Leftover Love by Janet Dailey Read Free Book Online Page B

been a moment when she wondered what the reaction of these two co-workers would be. They could easily have shared Creed’s opposition to her sex. But it appeared that Hoyt Weber, at least, had no such hang-up about working with a woman.
    Hands were already reaching for the biscuits as Layne moved away to fetch the coffeepot and fill the cups around the table. “Where’s the food, Mattie?” It was the bold and talkative Hoyt who made the good-natured demand.
    “Coming right up.” It was a literal statement as Mattie crossed to the table carrying a platter of bacon and sunny-side-up eggs, and a plate with a tall stack of pancakes. “More pancakes are on the way.” She motioned to Layne. “Sit down and eat.”
    The only unoccupied chair, besides the one at the head of the table, was next to Creed. Layne hesitated only a second and then sat down. Without ceremony, the food was passed around the table. Layne took considerably smaller portions than the three men, limiting her breakfast to one pancake and a rasher of bacon.
    “Is that all you’re going to have?” Hoyt Weber said as he critically eyed her plate.
    “I’m not used to eating much in the morning.” There was already more on her plate than she usually ate, but Layne also knew it was a long time until lunch. She half expected someone to remind her of that, but no one said anything or encouraged her to take more.
    “Where are you from?” Hoyt asked.
    “Omaha.”
    “Oh, yeah?” His interest heightened. “I have a sister that lives in Omaha, out by the racetrack. I usually go see her a couple of times a year.” He started asking her about places he knew. Soon developed into a whole discussion of its own, a friendly getting-acquainted exchange.
    Although Creed didn’t take any part in their conversation, neither was he silent. Layne was conscious of the vibrations of his deep, gravelly voice beside her as he replied to comments made by Stoney that ranged from the weather to the condition of the cattle.
    Whatever his personal prejudices were against females working on the ranch, it was obvious they didn’t extend to the sexist belief that her presence would be disruptive to his men, since he made no attempt to discourage, either by action or word, the budding friendship between Hoyt and herself. It made Layne feel a little easier because it indicated that his objections were likely based on her ability to do the job.
    It was going to be hard work, but she was confident she could do it, given a chance. And she liked the idea of walking in Mattie’s shoes, so to speak, finding out about her way of life so they could meet on some common ground.
    After they finished eating, a last cup of coffee was poured and cigarettes were lighted. As soon as those were gone, chairs started getting shoved away from the table. Layne stood up to help Mattie stack the breakfast dishes and carry them to the sink.
    “I’ll see to this,” she was told by the woman. “You go to the barn with the others.”
    “Okay.” And Layne went to fetch her coat, scarf, hat, and mittens.
    When she returned, Creed was waiting for her by the door, already hatted and coated with a gloved hand resting on the doorknob. She hurriedly pulled her knitted cap down over her ears as she walked quickly to the door. There was no indication that he was either impatient or irritated with her. Indifference was closer to the mark as he followed her out of the house.
    In the predawn hour the sky was a peculiar charcoal color, tinged with the merest hint of rose. It was all very still and very quiet as the tall yard light shone down on a frozen world. As awkward and cumbersome as the layers of clothes were, Layne was glad of the thick protection of flannel shirt, sweatshirt, and coat.
    The crunch of Creed’s footsteps on the icy ground was a companionable sound in the lonely silence. From somewhere ahead of them, she could hear Hoyt’s voice murmuring something to Stoney. The still quiet of the morning