Raina was the next to text.
Oooh yeah.Did he show you his salt lick?
Gabrielle chimed in to team Raina..
I’m sure you were searching for an equally funny innuendo as Naomi, but I don’t get that one.
Naomi added.
Yeah.1/5 stars.And that single star is for effort only.
Raina replied with a bit of cheek.
Whatever.How was it hanging out with Mr.Mystery Moneybags?
With a deep sigh, I typed back my reponse.Because I knew they wouldn't let it go if I didn't.
He’s a very interesting man.Very patient.Peculiar.Wonderful with Sam and the animals.A mistreated mare showed up and turns out she’s pregnant.So emaciated though.I question whether the foal is even viable.
Look at you speaking like a rancher after only a few hours.Next, you’ll be telling us you helped muck stalls and milk the cows.
Naomi joked back.
I rolled my eyes.
No cows.And no stall mucking.Sam and I just brushed the horses and got to know them.She’s in her element though.Didn’t want to leave.
Gabrielle texted next.
I bet.Kid is a natural with animals.Always has been.
I was grateful for the change of topic.Sam was much easier to discuss than the handsome Italian man with a yard full of animals.
Raina messaged next.
I’m home tonight.Wine in 30?
We all texted back “Sure” at the same time.
Sam came out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her hair, and her pink and purple tie-dye robe on.“Let me guess, you’re going for wine at Aunt Gabrielle’s?”
I smirked.“Smart-ass.”
“I’m going to go read until bedtime.”
“You’re sure?I’m sure Laurel would love to see you.”
Sam got a weird look in her eyes that said more than what her lips did.
I sat down on the kitchen island bar stool since we had no table in our little carriage house apartment over Gabrielle’s garage.“What’s going on?”
Her gaze flicked to the floor.
“Samantha Jean St.Claire.”
She nibbled on her bottom lip, so I lunged forward, reached for her hand, and hauled her over to stand in front of me, giving her arm a little shake while still holding onto her hand.“What’s going on?”
Finally, she lifted her eyes to mine.“I feel bad.Laurel, Honor, Austin, and Marco are now getting teased because of me.People are saying their cousin is a freak, and they’re probably freaks too.”
