“What do I do if they refuse to look forward? If they insist that this is the way we’ve always done things. This worked in the past. Well, buddy, research tells me that ain’t gonna work anymore.”
“Change takes money, effort and knowledge. We can provide the latter, and often some funding, but they’ve got to be ready, willing and able to put in the elbow grease. Which isn’t always the case.”
“What am I supposed to do differently, then?”
“Join my team. Tag along with me for the first couple weeks.”
“So you can confirm that I’m a problem child?” I snap back.
“Is that what you think you are?”
Feeling like I’m repeating the same mistakes over and over in my life, I avoid answering his question. Instead, I take another bite of my sandwich, which now feels like sandpaper in my mouth. After I labor through chewing and swallowing, something occurs to me. “Do I actually have a choice in the matter?”
“You could be reassigned to the central office in Ithaca, but you wouldn’t be working directly with farmers. You’d probably assist with research instead.” Before I can ask more about that, Carlos leans forward, resting folded hands on the table. “Look. Roger told me you’re the smartest he’s got. I think we can learn from each other. Plus, I’m not getting any younger. My job’ll be opening up in a few years. This district is your best shot for moving up.”
Something’s not right here. “If I’m so difficult, why would you even consider me to replace you?”
He snorts. “I’m too old to be intimidated by you, and I actually think we’d be a good team. You’re up on all the latest and greatest, while I’ve got experience dealing with recalcitrant farmers.”
“Want to meet my brother?”
He tips his head to the side, a shaggy eyebrow lifting. “Maybe he’ll listen to me. Sometimes fresh eyes and ears are helpful.”
I cough-laugh, coffee going up my nose.
Carlos hands me an extra napkin. “What’s so funny?”
Wiping my mouth, I clear my throat. I don’t think Carlos is as old as my grandmother, but the crow’s-feet crinkling the terra-cotta skin surrounding his eyes are as deep as hers. “No offense, but… you’re not exactly the epitome of fresh.”
Carlos actually harrumphs. “I’ve still got game, son.”
I don’t want to know what that looks like, especially after the way he and Latonya were making eyes at each other. Thankfully, I’m saved by the bell or, rather, the Elton John song “Daniel” that my twin sister made her ringtone. I send her to voicemail, but if I don’t text her, she’ll worry. “Sorry, that’s my sister,” I explain to Carlos. “I’ll just let her know I’m not dead.”
Me: Can’t talk rn, whassup
Colleen: Are you in town?
Me: 👍
Colleen: I thought I felt a disturbance in the twin-verse.
My sister always texts full sentences, including punctuation, but she’s fast. Before I can respond, she jumps down my digital throat.
Colleen: What the heck, Sam? Were you even going to stop by?
“Everything okay?” Carlos asks. He sure is extra for an old guy.
“Yeah, she’s just being nosy,” I explain as I type out a reply.
Me: I’m working
Colleen: I thought you worked on the other side of the state.
Shit. Now I’m screwed.
Me: I might be getting transferred
Colleen: To Fork Lick?
Me: Kinda
Colleen: Where are you staying?
Me: Not sure
Colleen: You better come home, Sam. Gran’s heart will be broken if she finds out.
Wincing, I look up. Instead of checking his own phone like a normal person, Carlos is just waiting expectantly. “I’ll never hear the end of it if my grandmother finds out I was within spitting distance of the farm and didn’t stop by. Any chance we can slot in a stop after lunch?”
Carlos’s smile is a little too pleased for my comfort. “It’s a farm, ain’t it? Visits are part of the job.”
Maybe it’ll be good for my new boss to see what I’m up against. I just hope neither of us regrets it.
CHAPTER 6SAM
Every time I pull up in front of my grandparents’ farmhouse, a fresh wave of grief laced with guilt rolls over me. Gomer must feel it too, because the moment I turn off the engine, he squirms out of his harness and sets his jaw on my forearm, pressing heavily. After giving him a scratch behind the ears to let him know I’ll be okay, I hop out of the truck and open the back door so he can hop out.
