Ch.3

I introduced Caeleb to the guys he would be working with and asked Sal what there was for me to do. He gave me some gloves and told me I was going to be paired with Caeleb moving the wheat bales. I just love how none of the guys who work for my family business let me run the machine. It's not like I am new at this. I have used it plenty of times before my parents died. I rolled my eyes and got over it. At least I'll have something to keep me from getting bored. Caeleb. I headed over to where I was supposed to be and Caeleb walked up to me.

“Hey Skyla, do you normally come out here and get hands on?”

“Every now and then I do but I don’t know why. It’s not like Sal is going to let me use the machine even though I have used it plenty of times.”

“Maybe he is just looking out for you?”

“Or maybe half these guys are just sexist and don’t think I can handle running it.”

“I mean I haven’t been here long enough to get to know them so I can’t say anything to that. If I was running this crew, I wouldn’t have a problem letting you run the machine if you had experience with it.”

“If my brother keeps hiring all these sexist men, I’ll never be able to run things the way he expects me to. Aaron doesn’t even get hands on. He only comes out here if there is a problem with the machines or if something is wrong with the wheat. Aaron knows that I know what I am doing but let’s Sal run the machine as if he is the owner. My parents would never treat their employees that way.”

Before I knew it, Caeleb and I had moved 20 bales of wheat. The sun was beaming on us and I decided to call lunch. I let Sal know I was headed home for lunch and I’d be back. As I was getting on the cart, Caeleb ran up and asked if he could come with me and get a cold glass of water. We headed back to the house and I noticed Aaron’s truck was gone and so was Jenna’s car. Great! The day Aaron and Jenna decide to get up before 2 pm happens to be the day the hot new guy comes back to the empty house with me. I just need to keep my cool and not freak out. He seems like a good guy and doesn’t give off the creep vibes. I’m sure I’ll be ok alone with him for a few minutes. I unlocked the door and we went inside. I headed into the kitchen and began fixing myself a sandwich. I yelled out to Caeleb asking if he wanted one and he told me yes. He said he wasn’t picky so whatever I was making myself, he’d be ok with. I made us both a ham and roast beef sandwich with tomatoes, black olives and mustard. I grabbed a bag of classic chips and the jar of pickles and headed to the table. I grabbed the pitcher of sweet tea from the fridge and 2 glasses from the cabinet. Caeleb came into the kitchen and we sat down to eat. Things were kind of awkward with us sitting there in silence.

“So Caeleb, where are you from?”

“I’m from Nevada but moved to Oklahoma when my parents died. I was staying with my aunt but she wasn’t the best choice for me to be living with so I did what I had to do to get myself a place.”

“Wasn’t the best choice?”

“My aunt was an a*d*d*i*c*t* and after 2 years of living with her, I had to get out of there.”

“Oh. I’m sorry for prying into your business.”

“It’s ok. I have a story and I don’t mind telling it when I’m asked about it.”

“So where are you living right now?”

“Well I’m staying at a weekly motel until I get enough money saved to get a place.”

“Oh. Well hopefully it is a decent one and you get what you are paying for.”

“Well, it could be better for the price I’m paying but I won’t complain. I have a bed and a place to shower and they do leave muffins or fruit in the lobby so I guess they provide breakfast.”

“That isn’t enough to tide you over until lunchtime. Why don’t you come a little early from now on and I’ll fix you breakfast when I make mine?”

“I don’t want to impose on your and your brother. It’s ok. I’ll be fine.”

“No. I won’t let you go half the day without a good meal. Come by earlier than you have been and I’ll make us breakfast. Aaron doesn’t usually get up until after lunch so you aren’t imposing on anyone.”

“Ok. I will. Thank you Skyla.”

“What are you doing for dinner? Do you have the money to get dinner?”

Caeleb just stared at me for a moment.

“Oh my god. I am so sorry. I don’t know why I asked you that. “

My cheeks began to burn and he started laughing.

“It’s ok. Yes, I have a little money put back to get myself dinner.”

“Ok. Well if you find yourself in a position of needing a good fattening meal the door is open.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, Skyla. Thank you for the sandwich. Are you ready to head back?”

“Yeah I guess. Come on. I’ll clean up the dishes later.”

We headed back to the field and got back to work.