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“Thanks, Cassie.”
She pauses, so I know what question is coming before she speaks. “Are you going to go?”
“I don’t know. Part of me really wants to. Not only because of Caleb, although it would be nice to not be in a long-distance relationship, for once. Tom Stradwell told me I have a permanent position waiting for me at theGazetteafter I graduate from RCC. But a degree from Clarkson would open up a lot more opportunities.”
It bothers me that’s the case, but I know it’s true.
“What’s holding you back, then?”
“I’d have to sell Matthews Farm. Clarkson gave me some financial aid, but I can’t afford to pay someone to take care of the horses and look after the property. But if I do that, I won’t have anywhere to stay during breaks.”
“You know you could stay with me. Or Caleb. Or apply to stay on campus. It’s a much bigger decision than that, Lennon.”
I exhale. “Yeah. I know.”
“I’m sure Caleb would…”
“He offered. But I…I can’t.”
“Why not? You know how rich his family is. Then you don’t have to pick one or the other. You can graduate from Clarkson and then decide if you want to keep the farm or not. See where Caleb gets drafted. Really think it through, before making a choice you can’t take back.”
“I don’t care how much money they have. This isn’t him buying me dinner. Horses are crazy expensive. We’re talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
Cassie isn’t as shocked by the amount as I’m expecting her to be. “That’s probably the interest his trust fund makes in a month.”
I’m not sure if it’s a joke or if she’s being serious. Caleb and I have never discussed exactly how much money he has.
“Are you worried you’ll break up? Is that why you don’t want to take money from him?”
“No, I’m not worried about that. Things are good between us.” I think back to last night and this morning. “They’re really good, actually.”
“You should think about taking him up on it, then. It’s okay to accept help.”
“Yeah.”
Ihaveaccepted help from Caleb. Many times. Money is different. To me, at least. Cassie’s family is nowhere near as wealthy as the Winterses, but they’re more than comfortable. She has a different perspective on it than I do.
“Text me when you’re back in Landry so we can hang out.”
“I will,” I reply, before hanging up.
When I glance at the field, I’m surprised to find it empty. Players are trickling out of the field house carrying bags and water bottles. I was talking to Cassie for longer than I realized.
“Hey.” Caleb smiles when he reaches me.
“Hey,” I reply, suddenly feeling shy. None of the crowd in the bleachers has dispersed. It feels like we’re on display, likeI’mon display.
“Who were you talking to?” Caleb asks.
“Cassie,” I reply. “I texted her about something and she called me back.”
“What did you text her about?”
I’m saved from answering by an unfamiliar voice.
“Never seen you leave practice on time before, Winters. Now I see why.” A tall, skinny guy with cropped blond hair has paused a few feet away from us, a wide grin stretching across his face.
“Your RBI could use some extra practice, Davis,” Caleb retorts.
