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“Daniel found out what happened last night–everyone at my school did! But Daniel sent me a message asking if I was ok!”
“Oh wow. That’s nice.”
“Yeah. And like a private message, to just me. Not even in our group chat. That has to mean something, right?”
“I would think so,” I say flatly.
“What’s wrong? You don’t think Daniel likes me?”
“No, that’s not it. It’s just that guys can be hard to read. One minute, they like you; the next, they don’t. They like to play hero. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Daniel isn’t like that,” Mia snaps.
“You’re right. I’m sorry. It sounds very promising. Now, do you have a picture of him?”
She brightened up and showed me an album she had dedicated just to Daniel on her phone. He is a cute kid.
We finish our breakfast and drive the golf cart to the stables. Mia runs over to Shadow and gives her a big hug. The way she bends her head down into Mia is very sweet. I look around for Earl, standing alone by the fence, munching on some hay. He looks up at me, nods, and goes back to eating. We don’t share the same bond as Mia and Shadow.
“Hey there, ladies.” Manny comes out of the stable. “How’re you doing this morning? I heard there was a lot of excitement last night.”
“Yeah, there sure was!” Mia says.
“Yeah, it was pretty crazy. Travis went to the police station this morning with my brother.”
“Yeah, and Dad wanted me to come check in with you. Who’s ready for this afternoon’s ride?”
“Well, only 4 of the ladies say they want to go. This group isn’t the best at horseback riding, and I didn’t want to push it. I think you’ll have a lovely time. Just go easy on them.”
“Ok, great.”
“Yeah. Do you want me to come, or should I sit this one out?”
“I don’t know. I think you should come if you want to!”
“Ok, as long as we don’t get more riders, I’ll go.”
“Sounds good. We’re going back to the house for now. See you in a few hours!” Mia says to Manny and turns back to Shadow. “I’ll be back in a bit, sweet girl, and we’ll have a good time! Love you.” She kisses her nose.
“See ya later, Earl.” I wave.
We get back to the house, and I just feel like being alone. I guess that is the problem here–I have nowhere to go. I'm constantly interrupted if I’m out on the porch or in any of the common areas. Hanging out in Travis’ room alone doesn’t feel great. Maybe I am ready to go home with Ryder.
“What’s the matter?” Mia asks.
“Nothing, why?”
“You just seem quiet today. Maybe a little sad?”
“Oh, I’m just distracted. I’ve been in my head about this story I’m writing. I really need a quiet place to work on it.”
“You can use Dad’s office. I have the key.”
“Oh no, that’s ok.”
“No, really. He really, really wants this story to be a success. I’m sure he’d do whatever it takes to make sure you write something great.”
“Well, if you insist.” He’d do whatever it takes, huh? I contemplate blackmailing him for another night of kissing–but that’s a bad idea, right? Yeah, that’s a terrible idea. I won’t do that. But I could tell him one more kiss could make the story that much sweeter…no. No, I cannot say that.
