Love Means Courage - Andrew Grey

while Len attached it with long nails.
    They worked together in companionable quiet, talking only when they needed something. There were so many things Len wanted to ask, but it just wasn’t any of his business, and Cliff was his boss. What he really wanted to know right then, more than anything else, was why he got this fluttery feeling in his stomach every time he got near Cliff. He’d felt it when he was in the house with him yesterday, and he could feel it again now. He really wished he could ask Tim about it, but his friend was already gone, and he didn’t know anyone else to ask.
    A voice echoed through the barn. “Hey, Len, you need any help?”
56
Andrew Grey
    He turned and called, “We’re out back in the ring.” Fred and Randy stepped out of the barn and strode into the ring. “We’re finished with the cattle and were wondering if you needed any help.” They both seemed to see Cliff at the same time.
    “Hey, Boss.”
“Hey, guys.” Cliff walked to them while Len sank the last nail.
“Everything okay?”
    Fred answered, “Seems to be for now. The cattle are fed and watered. We checked fences this week, and they held up pretty well over the winter, but there are some weak areas we need to fix. We’ll get to them this week.”
    “Anything else?” Fred shook his head slowly, and Cliff turned his attention to Geoff, still playing in the sandbox. “Then why don’t you take off and enjoy the rest of the day.” They turned and disappeared into the barn, only to reappear a few seconds later, walking up to Len. “We’re going to Steve’s for lunch; you wanna join us?”
    “Sure, I just need to put things away and get the horses in.” He looked at the cloudy spring sky. “Looks like rain.”

    “We’ll start with the horses and meet you out front in a few minutes.”

    Len gathered up the tools and stopped by the sandbox, watching as Cliff helped Geoff put away his toys, which the toddler was none too happy about. “I wanna play, Daddy.”

    “I know, but it’s going to rain. You can play inside.” The toys in the pail, Cliff picked up Geoff and the toys and started walking through the barn, Len following behind, carrying the tools.
    “Hos, daddy, hos.” Cliff stiffened and looked like he was 57
Love Means Courage
becoming impatient.
“Geoff, tomorrow if it’s nice, I’ll take you for a ride on a horse, but only if you’re good for your daddy.” Len’s voice exuded patience.
    Those big eyes widened, and that face broke into an adorable smile. “Okay, Wen.” His little hand waved good-bye as Cliff carried him toward the house. Len waved back and then let the horses into the barn, settling them in their stalls as the first drops of rain fell on the roof. Randy and Fred were waiting for him as he finished. “You can ride with us, and we’ll bring you back here.” Len nodded, and they all headed for Fred’s truck. The ride to Scottville didn’t take long, but it was pouring by the time they parked and got out of the truck.
    They hurried inside and sat at one of the few empty tables.
“Hi, guys.”
    Randy blushed as he said hello. “Hi Shell.” She handed them menus. “What can I get you to drink?” Fred ordered a beer, with Randy and Len following suit. “Coming right up. You know what you want to eat?” She stood near Randy, leaning in close. “I can come back if you don’t.”
    “Could you give us just a minute?”
“Sure, darling.” She winked at Randy and then hurried to another table.
    “See, Randy?” Fred sipped his water. “I told you she’s flirting with you.” Len watched as both men looked to where Shell was waiting on another table, standing tall.
    “She’s just doing that to get better tips.” 58
Andrew Grey
    Fred smirked. “She didn’t do it with me or Len, and she’s not doing it with them either—just you. So be a man and ask her out, for Pete’s sake.” They looked at their menus, and Len saw Randy become more nervous.

    “You boys know what you want?” She again stood right next to Randy, practically touching his arm with her hip. If she were any more obvious, she’d have to have been sitting in his lap. Len and Fred ordered, and she turned her attention to Randy. “What’re you having, sugar?” “Umm, your phone number? I mean….” The man stammered helplessly. “I was wondering if I could call you. Maybe take you out?” She leaned down and wrote on his napkin. “I’d love to, sugar.” When Randy stopped gaping like a