Silver Spurs Page 10

  Each name was called, but Kate barely noticed. Her thoughts had flown ahead to Melissa’s dilemma, but as hard as she struggled, she couldn’t think of any way to make it better. Did she want to interfere? Melissa wasn’t a friend—and at times, Kate felt she was close to an enemy. But something about the girl’s reaction to her mother’s threat had melted the ice in Kate’s heart. She could only imagine what kind of person she’d be if she had a mother like that.

  “And second place goes to Kate Ferris riding Capri. Please walk forward and accept your ribbon.”

  A thrill ran through Kate as she realized they’d called her name. She looked around to be sure—maybe she’d only imagined it—but she saw Tori and Colt on the sidelines clapping and hooting, and her parents grinning not far from her friends. She nudged Capri forward and stroked the mare’s neck. “Thank you, big girl. You did it all. I just came along for the ride.” New gratitude swelled in her chest that God had brought this horse into her life.

  Kate accepted the red ribbon, not caring that it wasn’t a first. She’d only been half paying attention during the first several minutes of the class, so it was a wonder she’d placed so high. She rode from the ring, reining to a stop as she reached her parents, Pete, and her friends. She held up the ribbon. “My very first one.”

  Mom patted Kate’s leg. “And I’m sure it won’t be your last. You and Tori can be proud of the progress you’ve made since you started riding. Your dad and I are proud of you too.”

  “Yeah!” Tori hugged herself. “And I have you guys to thank for it. If it wasn’t for Mr. Gray, I wouldn’t have gotten a chance to ride in a class at all.”

  Kate slipped from the saddle and beckoned to the small group. “You guys want to follow me back to my stall?”

  Her mom and dad exchanged a look. “Can we stop by in a bit, Kate? We need to get outside and check on the next class that’s starting.”

  “No problem. I’ll talk to you later.”

  Kate listened to Tori and Colt’s excited chatter with only half an ear tuned as she considered the startling idea that had popped into her mind. What would her friends think? Or was she crazy?

  They paused in front of Capri’s stall, and Kate removed her horse’s bridle, then slipped a halter over her head. “Anyone got any carrots?”

  “No carrots, but I did make a fresh batch of horse treats.” Colt whipped a baggie out of his back jeans pocket with a flourish. “I thought you might want some, and since your breeches don’t have pockets …” He took a cookie out of the baggie and held it out to the mare. “Yeah, you did a good job, girl,” he told Capri. “Only one more class, and you’ll get to eat to your heart’s content.”

  Kate drew in a wobbly breath. “Well, that’s true, but it might not be exactly what you’re thinking about.”

  Colt’s and Tori’s heads swiveled her way, and both of them stared.

  “Huh?” Tori planted her hands on her hips. “Did you decide to switch classes or something? You aren’t going to try a jumping class, I hope. You’ve only taken one lesson, and Mrs. Jamison said you’re not ready.”

  Kate waved her hand. “I know I’m not. I’d look stupid out there if I tried, and I’d probably end up on my head in the dirt. No, nothing like that.”

  Colt paused, the baggie of horse treats still in hand, and Capri stretching her neck toward them. “Then what?”

  “Well …” She’d better just spit it out. “I was thinking about dropping my class and loaning Capri to Melissa, so she can still compete.” The words came out in a rush, and Kate held her breath, wondering what her two friends would say.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Tori stuck a finger in her ear and jiggled, then pulled it out. “I don’t think I heard you right. Did you say you want to loan Capri to Melissa so she can still compete? Are you crazy?”

  Colt wagged his head. “It’s a nice thought, Kate, but she’s never ridden Capri. It would probably be a disaster.”

  Kate’s determination wavered. She’d been so certain her friends would agree. After all, they’d been more friendly and open toward Melissa than she had been over the past few weeks. Now her thoughts drifted to the rest of the show. Getting a second place set her up for possibly earning the silver spurs. If she took two more classes and got a first in both, she might have enough points to win. “Um ...”—she looked from Tori to Colt—“I guess I’m feeling sorry for her. Tori, did you tell Colt what we heard earlier?”

