"Let's get you unpacked," Hailey says, already heading toward my trailer.
“There's a temporary paddock ready if you want to turn your horse out there for now. The big barn is a little further up the road past the main house. We can help you get her settled after we unload," Brook smiles. "Mom said you have a gorgeous barrel horse."
"That’s nice of her to say." I open the trailer and step in to back Rebel out. She's more than ready to be done with this ride and prances like she’s proving a point. "They say the way to a cowgirl's heart is to compliment her horse."
Brook chuckles. "Ain't that the truth." She looks Rebel over and gives a low whistle.
I laugh as we walk down to the field behind the cottage. There’s a small enclosure with an automatic waterer. I lead Rebel in and undo her halter. She trots around, bucks and kicks, then sniffs out the new territory. Soon, she settles down and starts eating.
We head back to the cottage, and they help me unload.
"This place is incredible," I tell them as we carry the last of my bags up to the porch.
"Back when Grandma decided they needed a guest house; Mom helped them remodel the cottage.” Brook explains. “You wouldn't believe who has stayed here over the years. Everyone from Hollywood heartthrobs to politicians."
The inside is every bit as inviting as the outside—hardwood floors, a stone fireplace, light paint. It's the kind of place that makes you want to kick off your boots and stay awhile.
"Kitchen's fully stocked," Hailey says, opening cabinets to show me where everything is. "Bathroom too. I left you a full product sample from my new line of apple-based skin-care products."
I cock my head. "Your what now?"
She blushes modestly. "I'm a master esthetician and I'm always mixing up something to protect against sun exposure—do you know what the altitude is here? We need to feed our skin all the glorious things it needs to be vibrant."
I look back and forth between the two of them. "Okay, that explains why you both glow."
Brook laughs. "That and the Snowcap Creamery in town—totally addictive!"
Hailey leans in and says quietly. "She says cream is good for the skin, but I keep telling her that's only when you put it on, not when you eat it by the pint."
"And I keep tellingher," Brook points towards Hailey, obviously having heard everything, "that you have to feed your skin from the inside out as much as you do from the outside in."
"You can lead a friend to ice cream, but you can't make her eat," I quip. Seeing these two and their easy back and forth makes me miss Jess. I'm giving her a video tour of this house tonight.
Brook throws her hands at me. "Thank goodness you're here. If we gang up on her, we might save her from a life without any happiness."
Hailey rolls her eyes.
Brook wrinkles her nose. "But seriously, if you need anything—and I mean anything—we're renting a house from the neighbor while he's deployed. We’re just over the ridge. Easy to find us."
Something flickers across Brook's face at the mention of the neighbor, but it's gone so fast I might have imagined it.
"Thank you," I say. "Both of you. This is really nice."
Brook smiles. “You’re welcome. We’re glad you're here.”
Hailey pipes in. “And we’re so glad you’re not a weirdo.”
I laugh. “You just met me, so maybe hold onto your verdict for a week or two.”
“Not necessary. Mom’s a pretty good judge of character.” Brook takes a seat on a bar stool.
Well, that’s good to know. “So, what do you do for fun in Gritstone?” I ask, ready for a change of subject.
Brook laughs. "Work."
Hailey shoots her a look. "Movies, bon fires, and there's a swing dancing club open on Fridays and Saturdays if you're into that sort of thing."
I look back and forth between them. "I wouldn’t mind going sometime.” I promised Jess I’d do something other than work while I was here.