1
Penelope Winters pressed her legs against Raven’s flanks, urging the mare into a rolling canter. Her long blond hair, windblown and tumbling around her shoulders, was in vivid contrast with the horse’s jet black coat.
The tension that had been her constant companion of late began to ease its grip. There would be no paparazzi lurking behind bushes or popping out of nowhere. This was her safe zone, no hidden agendas, just her and Raven in the endless wild beauty of Montana’s Big Sky Country.
She hand galloped most of the way back home, riding the final mile at a walk to cool down. Her ranch manager Walt Hardy was there to greet her.
“You’ve got company,” he said, his brow creased in a frown. He held her reins while she jumped down.
Her nose wrinkled. “Who?”
He snorted, “Your manager, Ms. Monroe.”
“Constance?” she said, eyes widening in surprise.
“Yepper.”
“Oh no!”
“That’s precisely what I thought,” he grumbled.
“Did she bring luggage?”
“Yep. Barked orders at Josie and me. I unloaded a suitcase that looked like it could hold pert near a month’s worth of clothing. She’s all settled in one of the guest cabins.”
“Shit.”
“That woman had a determined glint in her eye.”
Penelope rolled her eyes. “When doesn’t she? We’ll see who’s the most determined. Wish me luck.”
A slow smile spread across his weathered face, the deep laugh lines around his eyes crinkling. “Always. Let me know if ya need me to escort her off the ranch.”
Penelope laughed. “As much as I hate to spoil your fun, I’m sure it won’t come to that. She really does want what’s best for my career. That is her job after all.”
“I s’pose. If ya ask me, her priority is to herself.”
Penny squeezed his arm, “You’re just protective and I truly appreciate it. Will you take care of untacking my girl?” She hugged Raven’s neck, brushing her cheek across the soft coat.
“Sure enough.”
“Thanks, Walt.”
He touched the tip of his cowboy hat, “Good luck. I’ll be around if ya need me.”
“I know I can always count on you.”
Penelope quickly ran her hands through her tangled hair then smoothed it down before tucking it behind both ears. Taking a deep calming breath, she strode purposefully toward the house. Her boots clomped loudly on the wooden porch, announcing her arrival before the screen door banged shut behind her.
Josie came from the kitchen wiping her hands down the front of her flour covered apron, with Penelope’s dog Archie at her heels. “I’m sure you’ve heard.”
“Yes, and I’m sorry you got barked at.” She leaned down and picked up her pug, who greeted her as if she’d been gone for weeks.
Josie nodded her head in the direction of the guest house. “She’s settling in. She said she had to make a few calls.”
Penelope grinned, “Let’s hope it takes her awhile.”
“That woman is pushy.”
“That’s one way to describe her.”
They both turned as the screen door opened and Constance entered.
“My ears were burning.”
Penelope and Josie exchanged a glance, then Penelope said, “What brings you all the way out here to the middle of nowhere?”
“After your last phone call, I thought it would be prudent to come talk some sense into you. Always better in person.”
Josie held up a hand, “I don’t mean to interrupt but I have pies in the oven. Ms. Monroe, refresh my memory, do you have any dietary restrictions I should know about?”
“I’m lactose intolerant and gluten-free. Other than that, the sky’s the limit.”
Josie shot a worried look at Penelope. “I had planned on chicken pot pie for supper, but I suppose I could pull out a couple of steaks to throw on the grill.”
“Splendid!” Constance interjected, not giving Penelope time to respond.
“That will work. Just take out one steak; I’ll still eat the pot pie. Thanks Josie.” She placed Archie back on the ground and he immediately began sniffing around Constance’s feet.
“I’ll put a salad together along with a baked potato for Constance.”
“Don’t forget the wine darling,” Constance directed. “A nice Cabernet would be lovely. Please and thank you.” She smiled guilefully, glaring down at Archie. “Homely little thing, isn’t he?”
Penelope glanced down, smiling affectionately at her pug. “Shh, don’t you dare let him hear you, he’s very sensitive.”
Constance rolled her eyes. “You and that dog.”
After Josie disappeared around the corner, Penelope grasped Constance’s arm and tugged her outside onto the porch. “You will not order Josie or Walt around like they’re hired help.”
“But darling, they are hired help.”
Penelope mentally counted to ten then blew out a breath. “They’re like my family. I’m lucky to have them, not the other way around.”
Constance waved her hand dismissively, “Whatever. I will try. Do I have to get your permission to even speak?”
Penelope glared, “I’m going to take a walk. I’ll come find you in a bit and we can have that talk you felt was so important you had to fly all the way to Montana. Make yourself at home but stay out of trouble.”
She bit back a laugh, “Darling, I’d be hard put to even find trouble in this God forsaken place.”
“Knowing you, I seriously doubt that.” She pivoted and left her standing on the porch.
Typical of August, it was a delightful seventy degrees and sunny. She’d been clinging to this place for the past six weeks. It was the only thing that had made the grueling publicity tour for her latest film bearable. She needed to quiet the thoughts that were currently cycling in an endless loop of pain and regret. Here, she could hear herself think. She impatiently brushed away her tears. Two years ago today, her mom had lost her battle with cancer.
Her mom would have been the one comforting and encouraging her while she endured the embarrassment of having her private pain splashed across the front pages of the tabloids. It was hard enough coping with the ugly breakup and betrayal, then to have your life dissected by people who had no clue of what had really happened…it was cruel. She felt as vulnerable as she’d been when she’d left home for the first time with only her hopes dreams and a suitcase. Constance was the last person she’d expected or wanted to see.
Penelope massaged her neck, feeling a dull headache coming on. She and Constance had finished dinner and were continuing their discussion on the front porch. They had barely sat down before Constance pounced.
“You’re being incredibly obstinate Penelope.”
Gritting her teeth, Penelope said, “I don’t know how else I can say it to get you to understand. I do not want to do this film! Obviously, it will be beyond awkward to work with Noah after our breakup and secondly, I need a break. For real. I barely had time to grieve my mama before the last film started production. I’ve just finished the promotional tour. I can’t do it. You have to get me out of it!”