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After the horses had water and Chet had put the pad away, Jason headed out to make a call. Chet stayed beside Misty’s stall, checking the latch with his thumb.

His phone pressed against his leg through his pocket.

He took it out and opened Lydia’s name.

He could send her a picture of Misty. She’d want to know about the pad. Normally, she would’ve been the first person he told.

His thumb hovered over the screen.

But he could already imagine himself watching for her reply, then finding one more thing to send if she didn’t answer. She’d asked him for room to think. He couldn’t turn a training update into a reason she had to talk to him.

He put the phone away.

Beside the tack room door, Lydia’s spare gloves lay on the bench. One had fallen onto the floor. Chet picked it up and brushed the dust from the palm.

She’d teased him about buying gloves too big for her. Then she’d worn them anyway, folding back the cuffs so she could work.

He set them together on the bench where she could find them.

When she came back, he wanted to tell her about Misty. He wanted to hear how her day had gone. He wanted a chance to get past their argument.

He rested his hand on the gloves for a moment, then reached for the empty water bucket beside the door.

Next time she had a point to make, he could begin by letting her finish.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

A quiet knock made Lydia glance over at her door. She was more than prepared to send Jason packing if he even so much as poked his nose inside. But when the door opened to reveal Rylee, Lydia brightened.

Well, as much as she could considering the circumstances.

“Hey, how’s it going?” Rylee’s face was all concern. She moved into the room and sat on the edge of the bed. “Tate said you didn’t want to come to family dinner because of some stuff that’s gone on.”

Lydia snorted. “I don’t believe for one second he hasn’t told you why I’m upset.”

Rylee grimaced. “He might have said a few things. But I’m not here to judge. I just wanted to make sure you were doing okay and see if there was anything you need.”

Not having a reason other than to avoid Rylee’s gaze, Lydia glanced around the room. This was what she’d been afraid of. She didn’t need to get everyone’s opinion on how she was handling her current personal spiral. Already, Wren had told her what she thought.

“Take a few days to mope. Let him know you mean business. Then clear the air. It’s the healthy thing to do.”

It really was annoying how her younger sister could be so smart one second and then so dumb the next. Hindsight being what it was, Lydia was certain that Wren wouldn’t be singing the same song if she was in the thick of it.

“I don’t need anything.” She drew up her knees and wrapped her arms around them. “I’m dealing with things the way I want to.”

Rylee’s frown deepened. “Whenever we’re struggling with something, it’s always best to find someone to confide in. Believe me, it’s no good to anyone if you hang on to whatever it is and let it fester.”

“It’s really not that big of a deal,” Lydia insisted, reaching for her book again to dismiss Rylee altogether. “Honestly, I’m fine.”

“Well, do you want to talk about anything?”

“No, thanks.”

“Okay. I get it. But just a thought. Maybe you should talk to Jason and Tate. Make sure they know where your boundaries are.” Rylee looked at her hands and then looked up with a shrug.

“I guess now’s as good a time as any.” Lydia stood up.

Rylee stood up as well, and she gave Lydia a hug. “They’re probably both at our house.”