Setting the Pace

by Bonnie Bryant

  Stevie’s jaw dropped. Was she the only one who was still convinced that Lisa’s move wasn’t going to happen? “Fine!” she snapped. “If you’re ready to give up on Lisa, go ahead. But I’m not.” Whirling away, she stomped off toward her room, dreading dinner.

  FOUR

  Lisa speared a bright orange ravioli with her fork and bit into it, grimacing as she realized it wasn’t heated all the way through. Dropping her fork onto the cardboard tray, she stood up with a sigh and headed for the kitchen to nuke it a little longer. “Stupid microwave directions,” she muttered, dumping the fork onto the counter. “If they aren’t telling you to burn it to a crisp, they’re leaving it half frozen.”

  She shoved the tray into the microwave and turned it on, punching the buttons a little harder than necessary. Aside from the whirring of the microwave’s motor and the distant chatter of the TV, the house was very quiet. Lisa’s mother had left earlier that day on her New Jersey house-hunting odyssey, and Lisa’s mood had been going downhill ever since. She couldn’t seem to stop imagining how her mother’s trip might go. With the way things were going lately, she would probably find some perfect, amazing house right away. Maybe she would even put an offer on it before returning home on Monday. Then it would be a done deal, and there would really be nothing more for Lisa to do.

  Not that there’s a whole lot I can do as it is, she thought sourly, leaning on the counter as she waited for her food to cook. She couldn’t seem to think of one thing she could do to change her mother’s mind.

  The microwave beeped at almost the same moment the phone rang. Lisa quickly pulled the tray out of the oven and then grabbed the phone. “Hello?” she said, realizing too late that she should have let the machine get it. It was most likely her mother calling to check in, and Lisa had no interest in talking to her at the moment.

  “Hey, it’s Carole. What’s going on?”

  Lisa smiled in relief. “Hi,” she said, licking tomato sauce off her finger. “I was just having dinner.”

  “Oops! Sorry. Do you need to go?”

  “No, that’s okay.” Lisa tucked the phone between her ear and her shoulder and grabbed the microwave tray and her fork. “I can talk, as long as you don’t mind if I chew in your ear.”

  “Deal,” Carole agreed. “Because the phone is busy at Stevie’s house, and I just have to tell someone what happened today. Luckily Dad is already easing off on the phone ban.”

  “That’s good,” Lisa said, feeling a little sad. Soon Carole’s grounding would be over. But how long would Lisa have to enjoy hanging out with her friend before her mother yanked her off to snowy New Jersey? “Um, so what happened?” she asked, trying to take her mind off that.

  “It’s Callie,” Carole said. “I ran into her today in town, and I’m kind of worried.”

  Lisa ate her dinner and listened as Carole described the way Callie had acted that day at the feed store. “Weird,” she said when her friend had finished. “What do you think that was all about?”

  Carole sighed. “I don’t know, but she really seemed upset. Almost angry. And I don’t think it had anything to do with me. You know how intense she can be. What if she’s decided already that Scooby isn’t the right horse for her?”

  “Do you really think that’s it?” Lisa said, remembering how excited Callie had been about her new horse. “I mean, maybe she was just in a bad mood or something. Some people get cranky around the holidays anyway.”

  “I guess.” Carole didn’t sound convinced. “I’ll have to see how she acts tomorrow at the stable, if she shows up.” She sighed. “Anyway, what’s new with you?”

  Lisa didn’t really feel like getting into her own problems just then. “Not much,” she said quickly. “Hey, did you figure out a gift for Cam yet?”

  “Not yet,” Carole said sheepishly. “Actually, just this afternoon I started going through some old photo albums for inspiration.” She laughed self-consciously. “You know, looking for hints of what kind of stuff he might like.”

  “Any luck?”

  “Nope.” Carole sighed loudly into the phone. “I don’t know what I’m going to do. On the one hand, I can’t wait to see him again, and four days seems like forever. But on the other hand, four measly days doesn’t seem like nearly enough time to figure out this present thing.”

