“What time’s your flight?” she asked Sam.
“Nine-thirty.”
“That’s when my barrel race is,” Lara said.
“I’ll get Amy or Brandon to drop me off early so they don’t miss it,” Sam said.
“I can take you,” Amy told him. Darcy’s ute would tow the horse trailer and Brandon, Matt and Ed could ride with them so they didn’t miss any of the excitement of Lara’s first gymkhana.
“But you’ll come and watch, won’t you Ames?” Lara asked.
“I wouldn’t miss it,” she promised as the others came back into the room. “But we won’t all fit in the one car.”
She studied Brandon’s face. He didn’t seem particularly impressed. As he sat, he leaned closer and murmured, “The guy’s no help. He ransacked the place because he owed a guy a favour and isn’t naming names.”
Would the sabotage stop now he was in gaol?
“What are we doing this afternoon?” Lara asked.
Darcy sat next to her. “You are going to catch up on the schoolwork your teacher sent out for you.”
She pouted. “Do I have to? I’ll be back at school next week.”
“And you’ve missed an entire week. Everyone’s been working on a big project and you need to pick a topic.”
“I can help if you need it,” Brandon offered.
“Cool!”
Brandon seemed to expand at Lara’s excitement. Amy’s heart squeezed. He really was a sweet man. She was glad he and Darcy were on better terms.
“Well, my lovelies, I’ve got to be going,” Georgie said, standing and placing her plate and mug in the sink.
“Do you have to?” Lara asked.
“Yeah, La La. I can’t remember what state I left my house in.”
“I can help you clean it.”
Georgie hugged her niece. “Thanks for the offer, but I’ll be fine. The place isn’t big, so it won’t take me long. Besides, you’ll see me tomorrow at the gymkhana.” She hugged her brothers and then Sam. “Next time you’re up this way, let me know and I’ll get you on one of our tours.”
“Sounds great.”
Georgie turned to go and Lara said, “You didn’t hug Uncle Matt.”
Georgie scowled at Matt. “That’s because Uncle Matt thinks I’ve got girl germs.”
Lara laughed. “No, he doesn’t.”
What was going on? Georgie and Matt were normally good friends, always teasing each other, but friends nonetheless. Matt rolled his eyes and stood. “Don’t miss me out, Freckles.” He opened his arms.
She hugged him quickly. “There. Now I’m off. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Amy got to her feet. “I’ll walk you out.” When they were clear of the house, she asked, “Did you and Matt fight?”
Georgie crossed her arms. “He told me that flirting with Sam was inappropriate given the fact my parents just died.” She growled, “How dare he try and shame me!” Her anger disappeared and she added softly, “He’s so clueless, he drives me crazy sometimes.” The misery in her friend’s voice made Amy study her.
“You like him.”
