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her lip, feeling herself blushing as she struggled to find the right words to say. Now that she was here, her mind seemed to have gone completely blank.

Chapter EIGHT
    Storm gave a gentle woof and as Lily looked down into his sparkling midnight-blue eyes, she felt herself starting to calm down.
    Lily took a deep breath and suddenly it all came pouring out. “I . . . um . . . wanted to ask you something. I’ve got a friend named Adjoa who’s got a pony named Pixie. She’s very sweet-natured, but the farmer who owns her field is selling it. And I thought, well, I was hoping—”
    Janie smiled. “Whoa! Slow down a bit. Let’s go into my office, Lily. I could use a break from working on my accounts. We’ll have a cold drink and you can tell me all about it.”
    A few minutes later, Lily sat sipping her apple juice as Janie tapped her fingers on the desk thoughtfully.
    â€œSo what you’re really asking is for me to put Pixie into the stable?” she said to Lily.
    Lily nodded, feeling encouraged by Janie’s calmness and willingness to listen. Everything seemed to have slotted into place and become clear in her mind. Now Lily knew exactly what to say.
    â€œWhat about if Pixie lives here and works as one of the riding school ponies? Adjoa would have to agree, but I think she’d do anything if it meant she could keep Pixie. She’d still own her, so she’d help look after her and pay for Pixie’s food and bedding and stuff. But it probably wouldn’t cost anywhere near as much as a normal stable.”

    â€œYou seem to have this all worked out,” Janie said.
    â€œI do!” Lily said firmly.
    â€œHmm. It could work. We’ve had arrangements like this in the past and we are a pony short now that Bandit’s gone. But I’d have to try Pixie out before I decided that she was right for Greengates. She’d have to be gentle, friendly, and dependable.”
    â€œOh, she is! She’s perfect. Should I ask Adjoa’s parents to call you and set up a meeting?” Lily asked eagerly.
    Janie nodded, smiling. “Yes. You’re one determined young lady, Lily Benson.”
    â€œThat’s what my dad says!” Lily beamed at Janie as she got up. “Thanks so much, Janie. Is it okay if I go and see Tinka and the other ponies? I have just enough time before Mom picks me up.”
    â€œOf course it is. I’ll leave you to it. I’d better get back to these accounts.”
    Lily and Storm spent twenty minutes with the ponies before going back to the riding stable’s entrance. Mrs. Benson had just arrived and was waiting to pick her up.
    On the way home in the back of the car, Lily stroked Storm’s floppy sandy ears. “You had this all worked out, didn’t you,” she said softly.
    Storm nodded. “But I could not have done it all by myself. It was you who spoke to Janie. You did it, Lily.”

    Lily felt a warm glow of pride. It felt good to have helped her friend. “I can’t wait to tell Adjoa all about it. I’m going to call her as soon as I get home.”
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    The moment her mom stopped on the driveway, Lily shot out of the car and dashed toward the house.
    â€œEr, excuse me, young lady! I could use some help with the groceries,” her mom called after her.
    â€œSorry,” Lily said sheepishly.
    She rushed back, grabbed some bags, and dumped them on the kitchen table.
    As she was coming out of the kitchen, the phone rang.
    It was Adjoa’s mom. “Hello, Lily. Is Adjoa with you? Can I have a word with her, please?” she asked.

    â€œShe isn’t here,” Lily replied, puzzled.
    â€œOh my, I was hoping she’d ridden Pixie over to see you,” Mrs. Hardiker said, sounding worried. “Could I talk to your mom?”
    Lily passed the phone over. “It’s Adjoa’s mom.”
    Lily waited impatiently while the two moms spoke. “What’s