Chapter 144
"Hey Mom, I'm finished with my chores. How are you feeling? Is your back any better?" Claire asked.
Tess was out of bed and sitting at the kitchen table. "I'm doing a bit better, I was able to take a hot shower which helped some. The stiff chair seems to feel better than the couch or my bed," Tess explained.
"I'm glad you got a shower at least. Do you want me to get you the remote or anything?" offered Claire.
"Actually, I left my phone on my nightstand and my laptop is on the coffee table. I would love it if you could grab those for me," requested Tess.
"Sure." Claire gathered the items for her mother. "Do you need anything else?" Claire went into her room and started changing her clothes.
"I'm okay. Thank you. Where are you headed now?" Tess called.
"I'm going riding out on the meadows on the Killarney border."
"That sounds nice, is Xander meeting you there?"
"Uh, no, Blake is actually. He wanted to ride before he had to leave tonight and go back to his mother's."
"I see. Is this a date with Blake, Claire?"
"Um, I'm not really sure. I had suggested he and Xander come riding, he said Xander was busy but that he would still like to come."
"Do you want it to be a date?" asked Tess
"I'm not sure, I think so? I liked Blake before, and I was upset when he didn't notice me. I talked with Aunt Jodi, and I decided it wasn't a big deal if he didn't notice me like that. Then I decided to just treat Blake as a friend, since I didn't think he liked me like that. We hung out together, just the two of us, for most of the party yesterday. We just played cards and talked, but I had a really fun time with him. He's actually really nice. He was sad because he doesn't get to ride horses at his mom's house, and he loves riding when he's at Killarney. He's happy that Stevie lets him borrow a horse whenever he's there. I just figured he should get one last ride in before he goes. I figured Xander would come too when I asked, but I guess I'm not upset that he isn't coming," said Claire as she realized it herself. "I guess I do still like Blake, but now it's not just because he's really cute, I like his personality too."
"Well, have fun with Blake on your possible date. Remember what Aunt Jodi and I have always told you. Don't do anything if you don't feel comfortable with it, even if he wants you to. You respect him and he respects you. If he doesn't respect you, he is not worth spending time with. Don't leave Drovers or Killarney property on your ride. Check in with me when you're back okay?"
"Okay Mom, feel better. I'm glad you brought Finn to the party yesterday. I love you. Bye!"
"Hey Blake." Claire was just arriving on Parker. "Sorry I'm late. I had to help my mom. Her back still hurts from the demo derby."
"Good on ya for helping your mom. Don't worry about being late. I haven't been here long," Blake said with a smile.
"So which way do you want to ride?" asked Claire.
"It doesn't matter. I'll go wherever you are. No wait. That's not what I meant. I mean you can choose where we ride." Blake laughed nervously.
"I know what you meant. Why don't we ride through Drovers toward the creek? There isn't much water right now, but it's still pretty. We can let the horses run for a bit before we get closer. Does that sound good?"
Blake just stared at Claire. She looks really pretty today, he thought to himself.
"Blake? Does that sound okay? Riding towards the creek?" repeated Claire.
"Um yeah, sure, sounds good."
"Great. let's go!' Claire pushed Parker into a run.
Blake pushed Boomer into a run and took off after her.