Wayne Gray
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Hmm. Interesting theory there. But the tags could lead you to that conclusion, so I get where it's coming from. And calling out the similarities between Taggert and Missy is insightful, too. Gonna have to watch you, I think. Thanks for reading and commenting.
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Taggert is very situationally aware. He knows who is around him. What they're doing. And who might end up a threat. Something has sharpened that, and we still don't quite know what. Ash is finding it a bit of a challenge - Taggert's "on guard" nature. But... he's doing pretty well for himself. And yeah. Ash noticed those little slips in Taggert's standoffish composure. The man had a few beers in him, and he just... couldn't quite resist. And again, yep. Ash has a boner because a handsome guy is barely touching him while fully clothed. Hehe. I think it's safe to say Ash is both excited and confused. And that's just so damn fun. LOL Thanks for reading and for the comment. More on Tuesday.
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Ash is making progress. Though Taggert has surprised him here and there. And frankly, I think that keeps things interesting. It certainly keeps Ash on his toes! You're right to wonder about it; we'll have to see how the next day goes for the guys. And the laugh reaction was thanks to that last line. LOL Thanks for reading and for the comment. More on Tuesday.
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Really good breakdown and a great question there at the end. Ash and Taggert certainly seem to be working well together, and they get a lot done. And yes - the riding scene had all of the cowboys (Branford included) taking note. Taggert wasn't sure about town, that's true. Ash convinced him to go. Gently. Probably the only reason that worked, frankly; try to push Taggert, and it likely won't work out. The beer helped him relax a bit. That is, until Ash put his arm around him. And the ride home. Taggert falling asleep and leaning against Ash. Ash reacting and freezing. Ah. I love confusing my characters. LOL Taggert must have experience. Where? What indeed has made him so guarded? Thanks for commenting and for the read. There's more coming.
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There is a bit of thawing, you're right to point that out. Ash is a good partner for Taggert, partly because he tries to work with him and adjust his approach to what Taggert responds to. The Sandtrap was fun to write. Get a few beers in the boys, and things get looser and more, as you said, lubricated. Though you may be right to wonder about that frosty morning, too. Taggert is a skilled rider and has already made himself a reliable asset for Nasser Ranch. Though they didn't meet anyone at the bar who seemed to know him. That could have been a part of his reticence to go, but Ash convinced him anyway. Though Taggert meeting someone from his past would definitely be interesting, wouldn't it? Thanks for reading and commenting. More to come!
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He's genuinely riding at a level approaching a competition rider. And the other cowboys know it. Maybe not quite at that same level, but close. He's obviously someone who loves to ride and who takes it seriously. Then there's the other work. Ash had already commented that he knew Taggert must have worked on a ranch before, just due to how fast he's picking stuff up. So we've got a few clues there. But it's a good question. Why would he leave? He has already turned himself into an asset for Nasser Ranch, so he must have been at his former employer, too. Why would a man give that up? We'll get closer to an answer on Tuesday. Thanks for commenting and reading.
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Ash is just a bit confused by his reaction to Taggert's inadvertent snuggle. The moment in the bar definitely adds to that confusion, too. We'll have to see where they end up after this, and that's coming on Tuesday. Well, the next step is, at least. Thanks for reading and commenting!
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Ash absolutely brought up branding because of Taggert's reaction to it in chapter 3. So, yes. The "simple" cowboy was playing at being clever. And he noticed Taggert's avoidance of the topic, too. Monte Cristo sandwiches are great. Not something I'd have often, but a cowboy who is burning off 3500-4000 calories a day can handle one just fine. Terry does a fine job of providing the crew with tasty food, and yes, he does spoil them. Let us know what you think of it when you try one! Thanks for reading and commenting.
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Taggert has thawed a little in a few ways. Then he's also a bit more assertive, too, even if that might be a little uncomfortable for Ash. Then there's the moment they shared in the bar. Both seem a bit surprised and maybe even rattled. Ash, in particular, has some processing to do there. Thanks for reading and commenting. More to come on Tuesday.