  Lisa made understanding noises, though she couldn’t really work up much sympathy for Carole’s plight. I know she’s new to this relationship stuff, she thought. But really, what’s the big drama about this gift? Cam loves her—he’d be perfectly happy if she just went out and bought him a nice sweater or a new wallet or something. Or even if she just cooked him dinner.

  Besides that, she couldn’t help feeling a little resentful. Here she was, possibly only days or weeks away from leaving Willow Creek for good, and all Carole could seem to talk about was some stupid Christmas gift for her boyfriend.

  Lisa immediately realized she wasn’t being fair. How could her friends know how she was feeling if she didn’t tell them? She opened her mouth to tell Carole about her mother’s trip to New Jersey, which she hadn’t mentioned yet. But at the last second, she decided against it. What good would it do to rehash her problems? It would only make Carole feel just as bad as Lisa was feeling, and Lisa didn’t want to do that to her.

  Besides, she thought sadly as she and Carole said good-bye and hung up, what more is there to say?

  Callie poked at a glazed carrot with her fork, her stomach churning at the mere thought of trying to eat it. She hadn’t had much appetite for food lately. Just about the only thing she could stomach was microwave popcorn, which she’d been sneaking at night after the rest of the family had gone to bed.

  “Callie?” her mother said, glancing at her. “Are you okay, honey? Do you want some potatoes?”

  “No,” Callie said. Noticing her mother’s raised eyebrow, she quickly added, “Um, thanks. But I’m really not that hungry today.”

  She forced herself to smile blandly until her mother’s attention returned to whatever it was that Callie’s father had been talking about for the past fifteen minutes. Then she sighed and returned her gaze to her plate, feeling tired and very much alone, even sitting there with her parents and her brother. Her lack of sleep was making her moody, and she was afraid her family was starting to notice. Scott had been shooting her curious looks at odd times, and she could tell her mother was starting to worry about her, too.

  Still, she couldn’t seem to help herself. The nightmares were coming every night. Even in her waking hours, odd thoughts kept intruding at random times. The image of George holding a hoof pick would pop into her head while she was loading the dishwasher. Or she would suddenly think about the way Scooby had rolled his eyes at George while she was brushing her teeth or dumping her clothes in the laundry hamper.

  When am I going to get over this? she wondered wearily, feeling frustrated and helpless. When is my life going to go back to normal?

  Stevie gritted her teeth as Nicole cleared her throat and politely asked for a second helping of shrimp. It already felt as if dinnertime had gone on for days, though when Stevie sneaked a peek at her watch, she realized with a sinking heart that they’d only been at the table for about fifteen minutes.

  “Here you go, Nicole,” Stevie’s mother said with a smile, passing the bowl of shrimp.

  “Thanks!” Nicole accepted the dish and helped herself to a generous serving. “This whole dinner is really great, Mr. and Mrs. Lake. Thanks again for having me.”

  “Don’t be silly!” Mr. Lake replied in his most jovial tone. “It’s our pleasure. Any friend of Alex’s is always welcome here.”

  Stevie rolled her eyes. She couldn’t believe the way her whole family was making such a big, fat fuss over Nicole. They were acting as if they’d never had a guest for dinner before—or at least not one they liked so much. It was making Stevie want to gag.

  It’s not as if Nicole doesn’t get enough undeserved attention at school, she thought sourly. Ma
le attention, that is.

  “More water, Nicole?” Stevie’s older brother, Chad, said, reaching for the pitcher at his elbow. “That shrimp is pretty spicy.”

  Nicole giggled, even though Chad hadn’t actually said anything funny. “Thanks, Chad,” she cooed, holding out her glass. “That would be great.”

  With difficulty, Stevie held back a snort. Chad had been a love machine wannabe since he’d first discovered girls at age thirteen or fourteen. Now that he was a college sophomore, he still tended to act like a goofy adolescent when an attractive girl was in the room. And he wasn’t making any secret of the fact that he thought Nicole was attractive.

  Not that Chad’s behavior is any huge surprise, Stevie told herself, scooping up a forkful of rice and shoving it into her mouth. The faster she ate, the sooner this painful meal could be over. He’s always been a major hound dog. Still, I would have expected better from Mom and Dad. They’ve always loved Lisa—how can they act so happy about having Nicole here in her place?

