Betting on Hope Read Online Free PDF Page A

took great skill.
    “It doesn’t look easy to do. It sounds like you had a great teacher,” she said, proud that she managed to sound calmer than she felt.
    “The best.”
    “I’m sure you had the talent that it takes to be as great as you are too. Do you think your grandfather had the ability to spot that in a person like he could with a horse?”
    He grinned. Why was he grinning so big?
    “He taught me everything he knew, but Pops was so good, he could take a novice and have them riding like a pro in a few weeks.”
    “Really. Anyone? ”
    “Sure, it just takes know-how and want-to. And a good horse.”
    “That seems like it takes away from your grandfather’s ability.”
    He shook his head. “No, not at all. Pops had talent and he taught me everything he knows. You need to know what you’re doing. Because of what he taught me, I could take a novice and do the same thing.”
    “That seems like a pretty strong declaration. I don’t think anyone could teach me to ride, much less stay in the saddle on a cutting horse.” A chortle of disbelief escaped her.
    He leaned in, placing his hands on the table between them. “Maggie, you are much too hard on yourself.”
    “I am just honest. I know my limitations.”
    His eyes dug into hers. “I could teach you to ride a cutting horse.”
    “Wanna bet?” Maggie gasped, shocked by her uncharacteristic words. What was she doing?
    Tru’s expression lit up. “Sure. You up for it? I’d enjoy bringing out the cowgirl in you.”
    “ Cowgirl —”
    “He could do it too!” Someone exclaimed as the swinging door of the kitchen suddenly flew open and two sixtyish-looking women lunged forward into the room.
    “You could do it,” they gushed together.
    One was slightly plump with big eyes and pale silver hair that looked freshly done in the latest Betty White style. The second was taller with brown hair cut short and just finger combed behind her ears. Both of them wore big grins and wide eyes.
    Everyone in the room turned to stare at them. It was obvious they’d been caught eavesdropping on the interview.
    Shorty had swung their direction, storm clouds in his expression.
    “Oops, sor -ry,” singsonged the Betty White look-alike as they both grimaced apologetically and waved at the camera which was now pointed their way.
    Silence rang momentarily in the room as they backed up through the door, still waving, and disappeared into the kitchen.
    A frowning Shorty stomped after them.
    All the while the camera kept filming.
    It was a regular circus. However, Maggie was at least relieved that their bursting into the room saved any more conversation about Tru teaching her how to ride. This interview had run its course—straight down the tubes, it had gone. It was time to wrap it up.
    “Admiring fans?” she asked.
    He was smiling, not appearing the least bit surprised by the event. “Friends. That’s Clara Lyn and Reba from the Cut Up and Roll hair salon. They and the rest of their buddies keep Wishing Springs in the know about everything.” His contagious grin had the camera crew laughing.
    “They do sound like fun.”
    “Oh, you can say that again. They’re full of mischief. Falling out of the kitchen in front of a TV camera while eavesdropping is normal for them.”
    “Well, on that note, I think we’ll wrap this up.” She wanted out of there. Home and quiet solitude. And no camera.
    And no Tru.
    “ Wait ,” he said. “I hate to leave everyone thinking we can’t get you to ride a cutting horse. Let me at least introduce you to my horse. Amanda had wanted me to show him off for the camera. He’s out in the trailer.”
    “ No, ” she snapped too harshly, completely taken off guard. Amanda must have forgotten to tell her about this part.
    “Come on now. The viewers would probably enjoy seeing him. He’s a beauty. You’re not afraid of him, are you?”
    “I’m just not comfortable. I’m a city girl, after all.”
    His eyes warmed as they seemed to take