Chapter 6
SAMANTHA
I feel exposed at this dinner table, wearing the angora jumper and flared jeans that Madeline has offered for me. Everything I was wearing was soaked through - I’m not even wearing a bra. I can’t imagine what these people think of me, sitting in their house with wet hair and with mud flecks still nestled under my nails, my underwear tumbling around in their dryer. The thought alone brings a blush to my cheek, especially when Weston keeps smirking in my direction.
Madeline’s whipped up a homemade pie, and it truly looks delicious, but I’m too nervous to eat properly. While the others tuck in, I hover over my plate, still shivering a little, though the mulled wine did wonders for dislodging the cold from my bones. Madeline nods at my pie.
“Eat up, dear. You need to get your strength up.”
“Sorry...I’ll do my best.”
“Ignore her,” Weston says, finishing up his second slice of pie. “She’s used to everyone having a healthy appetite.”
Madeline swats him with a dishcloth she keeps on the table. “Yes, well, it’s not my fault you won’t stop eating.” Madeline rolls her eyes at me. “He claims all the fresh air makes him hungry.”
“I have heard that is a contributor…”
“Well, I guess I should be grateful that he enjoys my cooking. He keeps me with a job,” Madeline says cheerfully. She looks lovingly over at Eric. “And pie is Eric’s favorite treat, isn’t it, honey?”
I smile and nod along with the conversation as best I can, but I’m finding it difficult to concentrate. I’m beaten down by this crappy day, and not just physically. My ego feels as bruised as a peach, and I can’t help withdrawing from the conversation, no matter how much effort they all put in.
“So, tell us, Samantha,” Madeline says, standing to clear her plate from the table. She’s clearly oblivious to my silence. “What’s your job back home in New Jersey?”
I take my time chewing my piece of pie, though I’m the only one who still has food on my plate. This is the kind of conversation I was hoping to avoid tonight. It’s too raw to explain why I’m not at work right now when Colin has ruined every happy memory I have from that job.
“I...I used to be a primary school teacher. I recently quit my job.”
“Oh really?” Madeline says, clearly nosey about my sudden departure from my career. “Why is that?”
“Leave the poor girl alone. It’s like twenty questions with you,” Weston says, wiping his mouth with his napkin. “She doesn’t want to talk to us. She’s tired.”
“I’m sure she can speak for herself,” Madeline says sternly. Her smile turns kinder once more when she looks at me. “Well?”
I blush. “Actually, it’s kind of personal…”
Weston looks at Madeline with a raised eyebrow, clearly glad he was right. Madeline sniffs, turning to the sink to do the washing up.
“Well, fair enough. Not everyone is up for sharing! Do you want me to make a bed up for you now so that you can get to sleep?”
“If you don’t mind…” I respond guiltily. I feel bad rushing off to bed so quickly when Madeline is being so polite. I especially don’t want to side with Weston over her after the bad start he and I got off to. But I really feel like I’d be better on my own right now. Madeline gestures for me to follow her so I do without a glance in Weston’s direction. Eric is on my tail almost straight away as we head for the stairs.
“Can I help?” Eric wants to know. Madeline pauses to ruffle his hair.
“That’s sweet of you, Eric, but I think we’re alright. Samantha just needs some sleep.”
“Can I give you a tour of the ranch tomorrow? Pretty please?” Eric asks, his eyes wide as he awaits my answer. Madeline smiles.
“Let’s discuss it tomorrow. Samantha really is very tired.”
It feels weird having everyone talk on my behalf. First Weston, now Madeline. Usually, I at least make the effort to answer for myself, but now, it’s like I can’t even say boo to a goose. I guess this is what Colin’s betrayal has done to me - he’s reduced me to practically nothing.
Madeline fusses around in the spare room, making up the bed for me. I take a quick glance around it. This house is pretty big, especially considering the only business Weston has mentioned is his ranch. I can’t help wondering how he got the money to buy a place like this. Somehow, this room seems thousand times fancier than the one in my hotel - the armchair feels cozier, the pillow softer and I even have my own en-suite complete with a steam room and a large TV on the wall. I can’t imagine what his own room is like - is it simplistic like the rest of the house, or does he take the same pride in it as he does in this guest room?
“Well, that’s you set up!” Madeline announces. “I hope you feel welcome here. Please feel free to shower, or make yourself a coffee downstairs...honestly, make yourself at home!”
I nod nervously. It seems a little strange that Madeline is telling me this - after all, she’s the housekeeper, not the owner. Still, I appreciate the hospitality she’s shown me. Without her and Weston, I’d still be out in the forest. In the best case scenario, anyway.
“Thank you, Madeline. I really mean it. Thank you for all your help tonight.”
She waves it off with her hand, like it’s nothing. “No problem. If you’re planning to stick around for a while, don’t be a stranger! We can give you some tips on places to explore!” Madeline pauses, her cheeks flushed. “And Weston tends to have a lot of time on his hands...I’m sure he would be happy to give you a tour!”
I think giving me a tour is the last thing on Weston’s mind - he can’t seem to wait to get rid of me - but I politely nod. Madeline pats my shoulder and then leaves the room. Eric peeps his head around the door, smiling sweetly.
“Please stay for a bit...you made my Dad smile,” he says before running off. I frown. I haven’t seen much evidence of Weston smiling at all. Smirking at me, yes. Laughing at my expense, perhaps. But is that really something to be pleased about? I don’t think so. Eric must just be seeing things in his Dad that he wants to see.
Still, after tonight, I won’t see these people again. I’m almost certain of that. I’m embarrassed enough that I’d turn down the offer to come back here, even if I did get along better with Weston. I don’t even really want to be on this trip anymore after my disastrous first day, but part of me wants to stick it out. I don’t run away as Colin does. So I come to a decision - I’ll stay here and continue my vacation until the very end. But, for as long as it is possible, I will avoid Weston and his ranch, if only to preserve what is left of my dignity. And I make sure to buy a compass first thing in the morning. And learn to use it, of course...
Before my to-do list piles up any further, I remove the flared pants and climb into bed, still feeling a little shivery despite how warm the room is. I let my eyes flutter closed as I relax into the feathery pillows. I tell myself that things will be better when I wake. Then, I allow myself to drift off to much desired sleep.