"Of course," she mumbled, with a roll of her eyes.
While Brett raked, he described the story. Colby arrives in town begging for work, but he's a renegade looking to steal women's hearts. Megan succumbs to his charm and good looks and leaves town with him. The sheriff, Megan's brother, trails them until there's a showdown.
Only my cousin."Are you sure you don't watch TV?"
"No. Why?"
"No reason. It's interesting how you made Colby the bad guy. What's the story between you two?"
"I'll tell you," Faith said, snuggling up to Brett.
"I'm out of here," he said, returning the rake to its hanger. After adjusting his Stetson, he exited the barn, whistling "Home on the Range."
"Let me give this gift to Tracy and I'll tell you their story on our ride to the lake," Faith said, following Brett.
Megan hummed while saddling the horses. "Finally, I learn more about them." The sun sat high in the sky, radiating heat over the ranch. Sweat dripped off her forehead. "I can't wait to jump in the lake."
Horses and riders ambled, but Megan knew Willow Lake would change the behavior. No one sat straight in the saddles. Their shoulders slumped forward, as if they had been sent to summer school. Arms wiped across foreheads. Girls fixed ponytails as hair fell out and stuck to sweaty necks. What astounded Megan the most was the quiet. Even the animals remained silent in the afternoon heat.
"It was Brett's seventeenth summer," Faith said, breaking the silence. "Brett and Colby were best friends."
"And you?"
"No. I spent time with Mr. MacCormack, learning about nature. He reminded me of Sam Elliott, with the short gray hair, rough-hewn physique, and gruff voice. Though serious, he had a warm side that shone in his soft blue eyes. One day I see Brett looking very much like his grandfather." Faith smiled for a moment and then returned her focus to Megan.
"What happened?" Megan asked. "I don't remember Brett ever mentioning Colby."
Faith snickered. "Rachel, a fifteen-year-old model, arrived at the ranch and strutted around here like she was a super model or actress. I remember the long blond hair, big blue eyes that feigned innocence, pouty lips, and perfectly manicured nails. What teenage guy wouldn't be infatuated with her?"
"Why did she come here?" Megan asked, confusion settling in her wrinkled brow "My guess is so she could flirt with future cowboys," Faith said, shrugging. "She had those boys on two-inch leashes and a box of treats for when they did something good." The lack of expression and laughter confused Megan.