Broken Beast by R.R. Banks

Author:R.R. Banks [Banks, R.R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: PublishDrive

Chapter Eleven

Simone

I wouldn’t have thought I’d be the type of person to be excited about going to a farm. But here I am, with bits of hay in my shoes and hair, petting an alpaca named Daisy, who’s stretched out on the ground, sunbathing. It’s the highlight of my day, and my day is already good. Since I came back from the city, Jay and I have settled into a peaceful friend zone, working together in the warehouse and talking a little bit. It’s nice.

“Daisy’s pregnant, by the way,” Maya calls from her spot on the fence. One of the big white alpacas, Woody, is resting his head on her chest.

“No way?” I run my hand along her side. She and the rest of the herd look pretty naked right now, since they were shorn a few weeks ago. Her chocolate brown fleece is still soft, though.

“Yeah.” Today she’s wearing a vintage T-shirt tied into a knot at the waist, jean shorts, and hiking boots, looking comfortable and happy. “The vet just confirmed it the other week.”

“So when’s she due?” I ask.

“In ten months or so.”

“Wow.” I look at her belly, which still looks pretty normal to me. “That sucks. I won’t be here to see the baby.”

“Oh, that does suck.” Maya sounds gutted. “But maybe you can come back to visit.”

“Yeah, I might.” I focus on petting Daisy, so I don’t have to think about leaving. I wish there were mini alpacas that are dog-sized, so I could cuddle one all the time.

“Do you like it up here?” Maya asks.

“Yeah, I really do,” I answer, standing up. Daisy stays put. “I doubt I’ll move up here permanently, but I’ve loved my time here. It’s very peaceful.”

When I came back after my trip to the city, I took a long look at myself. I did look more rested. More alive. I hopped on my scale and I’ve gained a couple pounds, but that’s not it. Hell, maybe I should stay. But how would I get a job that pays as well as mine does? It’s a rarity, even within fashion. Katya’s husband is a big-time entrepreneur whose business philosophy emphasizes paying employees well. Katya does the same. If I moved somewhere like Gray’s Point, I wouldn’t even be able to find a job doing what I’m good at.

“Eh, it’s okay.” Maya watches Woody trot away. “It’s pretty boring most of the time.”

“You grew up here — that’s why,” I point out. “I thought the town I grew up in was boring. And even New York City is boring sometimes.”

“But there’s always so much stuff you can do.” She’s starry eyed and looks so excited that I can’t burst her bubble. “But I get that it’s probably a lot, since it’s so busy. My parents moved here because they like the peace.”

“Yeah, that seems like the case for a lot of people.” Jay instantly pops into my head, and that weird mix of emotions crops up all over again. We’re friends. Friends.

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