  Tori nodded, and her face fell. “I do too, Kate. But it’s not right for you to give up your chance to show just because Melissa’s horse got injured. That’s not your fault.”

  “But you heard what her mother said. She’s going to talk to the vet about giving Mocha some kind of shot for the pain so he can still compete.”

  “And you heard Melissa say she won’t ride him.” Tori crossed her arms over her chest. “She’s not your responsibility, Kate. She’s been rude to you ever since she started boarding here.”

  Colt sobered. “It’s supernice of you, but I don’t see how it could work, no matter what.”

  Kate wanted to laugh. Her friends didn’t know her very well if they thought they could talk her out of something she thought was best once she’d made up her mind. In fact, arguing with her was only making her more determined to follow through with her plan. But had she made up her mind completely? Was it the right thing to do? Melissa had been rude at times, and even though she was kind to Pete, she’d never acted like she really wanted to be friends with any of them.

  Was Tori right that it wasn’t her responsibility to fix Melissa’s problem? Yeah, Tori had a point. Did Kate really want to give up the chance of winning the silver spurs, even if it wasn’t likely to happen? She’d dreamed of this day for a long time—competing and winning ribbons on her own horse. Now she was considering throwing that away, and for what? A girl who didn’t deserve it?

  Kate studied Colt’s and Tori’s concerned faces. “I get what you’re saying, I really do. And mostly I agree.”

  “Good. I’m glad that’s settled.” Tori brushed her hands together. “Now let’s groom Capri and get her ready for another class.”

  Kate shook her head. “Hold it. I’m not done. I said I mostly agree. That’s not the same thing as totally agreeing.”

  Colt groaned, but there was a twinkle in his eyes. “Girls. They can be so weird.”

  Tori elbowed him in the side. “Boys are worse. Now hush, and let Kate talk.”

  He grinned and held up his hands in surrender. “All right, all right. I know when I’m outnumbered.”

  Kate fumbled with the girth on Capri’s saddle, wondering once again if she was being foolish. “You’re cooled off enough now, girl. You can get a little more to eat, and I’ll groom you soon.” She slipped off the saddle and placed it outside the stall door, then led Capri into the stall and released her. The mare headed straight for the corner feeder.

  Kate pivoted and faced her friends, who stood in the open doorway of the stall. She walked outside and slid the door shut behind her. “We need to keep our voices down so no one overhears us. I’m glad Capri’s stall is clear down at the end, and the next class doesn’t start for an hour.”

  “Yeah, we’re missing the novice hunter-jumper class outside right now.” Tori’s usually serene face was creased in a scowl. “Hurry up and say what you’re going to say, Kate. Then let’s go get something to drink and watch for a bit before you need to groom and tack Capri up again.”

  Kate’s heartbeat calmed. She knew what she was supposed to do now, and nothing was going to stop her.

  Tori and Colt reluctantly followed Kate as she went in search of Melissa. Colt sported a cheerful grin as though their mission were perfectly normal, but Tori couldn’t seem to completely rid herself of her frown.

  Kate understood. She’d probably feel exactly the same if Tori had wanted to loan Mr. Gray to Mel
issa and give up any chance of competing, but somehow it wasn’t the same. Kate had won a red ribbon and was content. This show had never really been about winning the silver spurs; it had been about having fun with her friends and enjoying her horse. Now she had a chance to help someone else live her dream, and she wasn’t going to abandon that.

  Colt nudged Tori with his elbow. “Cheer up. I’ll bet Melissa will say no anyway. It’s not like she’s ridden Capri before. She’ll see that it’s not a good idea and turn Kate down. Then Kate will feel better that she offered, and she can still ride in her next class.”

  Tori perked up. “Right. So true. Okay, I feel better about this now.”

  Kate rolled her eyes but didn’t reply. She had a feeling it would end differently, but she wasn’t going to argue. “Let’s check Mocha’s stall first. I can’t imagine she’d still be there, but you never know.”

