Horse Sense

He smiled politely at her. “Hello, Mrs. Roeg.”

“Hello, dear,” she replied, beaming at him, then she turned to Maddie and winked. “Looks like Captain Chaos and Helper are on a new mission.”

Maddie glared at her son’s drenched clothes and shook her head.

Jamie made to open his mouth and explain.

Maddie waved her hand impatiently. “I don’t even want to know.”

Jamie grinned. He was going to tell her later anyway. He was sure Mom would shake her head, but find his adventure very amusing. She liked it when he came up with wild plans.

At least, he hoped he could get a laugh out of her. He liked it when Mom laughed.

Jamie turned expectantly to Mrs. Roeg. If she was here, then maybe… “Is Holly here?” he asked in one breath.

Mrs. Roeg’s eyes shifted; something like a shadow passed over her smile. “No, she had to stay home. She said she was behind in math.”

Jamie’s grin died away. Of course, he thought.

Mrs. Roeg threw Jamie a strange glance. It looked maybe like pity, sympathy, and possibly something else too.

“Sorry, dear.”

Jamie shrugged. These days, Holly didn’t come to visit him anymore. It sucked. He didn’t understand why she always had to be so busy.

Jamie was mulling over these thoughts when he felt his mom’s hand running through his hair. The warmth of her skin made him feel a little better.

“Dry out your clothes,” Maddie said gently, “or you’ll catch a cold.”

Jamie nodded.

20