Page 43 of Her Cowboy Blind Date

“Yeah. It’s crazy. If what Cindy’s saying is true, we’ll see more security and photographers in town.”

“Good point. There’s more security when John Johnson makes an appearance.”

“Is he in town?”

“No idea.” He paused. “Please don’t tell me you want to stalk John Johnson.”

She chuckled. “I don’t want to stalk anyone. Who would want to be a celebrity?”

“Not me.” An insane amount of attention from screaming teen girls was the stuff of nightmares. Was Miles really a famous actor in disguise? Cindy’s story sounded like one of Mrs. Alleghany’s exaggerated stories.

Becky smiled. “We need to make an appearance at the party.”

“Yeah. Let’s go.” He walked with Becky toward the cafeteria. She seemed lost in her own thoughts.

Hopefully whatever had bothered Becky earlier was sorted. If what Cindy had shared was true, then everyone would be talking about Miles being Logan Miles. Which meant they’d all forget about him and Becky. A blessing in disguise.

Sam was drawn to Becky and struggling to hide his growing feelings. That was scary. He shouldn’t be contemplating the idea of a future with Becky. It wasn’t possible. It couldn’t happen. She might not reciprocate his feelings, and it was pointless to chase a dream and risk rejection. Besides, Becky wouldn’t fit into his Colorado ranch plans.

* * *

The following afternoon, Becky made a pot of hot green tea and curled up on the recliner in her dorm room. Her classes were finished for the day, and her assignments were on track. She had time to rest and relax before she made dinner. The frozen meals stockpiled in her freezer from the ranch were a time-saving blessing.

She poured a cup of tea and checked the time on her phone. Mel should be calling any minute. Her sister had set her alarm for six in the morning to squeeze in a video call. Becky would be busy with the play tomorrow and Saturday, making it harder to coordinate calls with her family.

Her phone buzzed and Becky connected the video call. “Hey, Mel. It’s good to see you.”

“You too, lil sis.”

The childhood nickname choked up her throat. Tears threatened. She missed her family, but she wasn’t going to cry. She’d had severe homesickness last year. She was stronger now and had done therapy to build resilience.

She sucked in a deep breath. “Sorry to wake you early. Have you had coffee?”

“Mum’s making it now. Dad’s here, too.”

“Excellent. I’ll say hello before we chat.”

Her parents’ precious faces filled her phone screen. They asked her a bunch of mundane questions, and she reassured them that she was okay. Life in Gilead was good. God would help her manage her present circumstances.

Being the youngest child had drawbacks. Mum had trouble letting go. The time apart would improve their relationship.

Her parents left the room, and she gained Mel’s undivided attention.

“What I’m about to share is confidential.”

“Bek, are you in trouble?”

“No. I’m fine.”

“Thank goodness. I was worried you’d got caught up in a bad relationship or something.”

That concern was valid. Mel had seen Jarrod’s true character and tried to warn her. It wasn’t Mel’s fault that she hadn’t listened and messed up everything.

“This situation is connected to Jarrod.”

“How? Does Jarrod know you’re in Gilead?”

She shook her head. The last thing she wanted was for Jarrod to find her in Gilead. “Remember how Jarrod was friends with Logan Miles?”

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