Rising Sky Ranch

The Payout

By: Chris Stubblefield

Narrated by: Ross Pipkin

"Well now, ain't’ you a looker," Toby said.

"Down, boy," Kenny laughed. Katherine, embarrassed and flattered at the same time, took a chair next to C.J.

Gloria emerged from the kitchen with two bowls of vegetables and placed them next to large serving spoons. Next, she brought out a large cutting board with a glistening ribeye roast, its juices dripping into a groove around the edges of the board. She put the board and roast in front of Kenny along with two carving knives. After she brought out a bowl of thick chestnut-colored gravy, Gloria sat down next to Lance. Gloria emerged from the kitchen with bowls.

"Katherine," Gloria said. "We have a tradition here. Guests say grace," Katherine stared at Gloria as if some foreign language had just been spoken. She knew nothing of Katherine's shyness and dread of being the subject of any attention at all. Nonetheless, she knew there was no way of getting out of it; she would be saying grace.

©2021 Chris Stubblefield (P)2021 Chris Stubblefield