Romani Prince

Chapter 29: Leaving the Ranch

Gertie isn't in the kitchen when I come down for breakfast.

Maggie, their cook, prepares me scrambled eggs while I sip on a hot cup of joe.

Usually so easy to talk to, Maggie doesn't seem interested in making conversation, this morning.

When I ask her about Jeremy, she says that he never showed up for breakfast.

I should be happy that I got what I wanted... I am leaving. But I hate it that it is all happening like this, with Gertie and Jeremy avoiding me.

I thank Maggie for everything and walk out to the porch, understanding that I definitely out welcomed my stay.

I rest my elbows on the rail and watch the movement around this never stopping ranch.

Once, again, I am leaving as I wanted, but what about Luka? He is coming here, isn't he? I just don't know anymore...

Where is he? I desperately need to find out.

Determined, I straighten up and step down the porch, heading to the breeding barn, down the hill.

Gertie is avoiding me but I don't care. I need to call Mina and find out if she heard from Luka.

Gertie is outside with some of the dogs in the fenced-in area.

"Good morning, Gertie."

She slightly jolts at the sound of my voice and turns to look at me.

"Oh! Good morning, Gaby. Are you all set?"

"Yes. And thank you for being so kind to me... Even after everything."

Her face softens a bit. "No worries, child. It was very nice to finally meet you, and I appreciate all the great new pictures for my website and the ranch. You do have a special talent."

I approach the fence with a bright smile on my face. "That means a lot, coming from you. I'm glad I could help."

I bite my lips, wanting to ask but not sure if I should... "Have you seen Jeremy, today?"

My voice comes out in a murmur when Gertie inches closer from the other side of the fence.

Her eyes study me with curiosity. "From afar... He didn't come back home, last night."

I nod slowly and whisper. "I know..." Because I stayed up for most of the night, waiting to hear his footsteps on the corridor.

Gertie narrows her eyes into slits, trying to see through me. "What really happened between you two?"

I blush, avoiding her eyes.

"More than it should have, from my part, but not even close with what Jeremy really wanted to happen."

I look down at my boots. The ones
that Jeremy gave me.

"He wants it all with you, Gaby."

Shaking my head, I whisper: "I wish... that there were two of me."

Gertie chuckles dryly. "But that's not possible."

Appreciating that she isn't making fun of my crazy comment, I drop my face into my hands.

"Why is this all happening to me? To us? It's so unfair! I can't stand seeing him in pain! It hurts me too much!"

Gertie places a hand on my shoulder and I look at her, hoping for an answer that makes any sense.

"You love Jeremy!" She looks and sounds astounded.

We stare at each other for a long moment.

"How could I not? But..."