  Somehow Stevie managed to survive the next twenty minutes without either telling Nicole off or hurling on her own plate. Finally her father pushed his chair back and excused himself to go and watch the news. The rest of the family took that as a cue to scatter. Stevie’s mother corralled Michael into helping her clear the table, Alex and Nicole headed for the basement rec room, and Chad wandered aimlessly into the hall.

  Stevie followed him. “Well,” she said sarcastically when they were out of their mother’s earshot. “Congratulations. You actually managed to avoid drooling all over yourself. Well, mostly, anyway.”

  Chad grinned. “Stuff it, Stevie,” he said cheerfully. “Nicole’s hot, and you can’t deny it. So sue me—I noticed.”

  Stevie grimaced. “There’s more to a woman than how she looks, you know,” she snapped. “Like personality and brains and stuff like that.”

  “Whatever.” Chad shrugged. “Anyway, what are you getting on my case for? Alex is the one who’s seeing her, not me.” He smirked. “Bummer for me, huh?”

  “Get a life,” Stevie mumbled, though her heart wasn’t really in it. Chad was right. Alex was the one she was really annoyed with.

  She sighed and turned away as Chad loped up the stairs. Then she wandered back down the hall toward the kitchen. Before she got there she passed the half-open basement door. Hearing strange noises coming from behind it, she glanced over.

  She immediately wished she hadn’t. Alex and Nicole hadn’t even made it down the stairs. They were standing only a few steps down. Nicole’s back was pressed against the wall and her hands were wrapped around Alex’s waist. He was kissing her passionately, one hand buried in her hair and the other…

  Stevie shuddered and turned away quickly, hurrying past the door before they noticed her presence. She stopped and leaned against the wall, feeling sick to her stomach.

  For the first time she considered the possibility that this wasn’t just some passing fling. Maybe Alex really did like spending time with Nicole. Maybe he really was moving on rather than just marking time before he could get back together with Lisa.

  But they have to get back together, Stevie thought hopelessly, wrapping her arms around her waist. They have to!

  She couldn’t stand the thought that her brother might not be in love with Lisa anymore. How could someone’s feelings change so drastically, practically overnight? And what would Lisa say when she found out? How would she feel if she wanted to get back together and Alex didn’t?

  Then again, maybe I’m totally overreacting because of what I just saw. Stevie stood up a little straighter, feeling a flicker of hope. I mean, like Chad said, Nicole is hot. Maybe Alex is just getting a little carried away because all his guy friends think he’s a big stud now.

  She smiled, liking the idea. Alex had always been a sucker for flattery, and Nicole was awfully good at flirting and making guys feel like big shots. Plus, with Chad and Michael and probably every other male he knew telling him how lucky he was—well, it was no wonder Alex was acting like Nicole was the girl of his dreams.

  But he’ll get over that the second Lisa decides she wants him back, Stevie assured herself. I’m sure that’s all it will take to wake him up and make him realize who he really cares about. Then it will be Nicole who will have to deal with rejection.

  She almost smiled at the thought. Almost. Then she glanced toward the basement door and shuddered slightly instead.

  FIVE

  Stevie slipped the reins over Belle’s head, keeping a grip on them with her left hand as the mare danced in place. “Okay, girl,” Stevie said firmly, stepping up on the mounting block near the outdoor schooling ring. “Hold still.”

  She grabbed some mane and swung into the saddle. Slipping off one glove, she reached down to double-check her girth. Her fingers began to go numb almost immediately, and she quickly pulled the glove back on.

  “Whew!” she muttered, wishing the indoor ring were free. Max was giving a private lesson in there at the moment, and another set of students was due as soon as the current rider was finished. “Chilly out here.”

  Belle blew out a snort, her breath visible in the cold air. Stevie urged her forward, heading for the open gate of the schooling ring.

  Soon she was inside, bending her horse as Belle walked around the ring. The horse settled down to work almost immediately, though she tossed her head at every gust of wind.

