“Interesting,” Edna said, taking the plate from Imogen and adding a cookie to sit beside the muffin. “On the house. That Marshall, he’s a handsome fella.”
Flattening her mouth as she took the plate, Colette shrugged, feigning disinterest to distract from the way her cheeks heated. It was hard for anyone not to notice Marshall.
“I guess,” she replied awkwardly. “I’m just there to work on the books. I don’t really see him that much.”
Edna nodded, her eyes flaring with interest, then turned to watch her daughter.
Imogen poured her a coffee into a butter-yellow cup and placed it on the counter next to the treats.
“Well, don’t be a stranger. We love meeting new people here. I was just sitting with my friends over here while my daughter managed the front. Imogen runs the place.”
Her daughter beamed proudly, smoothing her hand over her light blue apron.
Colette nodded, picking up her order and searching for an empty table.
“Come to my table. I’ll introduce you to my friends. Nothing is worse than moving to a new town and not knowing anybody,” the older woman said warmly.
Though she had just come for breakfast, Colette was charmed by Edna and agreed that meeting more of the members of the small town would probably be helpful. It was lonely being the only woman living on the ranch.
“Colette, meet Betty,” Edna pointed to a woman in a leopard print sweater with thick, black-rimmed glasses and bright red lipstick.
“Welcome, Colette,” the woman said with a warm smile.
“…And this is Edith,” Edna said, indicating a frail woman with a floral turban wrapped around her head. “She’s married to Jack. You might know him already.”
“Yes, I met Jack,” Colette said, happy to make the connection. “Nice to meet you, ladies. I won’t disturb you.”
“Nonsense! You must tell us how you like living on the ranch,” Betty said, pulling out a chair next to her. “I’ve heard that grandson of Clarence’s is having a hard time. Especially since Agnes left.”
Colette sat, aware of her coffee cooling on the other table as their conversation continued.
Oh well.
She’d rather have cold coffee and hot gossip any day.
Edith shook her head. “I never expected Agnes to just leave like that.”
“Yes,” Colette agreed. “Agnes was vital to the running of the ranch; I can tell you that.”
Edna leaned in close, her voice quieting. Watching as the other women huddled with her, Colette followed.
“I think she has a boyfriend. Why else would you abandon your life here? What does Mexico have that Rosebud doesn’t?”
The three older women nodded, their eyes wide.
“Really good margaritas?” Colette laughed at her own comment.
The women turned to her in silence.
“She’s right. The Dusty Spur is not famous for its cocktails. I still think she met someone. I can’t think of a better reason to leave town than a sexy affair,” Betty said, fanning her face. “I bet you it was a younger man.”
Edna and Edith nodded simultaneously.
“Have any of you heard from Agnes?” Colette inquired, her curiosity piqued. “I mean, when we spoke, Marshall made it sound like she left with little warning. Does that sound like something she would do?”
“Gosh, no,” Edna piped up. “But Agnes always kept to herself. We invited her to our weekly bridge games, and she wasn’t interested. I didn’t take it personally. I just assumed she was busy doing her own thing.”
“Well, I took it personally,” Betty said. “So we didn’t chat much.” Betty rested her cheek on her closed fist and stared at Colette with curiosity.
