Glenda turned to see who she was referencing. “Yes. His daughter Hazel arrived with him, but she chose to stay in her room at Dovie’s. The younger man with him is a business associate. His name escapes me.”
Spring planned to avoid the lot of them. By then, McCray had excused himself from Nelson and was making his way to where she stood.
Glenda said, “I’m going to see to my guests. Thanks for coming, Spring.”
“You’re welcome.” But the entire time she was focused on the advancing McCray.
When he reached her side, he said, “Evening, Spring.”
“McCray.”
“How are you?”
“Fine. You?”
“Fine, too. You look very nice.”
“Thanks.”
The man who’d asked her for directions to Paradise turned her way. He appeared surprised by her presence and nodded a greeting. She responded tightly in kind before returning her attention to McCray, who’d glanced over to see who she’d greeted.
“Do you know him?” he asked.
“No. I was at Regan’s home when he stopped to ask for directions to town.” Refocusing on McCray, she asked, “Did you get enough information from my brother for your story?”
“I did. He was very forthcoming. I thought he’d be here tonight.”
“He’d planned to but was called away earlier this afternoon. A rancher was kicked in the head by one of his horses.”
“How on earth did that happen?”
“Had something to do with a horseshoe and a dog nipping the horse . . .” She shrugged. “Idon’t know the exact details, but the man was kicked. His son rode over to get Colt.”
“Your brother stays busy.”
“He does.”
A male voice interrupted them. “Thank you for those directions.”
Spring sighed and looked up into the cold blue eyes of the speaker. “Glad you arrived safely.”
“Name’s Avery Jarvis.”
“Spring Lee.”
Jarvis eyed McCray. “And you?”
“Garrett McCray.”
“This your little lady, McCray?”
“I’m no one’s little lady,” she responded icily, adding, “If you gentlemen will excuse me, I’d like to sample the buffet.”
At the buffet table, she picked up a plate. Randolph Nelson was there adding food to the plate in his hand. “You’re looking right lovely, Spring.”
“Thanks,” she replied, viewing the variety of dishes on display.
“I want to get with you about acquiring a few new mustangs.”