AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I don’ttakeit as an insult. Most of what you say to meisinsulting.”
“I think that’s a matter of opinion.”
“Exactly.Myopinion.” Caleb opens his mouth to voice what I’m certain will be an argument, so I speak again before he has a chance to. “Can we get going, please? I’ve got a lot to do before school.”
“You have a lot to do at—” Caleb glances at the clock on the dashboard. “5:30 a.m.?”
“Yes.” I sigh, exhausted by the thought of all the tasks waiting for me. “I didn’t make you meet me this early for the last interview just to make you miserable, you know.”
“It was just a bonus?”
I glance over at Caleb’s grinning face as we start rolling down the gravel driveway. The soaring oaks lining each side of the road block some of the rising sun, but the golden glow still manages to spill inside the car between each branch, bathing the interior of the truck and Caleb’s features in brilliance.
“Maybe,” I admit, turning my gaze to the white fence line we’re whizzing past.
I deliberate on asking Caleb to drop me off at the end of the driveway for the entirety of the short drive. But when he takes the turn, my mouth stays shut.
Matthews Farm looks especially ramshackle after just having come from the immaculate Winters estate.
I fling the truck’s door open as soon as it comes to a stop outside the barn. Impatient whinnies pierce the cool air as I climb out of the warm car, the horses annoyed by my tardiness.
“I’ll see you at school, Caleb,” I say. “Thanks for the ride,” I add before I close the door and then rush toward the house, not giving him a chance to respond.
The farmhouse is still and silent when I slip inside the front door. I let out a sigh of relief. Gramps is one to make his presence known, slamming frypans and clomping around in his heavy boots from the moment he wakes until he passes out on the couch at night.
I sneak up the stairs, carefully avoiding the spots I know will creak. Reaching my bedroom door, I twist the handle and step inside, letting out a long exhale of air when I close the door behind me and drop my backpack on the floor.
There’s no time to savor my successful sneak in. My first, and likely last. I quickly change into a fresh pair of jeans and a clean shirt before pulling my fleece jacket back on. I yank a brush through my tangles and pull my hair back in a careless attempt at a bun before darting back down the hall to use the bathroom.
Gramps emerges from his bedroom at the same time I exit the restroom, face washed and teeth brushed.
“Morning, Gramps,” I call out as I hurry toward the stairs.
“Where’s the fire, Lennie?” he calls, stomping down the stairs after me.
“I overslept. I haven’t been out to the barn yet,” I yell back as I grab a banana from the kitchen and sprint out the front door. Only to come to a screeching stop on the porch.
Caleb’s black truck is still parked in front of the barn.
I swear under my breath before I start walking again, pausing when I reach the driver’s side of the car. He’s not inside.
Loud stamping and snorts are coming from the barn. I leave Caleb’s empty truck and head into the barn. As soon as the horses see me, the din increases substantially. Hooves clang against wood and excited nickers fill the air.
“Caleb?” I call out, feeling ridiculous. Whenever I’m in the barn, I’m alone.
“What?” his voice replies. I track the sound to the feed room.
“What the hell are you still doing here?” I ask, entering the small space to find Caleb slouched against the table where I normally mix feed and supplements, studying the board that has the turnout schedule written out.
“What did you call it earlier? Oh yeah, I’msightseeing.” He looks over and smirks.
“Also known as trespassing,” I correct, grabbing two feed pails from the floor. I’m too far behind schedule to waste time arguing with him.
“Interesting how one’s perspective shifts,” Caleb comments. Humor glints in his blue eyes.
I drop the buckets next to him on the table with a little more force than usual. “Fine, I was snooping earlier. Will you please leave now? I’ve got a ton to do, and I—”
“What do you mean? Don’t you have…” Caleb’s words trail off as realization replaces amusement. “You take care of all these horses yourself?” The astonished pity displayed on his face is more than I’m equipped to handle following what has already been a draining morning.
