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“He’s an Internet superstar. See!” Piper giggled, catching up with Chloe.

“I didn’t ask for that!” I called. “I told you to stay off social media.”

“Good luck,” Riley chuckled. “Our barn is full of influencers. That’s Chloe’s bread and butter. Our best working student met her because she saw him doing Broadway choreography while horses slept in crossties.”

Oh, wonderful!

“He’s gorgeous,” Chloe cooed, rubbing Doob’s jaw until he stuck his tongue out in sheer happiness. “Oh, you’re such a sweetie.”

“He’s a stallion,” I said. “And I know⁠—”

“We have two stallions on the property,” Chloe said. “And I’m about to host another one. He’s showing in North America. It’s my bestie’s husband’s prospect. It’s no big deal, honestly. We’ll take him on. He’s gorgeous. What is this? Sabino?”

“Technically, his papers will say ‘overo’ but yeah. He’s a sabino.”

“He’s gorgeous. And he’s done breeding for the season?”

“We didn’t stand him this year. He’s only 3,” I answered. “So, no worries.”

“Cool. Yeah, we are set up to handle it on a small scale, but we’re not a breeding operation per-se.”

“So which ones are we talking?” Riley asked.

“Well, if you didn’t mind taking the kid’s horses and the stud, I’d be pleased as punch,” I admitted. “Beyond that, I’m going to try some things⁠—”

“We can take seven right now,” Riley said. “But I called a barn up the way, and they have space for a few more.”

“Really?” I asked.

“It’s a small operation. But the owner was sad to hear we had clients in trouble,” Chloe answered. “And when we have stalls come available in a month or so when the Lamplight Crew goes south, we can take them in.”

“Five of these are client horses,” I said. “I’d pay you if… well, I don’t want this to be an act of charity.”

“It’s not,” Chloe said, “It’s me trying to help another horse girl and her family out. If you want to reimburse us for the client horses, do so at the rate you’d charge them for board. We’ll call it even.”

“I am sure that wouldn’t cover all your expenses⁠—”

“Don’t worry about it,” Chloe said. “Honestly. I want to do this. I can help and I will.”

“She’s super stubborn!” Riley laughed. “You’re better off arguing with a wall.”

“We don’t even have a way to take them to yours. Our trailer is toast. It was found in pieces two miles down the way.”

“We have a five-horse LQ and a six-horse semi,” Chloe said. “We can drive them up.”

“Probably Monday,” Riley said. “If you’re gonna help me, Chlo.”

“Yeah, sure, I can,” Chloe answered. “That works. I’ll trail you.”

“We’ve got a show in the morning Friday, so it needs to be before then.”

“We can do any day, really,” I said, “We’ll make it work. Thank you for helping and I promise we'll be ready to go. You really did not have to do this.”

“We were called to,” Chloe said. “Don’t worry about it. I am sure you either have or will someday pay it forward, too.”

9. A GOODBYE

CHLOE