  “She might be guarding Mocha so no one can give her a shot of painkiller.” Tori grimaced.

  “I’m telling you guys, the vet wouldn’t do something like that,” Colt insisted. “It’s not ethical, even if Melissa’s mom insisted.”

  “Shh.” Kate held up her hand. “No using names. No telling who might overhear.”

  They checked the stall, then moved outside and split up, going from one place to another, hoping to spot Melissa. Finally Kate bumped into her dad. “Where’s Pete? I thought he was with you all afternoon.”

  “Melissa found us. She said she can’t ride the rest of the day and asked if she could take Pete to get a snow cone, so I let him go. Nice girl. Pete seems to like her.”

  “Yeah.” Kate winced, but she reminded herself of her decision. She wouldn’t let Pete’s attachment to Melissa sway her to give up doing the right thing. Jealousy wasn’t something she wanted to wallow in, and she pushed it away. “We might need her for something. Can we bring Pete back to you if she ends up being busy?”

  “Sure, kiddo. I’ll hang out here in the shade and wait for you, just in case.”

  Kate jogged off across the grass, weaving around children munching hot dogs and parents hollering at little kids not to wander off too far. She could see the concession stand not far ahead and veered that direction. The line was at least ten people deep, with others milling around. Great. She jumped up in the air, hoping to spot Melissa’s blonde hair. She wouldn’t be wearing her helmet, and there weren’t many people in full riding gear in the line, so she should be able to spot her.

  Two people left the window holding a snow cone each, and Kate heaved a sigh of relief. Melissa leaned down and tucked a napkin into Pete’s hand. Kate quickened her pace as the two turned and headed the opposite direction. “Hey, Melissa, hold up. I need to talk to you.” She’d track down Tori and Colt after she explained things to Melissa.

  The girl swung around, her hand resting on Pete’s head. He didn’t pull away or flinch but concentrated on his icy treat. “Kate. Does your dad want me to take Pete back?”

  Kate slowed to a stop. “Maybe. I mean, I’m not sure yet.” She huffed a breath between her lips. “Sorry for acting weird, but I need to ask you something.”

  “Whatever.” Melissa raised one brow and stared.

  Kate gritted her teeth. The girl wasn’t making this easy. “I kind of heard a little of what your mom said in the stall.”

  “You were eavesdropping?” Melissa’s stare changed to a glare.

  Pete’s face scrunched up, and he slapped himself in the forehead two or three times. “Don’t get mad. Don’t get mad. Don’t get mad.”

  Melissa’s face instantly softened, and she knelt beside the little boy. “I’m sorry, buddy. I’m not mad. I’ll be nice to Kate, okay?”

  “Yes. Be nice. Don’t get mad.”

  “Okay. Will do.” She stood and pressed her lips together in a tight line. “Well?”

  Kate shivered. She’d allowed the first thing that came to her mind to blurt out instead of thinking this through, and now she’d blown it. “I’m sorry. I was coming to tell you I was sorry about Mocha’s injury. I couldn’t help but overhear that your mom was upset about it … and that she wanted you to find a way to finish your classes.”

  “You could have left and not kept listening.”

  Kate nodded. “I know, but I was afraid you’d hear me leave and think I’d been spying on you. I’m really sorry.” At least she’d kept Tori’s name out of it.

  “Then you also heard me tell her I can’t ride, and that’s the end of it.”

  “But you want to, right?”

  Melissa’s face paled, but her gaze didn’t waver. “What do you think?”

  “That I asked a stupid question. I’m sorry.”

  “Quit saying you’re sorry and get to the point. Why are you telling me any of this? You could have gone on your way and never let me know, and we’d both be a lot happier.” She kept her tone low and her voice controlled, shooting a glance at Pete, who continued to munch on his snow cone.

  “Because I think I have a solution.”

  “What? Shoot my horse up with painkillers like my mother suggested?” Melissa planted her hands on her hips.

  Pete looked up and started to rock back and forth. Kate touched his shoulder. “Should we go find Dad, Pete? Want to see what Dad’s doing now? I think Rufus is with him. You could hold his leash and lead him around.”

