Blue Ribbon Summer by Catherine Hapka Page A

crouched behind the hedge. Through the tangle of branches, Brooke saw Robin and Preston sitting in lounge chairs, sipping from wineglasses. Their voices were quiet, but the night was still and it was easy to hear them.
    â€œ. . . and it’s been a lot harder than I thought since she left,” Robin was saying.
    â€œI know.” Preston sounded sympathetic. “Morgan was a big part of this place. It’s not going to be the same without her.”
    Brooke realized they were talking about Robin’s daughter. She leaned closer, holding her breath as she listened.
    â€œI guess part of me thought she’d change her mind,” Robin went on. “That after a couple of weeks in New York, she’d miss this place and come home.”
    â€œBut that’s not happening.”
    â€œNo. She loves being in the heart of the fashion industry.” Robin’s voice was sad. “I have to accept that she’s found her true passion, and it’s not the one I thought it was.”
    â€œWow,” Livi whispered. “I knew Morgan was studying fashion design in college, but—”
    â€œShhh!” Paige warned.
    Robin was talking again. “Morgan and I ran this place together for so long. Somehow I thought it would always be that way, you know?”
    â€œThings change,” Preston commented. “Sometimes for the better.”
    Robin didn’t answer for a moment. Then she sighed. “It’s just a lot lonelier without her here. I love running the farm, but lately the bills just seem to go up and up, and I’m feeling stretched to my limit. I never have time to ride anymore unless it’s a training client or something. And I’m not getting any younger, either. I guess I’d always imagined Morgan would take over the business someday, but obviously she’s not interested.”
    â€œNot everybody is cut out for this kind of life.” Prestonpaused and cleared his throat. “It’s okay if you decide you’re not cut out for it anymore either.”
    â€œI’m just not sure I can do it all myself without Morgan—or maybe I’m not sure I want to. There’s no room in the budget for more staff, and I won’t ask the people I have to work harder for the same pay.”
    â€œThen why not consider O’Malley’s offer?” Preston urged. “It could be just what you need—a change. But you’ll need to decide soon if you want to go for it.”
    â€œI know, I know.” Robin sounded tired. “I suppose you’re right. But I’m not going to make a decision tonight.”
    â€œThen when? O’Malley wants me to call him by the end of next week at the latest.”
    â€œThat’s the end of camp,” Robin said. “All right. I’ll make a decision by then. But let’s not talk about it anymore right now, okay? Oh! And you can’t say a word to the campers. I won’t ruin their fun with my problems.”
    â€œCome on.” Hannah tugged at Brooke’s sleeve, her dark eyes sad. “I don’t think we’re going to talk to Robin tonight after all.”

    Brooke was floating on her back with her eyes closed when a tinny version of a recent pop song erupted from near the pool.
    She opened her eyes and saw Abby splashing toward the edge. “Is that my phone?” the counselor said. “Excuse me a sec.”
    Abby had driven Brooke and her bunkmates to the neighboring estate for a swim. For a while she’d tried to interest them in a game of Marco Polo or something, but it was an extra-hot morning and nobody was really in the mood. The girls had spent the previous hour tromping around a fallow field on a neighboring farm while Robin pointed out toxic plants and other hazards that would need to be rectified to make it safe pasture for horses. By the end of the hour, Brooke and the others were sweaty and exhausted.
    â€œGood, she’s gone.” Paige