Darcy shook his head. “Not today.” He gave Lara a hug and then he rushed out of the house.
Lara frowned. “What’s going on?”
Nuts. They had hoped Darcy would be gone before she woke, and she’d assume he was working. “Your Dad has some things to do.”
“What keys did you give him?”
Faith hesitated and Brandon walked in. “I need a shower before I go,” he told Faith.
“Go where?” Lara asked.
He spotted Lara and winced. “Morning, La La. I’ve got a meeting in town.”
She pursed her lips and her eyes narrowed. “Why didn’t you go with Dad?”
“Don’t know how long I’m going to be.” He threw Faith an apologetic glance and continued out of the room towards the bathroom.
Great.
Lara carried her cereal over to the table. “What aren’t you telling me?” Amy walked in. “Ames, why are Dad and Uncle Brandon going into town?”
“Brandon has a meeting,” Amy said. “He didn’t want Darcy to have to hang around until it finished.”
“For what?”
“Business.”
Lara’s frown grew deeper. “Ridge business?”
“Yeah.”
“Then shouldn’t Dad be going as well?” she demanded. Her hand clenched her spoon in a death grip.
Faith didn’t want to lie to her, but maybe she could distract her. “You’ll have to ask him when he gets back,” she said. “We should start our treasure hunt soon.” The sky was clear of clouds.
Lara scowled. “I’ll get changed.” She flounced out of the room.
Faith let out a breath. She hated keeping secrets from the girl.
Brandon returned, kissed Amy and said, “I’ll call as soon as I’m done.”
“Be careful,” Amy told him.
They would probably be fine, but someone had tried to run Faith over, so she couldn’t help worrying.
“I’m going treasure hunting with Jay,” Lara announced when she returned a few minutes later, both hands on her hips and her gaze one of pure defiance.
Faith suppressed a wince. What could she say to make Lara less angry? “I’ll join you in a minute.”
“No. You’re not invited anymore.” She stormed out of the house.
Faith exchanged a glance with Amy. “She’s hurt.” Perhaps they should tell her the truth. Her worrying for a few hours was better than her feeling left out.
“Maybe you can change her mind. I’ll fill a backpack and you can take it over. Go get changed.”
Faith hurried to dress in her riding gear, and Amy handed her the backpack when she returned. “It’s got the radio, water and snacks in it.”
“Thanks.”
