Shopping-Tour mit Folgen

Julie and Rowan drove to Jorvik City to look for a jumping saddle. For Rowan, the first stop was obvious: the exclusive shop in Governor’s Fall.

Julie: “Rowan, I don’t think we’ll find anything here. This store is really expensive. I don’t have that kind of money. Let’s check the mall instead.”

Rowan: “I’m sorry, Julie. I didn’t think about that. We always buy our saddles here.”

They found a suitable one at the shopping center.

Rowan: “That’s a solid, good saddle. And if you like it, just call the saddler to adjust it perfectly to your horse.”

Julie: “This one feels the most comfortable — and it looks great. It even matches our club colors.”

After buying the saddle, Julie invited Rowan for ice cream.

Julie: “When will you start competing again? The club is already looking forward to it. We’re kind of… your groupies.”

Rowan: “Oh, Julie, that’s still written in the stars. I need a break first. The fall was pretty bad. But I’ll let you know.”

By coincidence, I was in Moorland when a familiar car pulled up in front of the Moorland Stable. It was Rowan. And sitting next to him… Julie?! What was that supposed to mean? Everyone knew the Bobcat girls adored Rowan. Were he and Julie actually…? No. Rowan was in love with Claire — everyone could see that. Maybe it was something harmless. I would get to the bottom of it.

Julie: “Thanks for taking the time to shop for the saddle with me. It was a really nice day.”

Rowan: “Thank you, Julie. It was a great distraction. I enjoyed it too. See you soon.”

Back at the ranch, Claire rushed toward me.

Claire: “Gillian, I have to tell you something! Rowan was here this morning. I asked if he wanted to grab a drink. He said no — he already had plans. And you’ll never guess with whom… Julie! From the Bobcats!”

Oh. So she already knew — and she was clearly upset. I decided not to mention Moorland for now. Would Rowan really hurt her in such a clumsy way? Claire kept talking about how humiliating it felt to be turned down in front of Julie — and how the two of them drove off together in his convertible. Wait… Was that jealousy I was hearing? I felt sorry for her. I knew that feeling. I went to find Jamie. Maybe he knew more. As I turned the corner, I saw him standing outside with Rowan.

Jamie: “So how was it with Julie? Did you have fun in Jorvik City?”

Rowan: “Yeah! Julie’s really great. We talked about everything and had ice cream. Time just flew by. It was a really nice day.”

Gillian: [thought bubble] “Wow. Jamie knows about this. That really disappoints me.”

I was angry at Rowan — and even angrier at Jamie. Claire had been friends with both of them since childhood. A deep, close friendship. And now they were both betraying her. I was so disappointed. Maybe I should focus more on Josh instead… I made a point of chatting animatedly with him when Jamie crossed the yard.

Jamie: [thought bubble] “Ha ha… Josh is soooo funny. That old bore.”

But this wasn’t about me. It was about Claire. She was my best friend, and I couldn’t just watch her get hurt. Suddenly, I had an idea: Justin. He was charming — and handsome. Maybe he could distract Claire a little. I invited him over for coffee.

Claire: “Oh Justin, you’re unbelievable! I can’t stop laughing!”

Justin: “You’re laughing?! I wasn’t even trying to be funny. Claire, I officially invite you to come see it for yourself sometime.”

I knew an afternoon with Justin would lift her spirits. He told story after story, and Claire laughed nonstop. The two of them got along surprisingly well, and Justin invited her to Moorland. Seeing Claire so relaxed and carefree made me happy. Then the doorbell rang. It was Jamie. We talked in the hallway while loud laughter echoed from the living room.

Jamie: “Sounds like the mood is good in here. I wanted to ask if there’s something I should know. You’re ignoring me and suddenly swooning over Josh. What’s going on?”

Gillian: “You’re asking me what’s going on? Rowan is cheating on Claire, you know about it and you’re supporting him! She’s your friend too. How can you betray her like that? Oh wait… you’re experienced with that, aren’t you? There once was a Greta…”

I was so worked up that Jamie barely had a chance to respond. When I finally stopped, he calmly said Claire and Rowan weren’t even together — not because of Rowan. So technically, he couldn’t cheat on her. And cheat with whom? Rowan was struggling enough with himself. He didn’t even know what to do with his time. That’s why he’d gone to Jorvik City with Julie — to help her find a saddle. Oops. Was there any awkward situation I didn’t manage to step into?