Page 46

“Oh, yeah. People have been posting about it all afternoon.”

Well, so much for blending in. Apparently, her days of being known around town as just Edith Sparks’ niece were coming to an end.

Rissa picked up her fork again. “I heard they want to film at some of the businesses in town. Do you think they’ll come to the school too?”

“No,” Grady said immediately, his tone leaving no room for argument.

His daughter stared at him. “You don’t know that.”

“I know there are hundreds of underage students in that building. No production company is walking into the high school and pointing cameras at kids without the school district and their parents signing off on it.”

Amanda agreed with him completely. “I don’t even know where they want to film yet, but I agree with your father. The school is off-limits. I’m there to do my community service, not turn the kids into part of the show.”

Rissa’s disappointment was obvious, but it didn’t last long. “Well, I still think having the show here is cool. Will people be able to watch you film?”

“Of course. If we’re filming somewhere public, people can stop and watch. It happens all the time. As long as they stay out of the crew’s way, it’s not a problem.”

Rissa grinned. “That still sounds more exciting than what usually happens around here.”

Grady let out a snort. “Give it a week.”

By the time everyone finished eating, Amanda was pleasantly full and more relaxed than she’d expected to be after the day she’d had. Grady and Edith remained at the table, chatting, while she and Rissa cleared the dishes.

She carried the lasagna pan to the counter as Rissa followed with an armful of plates. “Do you have any plans tomorrow?”

“Not really. Just some more editing of my latest book.” She set the pan beside the stove. “Why?”

“Do you want to go horseback riding with me?”

She turned toward the teen, completely taken aback. “Horseback riding?”

“Yeah. I volunteer at a farm outside town that takes in horses and other animals that need rehabilitation. I usually help out on Saturdays, and they’ve got a few horses we can ride.”

The invitation brought back memories of the summers Amanda had spent in Antelope Rock. She’d ridden several times during those visits, but it had been years since she’d climbed into a saddle. “I haven’t been on a horse since I was a teenager.”

Rissa shrugged. “You don’t forget how.”

“I’m pretty sure my backside might disagree with you afterward.”

Rissa laughed as she set the plates beside the sink. “So, is that a yes?”

Amanda considered it for all of two seconds. Riding through the Wyoming countryside sounded like a wonderful way to spend a Saturday.

“Sure. Why not?”

“Great. Maybe you can find something to film out there for your show.”

“Not a bad idea.” A farm that rehabilitated horses and other animals was exactly the kind of place that could make a great segment for Life, Restyled. She’d have to see it first, but if the owners were interested, she could mention it to the producers.

Once they finished loading everything into the dishwasher or leaving it in the sink to soak, Amanda followed Rissa back into the dining room and reclaimed her seat at the table. The teenager sat down across from her, then turned to her father. “Dad, you’re off tomorrow, right?”

He nodded. “Yeah. Why?”

“I just invited Amanda to go horseback riding with me. You should come too.”

Amanda glanced between them as the realization dawned. Oh, the little sneak.

Grady’s eyes narrowed on his daughter. He’d caught on just as quickly.