Page 99 of Spencer and the Younger Girl
Spencer
Hours ago, Spencer watched Hadley jump into the arms of another guy and drive away, possibly forever. Part of him knew she wouldn’t return to the ranch. To him.
And he hated himself for it.
He sat underneath the tree he’d visited his entire life when he needed to be alone—the one that now held memories of her. For the first time in three years, he hadn’t let anger cloud his actions and make him run.
Time was almost up on his stay. He’d planned a few weeks, nothing more. Just enough time for him to help Damien talk to his parents, not like he’d actually been any help. They’d already known.
As much as he wanted to stay, he wasn’t sure if there was anything left for him here.
He picked at a blade of grass and leaned his head back. Above his head, a bird’s nest hung among the leaves.
So simple, yet so complicated, just like everything else in his life.
A rider appeared across the field, coming for him. He recognized Toby before seeing his brother in the saddle.
Damien came in close, but didn’t dismount.
“I’m not in the mood for lectures about slacking.” Spencer closed his eyes.
“Spence, I am the only person who probably understands how you feel right now. They gave me the same command, but that’s not why I’m here. Did you talk to Hadley before she left?”
“Yeah, but she didn’t tell me she was going. Is Dad mad she left all the cleaning supplies out?” He’d thought of picking it up before his dad saw but couldn’t muster up the energy.
“No, but I think something is wrong.”
Spencer sat up straighter. “What do you mean?”
“Dad isn’t mad. That’s weird, right? And mom got a phone call that made her sad. I heard her mention Hadley to whoever it was.”
Spencer jumped to his feet and ran to where he’d let Harbinger graze. The ride out here was the first time Harbinger let him ride with a saddle without throwing him. In what should have been a triumphant moment, Spencer only wished he could tell Hadley. She’d have been proud.
He vaulted himself into the saddle and took the reins in one hand. “All right, Harbi. I need you.” He squeezed his thighs and prodded Harbinger into a canter. Damien and Toby followed close behind.
“Let’s go, Harbinger.” The horse sped up, and for the first time since coming home, Spencer felt like he had his best friend back, that they understood each other.
If something was wrong with Hadley, both Spencer and Harbinger had to know.
They slowed as they neared the barn and Spencer pulled Harbinger to a stop before sliding down. “You got the horses, Damo?”
“Yeah, brother. Go.”
Spencer thundered up the front steps and burst through the door, startling his mom who stood in the hallway.
“Spencer, what has gotten into you?” She put a hand to her chest.
“Hadley.” He heaved a breath. “Is she okay?”
Understanding dawned on her face. “Yes, she’s fine, but her grandfather had a heart attack.”
Relief flushed through him followed by guilt. Hadley was okay, but the person she loved most in the world was not.
He plunked down on the bench near the front door and bent forward with his elbows on his knees.
His mom stood awkwardly in front of him for a moment before taking a seat beside him. “You really like her, don’t you?”
“Mom.” His breath shook. “When Damien told me something might have happened to her, it felt like my lungs had been ripped straight from my chest. I couldn’t breathe.”
