Page 108 of Quiver

“That’s the vibe we’re going for,” Kylie said sweetly as she hooked an arm through Mimi’s. “Remember, we’re trying to make sure I shine like some jewel in the rough. Fletcher’s bringing the authenticity and giving me a chance to stand out.”

Mimi offered a little hum of approval. “Fine, fine. Talia and Sophia might appreciate the grit of it all.”

Fletcher ground her teeth as she handed off the boards to Ava and Bex, who were arranging them between wooden stumps to form benches. Even under the best of circumstances, she didn’t love having this many people in her space, but this Mimi woman certainly amped up her tension more than the others.

“And I know Talia loves this area,” Mimi continued, oblivious to her annoyance. “She’s driving up tomorrow evening, and Ms. LeBlanc is flying into Burlington so they can be here Saturday morning. Can you believe this will all be over in one way or another two days from now?”

Kylie cast Fletcher a cryptic expression over her shoulder. She’d been doing that a lot lately, as if they could somehow communicate all their emotions telepathically even though they steadfastly refused to do so verbally.

“And the weather is going to be uncharacteristically warm,” Bex jumped in. “At least warm for Vermont in February. They’re predicting above freezing for the next two days.”

“I suppose all things being relative, I’d rather have warm for Vermont than cold for Vermont.” Mimi smiled warmly at Bex, which only grated on Fletcher’s nerves more.

“Let’s set up the targets facing the opposite direction than we normally do,” Fletcher announced brusquely. “We’ll be able to have the big door to the arena open enough to ride through, but little kids will mount up in here because we’ll be leading them along the shooting line.”

“Wait till you see the little ones,” Kylie said to Mimi. “The youngest one is only seven.”

“I certainly hope you look impressive next to him.”

She laughed. “You and me both. I’ll ride out first and take a single shot, then introduce the events, starting with this session’s class. They will all walk through the targets at a glacial pace, and then we’ll build up to some teens, who can steer themselves and shoot, followed by our intermediate group.”

“That’s you, right?” Mimi asked.

“She’s the best of the bunch,” Fletcher said.

Mimi didn’t even look at her, keeping all her attention on her superstar. “So, all you have to do is hit your targets and you win? You can hit all the targets, right?”

“She’ll hit them,” Fletcher said confidently.

“That’s the hope,” Kylie said, slightly more subdued.

“No, it’s the plan,” Fletcher corrected, causing both of them to finally turn and face her. “And if there’s anything anyone should know about Kye Manchester by now, it’s that when she gets something she wants in her sights, she doesn’t miss her mark.”

The corners of Kylie’s mouth curled up slightly, and even Mimi finally offered her a grudging nod.

“And what’ll your job be?” Ava asked, coming to stand next to Fletcher.

“I’ll introduce Kylie’s group and promote some upcoming classes. Then, after we crown Kylie the winner of her class, I’ll do a skills demonstration.”

“She’s going to shoot the qabaq,” Kylie said, a hint of pride creeping into her voice.

Ava raised her eyebrows. “At full speed?”

Fletcher shrugged noncommittally. “We’ll see.”

“It’d be quite a showstopping finale.” Kylie nudged.

“Drama?” Mimi asked. “You know how I love drama.”

“A little Broadway flash and clamor never hurt anyone,” Bex added.

“You’re the New York doctor, right?” Mimi turned her attention away again. Fletcher took the chance to unclench her jaw and walk back toward the barn. She’d almost made it to the tack room before Ava’s hand landed on her shoulder.

“Yes?”

Ava laughed. “You’re working awfully hard to pretend that woman doesn’t set your teeth on edge, which is a nice thing to do for Kylie.”

She started to turn away, but Ava caught her arm. “Have you talked to her?”