Sundancer by Shelley Peterson Page A

my tree, too. Hush! I can’t hear!
    The squirrel lifted up his tail and scrambled irately away.
    While Eva and Randy exchanged pleasantries with Paul and Stuart, Bird saw Hannah observing Julia. Bird knew what Hannah was thinking. She was thinking the same thing. Something had changed. Julia was just as pretty in her blonde, blue-eyed, fragile way, but she seemed more tentative and subdued. But they hadn’t seen her for two years, and so much can change in that time. Perhaps it was only fatigue from the long flight. Plus, Bird noted, Julia was wearing mascara and the same shade of lipstick as her mother’s. How stupid.
    Julia felt her aunt looking at her, and turned. “Hello, Aunt Hannah.”
    Hannah gave her a big hug. “Julia, I’m so glad you’re here. I haven’t seen you for ages. Welcome back to Saddle Creek.”
    â€œThank you. Where’s Bird?” Julia asked. “I’d really like to see her.”
    Hannah took her hand. “She wants to see you, too, but there are too many people here for Bird. She’ll show up.”
    I certainly will, thought Bird. Don’t you worry, Julia.
    Eva interrupted them. “Hannah. I brought Randy all the way from California to meet my family, and you haven’t even said hello!”
    â€œHello Randy, and welcome.” Hannah shook Randy’s hand. He was shorter than Hannah by an inch or two, and sturdy. Bird guessed that he might be a good deal younger than Eva. “I’m Hannah, and I’m very pleased to meet you.”
    â€œPleased to meet you, too. You don’t look anything like I expected. You’re attractive.” He sounded surprised.
    â€œWhy, thanks,” said Hannah.
    Paul smothered a laugh with a short cough. “I’m on my way, folks,” he said as he strode to his truck. “Nice to meet you all. See you later, Hannah. Call me when you decide.”
    â€œRight. See you, Paul,” called Hannah.
    â€œDecide?” squealed Eva. “Has he asked you to marry him?”
    â€œNo, Eva. It’s about a horse.”
    â€œHannah! I was kidding. You’re always so serious.”
    Reluctantly, Stuart started walking toward his car. “I guess I have to go, too. It was wonderful seeing you again, Eva. You’re just like I remembered. Goodbye Randy, Julia.”
    â€œYou don’t have to go yet, do you?” Eva pouted.
    â€œI’m sure he’s a busy man,” said Randy forcefully. He took Eva’s arm and began to steer her toward the house.
    â€œYes, I must, but I’ll see you again.” Stuart got in his car and rolled down his window. “Your sister promised to invite me for dinner.”
    â€œOh goody. Bye, Stuart!” Eva blew him a kiss.
    â€œSee what I have to put up with?” Randy said to Hannah. “She’s a terrible flirt. All the time. I can’t turn my back for a minute.”
    â€œOh, you big, strong, man. You’re jealous.” Eva kissed him on the lips, and Randy appeared momentarily mollified.
    Bird rested her head on the strong trunk of the tree. She felt exhausted. They would be here for three whole days.
    Down on the front steps, she heard Hannah think the same thing.

6
COMPANY
    I am smarter than most people, and most people do not understand this about me. It causes problems.
    Everyone disappeared into the house. It was safe for Bird to come down.
    All yours, Red. See you later .
    Not too soon, I hope .
    Bird climbed the fence and went over to Sundancer. She needed to tell him what she’d overheard between Dr. Paul and Hannah in the house.
    I’ve got something to tell you, Sundancer .
    As she neared, the horse visibly stiffened up. Don’t come any closer, Bird girl .
    Why not?
    Just don’t . The big gelding flattened his ears and threatened to kick.
    Bird was alarmed. What’s wrong, Sunny?
    Nothing. I’m having a bad day. It happens. Now scram before you’re sorry you