5

THREE RIDERS. ONE SEAT.

LATER THAT AFTERNOON I WALKED DOWN the main aisle of the stable and headed for the tack room. My mind was focused on only one thing—the tape for Mr. Nicholson. Even though Jas was gone, it didn’t matter. My riding skills were going to be compared to Heather’s. As if that wasn’t enough, both of our rides were being held up against everyone else who rode for the YENT at different schools across the country. My stomach flipped at the thought.

“Don’t tack up yet,” someone called.

I looked back and Heather motioned to me. “Mr. Conner wants us in his office first.”

I walked over to Heather. “Probably about Julia and Alison.”

“Prob,” Heather said. “All I want is to hear him say that they’re back on the team.”

We walked to his office together and Heather knocked on the door.

“Come in,” he said.

Heather walked inside and I followed her.

Mr. Conner was sitting behind his giant wooden desk. It was covered in papers and stacks of files.

“Take a seat,” he said.

Heather and I sat in the comfy office chairs across from him. I clenched my fingers together. I wanted to hear whatever he had to say, but I was also ready to start the lesson and do the tape for Mr. Nicholson.

Mr. Conner closed a file on his desk and cleared his throat. “As I’m sure you’re already aware,” he said. “Jasmine has been expelled from Canterwood Crest. In addition, we have discovered proof that Julia and Alison did not cheat on their exam.”

Mr. Conner ran a hand over his short black hair. “I’m sorry this happened to Alison and Julia. They missed their chance at the YENT. I regret their innocence wasn’t proven earlier.”

Heather shifted in her seat and Mr. Conner looked at her. “I apologize for not taking your claims about their innocence more seriously,” he said. “You have to understand that we thought the cheat sheets were real.”

Heather nodded. “I know. I’m just glad that everyone knows they didn’t cheat.”

“They will also be immediately reinstated on the advanced team,” Mr. Conner said.

Heather and I smiled at each other.

“I’ve also spoken with Mr. Nicholson this morning,” Mr. Conner continued. “He’s agreed to hold another tryout for the YENT the week after fall break. So those who qualified for testing last time, Julia, Callie, and Alison, will have the opportunity to try out for Jasmine’s seat.”

Endless possibilities started running through my brain. Callie deserved to make the YENT. After all, it was partly my fault—and Jacob’s—that she didn’t make it the first time. But if Callie did make the team, it would be so uncomfortable. She hated me and lessons would be the worst if she made it. Alison and Julia were excellent riders, too, and they also deserved it. I hated wanting someone other than Callie to make the team, but I also had to get the most out of my lessons. And I didn’t know if I could do that with Callie in the arena with me.

“Julia and Alison will resume lessons tomorrow,” Mr. Conner said. “I’m thrilled to have them back on the advanced team.”

He nodded once at us. “If you don’t have any questions, then go tack up your horses and I’ll see you in the indoor arena.”

Heather and I stood and left his office.

“It’s going to start all over again,” Heather said as we walked to the tack room.

I pushed open the door. “What?”

“The craziness over the YENT. Mr. Conner must have just finished that phone call. If Julia and Alison knew about the YENT tryouts, they would have already told me.”

“He’s probably calling to tell them now,” I said. I walked past rows of gleaming saddles, taking in the smell of leather. “They’re going to freak.”

Heather slid Aristocrat’s saddle over her arm and hung his bridle over her shoulder. “And so is Callie.”

I played with Charm’s snaffle bit. “Three riders.”

“One seat,” Heather finished.