  Stevie gave her a pat as she turned her to the inside. “This gives the term warming up a whole new meaning, doesn’t it, Belle baby?” she commented to the horse.

  Deciding it was time to trot, Stevie lifted herself into two-point position to give the mare’s back a chance to warm up. She signaled for the change in gait, but Belle stumbled. Stevie lost her balance and landed hard in the saddle. “Whoa!” she exclaimed, startled by the impact. She gritted her teeth, keeping her temper and reminding herself that it wasn’t the horse’s fault. If she’d been properly balanced, she would have been able to hold her position better. Reaching down to give Belle another pat, she blew out a slow breath. “Sorry about that, girl,” she murmured.

  She gathered her reins and tried again. I’ve got to focus, Stevie thought. Belle and I haven’t gotten as much work done during break as I’d hoped, and we only have a few days left.

  Now that Stevie thought about it, it really had been a busy week or two. And she’d expended an awful lot of energy worrying about her friends’ problems, particularly Lisa’s possible move and her breakup with Alex. And the really depressing thing was, both problems just seemed to get worse and worse as time went on. So far Stevie hadn’t been able to do a thing to help solve them. With a grimace, she forced those sorts of thoughts out of her head and signaled again for the trot.

  This time they made it more than halfway around the ring before Stevie’s mind started to wander and Belle decided that meant it was time to break down to a walk and suddenly lower her head to rub it on her leg. Stevie jerked forward and almost came unbalanced again.

  “Ugh!” she exclaimed, regaining her seat and fishing for the stirrup she’d lost.

  She sighed. Enough was enough. She was riding like a rank beginner, and Belle wasn’t the kind of horse to let her get away with it. Reluctantly, she decided it would be best for them both if she called it a day right then and there.

  “Sorry, girl,” she said with a quick pat, turning the mare toward the gate. “I don’t think we’re up to a schooling session right now. How about a nice long turnout instead?”

  The horse flicked her ears back, which Stevie took as an assent. Dismounting, she led her horse into the stable entryway. Just inside, she found Maureen talking with George.

  “Hey,” Stevie greeted them both. She turned to Maureen. “I decided to turn Belle out instead of riding her today,” she explained, feeling slightly sheepish. “Um, which pasture should I put her in?”

  Maureen shrugged. “Take your pick,” she said. “Max and Red have lessons scheduled all day, so most of the horses ar
e in. The only troublemaker out right now is Geronimo, and he’s in the back paddock by himself. So why don’t you put her out front with Pinky and Topside?”

  “Okay.” Stevie glanced at Belle and smiled. The mare had a special fondness for Pinky, a fellow boarder’s quarter horse gelding. And Topside got along with just about everyone except Geronimo, Pine Hollow’s resident stallion. “Thanks.”

  Maureen nodded and returned her attention to George, who seemed to be telling her his life story. Stevie clucked to Belle and moved on.

  A few minutes later Belle’s tack was off and her turnout rug was on. Stevie led the mare back out of the stable and a short distance along the driveway to the large pasture that lay between the stable building and the road.

  Opening the gate, she led the horse inside. “Okay, have fun, girl,” she said, unclipping the lead line and stepping back. Belle stood stock-still for a moment, her ears pricked in the direction of the pair of horses grazing in the middle of the field. Then, with a snort, she trotted off toward them.

  Stevie watched her go, then turned and left the pasture, carefully latching the gate behind her. She walked slowly up the driveway, wondering what to do. None of her friends had arrived at the stable yet as far as she knew, and she was afraid that if she hung around waiting for them, Max would put her to work, probably doing something really fun like chipping frozen manure chunks off the ground or cleaning out half-frozen water tubs.

  As she approached the stable building, she winced, spotting Max himself standing just outside the big double doors and staring thoughtfully at the wall. For a moment she was tempted to slip past as quietly as possible—what if he was thinking of rustling up a volunteer crew to repaint the entire building or something?—but at the last second she felt guilty. There was an awful lot of work that went into keeping Pine Hollow running smoothly, and Max needed all the help he could get.

  She cleared her throat. “Hi, Max,” she said. “What’s up?”