“It’s getting cold in here,” Hadley said.
“Right,” Poet said.“Nancy?I’ll take you to Archer.”
She stepped out of the cabin and onto the porch.Poet’s wide eyes met mine as she closed the front door.
I looked at Salem who mouthedWhat the fuck?
What the fuck, indeed.
ChapterTwo
The Ranch
A few minutes after Nancy and Poet left, the bathroom door opened, and the girl popped out.She glanced around the main room of the cabin and startled.
“That’s agoat,” she announced.
“Her name is Tempest and she’s really friendly,” Hadley said.“She loves belly rubs.”
The girl approached the couch where Tempest was resting.A reluctant smile bloomed across her face as she scratched Tempest behind the ear.“I’ve never seen a house goat before.”
“She’s potty trained,” Hadley said.“And sleeps in the bed.And there’s a pig underneath the coffee table, too.”
“Oh.Is this like a petting zoo or something?”the girl asked.
I grinned.“Or something.”
Mildred, Fig, and Lottie refused to be left out and they darted toward the girl’s legs in demand of affection.The girl couldn’t hold back a laugh.She crouched down to give the other animals some love.
Hadley was smiling and began introductions.“I’m Hadley.That’s Salem.And this is Wyn.”
“What’s your name?”I asked.
She paused for a moment.“Lenni.”
“Cool name,” I remarked.
“Totally.Like a rockstar,” Salem added.
“You hungry?”I asked Lenni.“We went to the town bakery this morning and loaded up on donuts and turnovers and stuff.”
Lenni rose from her crouch.“I like donuts.”
“Great,” Hadley said.“Take a seat.I’ll get you a plate?—”
“Stay put, I’ve got it,” I assured her.
Lenni took the chair that Poet had vacated.Fig jumped up into the seat with her and nestled herself against the girl while the other animals continued to vie for her attention.
“So that’s your mom?”Salem asked.
Lenni’s face clouded with pain.“No.”
I shot Salem a look and then asked Lenni, “You want milk to go with the donut?”
“Sure.”She paused.“Thank you.”
I brought Lenni a plate and then opened the box of pastries and held it out to her.“Take any one you want.”
