Silver Spurs by Miralee Ferrell Page A

cleaning it once it’s done.”
    Kate grinned. “Oh, but think about all those yummy eggs and that fried chicken.”
    Tori shuddered. “That’s awful! Poor little baby chicks. They’ll grow up and end up on someone’s barbecue.”
    Colt laughed. “Where do you think the chickens come from that are in the store?”
    She frowned. “That’s different. You don’t hold those cute fluff balls and give them names.”
    Colt rolled his eyes. “And I’m not going to give them names either, you goof.” He lifted his hand in a brief wave, then gave an impish smile. “Later, guys. Have fun cleaning stalls without me!”
    He ducked out of the way before Kate’s slap could connect with his arm, then jogged down the alleyway toward the outer door, laughing the entire way.
    â€œBoys.” Tori pulled Kate toward the stall that housed Melissa’s horse. Once they had snagged the wheelbarrow, pitchfork, and rake, they entered the stall, and she swung to face Kate. “What gives?”
    â€œHuh?” Kate blinked. “What are you talking about?”
    â€œYou got all quiet after Melissa cleared that jump.” She studied Kate. “But not until after I clapped, and Colt said she did a good job. Are you jealous of Melissa?”
    Kate squirmed, finding it hard to meet Tori’s probing gaze. She grabbed a pitchfork and dug into a pile of manure mixed with sawdust, then tossed it into the wheelbarrow. “We’d better get busy. Melissa could be here any minute.”
    â€œNo way.” Tori snatched the fork from Kate’s hands. “Not until you tell me what gives. I’ve never seen you like this before. You don’t get mad at the kids at school even if they make a snide remark. I’ve seen you be kind to her more than once since she’s arrived, and now you’re acting all weird. Is it because I was happy she didn’t fall off her horse again?” She crossed her arms and tapped her foot.
    Kate hung her head, feeling horrible that Tori had figured it out. No way could she lie. Besides, what would God think if she did? She already felt bad enough that she’d allowed jealousy to put her in a bad mood, without adding anything else to the pile. “Yeah, I guess so.”
    Tori relaxed, and her arms swung to her sides. “So you thought I’d ditch you for Melissa? Seriously? I mean, why would I do that? You’re my friend. Just because I was happy she didn’t get hurt doesn’t mean I want her as my new best friend.” She snorted a laugh. “I can’t even imagine what that would be like. We’re about as far apart as two people can be.”
    â€œNow isn’t that the truth?” a voice drawled from the alleyway a split second before the door rolled open and Melissa paused at the entrance, Mocha behind her on a lead. Kate wanted to crawl off into a pile of straw and bury herself. She could imagine what Tori must be feeling right now. What rotten timing. Tori had been joking. She’d seen it on her friend’s face, but Melissa wouldn’t know that. More than anything, Tori had hoped to assure Kate of her friendship and loyalty. She’d accomplished that, but Kate was mortified that Melissa had overheard.
    Melissa’s eyes blazed, and she stood as stiff as the pitchfork handle. “I can’t imagine being friends with either of you, or why you’d think I’d care to be. As for being happy I didn’t fall off my horse, that’s ridiculous. I’m a better rider than the two of you put together, or that silly boyfriend of yours.”
    Kate’s tongue finally loosened. “Colt is not a boyfriend. He’s a nice guy who was happy you weren’t hurt, like we were.”
    â€œIt’s pretty obvious how happy you both are.” Melissa’s lip curled. “If I did get hurt before, then I wouldn’t be here showing you up with