Twice the Trouble by Sandra Dailey

put effort into keeping a straight face. It was a good thing Jenna had taken that deep breath, otherwise, she might have passed out from the long tirade. “Now, if that’s the way Granddad feels about it, I think we should respect his wishes.”
    “Oh, I do,” Jenna interrupted. “That’s not what I was thinking about.”
    “Well, if it isn’t the strawberry jam or the Model-T, what is eating at you?” Jenna could wear a person out before she got to the point.
    “I’m thinking about riding Buttercup in the parade.” Her face lit up. “Maybe Jerrod could ride Drifter. We could put their blue ribbons on their harnesses or saddles so everyone could see that they’re champions. It might even bring in more business.”
    How could she tell Jenna that they may not have a business by then? Without the farm, Buttercup and Drifter would have to be sold along with her own horse, Stardust. Jenna was so excited about the idea; the reality would be like a slap in the face.
    “Let me think about it.”
    “What do you think, Jerrod?” Jenna was looking for reinforcements.
    “Huh?” Jerrod looked up with a blank stare. “What are y’all talking about?”
    If Lacey hadn’t known better she’d think Jerrod had just woken up. Was he sick? Had he been outside in the heat for too long? Something had been eating at her boy all week and it was starting to take a toll on him.
    “Jenna, would you finish up outside. Jerrod can help me with the dishes.”
    “Okay, Mom.” Jenna bounded out the door, energized by her new plans.
    Jerrod began stacking the plates on the table. His meal was only half-eaten, but he prepared to add the remainder to the slop bucket. He hadn’t had a good appetite all week. For a boy his age, this was serious.
    “Are you feeling okay, son? You’ve hardly been eating lately.”
    “It’s just been hot is all. I’m okay.”
    Lacey took him by the shoulders and turned him around. There were blue shadows under his eyes. He hadn’t been sleeping well, either. Considering the amount of work he’d been catching up, this was also serious. A body that worked so hard could get awfully run down if it wasn’t properly taken care of.
    “What’s going on with you? You haven’t been yourself for days. If something is bothering you, I want to know. There isn’t anything we can’t work out if you’re honest with me.”
    “Jeez, Mom, you make it sound like I’m on drugs or something.” Jerrod scowled. “I’ve just had a lot on my mind.”
    A chill ran down Lacey’s spine at the mention of drugs. Other parents she knew were battling that problem. She hoped she’d never see that day. “You haven’t been yourself since Alex Benson came to visit. Did something happen when the two of you went out to mend the fence? Did he say or do something to upset you?”
    “No, Mom,” Jerrod turned his eyes away. “Everything is fine.”
    “I have Alex’s phone number. Maybe I should ask him.” Lacey let go of Jerrod’s shoulders. “I want this straightened out before he comes back.”
    “Oh that would be really great. Make him think I’m some kind of a baby. He’s the only one around here who doesn’t already.” Jerrod flopped back into his chair at the table.
    “Is this about something I’ve done?” Lacey asked. “I know you’re growing up, and sometimes I don’t know how to handle it.”
    “You don’t seem to have so much trouble handling it with Jenna.” Jerrod folded his arms and looked away.
    “Jenna’s a girl,” Lacey reminded him. “Believe it or not, I was a girl at one time. I know how she thinks and what she’s feeling. It’s altogether different with a boy. I’ve never been around boys all that much. I thought it would be good for you to have a man to talk to. Jerrod, you have to help me understand what’s going on.”
    “Well,” Jerrod began. “It was good talking to Alex. He’s an okay guy. We talked about serious man stuff, you know? It got me thinking about the future