  “No. Don’t get mad. Be nice.”

  “Okay, will do.” She stroked his hair, loving the fact that he didn’t pull away. If it wasn’t for her little brother, Melissa would probably have stormed off by now and never spoken to her again. Not that it would be a big loss if she did, but Kate was determined to finish this and have her say. “I have an offer to make, if you’ll listen.”

  “Fine. Make it,” Melissa said in a deceptively soft voice.

  “My horse Capri has a lot of training, but I’m not a good enough rider yet to use her to her full potential—in fact, not even close. She can take up to four-and-a-half-foot jumps. The lady who used to own her rode her in a lot of shows.”

  Melissa’s eyes rounded. “She sounds amazing. But what does that have to do with me?”

  “I want to loan her to you so you can compete in the classes you’d need to qualify for regionals.”

  Melissa stared open-mouthed for several seconds. “Why would you do that? Is this some kind of prank? If I say yes, then you’ll snatch it away from me and go off laughing to tell your friends?”

  Kate winced. She couldn’t believe Melissa would think she’d do something like that. “No way. I’m not that kind of person. I mean it. I want to help.”

  “But why?” Melissa bit her lip, but not before Kate saw it tremble.

  What could she say? That she’d heard the girl sobbing and felt sorry for her? That she thought she had a mean mother and didn’t think Melissa should have to suffer at her hands? She doubted Melissa would appreciate either of those reasons. “Because it’s the right thing to do.”

  Melissa regarded her suspiciously. “And you always try to do the right thing, is that it? Are you some kind of do-gooder or what? This isn’t making sense. I’m betting you’re entered in at least one other class. Why give that up for me?”

  Kate fought back her frustration as all the questions started to build. Couldn’t the girl say yes and thank you instead of putting her through an inquisition? Sheesh. Right now she wanted to stomp off, find Tori and Colt, and tell them they were right. “Honestly, I’m not even sure why. You haven’t been the easiest person to be around since I met you. You’ve been bossy and demanding and not very friendly. I guess I’m doing it because I’m a Christian. Trust me, if I totally followed my emotions, I’d have walked off and not looked back. But I have to live with myself.”

  “So you feel sorry for me, is that it? I’m a charity case to you now?”

  Kate rolled her eyes. “Get off it, Melissa. Why is it so hard
for you to accept a favor that’s offered instead of being all high and mighty about it?”

  Melissa crossed her arms over her chest and dropped her voice to a near whisper. “Because people don’t offer favors unless they expect something in return. What do I have that you want, Kate?”

  Kate blinked, not sure she’d heard correctly. “Are you kidding me? Is that what you think? Not a thing. I didn’t come here hoping to get something out of you. I figured you might have a chance of winning if you rode Capri, and that’s it. Simple. No hidden agenda. If you can’t handle it, then I guess that’s your problem.” She held out her hand to her brother, knowing he’d never take it but wanting to do something. “Pete, let’s go find Dad and Rufus.”

  “Hold it.” Melissa’s urgent voice halted Kate where she stood. “You’re right. I haven’t been overly nice to you. I guess recently I’ve been jealous that you have such a nice mom who wants to be involved in what interests you, and a sweet brother to take care of—not to mention owning a place where you can ride and practice anytime you want to without having to pay.” She grimaced. “But I appreciate you offering me your horse, even if I don’t get it. I don’t think it would work, though. I’ve never ridden her, and I doubt she’d perform for a stranger.”

  Hope and excitement surged in Kate. “I’ve got that all worked out. Your class isn’t for another couple of hours, right?”

  Melissa nodded.

  “There’s a practice arena set up in a pasture not far from the show arena. Have you seen it?”

  “Sure. Most of the competitors use it to warm up their horses before the jumping classes. I took Mocha over a few jumps there.”

  “So ride Capri in the warm-up area. Get the feel of her without jumping for the first ten minutes or so, then take her over one low jump. See how she responds, then decide if you want to take it any further. Would you be willing to do that?”