Page 66 of Spencer and the Younger Girl
Stammer, in all his muddy glory, had made himself comfortable in Spencer’s bed.
“And you say goats aren’t pets.” She sat on the edge of the unmade bed and reached out to pet the goat.
“They’re not.” He crossed his arms.
“Spencer Lee!”
He cringed at the sound of his mom’s voice but smoothed his features before turning to her. She stood in the doorway with an umbrella dripping water onto his floor.
An apron was tied around her waist like she’d been interrupted in the middle of cooking.
“Hey, Ma.” He’d barely had any interaction with his mom since returning home and wasn’t sure how to start.
She placed her free hand on her hip. “I saw you two enter the bunkhouse together.”
Translation: She wanted to make sure he wasn’t corrupting Hadley.
She continued. “What on earth are you doing with a goat in your bed?”
“Cuddling it, Ma. What do you think?”
“Don’t you sass me, boy.”
He hadn’t missed being called “boy” while he was away.
Hadley stood. “It’s not his fault, Mrs. Lee. Stammer broke into his house.”
“Goats don’t do that.”
“Sure they do.” Hadley smiled and pointed to Stammer. “Case in point.”
His mom narrowed her eyes as she looked from Spencer to Hadley. It hurt that she no longer trusted him. Yes, he’d left without a word three years ago, but he’d come back the same person.
What would they say if they knew the real reason he left? Then they definitely wouldn’t trust him, especially not with women.
“Hadley,” his mom started. “You’re a sweet girl for wanting to stand up for Spencer, but you should not be in his room alone with him.”
“Why not?” She stood up straighter. “Why doesn’t he eat in the house with us? Why is everyone so mean to him?”
“It’s a long story.” She averted her gaze, her voice tapering off.
“It can’t be that long, Mrs. Lee. Trust me, I know messed up families. Do you know where my mom is today on my birthday?”
Spencer couldn’t take his eyes off her.
“She’s in Paris. Ask me if I miss her.”
“Dear—” Mrs. Lee’s voice sounded tired.
“I don’t. She has never been a parent to me. That falls to my grandfather. But your family… I watch you all and see how much you miss each other. But you’re all right here. Maybe not forever, but for now you’re together. There isn’t time for grudges.” She shrugged. “Life sucks enough, ya know?”
Spencer wanted to take away the obvious pain her mom caused her. He’d only seen this rich girl living a perfect life, but she was so honest, so bold.
Even his own mom couldn’t deny the truth of her words.
His mom was quiet for a long moment, her cheeks flushing red, but he didn’t know if it was from anger or embarrassment at being chastised. “Spencer, take Stammer back to the barn, get cleaned up, and come to the house. Lunch is ready. Hadley, you can shower at the house. I’ll find you some dry clothes.”
She spared one final look for Spencer, her eyes glassy, before turning to the door and striding away.
Hadley flashed him a smile before following his mom.
When they were gone, Spencer reached down to pet the goat. “I can see why you’re so in love with her, Stammer. Just don’t tell her I’m petting you.”
He’d traveled the world, but Hadley Gibson was unlike anyone he’d ever met.
