"Y-You!?"

"Laureana, you are disrespecting our guest!" snapped her Father.

Luke chuckled. "No, it's quite alright; we met in town. Some chucklehead was disrespectful to her."

The patriarch approached the young man and shook hands. "Welcome to the ranch, Mr. Bixby."

"Luke would suffice, Mr...?"

"Ah, forgive my manners; I am Anselmo Quinteras." He then motioned to his wife. "This is my wife, Maria." Maria stepped forward and gave a slight bow; Luke bowed back. He then focused on Laureana, who eyed him disdainfully. "I do not know if you are fully introduced, but this is my daughter, Laureana." He motioned his daughter to step forward, which she did, but kept her distance. Luke smiled, bowed, and motioned out his hand toward her. She put her hand on his; he kissed her hand. "Laureana, lovely name."

The young woman wanted to slap the smile off his face but bit her lower lip to contain her anger. Luke noticed but kept his smile as he let go of her hand.

"Now that we are formally introduced. Dinner is ready. Mr. Luke, you must be hungry and exhausted from your journey."

"Thank you, Mr. Quinteras. I would like that very much." Anselmo and Maria walked ahead to show Luke the way. Luke motioned Laureana to go first, which she did. The family and Luke made it to the dining room, and there was a long rectangular table with eight wooden chairs. There were four plates and bowls of bread, beans, rice, chicken, and cooked corn. There were four servants in the dining room. Anselmo sat on the main chair as his wife sat on his left side.

Laureana was about to walk and sit in her seat, but Luke immediately got before her and extended the chair for her. She gave Luke a deadly glare, but he didn't seem deterred. "¡Púdrete! (Screw you!)" she thought.

Everyone filled their plates with food and began to eat and converse. "Mr. Luke, where do you come from?" asked Anselmo.

"I come from Oklahoma, but my Father and Grandfather were born in Ireland and arrived in the United States."

"You traveled far. How is your family?" asked Maria.

"My Mother died when I was born; I only have my Father left." Luke had a spoonful of corn. "This is delicious! I haven't tasted corn this good!"

"Thank you, many of the Apache people work for us; they know many old customs," said Anselmo.

"That explains everything."Luke glanced at Laureana, who took small bites of her food. "Are you alright, Miss. Laureana? You're not eating much."

Laureana did not pay him any attention. Anselmo cleared his voice. She knew her parents were not pleased with her behavior, but she didn't care. "Papá, ¿puedo disculparme? (Papa, may I be excused?)"

"Laureana, estas siendo grosera! (Laureana, you're being rude!)" said Maria.

"¡No puedo soportar estar cerca de él! ¡Incluso huele como un perro!" (I can't stand being close to him! He smells like a dog!)

Luke knew they were talking about him, so he cleared his throat. "Mr. and Mrs. Quinteras, I hope it would not trouble you if I ate my dinner in the room I would be staying in. I'm tired from my trip, and I eat comfortably alone."

Anselmo smiled and nodded. He motioned one of the servants forward. "He shall take you to your room. A servant will pick up your plate and cup when you finish; I apologize for my daughter's behavior."

"No need for an apology; I look forward to speaking with you tomorrow."

Luke gave Laureana one last glance and was led away from the dining room. Anselmo motioned for the rest of the servants to leave, leaving the three family members alone. "Do you realize what you have done?"

"Made him leave?" Laureana responded as she ate a piece of bread.

"You are ruining the chance to get money for this land! This Gringo is willing to buy it off from us; there are not many who would not do such a thing!" He growled. "You always create trouble; Tomas would never have behaved this way!

Laureana punched the table, ran out of the dining room, through the halls, and exited the house. The rain drenched her; she didn't care. She knelt on the mud, her tears mixed with rain. Ekta saw Laureana's state as she stood by the entrance door. "Dear child, you mustn't be out here! You will become ill!" She noticed Laureaa crying; Ekta hugged her as she became drenched in the rain.

Unknown to both of them, Luke watched them by the window. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.

..............................

Chucklehead: (slang) meaning 'a fool.'