The Cowboys Fire

Chapter 9

Lilly POV

I sit down on the edge of my bed and take a big sigh for two reasons;

I made it.

I’m alone.

This isn’t what I expected when Sybil described the ranch to me but I’m grateful that they have taken me in and I have a space to call my own. I can hear noise and chatter out in the hall and wonder at the stir my arrival has created. I hope they’re alright with having a woman in the bunk house.

I get up and start looking around my room, exploring and unpacking the belongings I was able to grab. I open a cupboard door in the desk and to my delight, I find a mini fridge. It’s empty, but that can soon be rectified. Then there’s a small knock at the door, cautiously I open it to find a man standing there, carrying a tray full of snacks and drinks. He must’ve read my mind.

“Good‘evenin Miss, I’m Hank, I live a few doors down. The guys were talking a realised after your harrowing day you might welcome some drinks and snacks. Or if not it would at least stock your fridge. I’m sorry Miss, we had no idea you were coming. Saint is just grabbing you some fresh bedding and towels. Here, let me help get these ones off then you’ll be all set for some well earned sleep I think.” He steps forward, places his supplies on the desk and sets about stripping the bed. Im glad for the friendly welcome and help.

“The mattress ain’t in the best shape” he has a disappointed look on his face.

“One sec’” then Hank leaves the room to return a few minutes later with another man and them hauling a new mattress. My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. Where did they..

“Sorry miss, we’d have done this earlier had we known you were coming, I’m saint” I nod, still shocked as they get on with their self appointed tasks. I can’t help but notice a lot of noise coming from the jack n Jill bathroom as well. Sounds like there’s a few people in there. Strange. Before long the old mattress is being removed and a new bed with clean crisp sheets is in its place. I can’t help but smile at how sweet they’re being.

“Well let you rest now Miss, sorry again” before I can answer they are closing the door behind them. I take a sit on the edge of the bed and am pleased by how it feels. The bathroom has gone quiet so I gather my new, still with tags on, towels and knock just in case.

With no reply I open the door to find a very clean bathroom, smelling strongly of cleaning products. Well that answers that question. The large shower cubicle looks very inviting and there is even a space left for my products, an. I see a new tooth brush, paste and soap by the sink. I need to thank these men somehow. They have been exceptionally kind and thoughtful.

I turn the water on, letting it heat up and step into the hot spray, washing the last few days grime off. I must look a sight. Covered in a layer of dust and bruises. I spend extra time washing my hair and body, until I finally feel clean for the first time in a long time. Stepping out, locating my pyjamas, I finish up getting clean and dry. I grab a bottle of water from the fridge, smiling to myself again. Crawling under the sheets with I final sigh I fall into a restful sleep.

………………………………………………………

Sleep slowing releasing its hold on me, my eyes creep open, it’s still fairly dark in my room but looking a the band on light around what I’m guess is a blackout blind, it’s later than I think. Turning my wrist over, I try and focus on my watch.

“11:32!!” I can’t help but shout. I have never slept so long in all my life. What will these men think of me! Oh my, Sybil vouched for me and I’m laid her embarrassing her. I dash out of bed and pull on what’s left of my clean clothes. I need to find somewhere to wash them today.

Looking around the bunk house I locate a large living space and kitchen with a line of slow cookers on the deck. Empty. Alright. Searching the fridge and cupboards I find snack food but nothing to put in slow cookers. Leaving the bunk house, I step out into blistering heat and clear skies.

Wow!! Arriving in the dark meant I didn’t notice the true beauty of this place.

I pull myself away and head to the main house. I’m still sore and my ribs won’t be grateful for the dashing but it feels good to be up and moving. I open the kitchen door and find this kitchen in pretty much the same condition. Hmm. I step down into the serving kitchen that Sybil mentioned and find a kitchen any chef would be proud of. Stainless steal equipment and a large walk-in fridge. Stepping inside i find that supplies are running low but there’s enough for tonight. Too late to think about lunches, I set about making a variety of Chinese dishes since they are some of my best and I want to make a good impression. I head back to the bunk house with a little red cart I found, stacked with beef and black bean, sweet and sour pork, and chicken curry along with rice, noodles and crackers. I put them all in the slow cookers and set them off. I finish up doing the same inside, setting out spoons, bowls and a sign saying self serve.

After a quick drink of water I set off locating a washer and dryer. Eventually finding one in a room off the bunk house, I find it there is lots of washing needing to be done. I set off multiple loads and after a few hours of swapping and folding I have piles folded on their owners beds and a schedule for people to have anything they need washing to be placed outside their doors on set days. Looking at the clock I find it’s coming up on dinner time and the men will start coming back soon. I’m exhausted despite how long I slept so I grab a small plate of food and retire to my room. I grab a quick shower then begin eating dinner and watching a show on my laptop. Once everyone has settled in their rooms I will go back out and wash up, to then set up the breakfast casserole, which i managed to prepare earlier. That way they can all have something substantial before a hard day in the hot sun. I hope nobody is too disappointed in what I got done today, I need to be better tomorrow. Starting with needing to do a food shop. I leave a note out requesting keys to a vehicle to pick up supplies tomorrow, hopefully I can find my way around and get some food made to make my presence here less of an inconvenience.