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"Photography?" he raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Do you think you can honestly make a living at it? That isn't an easy task, unless of course you have some connections."
"Yes, well, I have such an opportunity at the Dude ranch to make good. I'm sure if my photos are original enough, they'd let me do a layout for them. And then I'd get some work. It's very important; it's all I have to look forward to, right now. So please don't bother telling me how ludicrous it is. It's something I really enjoy."
He listened quietly, studying her face for some sign. What, she didn't know.
"Why would a rich little gal like you want to mess with a job for, anyway?" He asked seriously.
"A rich little gal like me? Huh? Just because I don't have a career, so to speak doesn't mean I can't do anything, Sheriff." she said listening to her plan that was quickly developing into a future for her. At least in her mind. "I'll have you know I have a lot of talent, I just can't make a living at most of it."
"You're probably right about that, but you'd probably have to travel the world if you really wanted to make a living at photography. It can be a tough life, dangerous even."
She glanced at him, and out of her own musings. Her smile faded, "Maybe, or maybe I'd just do rural work, of the west. Of your little town. I like it here. It's not Dallas or Houston, but it's quaint, and quiet and has such character. "
"You'd live in a small town, away from all the modern conveniences."
"Oh please, you do have running water out here I take it. You know what a cell phone is, so I suppose you have satellite TV. I think I could survive in the roughs, Sheriff. All rich girls don't play tennis and go to dances every weekend."
"Is this part of your escape plan?"
"Escape plan. I don't have a plan. That's the problem. It was just a passing thought. Forget I mentioned it." She moved back to the fire.
"What are you really running from Savannah?" his voice became rough and hard. "Did this guy get rough with you, cheat on you, or what? You know I'm dying to know and if you don't tell me, I'll just imagine the worst."
"It doesn't matter."
"You're a hard one to figure. What was that all about in the bar, the other day? I'm a pretty good judge of character and I don't think that was part of your nature. What were you trying to pull? The guy must have done something pretty bad. Because I suspect you were getting even."
Savannah was tired of the lies, tired of the questions. "It's a long, boring story. And it was more to prove a point than getting even. I'm not a revenge seeker."
"Indulge me."
She studied him for a second, and then looking away from him she began her story. The truth. "I don't know if I can tell you, or anyone, just yet. There are things I just can't talk about right now, to you or anyone else. And I'm not trying to be mysterious, but I made a promise. I intend to keep that promise."
He exhaled as though reliev
ed. "It's really none of my business, but I was simply trying to understand why you acted that way in the saloon. It doesn't seem like your nature. Unless I've got you figured all wrong, to begin with."
Savannah took a deep breath, "I can't explain it to...a man. I mean...I guess you could say it was an ego thing. I'd lost confidence in myself as a woman."
"Now why would a pretty little gal like you lose confidence?"
"It's personal."
"I can guess, you caught the guy cheating on you?"
She sighed heavily, turned her face from him, "Yes, that's it..."
He was silent for a moment, obviously not prepared for that one.
"I'm sorry." He stared down into her face. "I've sort been blaming you, for the break up."
"I noticed." she stopped unable to finish. "And it's alright with me, if you think I'm to blame. Maybe I am…in a way."
"Sorry." Ben bellowed.
He was feeling sorry for her. It seemed almost funny.
"Well, no one else knew. And it was so...humiliating. I felt cheated somehow. How could I tell anyone? He couldn't. How could I?"
