Chapter 41

“So I might not see you again until the tournament.”

He looked sad. “Can I email you, at least? Or maybe call you before then? If you want.” He shoved his hands in his pockets, looking young and vulnerable.

“I’ll email you if I need anything.” I walked backward. “You take care, Sam,” I said before turning toward the stables. I had to prepare the stalls for horses, and it would do me a lot of good not to think right now.

* * * *

Memorial Day was rainy and miserable. It suited my mood since I’d decided not to contact Sam at all and wait until the tournament to talk to him. It had been the longest month of my life, but I’d needed to clear my head and get some things straight, once and for all. The day before the competition, I gave Bulldog the weekly report, then deliberately cleared my throat.