Mystery at Brightfields

Chapter 21.

Zoe heard the door open up from the kitchen and listened to her mom start gathering food from the fridge for lunch. She had been practicing on what to say to Maggie for the last 30 minutes and how to convince her to let Pin join them on their packing trip. Zoe sighed and headed down stairs.
Maggie was putting together some sandwiches and humming quietly to herself.
"Hey sweetheart. Packed and ready for tomorrow? I grabbed some snacks at the shop today so we didn't have to risk eating the airplane food. Also called and reminded your father about taking the dog to the vet for his final clear before flying...I know he would have totally forgotten."

"Probably, yeah. Quick question. Because Pin just got back and we're now a couple and what not...don't look at me like that mom! Anyways. He wondered if he could come with us? He could be a big help having an extra set of hands and he doesn't mind the long flights and he wants to see me, well, the old me, and spend time with me, and I'm rambling. But is it ok? He would pay for his own tickets obviously, and he wouldn't mind crashing on the couch at all..." Zoe said.

"It would be nice to have an extra set of hands...are you sure Ted is okay with it? He only just got Pin back from his trip."

"It's only for a few days" Zoe shrugged.

"Are you ok with him coming? It'll be a rough little while and no time for jet lag, only packing." Questioned Maggie.

"Sure. It'll be nice to give him the real LA experience. He has only been to the States and saw the capitol...sunny LA is much more interesting." She laughed.

"Well of Ted is fine giving him up for a long weekend I'm ok with it. We can use the help...one more thing before you run off to the barn though. I'm slightly worried, mom worried I'm allowed, by how close you two have gotten some Pin has come back. I'm okay with him coming on the trip, bit I hope you two aren't moving too fast. Be young be happy. Enjoy each others company."

"If this moves to the sex talk I'm walking out the door. We've already had this conversation mom. Dont worry about it. Geeze, we've only just now started dating." Zoe cringed, half laughing at her mother.

Maggie held her hands up in surrender.
"Ok ok! Just reminding you!"

Zoe rolled her eyes and put on her coat. The new mare was going to be at the barn in the next hour and she still had a little work to do.

She texted the good news to Pin on her way.
_________________________________

She headed straight for the tack room to make sure her backpack was still there from overnight, she threw her house keys on top so she wouldn't forget it.

Laycee was put with Bob again in the side paddock munching on a tiny bit of grass. Zoe looked around and saw a small group of her friends around Laycee's stall and Jade was bringing in a wheelbarrow of fresh shavings.

"How's it going?" Zoe asked joining the groups conversation.

"We're just about finished. Making sure the finishing touches are just right for the new horse." Says Mia. "That left side looks a bit flat, Jade put it on that side and Marcus will spread it for you."

Someone forgot to remind Mia she wasn't in charge anymore. Old habits die hard.

Jade was too sweet to say anything, of course and did as she was told.

Becky had a broom in hand and was cobwebbing around the upper walls and down the stall sides.

"Had to make sure it looked homey. We really don't have too many horse visitors around here often and I want her to feel safe. She's doing us a horse sized favor and giving us sleep." Says Becky all matter of factly.