Page 26 of Cattle Stop

“Do those cattle guards actually work?” Whit asks. “Did you ever use them?”

Brad takes another swallow of beer. “They’re a psychological barrier, not a physical one.”

Whit lets out a huff. “I get the theory. I’m asking practically.”

“The cows don’t think they can walk across them, so they don’t,” Brad says.

“But they can. If they wanted to.”

“Which they don’t, ’cause get it? They stop?” Cooper points a finger at Whit, though of course he doesn’t smile at the joke.

“I get it,” Brad says. “Cattle stops, that’s funny, Coop.”

Cooper sighs and drops his hand. “C’mon, Whit, it’s fine, it’s a good plan.”

“Were you going to ask Drew?” Whit asks.

“Drew’s busy,” Cooper says.

“Guys, I’m right here,” Drew says.

“I think Cooper’s plan is great,” Brad says, clapping Cooper on the back. It jostles his beer and Cooper sets the glass down on the bar before it can slosh over the rim. Brad leaves his hand there, too heavy and warm for the heat lingering from the afternoon.

Whit stands and pushes his glass away.

“Where’re you going?” Cooper asks.

“Out.”

Cooper looks around at the bar. “You are out.”

“Out, out.”

“Oh, out, out, of course,” Cooper says. “Who’s the lucky guy?”

Whit shoves his barstool in harder than the poor thing probably deserves. “Good night.”

It’s quiet for a long minute after the door bangs shut, Penny staring after Whit before she slowly turns to Cooper.

“What?” Cooper asks.

Penny says, “Eres igual de tonto que carita.”1

“Wait, say that slower. I’ll get it this time.”

Drew turns his glass in a slow circle. “What’re you doing these days for work, Brad?”

“Moving on up the supply chain.” Brad finally takes his hand off Cooper’s shoulder, and Cooper picks at his shirt over his chest. He’s already gross with a day’s sweat and dirt, and Brad’s hand on him doesn’t make that layer of grime feel any better. “That market down by the highway? You’re looking at their new farmer liaison and purchaser.”

Cooper eyes Brad. “Is that even a thing?”

“Sure is.” Brad snaps his gum again. In a clear, delightful image, Cooper pictures himself smacking Brad on the back until the wad flies out of his mouth.

“You enjoying it?” Drew asks.

“I’m enjoying paying my bills on time.”

“Travis helped you sell your place?”