Chapter 32

"You look better than the last time I saw you," Jen told her as Sam drove them to school.

"I feel better," Sam responded. "I felt horrid the last time you saw me."

"Well don't take this wrong, but you looked pretty horrid too," Jen laughed.

"Oh gee, thanks Jen," Sam grimaced. "I'm surprised Jake didn't run screaming from my house when he saw me."

"He must really love you not to," Jen teased.

Sam gave her a sharp look and started to laugh.

"Yeah I'd say he does," Sam couldn't help the smile.

"I'd say the feeling is mutual," Jen murmured.

"Oh yeah!" Sam nodded. "A lot."

"Good for you," Jen was serious. "He doesn't do anything for me, but if you love him and he treats you well, I'm happy for you."

"Then you should be very happy for me, Jen," Sam glanced at her friend.

Jen was smiling at Sam and Sam matched Jen's smile.

"That bad, huh?" Jen grinned.

"Worse," Sam admitted. "Totally, thoroughly." Sam sighed.

"Wow, that is bad," Jen laughed. "I am happy for you Sam. For both of you."

"Thanks," Sam sighed again and Jen snorted.

They drove a few more miles before Jen sighed.

"Oh, I meant to tell you that Linc's stallion arrived," Jen said.

"Oh Lord," Sam groaned. "Way to buzz kill my good mood, Kenworthy."

"Sorry," Jen turned to look at her. "It's gonna be bad."

"Already?" Sam asked.

"From the minute it arrived," Jen told her. "He was screaming and challenging everything including the geldings. Totally green and no training."

Sam groaned.

"Dad tried putting his foot down, but he can't say too much or Linc might kick us off the ranch," Jen murmured.

"I'm sorry," Sam said. "If the man had a lick of sense, he'd listen to your dad who has more experience in his pinky finger than Slocum will ever have."

Jen smiled briefly, thankful to her friend.

They arrived at the school and the two got out of the truck and started for the door. Sam slung her backpack over her shoulder. She was missing Jake. She'd had another dream about him. She still wasn't sure why she had those dreams and what they meant.

"You look pensive," Jen remarked, surprising Sam.

"Just thinking about some things," Sam said to her.

"Good things?" Jen asked. "You're not fretting about Linc's stallion are you?"

"No," Sam shook her head.

Ha! If Jen only knew what she was thinking of!

"You're not feeling sick again," Jen wondered, seeing Sam shiver.

"No," Sam assured her. "Just thinking of some things. I'm fine."

"I hope you're not having a relapse," Jen said.

"I'm not," Sam responded.

Jen gave her a look as if she wasn't sure Sam was telling her the truth, but let it pass.