She knew you were no good, from the top of your hat to the toe of your boot. She knew that sneaking you around was no good. She was Ace-high as you liked to put it. You were some amount the willows cowpoke with a savior complex.

Her mother didn’t know, especially not with how busy the woman was. Mel was left to the manor with her thoughts. You’d sneak over the fencing wait for her.

“Back so soon?” Mel smiled from her window. Her mother was out on business. Mel dotted in gold jewelry and her deep red dress.