Page 37 of Spencer and the Younger Girl
Her mom averted her eyes, telling Hadley all she needed to know. While she’d be shoveling horse crap and doing whatever one did on a ranch, her mom would be living her daughter’s dream.
Perfect.
“So much for having a ‘job.’” She used air quotes and snatched her keys off the counter.
Her mom had a law degree and sometimes went into the office that bore her name—thanks to the family money. But she’d long ago decided to hire other lawyers to do the work instead of doing it herself.
Hadley slammed the front door behind her. Her mom was right. She’d be fine with her grandfather. The two of them always enjoyed her trips.
And now they had Roman living with them too.
She collapsed into her car, already exhausted from a day that hadn’t even started yet.
By the time she got to the Lee Ranch, it was nearly eight. She drove down the dirt drive, pulling up in front of the house.
Reaching for her phone, she realized she’d forgotten it in the bustle of getting out of the house.
With a sigh, she cut the engine and climbed out. People streamed in and out of the extensive barns, some wearing fancy riding clothes and others in dusty jeans and shirts like hers.
It was easy to spot the employees and the clients.
She didn’t know much about how the ranch ran, but she’d looked it up online. It was the only place to board a horse in Gulf City and offered riding lessons as well as trail rides. They sold goat cheese and milk along with homemade jams made by Mrs. Lee herself.
Mr. Lee appeared outside the barn, shielding his eyes against the sun. He spotted her and walked forward.
“Hadley.” He smiled. “Welcome to the Lee Ranch. We’re happy to have you with us for the next ten days.”
Ten days. It sounded like an eternity.
She offered him a smile in return but didn’t know what she was supposed to say, so she started with a quiet, “Sorry I was late.”
He shrugged as if it didn’t matter. “Come, come. I’ll introduce you to the guys I’ll have you working with. They’ll show you the ropes until you have a handle on your duties.”
“Sure. Thanks.”
He led her to the barn. “We need help taking care of the horses as well as a few other projects slated for the next week. You’re comfortable with animals, aren’t you?”
He meant the goats. She nodded, not wanting to admit she’d never even had a pet before. The closest she’d been to a horse was watchingWildfirereruns with Charlotte.
She doubted there was anyone like Junior or Matt around to make sure the beasts didn’t kill her.
They passed the pen holding the goats, and she caught sight of a familiar face. “Stammer!” Turning away from Mr. Lee, she put a hand on the short fence, reaching the other one down to pet her friend.
“You’re late.” A familiar deep voice made her turn. Spencer stood next to his father, a scowl on his face.
Mr. Lee didn’t seem to notice the tension in his son. “Spencer, you’re to show Hadley around today. She’s your responsibility.”
“I didn’t come back for this.”
“No, but you’re here now, and as long as you work on my ranch, you will do as I say.” Mr. Lee looked to her. “Let me know if he gives you any trouble.” He winked and walked back toward the house.
“Work starts at five.” Spencer looked down at her outfit with a raised eyebrow.
“What could possibly need to be done that early?” She’d never understood the wake up with the dawn mentality.
“Get here on time tomorrow, and you’ll find out.” He turned and marched toward the barn.
She ran after him. “I’m only forced into this because I didn’t tell your mom I had help from both her sons, that I didn’t steal the goats. You’re welcome.”
