Lou knew that it would be futile for her to stand around and wait for Kid to return. Besides, the longer she had to sit around an think about it, the more frustrated she became. He had no right to treat her like that! So little trust and thought about her feelings. Now he knows how I felt about Samantha, and Doritha! She chuckled to herself with a satisfied smile forming on her face. Unfortunately she knew that he probably wouldn't even consider that. It was strictly his feelings that he was thinking about, not her's, and not the past.
So much time had passed since Kid had ridden away, and it was darker than dark out there in the distance. The only light came from the windows of the few homes and saloon not far down the street. Louise found herself starting to worry that Kid hadn't ridden back and come running to her wanting to make up and forget all about it. She took a deep breath and stood up, realizing how stiff she was from not having moved for at least two hours.
Dusting off her dress she headed into the bunkhouse and then stopped at the sound of approaching footsteps. Immediately she realized in all of her thoughts that she had forgotten one person......Bobby! She wheeled around and looked to see Bobby smiling warmly, dressed in a new clean suit, and holding some flowers. He extended his arm and greeted her. "Are you ready to dine, Miss McCloud?"
Every nerve in her body told her to decline and go running in to meet with the other riders, still, something inside of her wanted to go out with him again. She liked Bobby, and maybe this might just be good for her. Obviously Kid wasn't interested in her anymore, or else he would have been back by now. She smiled warmly and took his arm. "Why yes, thank you."
They strolled into town, picking up their conversation almost where it had left off earlier. Still, inside Lou was feeling torn and ashamed. Deep down she wanted to confess everything to Bobby right there on the spot, but her stubbornness led her on. This was one fight Kid was NOT going to win........well, at least not yet anyway.
"So," Bobby began after a moment of silence in the restaurant. "Who was that young man that I saw earlier today?" His tone made it appear that he was just curious, but it was obvious to Lou that there was more behind the question. She started to tell the truth, but then thought better of it. "Oh, he's just one of the fellas I work with."
"Oh, I see." He replied. "And what is it exactly that you do?"
Lou wondered if she should tell him the truth. Then she remembered where she was and that the walls had ears. What if one of the town gossips heard her confess her true identity? It could mean the end of her job. "Well, it's the Pony Express station here in town, and I run errands here and there. Help take care of the horses, that sort of thing." She desperately wanted to change the subject. "So, do you have a business meeting or something in the morning?" She asked, trying to sound interested.
"Well, actually I don't have anything going on until the next day. And I was kinda hoping we could spend it together. Maybe go for a mid-morning ride, and have a picnic lunch? We really do have so much to catch up on, Louise."
He spoke so sweetly that Lou felt her face flush. Kid was certainly sweet too, but there was something added to Bobby that made it different, could it be because with him she could be a girl all-the-way? It sounded silly, but it was the only thing she could figure.
When she didn't reply he reached across the table to take her hand. There was a sickening feeling in her stomach when he touched her. Like she had just committed the ultimate act of betrayal. But she took one look into his shining emerald green eyes and suddenly felt nothing. "That would be wonderful." She said before she noticed that the words had escaped her mouth.
"Then I shall pick you up at ten." He added squeezing her hand gently than releasing it right before the waiter came delivering their steaming food.
"Thank you again, Bobby." Louise said as she walked up the steps to the bunkhouse. She noticed how dark it was inside, so she whispered, hoping not to wake the other riders and bring about all sorts of questions; questions that she knew she wouldn't have the answer to anyway!
He bowed. "You are quite welcome, and thank you." Bobby smiled before moving back towards the hotel.
"What have I gotten myself into?" She sighed before sinking down onto the steps.
Remaining there for almost a moment she gracefully carried herself towards the door. Opening it as quietly as possible, she searched the darkness for signs of which riders were sleeping soundly. Walking towards her bunk, she noticed that Kid was still not back. As hard as she tried, she couldn't convince herself that he was truly alright. But determined as she was, she forced herself not to be worried, instead concentrating her efforts on trying to be good and mad when he got home.
Slipping into the cold covers of her bed, she laid down slowly and placed her arm under her head, staring into the wall. It was going to be a very long night.
Rachel had seen Louise come home late the previous night with a young man that was obviously not Kid. She debating waking her the next morning after the other boys had already eaten and gone about their business. Rachel looked down at Kid's empty bunk and knew that something had happened between the two young lovers. She turned around and headed back outside, deciding that Lou probably needed the sleep.
Louise had heard Rachel enter, but didn't feel like answering any of the inquiries that she figured the head station mistress would have had. She rolled over and forced herself to sit up. It was getting late in the morning, and she was expecting Bobby soon.
Promptly at ten, the young banker arrived just as planned. He was once again dressed in a different suit, and Louise noticed that the black threads brought a wonderful contrast to his darker features. "I was thinking a picnic by the lake might be nice. One of the hotel managers said it's the finest spot in the area.
She smiled. "That sounds good."
As they reached the bank of the green waters, Bobby unfolded the blanket and placed it by the water's edge. The breeze blew softly, giving the perfect romantic atmosphere he had been looking for. "Sure is a lovely morning." He started.
She sat down and looked around, taking in a deep breath of the fresh air. "Sure is." As she tried to push the thoughts away, memories of that afternoon Kid had brought her down to this same lake, kept surfacing in her mind. She remembered the way she had playfully hidden his hat before they were about to leave, in an effort to stay there longer. She smiled at the way he had 'forced' the information out of her.
"Do you find something rather amusing?" Bobby asked at the distant grin on her lips.
"What?" She realized what had happened. "Oh, I'm sorry, just thinking about a friend."
He waited for a moment before he continued with his leading statement. "Louise, I have to talk to you about something important." Bobby waited for her to turn her full attention towards him.
"Yes?" She asked.
"Well, I know that you and I have not spent much time together over the past few years, actually none at all until yesterday. Still, I feel that I know you so well." He took a breath. "I was wondering, if you're not previously engaged, may I have permission to court you?"
Her look of surprise was not concealed. Although she had been enjoying his company and his warm, caring smile, she never considered for a second him being something other than a friend. Besides, she was not about to betray the man she truly cared about. Then why did I do what I've done here? I opened up this opportunity. She guessed that it was her own stubborn nature, refusing to let Kid make her cry or be upset. She had her own life too, and he wasn't going to run it! "Bobby, I......"
He stopped her by raising his hand. "You don't have to answer right away. Think about it for a few days."
Unknown to them, they had been being watched for several moments before he asked the question. Kid took the opportunity to walk forward from behind them. His face was not far from a glowing red. "She won't have to think for a few days, I'm going to answer for her."
On to Chapter Four
