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“We can talk about the business,” Chet said. “But I need to work things out with her myself.”

Jason looked at him a moment, then pushed away from the fence. “I’ll get Lola.”

“Thanks.”

While he waited, Chet tucked his water bottle beneath the rail. Misty nudged his elbow, and he rubbed the soft spot between her eyes.

He hadn’t meant to hurt Lydia. He still wished she could see why he’d gone to Jason first. The business mattered. His friendship mattered.

So did hers.

She’d stood in front of him and tried to explain that, and he’d answered by telling her why he’d been right.

He drew a hand down his face.

“That went well, didn’t it?”

Misty sniffed his shirt pocket.

“No treats in there. Sorry.”

Jason returned with Lola and led her into the paddock. The mare walked beside him with her usual unhurried steps. Misty watched until Lola lowered her head near the fence, then went back to investigating Chet’s pocket.

“She thinks you’re holding out on her,” Jason said.

“She’s used to Lydia.”

He hadn’t meant to say it. Jason glanced at him but let them pass.

Chet picked up the pad again. This time, he stayed beside Misty and held it low enough for her to examine. She sniffed, then turned her attention toward Lola.

He touched the corner to her shoulder.

Her skin twitched beneath it. He took it away, rubbed her neck, and waited.

“Good girl.”

On the next try, she kept her feet still. Chet let the fabric rest against her a little longer before he lowered it.

Jason stayed near Lola. He didn’t offer advice, and Chet was grateful for it. He needed to pay attention to the horse in front of him.

When Misty accepted the folded pad along her shoulder, he moved it a little higher. She took a step. He went with her, keeping his movements easy, then paused until she stopped.

He tried again.

This time, the pad settled across her back.

Chet held still. Misty lifted her head, ears working, but she didn’t move away.

He rubbed her neck with his free hand. “There you go.”

Jason smiled from beside the fence. “Look at that.”

Chet took the pad off before asking more of her. He wanted to end here, while she was quiet and he could call it a good session.

“That’ll do for today.”

He led Misty toward the gate while Jason brought Lola along behind them. For once, he made it all the way to the barn without looking down the drive.