟s power of attorney. Legally, Flynn was no more than a temporary ranch hand, and although Calley had made sure that Flynn was paid for his work, he couldn‟t sell any of the horses or buy supplies for the ranch without her consent.
    This meant Flynn would have to go to Calley‟s store to talk with her. They hadn‟t really been in contact since he‟d seen her talking to Grant. He knew he‟d have to get over what was bothering him about it, because right now Gable had to come first. That didn‟t mean he was looking forward to it.
    With Gable being out of danger, Flynn drove by Calley‟s store in town before heading to the hospital.
    “Well, look what the cat dragged in,” Calley mocked by means of a welcome. “So what brings you here after all this time?”
    “I think we should talk about the ranch,” Flynn said, too nervous to engage in small talk. “And of course about money.”
    “There‟s enough to pay your salary,” Calley stated matter-of-factly while she continued stacking apples.
    Flynn shook his head, fighting the urge to just walk out again. He couldn‟t believe that, after all this time, Calley still thought he did it for 88

    Clouds and Rain

    the money. “I worked for nothing for weeks before the horses were sold, Calley. I think I trust you and Gable enough to know I‟ll get paid.”
    Calley smiled and looked away. “I know that, Flynn,” she said softly. “It‟s just that… I didn‟t expect you‟d come in here for anything else than money for the ranch. That‟s all I seem to be good for these days.”
    “We do need to talk about the ranch,” Flynn started, but he really wanted to talk about other things as well, like whether she‟d support him in changing the way the ranch worked and what she was thinking, chatting to Grant as if he was a friend of the family… but he didn‟t dare. Instead, he started handing her the oranges he found in a crate near his feet.
    “So is that your financial plan?” Calley asked casually. She laughed when Flynn raised his eyebrows. “Are you fishing for a job at the store here?”
    “No thanks. Between the ranch and Gable, I have my hands full.” Calley laughed again. “I would say so! How is our Gable by the way?”
    “In denial,” Flynn answered sadly. He shrugged. “He‟s getting better. His kidneys are recuperating and they‟re talking about him being well enough for rehab now, but he won‟t even acknowledge the operation. Whenever I bring it up, he either changes the subject or pretends to fall asleep.”
    Calley stopped stacking her oranges. “He‟s always been as stubborn as a mule.”
    “He keeps