Page 11 of Undone

“Oh.” She didn’t hide her disappointment, and I could almost see her struggling to come up with something else to talk about. “What about your job? Aren’t you doing something…computery?”

“I am!” I brightened, ignoring her tone. “I do web design, both the back-end coding as well as the graphic design side of it. I’m actually going to be helping the Caffertys with the ranch’s website while I’m in town. Most people don’t realize how important the coding side of it is; they assume that web design is just putting pretty photos on the internet. I mean, that’s important too, of course, but there are aspects of the code that impact a website’s search metrics, which has an effect on visibility, and a major impact on the company’s bottom line.”

I wanted to continue explaining, but I could see Mrs. Neuhaus tuning out as I spoke, her eyes darting around to see if there were any other victims in the near vicinity that she could latch onto and escape my boring explanation.

“And that’s me,” I finished awkwardly. “That’s basically my life.”

“How nice for you, dear,” Mrs. Neuhaus said with a fake smile.Ouch.“Well, as you might imagine, things have changed quite a bit on Honey Hollow Lane since you left. Remember Mindy Bartlett?”

I nodded. How could I forget the homecoming queen?

“Mindy just had her third baby! She and Jed have the perfect little family, and I just adore seeing them around town. And Brad Porter and his wife Lindsay are expecting their first. Hmm, who else?” She pursed her lips and squinted. “Oh! Katherine Merrick just got engaged to that nice fellow she met in college! About time, if you asked me,” she said in a low voice. Her eyes shifted to Shannon, and I realized that the inquisition was going to continue if I didn’t say something fast.

“So great seeing you again,” I said, mustering up as much fakeenthusiasm as I could. “I actually have a conference call soon, so we need to finish up here and get back to the ranch.”

“Of course you do, you career woman,” she replied, making it sound like an insult. “Off you go to conquer the world.”

I managed a tight grin, and Shannon and I exchanged a look as we walked away.

“Phew, I’m exhausted just from listening to you two,” Shannon whispered to me.

“She’s too much,” I agreed. “But at least she didn’t point out my health status.” I grinned at Shannon, elbowing her side, and she laughed and rolled her eyes.

“Well, at least you don’t have to make any official announcement that you’re in town. Mrs. Neuhaus will do that for you.” I agreed. The local gossip network may well be twittering about my lack of a husband before the day was over.

We continued down the aisles, and I noticed a pack of preppy horse girls eyeing me and laughing behind their hands. I glanced down at my outfit, then back at them. They looked like they’d just come from the stables in their tall boots, tan riding breeches, and white-collared shirts. Even though Poplar Springs was a cowboy town, there was still a strong English riding community that traveled the country competing in horse shows. I remembered that type of girl from high school, the ones who thought they were better than everyone.

The difference was that back then, their teasing usually hit the mark, making me feel like a weird outsider. Now, I didn’t care. I’d developed a thicker skinandfound the confidence I lacked in school.

Shannon stopped to speak to one of them and was asking about her horse. The other girls instantly looked bored, and I ignored the side eye they were giving me while they finished talking. “Well, I havetwo mares that will be foaling in the next few months, I’ll let your dad know when they’re born and you can come check them out,” Shannon said before we headed for the register. I could have sworn more stares followed me.

It didn’t seem to matter how much time passed, Poplar Springs and the people who lived here would never change, and I’d always stick out. I was more than ready to get back to the ranch. I’d rather risk an awkward conversation with Josh than spend any more time in a town that made me feel like an interloper.

EIGHT

JOSH

It was rare that I came to town for anything other than supplies. The fact that I was here now—and why—had me on edge as I sat in the chair across from the president of Cornerstone Bank. My father had always been adamant about not taking on more than he could handle financially, and the fact that I was here discussing a bank loan would have him turning over in his grave. My skin scrawled with shame, but I didn’t see my way to any other option.

I crossed my legs at the ankles and tried not to feel embarrassed over the fact that I looked like I’d just walked in after mucking stalls all day—which I had. I scratched at what I was sure wasn’t mud and flicked it onto the floor by my feet while Mr. Bridger looked through my financials. He made an odd tutting noise every now and then but didn’t say anything that resembled a word. I wanted to fill the strained silence but every time I opened my mouth to speak, he’d look at me over the top of his glasses and I’d close my mouth.

Finally, he appeared to finish. He reached for a handkerchief from his breast pocket and took his glasses off to wipe whatever speck might be on them before turning to regard me. The look he gave me wasworrisome and I regretted making this appointment all over again. Abruptly, I felt sure that I needed to get out of there before I embarrassed myself further.

I leaned forward to retrieve the file folder I’d brought with me, so I could slink out of there right away, but he stopped me. “I have to say that I’m surprised you came in to see me,” he said, and I reluctantly sat back in my chair. “Your father, God rest his soul, always believed that borrowing money was akin to usury.” Bridger grinned at that as if it were an old joke that he’d heard—and told—too many times to count. “And I’ll tell you the same thing I would have told him and that’s… why the hell didn’t you come see me sooner?”

I coughed, looking at him in surprise. “Excuse me?”

Instead of answering me, he said, “Tell me about this trail ride program of yours.”

I had nothing to lose, so I spent the next several minutes telling him about our plans to restart the program and everything we’d been doing to get ready for it so far. When I finished, he had a smile on his face.

“I remember the one you and Frank had years ago. In fact, my wife took our granddaughters on one of those rides, and they wouldn’t stop talking about it for weeks. We were sorry to see it stopped, but given the circumstances, it was understandable.”

He meant my parents dying in the plane crash. When that happened, all the dreams my dad and I had for expansion died, too. While I was struggling to hold everything together, too much fell by the wayside. Getting the trail riding program back up would not only mean a fresh source of income, but would also feel like an homage to my parents. But I still didn’t know where Bridger was going with this conversation.

“I appreciate that, sir. I can’t say I remember your granddaughters specifically, but I’m glad they had a good time. It’s my goal to createfun memories for everyone who signs up. Perhaps they would enjoy a return ride.”

He frowned. “Doubtful. They’re all about giving their mother a heart attack now with whatever boy had caught their fancy this week.” He shook his head. “But I will do you one better. Cornerstone Bank will give you the loan you are seeking. And once you are up and running, I’ll have my secretary set up a group ride for my staff.” He snapped his fingers. “One of those…you know. Teambuilding events that everyone is always going on about as a way to boost company morale and encourage socializing. How does that sound?”

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