In the meantime, I tell Kara everything.
She squeals with delight when I’m done.
“Seriously, that is so hot. I wish that was me, my god. I’m in such desperate need of a night like that. Will there be more? Is this a thing? Or is it just like a camp romance?”
I shrug. I hadn’t really thought about that. About what happens when the camp retreat is done and it’s time to go home. After all, I live a good six hours away; there is no way we could make it work. A little disappointment floods my chest. Is this something strong enough that we’d keep going with it, or will it end when the bus takes us out of here?
“Sorry, that was an insensitive question,” Kara quickly rectifies. “I shouldn’t have asked that.”
I wave a hand. “Don’t be sorry, I’m sure it’s fine.”
“Hi ladies.”
I glance up to see Emily and Grace coming over with their towels. They’ve both been pretty quiet, in fact we all have. Lake and Madden took Rick out on some hunting adventure, I guess he needed a break from everything. I can’t blame him, it would be tough suddenly having both the men you were staying with go, one to heaven and the other home.
Thinking about Taj makes my stomach knot up.
I can’t help but feel guilty for staying here.
Should we have gone home?
“Hi,” I say, watching as they lay their towels down.
We all sunbathe and chat until voices alert me that someone is coming down toward us. I look over to see Rhett walking down with Enzo and Elias. They looked pissed off. I mean major pissed off. I sit up and turn, facing them. Rhett has something in his hand, and as he nears, I see it’s a newspaper.
“Who reported this?” he barks, tossing the paper at us.
I pick it up, confused, and glance down at the article.
Oh boy.
“Death at the Ranch” is all I can see in big, bold letters. I don’t need to read the article to know it’s about Taj’s death. Someone leaked it to the press, and whoever it was could potentially ruin everything they’ve got going on here.
“I didn’t report this, did any of you?” I ask the girls.
They all shake their heads. “No, of course not,” Emily murmurs. “Why would we?”
“I swear to fuc—” Rhett begins, but cuts himself off and clamps his mouth shut, his jaw tightening.
“We’re not that heartless,” I snap. “The fact that you think we’d do something like that is pretty offensive.”
“Someone reported this, I need to know who.”
“Taj’s family? Ever think of that?” Kara mutters, clearly pissed about the accusation.
Rhett seems to visibly calm down. “Sorry, I’m just fuckin’ ... This could ruin everything I’ve worked for here.”
I can’t help but feel bad, yet again.
“I’ll find out who did it, boss,” Enzo mutters, his eyes scanning over us. “If this place gets shut down ...”
“Look, if you’ve got something to say,” Kara fires up. “Then say it. We’re your guests, and you should have a little respect.”
Enzo glares at her.
“Enough,” Rhett barks. “I can’t handle much more of this shit. I’m goin’ to see Gabriella. I’ll be back later. Enzo will handle the hike.”
He turns to walk off.
“Rhett,” I call, jumping to my feet and following him.
He pauses, looking down at me, his face full of anger and rage. “Not now, Lei.”
“I’m sorry someone did this, but it wasn’t us. I know you’re mad, you’re worried about the ranch, but it was a mistake.”
“This is my life, do you understand that?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Then let me fuckin’ go.”
It feels like a slap to the face.
I look up at him, hurt.
He looks like he wants to say something, but he doesn’t.
Instead, he walks away.
Kara’s question runs through my head, yet again.
Maybe this isn’t what I think it is.
Maybe ... maybe it will end when we leave.
That thought kills me.
More than he’ll ever know.
16
I sit on it, I really do. For what seems like hours, I sit on Rhett’s bad mood. His comment. The way he spoke to me. I know I should leave it alone, after all there are a million reasons he is feeling the way he is, but Kara’s words play in my head over and over again. What is this after the retreat? Part of me needs to know that answer, now more than ever and I know I shouldn’t go and find him, but, alas, that’s exactly what I do.
I locate Ranch first, he’s in the barn washing horses. When I go in, the old man turns and looks at me, those kind eyes scanning, learning, before he finally gives me a smile. It’s a warm smile, a comforting smile. “What can I help you with, darlin’?”
“I was just looking for Rhett.”
“He’s otherwise occupied right now, can I do something for you?”
I exhale and lean against a stall.