Read Online Comeback by Jessica Burkhart - Free Book Online Page A

everyone, but the insults have to stop.”
    Lexa reached out an arm and hugged Clare. “You’re brave.
     It’s not easy to do what you did.”
    Clare shook her head. “I should have done that a long time
     ago.”
    I hugged Clare too. “Again, I’m sorry things happened this
     way. Remember that we’re all here for you, and maybe we can get Riley on board
     with the idea that it’s easier to be civil than to talk nasty about each
     other.”
    Clare squeezed me. “We’ll see, huh?”
    The four of us looked at each other. Khloe was the first to smile, and
     soon the rest of us did too.
    â€œMaybe Riley and I will be friends by my
     birthday party and she’ll give me a treat and not a trick!” I said.
    We giggled.
    â€œI think that’s a good goal, Laur,” Lexa said.
    Clare got off the floor, stretching, and started to make her bed.
     “Breakfast, change clothes, then head to stable?” she asked.
    â€œDone,” I said.
    Khloe and Lexa added their yeses. By the time we walked to the common
     room, it felt as though a piece of Clare had disappeared. It had been replaced by
     confidence that was trying to break through the surface of the girl who’d always
     followed at Riley’s heels.
    â€œOh, check your Chatter, everyone,” Clare said as we walked
     into the common room.
    We pulled out our phones. I smiled as I read the update.
    CutieClare: Ready 4 trail ride w @DramaRama, @Lexaaa,
     @LaurBell, & @SwmerGuy. Xcited 4 @OfficiallyRiley 2 b back tmrw!

SHOE SHOPPING OF A DIFFERENT
     KIND
    I SNAPPED A LEAD LINE TO WHISPER’S
     HALTER and kissed her cheek.
    â€œReady for new shoes?” I asked. “They’ll be all
     shiny and pretty.”
    Whisper made wide eyes at me. She wasn’t a huge fan of being shod,
     but she always seemed to prance in her new horseshoes when the process was over. Since
     she needed new shoes every six to eight weeks, I was glad Whisper seemed happy in the
     end. We were next for the farrier. I’d made it to the stable in time to groom
     Whisper before her turn.
    After a breakfast of Lucky Charms and tea, the girls and I had gone back
     to Clare’s room and cleaned up our stuff. We’d changed, and I’d told
     everyone I’d let themknow when Whisper was finished and ready
     to be tacked up for our trail ride.
    I’d found a message from Drew when I’d checked my phone after
     breakfast.
    Drew:
    Glad u guys want 2 trail ride. If u don’t c me,
     msg me when Whisper’s ready & we can meet out front 20 mins afr
     that.
    I led Whisper out of her box stall to the front of the stable where Mr.
     Farley, the farrier, had his tools set up. He and Mr. Conner were talking.
    â€œAh, Lauren,” Mr. Conner said. “Brent, this is Lauren
     and her mare, Whisper. They’re new to Canterwood.”
    â€œNice to meet you,” Mr. Farley said, rubbing his hands on his
     leather apron. “You’ll be seeing a lot of me.” He smiled, showing tan
     lines on his face. I had a good feeling about him, which was critical whenever I let
     anyone work on Whisper. Mr. Farley had kind brown eyes that matched his buzzed hair.
    â€œIt’s good to meet you, too,” I replied.
    â€œWe want to make sure, Brent, that the hoof with a missing shoe
     isn’t tender,” Mr. Conner said.
    â€œLet’s get the mare into cross-ties and I’ll take a
     look,” Mr. Farley said, brushing a hand over his brow. He’d probably been
     shoeing horses all morning. His forearms werestreaked with dirt,
     and he had a trash can full of hoof clippings off to the side.
    I cross-tied Whisper and stood near her head, keeping one hand on her
     halter.
    Mr. Farley walked over to the hoof in question, murmuring soothing words
     to Whisper.
    I’d seen a few bad farriers on the show circuit—some who were
     impatient when horses acted up and others who lacked