I heard Ashley laugh.

“Grandma I think this Spencer girl is all action and no talking from what I saw this morning. Not exactly what I am looking for and probably not someone that will understand my situation.” Ashley stated shortly.

I felt my heart drop a little. Leave it to a first impression to totally give the wrong impression. Ellen stepped up for me.

“Ashley, dear, how about you let Spencer explain before you make assumptions? I know her well and I think she could be a good friend to you. I see that face Ashley and I can read you like an open book.”

I couldn’t see what was on Ashley’s face so I wasn’t sure what she was talking about. I wanted to be the one to read her emotions.

“Whatever, Grandma! I think I should head back to the house.”

I heard footsteps coming toward the door. I did a Matrix style back pedal from my listening position and zipped back over by the stalls.

“Ellen are you in there?” I called out innocently just as Ashley stepped out the door. Her cheeks were flushed.

“Shit! Spencer you scared the hell out of me.” Ashley said startled. “Grandma is in the tack room.”

She continued right by me with out slowing down.

“I hope Pearl is doing well.” she said over her shoulder still walking away. I caught her eyes direct with mine for only a second. I glimpsed a part of her before the wall came up. I saw pain and for a fraction of a second I thought I saw something that said she was glad to see me. Wishful thinking on my part probably.

“She is good….see ya….later.” I said to empty air. She had already walked out of the barn.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see Ellen looking the same direction I had been.

“She really is a nice girl Spencer…you just have to get by that cool Davies’ exterior.” She said. “I heard you had a rough introduction though.”

Color creeped up my neck and into my cheeks.

“I uh…well…yes. It was a…uh a compromising situation.” I stuttered out.

“You don’t have to explain to me.” Ellen said.