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A look of glee crossed Emmett’s face. “Wait. Are you telling me you’re related to Hannah Campbell? She’s top of my list of junior riders to talk to.”
“I wish I could say I taught her everything she knows,” Drew said, “but I’ve learned just as much from her. I’m sure she’d be honored to meet you.”
Maisie followed a few steps behind as Drew led Emmett to the stall where Hannah was brushing down her horse.
“Hannah,” Drew said, “I want you to meet a fan of yours from Abilene.”
“Texas?” Hannah’s already flushed face grew more excited at this news. “Then you must be Mr. Walker, the legendary horse trainer.”
“Well, I don’t know about legendary.” The man’s cheeks turned pink, and he looked so pleased his buttons were about to burst. “Is it right you’re a senior in high school, Miss Campbell?”
“I am.” Hannah kept a hand on her horse as she replied, always mindful of how he was doing even as her attention was on the humans. Maisie recognized this as a sign of the girl’s natural talent with animals. “I’ll be applying to colleges this month, and there’s one in Texas that has a vet program I’m really interested in.”
“I know exactly the school you mean. And as it happens, I’m on the board of trustees.” Somehow Emmett stood even taller in his fancy boots. “Tell you what. I’d be happy to put in a good word when it comes time to apply. Take my card, and if you move down my way, perhaps we can work out a deal. Your sister turned down a job offer last year, but I’m determined to have someone in your family help me out.”
Before Hannah could react, someone called Emmett’s name. He held up a hand, turning back to them with an apologetic expression. “I’m sorry I have to rush. But seriously, Hannah, let’s talk.”
“That was Emmett Walker.” Hannah stared at the card, obviously not quite believing it.
Drew tossed an arm over her shoulders. “That was a great ride!”
“Not enough to win it, though.”
“Better than I did at your age,” Drew told her. “Considering you’re still in high school, I have all the faith in the world that you’ll be back.”
Cord popped his head in to let Hannah know someone else was hoping to talk to her. She left, and Maisie and Drew were alone in the stall.
“Now what?” Maisie asked.
“The world is her oyster.” Drew swiped her eyes. “It’s weird, but I’m so damn excited for her.”
“It’s not weird at all,” Maisie said. “But that wasn’t what I meant. We have one last night in Vegas. Should we have dinner at the Eiffel Tower and relive our first date?”
Drew put a hand on her chin, but Maisie could tell she was only pretending to think it over. “What if I told you I had something else in mind?”
“Okay, as long as it isn’t going to visit Cheryl and Donna at the Food Expo. After that fake dairy incident last year, I still have bad memories associated with it.”
“I think I can be a little more romantic than that. Do you trust me?”
Maisie gave Drew a wary look. “I hate it when you say that.”
“Why?”
“The last time you accused me of not trusting you, we ended up buying a fainting goat.”
“I thought you’d love that.” Drew held her hands out like she had no idea why Maisie wasn’t pleased. “The viewing numbers have been through the roof.”
“He still hasn’t fainted!” Maisie pressed. “Do you know how many comments I’ve gotten from impatient viewers? Those people are brutal.”
“Imagine how many likes you’ll get when he finally comes through,” Drew said in her most soothing voice.
“He ate one of my boots!” Maisie stomped her foot, which was safe and snug inside a perfectly good boot and, therefore, did not give quite the emphasis to her slightly exaggerated claim as she might’ve liked.
“It’s only a matter of time until he lives up to his reputation, and with the webcam we’ve got on him, he’ll do it for a live audience.”
“Here I thought I was the gimmicky one.” Maisie shook her head but couldn’t help laughing.
“If I tell you my plan for tonight doesn’t involve goats of any kind, will you say yes?” Drew checked her phone. “Answer quickly. Our ride is waiting outside.”
