Page 9 of When It Reins (Three Rivers Trevors Ranch #5)

juniper

My weekend away was exactly what I needed.

David and I talked about anything and everything, keeping the weekend casual and fun without any seriousness between us. Part of me was hoping he would bring up his timeline, but I didn’t want to ruin the weekend by putting pressure on our situation.

Now that I am home, I am in serious need of groceries.

I used to share an apartment with Annmarie, but last month, she and Shelly took the plunge and got a place together.

I’ve never lived on my own before. I went from living with my parents, to living with my sisters and Thea’s ex-husband, to living with Annmarie for years.

It is both freeing to have all of this space and responsibility and…lonely.

I hate being alone. Which is probably not great for me, but I don’t have the time to wonder what that says about me as a person.

I enter the grocery store and smile at Earl, the owner of the shop, before grabbing a basket and making my way down the aisles. I smile at the other residents, getting weird glances in return, and frown when they look away.

Since moving here, it was like coming home. Every local welcomed us with open arms. Most would stop me and chat for a minute, which took some getting used to, but I love it now.

When no one stops me or says a word, I head to the checkout where Meryl—the local town gossip—is getting her weekly groceries and chatting it up with Earl.

“Morning, Meryl, Earl,” I say in greeting, just like I normally would.

Meryl looks at me, and Earl gives me a warm smile. At least someone isn’t mad at me.

“Honey…” Meryl starts, turning toward me with what looks like a sympathetic smile. “I’m so sorry to hear about the breakup.”

I frown, loading my groceries onto the small belt. “Breakup?”

Meryl blinks, and I glance at Earl, who looks away. “Well, surely you’re not staying with that man.”

I sigh, wondering when they will stop being suspicious of David. They are suspicious of all outsiders. It takes forever to get them to welcome people into the fold. I think my sisters and I just seemed pathetic enough after being orphaned that they let us slide.

“I’m not sure what’s got you worried, Ms. Meryl, but David is a good guy.” I am growing tired of having to stand up for him, knowing that not a single person will say anything directly to him.

Okay, well, maybe there is one person.

“He’s trying to steal land, Juniper Weaver. You ought to be ashamed of yourself.” Meryl snaps, ripping the receipt from Earl and stomping out with her groceries in hand.

I blink in surprise. I’ve never seen Meryl act like that. When I look back at Earl, he gives me a sympathetic smile and starts checking out my items.

“Don’t worry about her, Juniper. She’s just worried about her town.”

I frown, unsure what they know that I don’t.

“Land getting developed around here is scary to some people. They want it to stay small-town and not grow until they don’t know their neighbors anymore,” Earl explains, most likely unaware of the uneasy feeling in my gut.

What are they talking about? And what in the world is David doing?

The bar is busy for Tuesday and though I’m not scheduled to work, I am desperate for some answers. David isn’t answering his phone, and when I went by The Lodge, he wasn’t in his room.

The feeling in my gut swirls harder and harder until I feel sick.

We just spent the weekend together. We just had a great time. He told me that we are going to try to find a halfway point to meet when he goes back home.

He was born and raised in Denver. His parents were still there, somewhere over in Aurora, from what I remember. So he wants to remain close to them, which is why he is reluctant to move up here.

It is a tricky situation, but one that I can see myself working out if he gives us the chance.

Thea is behind the bar when I come in, busy serving drinks. But her actions halt for a moment when she catches sight of me.

By the expression on her face, concern mixed with pity, I know right away she is going to have my answers.

“Junie, I’m sorry,” are her first words. Words that don’t make any sense to me.

“Sorry for what? What is going on?”

Thea pours a beer from the tap, watching the foam before looking back at me. “You didn’t hear?”

“No,” I say, throwing on an apron and grabbing a glass to make a Manhattan that’s called from the next patron. “I keep getting looks thrown my way, but no one will tell me what’s going on.”

“Well, it’s not definite, but there’s been some serious rumors swirling about David’s company.” Thea smiles at a customer and takes the next order, but I know her focus is on me.

“What rumors?”

“That his company is coming in and buying tax liens on properties, then evicting longtime residents.”

I freeze, my heart hammering in my chest the only sign I didn’t just pass out. “What?” My breathless question makes Thea turn to me.

“So…you really didn’t know?”

“Of course not, but…” I stammer, my hands suddenly clammy. “That’s not possible. David wouldn’t do that. He wouldn’t allow that to be done.”

Thea pauses, and Heidi, one of our other bartenders, takes over while Thea pulls me into the back room.

I sit, my elbows falling to my knees, my eyes filling with tears I shouldn’t be spilling.

“I know this must be hard for you,” Thea says, resting in the chair next to me, her hand rubbing on my back. “He really didn’t say anything?”

“Thea,” I say, my voice tired. “There’s no way this is his doing. I know him.” Even as I say the words, I can’t help but wonder if I am sticking up for the right person.

But I do know him. Don’t I?

David couldn’t be this evil, sinister person they were making him out to be. He wouldn’t displace families just to get land…

“What’s your boyfriend do again?”

For whatever reason, Mitch’s words strike a chord, and I suddenly know who would have answers for me.

Why I know that is beyond me. It makes no real sense other than the fact that for the first time ever, he asked questions about David.

It felt out of place in that moment, and I had no clue what he was getting at, but I have a feeling that if I want to find out the truth, someone in that clubhouse will be able to give me answers.

I stand abruptly, Thea standing with concern. “Are you okay?”

Turning to her, I give her my best smile and pull her into a hug. “I’m gonna be just fine.”