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“Yep.”

She hung up unceremoniously as if she hadn’t been terrorized the night before. Meanwhile, I refocused on my morning rides. In the fresh air of the small outdoor arena, I worked Doobs in near silence. In the large arena, a woman in her fifties did serpentines aboard an impressive grey gelding—a warmblood Piper longed to own.

As I put Doobs through his transitions, I thought about getting Piper a horse like that—something she could grow on. I knew it was all she wanted. I needed to get good money for Opal at this show if I was ever going to make good on that promise. The pressure was on as I tucked my stallion away with some fresh hay and turned to find Chloe and Piper.

“Ta-dah!” Piper said with jazz hands.

Chloe was the surprise, standing in a pair of jeans and pink ostrich boots.

“What is this?” I asked, scratching my head in confusion.

“An attempt to fit in at your lesson today,” Chloe laughed. “Did it work?”

“To be determined,” I answered.

“We went shopping on the Internet and they delivered the goods,” Piper said. “What do you think?”

I looked Chloe over, worried that when she turned, I’d struggle not to stare longingly at her ass in these painted-on jeans.

“The boots are ridiculous,” I said.

“That’s fine because these are my fun pair,” Chloe said.

“She bought a pair for showing, too,” Piper added.

“They were so cute. I couldn’t resist,” Chloe pulled up her jean leg to show off her new wares.

I shook my head. “If it’s your money, boss lady, it’s not my problem. As long as you’re happy, I’m good. Now, do you want to tack up your horse?”

“I could, yeah,” Chloe said. “I’ll be back to ride with the other ammies in a bit.”

“Piper, you want to ride with us?”

“Can I take Mack out? Or have you gotten to him?” Piper asked.

“He’s an afternoon ride, so feel free to take him. If his owner says that is fine.”

“School is out. We almost got swept away last night. I’ll allow it,” Chloe said.

People dispersed as I saddled my new greenie-du-jour, a quarter horse named Joy. The way she pinned her ears made her name seem more like a threat than anything. She needed confidence, better socializing, and a steady hand—not unlike me right now. I found myself shaky, even as we entered the arena.

Time to pretend you’re cool.

Piper walked Mack on the rail. My two new clients, Jenny and Tova, two moms of riders under Riley’s tutelage, were tacked on their own mounts. It turned out that western saddles were a bit easier to swallow for somewhat nervous horse moms. To her credit, it was Chloe’s suggestion that Jenny try a western saddle if she was worried about getting dumped and Tova aped whatever Jenny did. It was the easiest money I’d make today.

Chloe arrived, nearly vaulting onto Opal’s back the same as always. I watched, brow furrowed, before gently adjusting Joy’s girth. She was a terrible bloater, so I took great care to slowly secure the saddle.

“Why are you judging me, cowboy?” Chloe asked, one hand on reins and another on the cantle.

“You just throw yourself up there without a second thought.”

“I am used to mounting a horse eight inches taller than she is without a second thought,” Chloe said. “You’ve got to be a bit of a gymnast.”

“You should do it, dad!” Piper giggled.

I rolled my eyes. “Piper, if you are going to participate, you can’t take it out on me.”

“Fine, fine. I’m only here because school is out.”