Ruby Falls by Nicole James

and read it.
     
Summer-
    Guess you went to town.
    Don’t make dinner.
    We’re all going to the Roadhouse tonight.
    -Steve
     
    She glanced up at the clock. Four. The guys would be milking soon. She had a couple of hours, at least before they’d be ready to leave. Smiling, she headed up to take a shower.
     
    It was six when Steve came in from the barn. He stopped to wash up in the mudroom, before walking into the kitchen.
    Summer was at the sink, pouring a glass of lemonade. He moved up behind her quietly and slid his arms around her waist. She jumped, almost spilling the drink she was pouring.
    “Whoa, babe. Careful, now.”
    “Steve! You scared me to death.”
    He chuckled and leaned down to nuzzle her neck. “Damn, babe. You sure smell good.”
    She grinned as she set the glass pitcher down and raised her glass toward her mouth to take a drink. Before she could, Steve’s hand was pulling the glass from her hand and raising it to his mouth. He guzzled down half of it.
    “Steve! That was my drink. Get your own.”
    He grinned down at her. “Didn’t your momma teach you how to share?” At his mention of her mother, a woman she couldn’t even remember, her smile faded. Steve saw her reaction over the rim of the glass. He lowered it slowly, knowing he’d screwed up. “Damn, babe. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean-”
    She shook it off and put on a smile. “No. It’s fine. So, Roadhouse, huh? Is this a jeans kind of place?”
    “You wear whatever you want, sweetheart.” He set the glass down on the counter and brushed a strand of hair back from her face. Thinking her incredibly strong to put on a brave face when he knew the sadness just under the surface. He hoped a night out would be good for her. “I’m gonna take a quick shower.” He glanced up at the clock over their heads. “You gonna be ready to go by seven?”
    She nodded. “Sure.”
    He turned and went upstairs.
     
    About an hour later, Steve and Pop were sitting at the kitchen table, waiting. Jessie finally came down the stairs. She was dressed in an old pair of faded, low rider jeans and a soft flowing silver tank top of some clingy fabric. It was covered in an intricate design of beading and sequins that gave it just enough sparkle without being gaudy.
    Steve’s eyes ran over her, thinking how his little girl was all grown up. “You look real pretty, baby-girl.”
    She came over, sat on his lap, and hugged his neck. “Thanks, Daddy.”
    He rubbed her back. “Homework all done?”
    “Dad, I’ve got all weekend.”
    “Yeah. Just don’t leave it all to Sunday night, okay?”
    “I won’t.” She climbed off his lap.
    “Go see if Summer is ready,” Steve said to her.
    “Dad, she’ll be down in a minute. Don’t rush her.”
    “Jessie.”
    “Fine.” She turned and headed up the stairs. A moment later she tapped on the bathroom door. “You ready, Summer? Dad is chomping at the bit to leave.”
    The door swung open, and Jessie’s eyes swept over Summer. Then she just grinned. “Dad’s gonna flip.”
    “Flip good or flip bad?”
    “Good. Definitely.”
    “Maybe it’s too much. You’re wearing jeans. I should probably go change back into jeans.”
    “Don’t you dare! You look great. Give me a five second head start. I want to make sure I can see his face when he sees you.” She turned and darted down the stairs.
    Summer took a deep breath and said to herself, oh, hell with it. She moved toward the stairs.
    Steve looked up when Jessie bounded down the stairs alone. “She comin’?” he growled.
    Jessie just grinned and nodded.
    Steve heard heels clicking on the stairs. He rose from his chair, picking up his coffee cup, and turning to carry it to the sink. “Finally,” he murmured, and that was all he got out before he froze in place, his mouth dropping open.
    Pop also rose to his feet. “Well, don’t you look nice, Summer.”
    Steve’s eyes swept over her. She was wearing a black eyelet lace, sundress. It had a halter