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Who can resist a good mystery? Looks like Ash can't... 🤠 And yeah, they do work well together. Ash is trying to bend to Taggert's ways and approach him how he wants to be approached. He's not perfect, and we can see that in places. But I like the tension. It mirrors real life, and that's my goal with writing. Thanks for reading and commenting, Chris.
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Taggert could use a bit of thawing, couldn't he? And Ash. Heh. I like how he is floundering a little. How he's not perfect, and not doing everything just right. But he's trying. Though now, he has this other "thing" he has noticed. And it's fun watching both guys react and deal with what has and hasn't happened. Thanks for reading and commenting, Parker.
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Chapter 4: The Sandtrap "I can drive." Ash looked over the truck bed at Taggert. It was early the next morning, and they'd just loaded their tools and supplies. This time, a few rot-resistant wooden posts had been added to their regular fencing allotment. The door to the dining room opened, and Terry headed toward them with breakfast. "What?" Taggert shifted on his feet. "I can drive. If you want." That's new. "Here you go, boys." Terry pushed a cooler and a thermos
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I've already shared this with a few, but... this video is so sweet. And the song is great. About 2/3 of the way in, it shifts from a couple of guys being goofy with each other to... well, just watch. It made me tear up a little. And not in a bad way.
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Medicine? EFFICIENT? Madness.
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Thank you. There's a lot more to go, and I hope you continue to enjoy it.
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In my case, there's only the pub. Luckily. 😛
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Once a person suffers something that takes away their agency over their body or mind, they look for ways to prevent it again. Even if circumstances are different. Even if there's no cause for alarm. It's awfully hard to let go of control when it's the only guarantee to keep you safe. Thanks for reading and for the comments. More coming.
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He's certainly noticeable. He's different, and the guys aren't necessarily opposed to that. But they do notice it. I like these characters, Taggert included. And I like that you can see Taggert's complexity. He's not just his oddness. Chapter 4 will begin to show that off, too. So stick with me. Thanks for writing and reading. I appreciate that.
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He does seem to follow a certain "protocol" when it comes to undressing and showering in the presence of others. Is there a reason? We'll see. Thanks for reading and commenting. More to come.
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Thanks for spending time and thought on my little story here. I appreciate it. And those are some great thoughts, and thanks for the input on what can occur out in the wilds of rural country. People often forget how lawless things can get. How dependent people and systems are on people doing the right thing. And when they don't, things can devolve. Did that happen to Taggert? We don't know yet. But SOMETHING happened. That much is clear by now. I've had a few drinks, so I'm going to stop here. Otherwise, I will give my own story away before its time. And we can't have that. There's more to come.
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Well, I know what it does to me. 😛
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I'm glad you think so. I particularly enjoy flavorful characters and how they interact with one another. Part of that is dialogue, and my trick for writing it in a way that feels like something someone would actually say is to speak every single spoken line aloud. I will be in the shower, mumbling away to myself, and my husband is like "WHAT are you... oh. A story." LOL And now you know my deep, dark secret for writing sensible dialogue. Thanks for reading and commenting. More to come.
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I really do like that people are picking different quotes and running with them. Each shows something. Each means something. But red herrings? When have I deliberately misled my dear rea- Oh. I mean, there was that one time. Just the one. I've grown so much since then! Let's just forget that ugly incident, shall we? Yes. Moving on now. I'm glad we've come to an agreement. 🫥
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There are certainly some tells, and I'm all right with that. Because it's not necessarily what happened, but how. And then what develops as a result. This story is pretty different for me, but something that hasn't changed is the characterization and my love of interactions. That should become apparent as we go. And... of course, the infamous Wayne Gray does love his twists and turns. Doesn't he? Thanks for reading and commenting. More to come.
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Thank you, Parker. I do think it has been gradual as well. Though, really, I think the moment that finally pushed Ash over from "huh, weird" to "oh, there's something wrong here" was the branding work. But it was a cumulative thing, too. All of the little interactions and moments between them started adding up until it became something he couldn't ignore or pretend away. I think, now, we just see where both Taggert and Ash end up. Well, and the Ranch as a whole, too. And that's coming.
