Free Unbridled by Beth Williamson Page A

her from the cabin two hours later. There was only so much bottled water and lemon slices that would satisfy her growling stomach. She changed her shoes, rummaging through her things until she found her ratty white sneakers. They were at least comfortable and it didn’t matter if she got horse shit on them.
    The warm breeze caressed her face as she walked down the path. She followed the signs to the mess hall and realized it was the long building beside the house. Once upon a time, they’d used it for training the horses in the winter, but obviously that wasn’t necessary with all the barns and outbuildings that had been constructed.
    She walked into the building, pleasantly surprised by the delicious scents emanating from inside. There were long tables, bunk style, with cushioned benches. A few smaller tables were situated along the perimeter, likely for those who didn’t want to sit on a bench like a real cowboy.
    She didn’t want to eat with anyone. Alex could only hope she didn’t run into Connor or Claire. There were a number of people occupying the long tables, so she walked around those until she found an empty two-seat table in the corner. She was about to sit down when she realized the people in the mess hall were serving themselves from the buffet.
    Alex set her jacket on the chair to reserve the table and headed for the vittles. She walked the line to see what was available, then turned to go back to the beginning, and ran head-on into someone else. With a rather inglorious thump, she landed on her ass, clacking her teeth together so hard, her nose actually hurt.
    When she looked up, she saw an older woman with an impressive bosom, a smirk on her face and a red flannel shirt over a denim skirt. Her thick black hair was in a braid, then wrapped in a circle at the back of her head. Alex’s mouth dropped open when she recognized the woman.
    “Bernice?”
    “Hell, look what the cat dragged in. If it ain’t Alex Finley.”
    Bernice had been her mother’s choice, a woman who served as housekeeper, cook and conscience to everyone who lived at the ranch. She didn’t sugarcoat anything and was known for speaking her mind.
    She and Alex hadn’t always seen eye to eye on things, but Bernice had a good heart and always did what she felt was right. Even if it meant tattling on a thirteen-year-old girl who snuck out to ride under the moonlight with a boy.
    “Bernice, I can’t believe you’re still here.” Alex managed to get to her feet, even with a throbbing jaw and a sore ass.
    “A’ course I’m still here. Where else would I be?” Bernice pushed at Alex’s shoulder. “Look at you, all grown up. You’re the spitting image of your mama.”
    Alex nodded, knowing each and every day she looked in the mirror that she favored Katie Finley in every way except her eyes and her chin. Those she’d inherited from her father, like it or not.
    “What are you doing here after all this time?” Bernice eyed her with excruciating honesty. “And why do you look like shit?”
    “If you don’t mind, I’d rather eat before we talk. I haven’t had anything today and I’m hungry enough to eat my own cooking, which is saying something.” It would also give her time to gather her thoughts before Bernice yanked every smidgen of information out of her.
    “Hell’s bells, then you’d best eat then before you keel over. Plates are over yonder; trays are next to them. Help yourself and find a seat. I’ll be there in a jiffy.” Bernice walked toward the kitchen, leaving Alex with her thoughts.
    She filled her plate with turkey and mashed potatoes, a biscuit and green beans with almonds. It looked and smelled so good, her mouth actually watered. She didn’t remember the last time she’d had real food, not nouveau cuisine or fast food or whatever David’s chef had made with mushrooms. Alex hated mushrooms and ended up eating a lot more junk than she should have simply because she couldn’t eat anything other than rice