Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 79425 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79425 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
But it made a big one to me.
Davis left, and Marg, one of the set decorators, followed him. I stayed and had coffee with Sadie and Brent. They caught me up on some of the local gossip, news of their growing family, with Luke’s wife about to have their first child.
“Where are you staying?” Brent asked. “The Big Inn?”
I chuckled as I always did when I heard the name Big Inn. It was the only inn around and not very large.
“No. It was full, as was the travel lodge. I’m renting a place. Um, Kassie’s upper floor.”
Sadie lifted her eyebrows. “Oh.”
I chuckled. “Yeah, oh. I didn’t know it was her, she didn’t know it was me, but…” I let my words drift off.
She nodded sagely. “Lots of years have passed.”
“Yep.”
“She was gone for a while. I was pleased to hear she came back after that awful business in the city. Poor Kassie.”
I sat up straighter. “Awful business?”
Brent clucked his tongue. “Sadie. That’s gossip.”
“It’s truth.”
“What happened?” I asked, suddenly feeling anxious. Why “poor Kassie”?
Sadie looked uncomfortable. “I spoke out of turn.”
“Please,” I urged.
She sighed. “Something about her job and problems. It was bad enough, she quit and came home. Really, that’s all I know.”
She was lying, but I didn’t push.
“Well, best place for her,” I said mildly. “She seems happy.”
“She’s fit right back in,” Sadie agreed. “And her pies are so popular. She always loved to bake.”
“She left me a small one when I arrived. Very tasty.” I picked up my cup and drained it, then stood. “I need to get home and study some lines. Thanks for the coffee and the ride. You sure it’s okay if I come back and take him out again?”
“Absolutely,” Brent said, shaking my hand. “You looked good, but best to get comfortable back in the saddle. Your ass is gonna feel it tomorrow.”
I laughed and kissed Sadie’s cheek, then walked to my car. All the way back into town, one thought was on repeat.
What happened to Kassie, and how was I going to get her to tell me?
I shouldn’t care. It didn’t matter. I kept telling myself that.
And yet, I cared way too much, and somehow, I knew it mattered—even more than I was willing to admit.
After I left the ranch, I headed into town, stopping to grab another salad and half a roast chicken for dinner at the grocery store. Not imaginative, but filling and, truth be told, far better than my own cooking. I picked up a couple other things I needed.
Ginny was working the register again, and the store was quiet. She smiled in recognition as I brought my purchases to her counter.
“Hello, young man.” She clucked as she looked at my dinner. “Takeout again? Our food is good, but you should eat better.”
I chuckled. “I had breakfast at the Dill. I’m still full.”
“Ah, Quinn. Lovely girl. My husband loves the pickles she gives you at lunch. And the pies there are incredible.”
“Kassie’s pies,” I confirmed.
“You know Kassie?” she asked, then shook her head. “Of course—you grew up here and probably went to school together.”
I didn’t correct her. “Yes, ma’am. And I’m renting the apartment she has.”
“Oh, lovely.”
I handed her my cloth bag. “Her pies are awesome. She gave me a small one as a welcome.”
She smiled. “So kind. I’m glad she came home. City life isn’t for everyone.” She shook her head. “It can be a hard place.”
I wasn’t proud of myself, but I did what I did well. I acted. I shook my head as well, looking concerned.
“Best place for her after everything…” I trailed off, hoping she’d take the bait.
She did, leaning forward. “Terrible. Such a nice girl to have that happen.”
Once again, I felt anxiety growing, but I shoved it down and nodded. “Terrible.”
She sighed. “She left here brokenhearted and came back with her spirit gone.” She paused with a frown. “I’m not sure what was worse.”
I took my bag, backing away to end the conversation. “Well, she’s home now.” Then I deftly changed the subject. “I think Timmy will be getting an email about the extra gig.”
“Oh, lovely! Thank you, dear boy!”
I smiled and hurried away, wondering what would happen if she recalled I was the one who’d broken Kassie’s heart. I doubted I’d be as welcome.
I drove to the house, parking outside.
“What happened to you, Kassie?” I murmured, wondering how to ask her and knowing I had no right to do so.
It didn’t stop me from wanting to, though.
I was in the kitchen when I heard some odd noises from the backyard. I glanced out, seeing Kassie bent over a lawn mower, trying to get it started and failing.
I hurried downstairs and went into the backyard. The gate squeaked as I opened it, and she looked up, then went back to her attempts at starting the machine.