Chapter 49
Allison was newly back to Oak Lake, and her two best friends were making sure she was living it up every single day with food, fun, and shopping sprees. Dropping off her résumé at Summit & Vale Solicitors? Yeah, that could wait for now.
One sunny day, the girls decided to get together for some sweet treats. Sabrina had been out the night before, partying hard at the bar, and didn’t stumble home until the early hours. She looked pretty worn out today.
“All we’ve been doing is shopping and clubbing. I’m getting kind of over it,” Sabrina said, slumping over the table. Then, her eyes lit up. “Hey, the weather’s amazing today! Why don’t we hit up Olivia’s family ranch this afternoon?”
Olivia’s family owned the biggest ranch in Oak Lake. The three of them had taken horse riding lessons there back in the day.
Allison chuckled, teasing Sabrina, “You sure you’re not still tipsy? Maybe sit this one out if you are. We don’t want you riding under the influence!”
“I’m good,” Sabrina grinned mischievously. “Last night, I threw up all over Brian. Poor guy, I think I saw his face turn green!”
Olivia giggled softly, “Sabrina, didn’t your brother get mad?”
Sabrina shrugged, “Nah, he’s been more of a big brother lately. Even after I puked on him, he changed, showered, and even made me some juice.”
Brian and Sabrina were step–siblings. Brian lost his mom to illness when he was just a kid. Sabrina’s parents split when she was seven. Later, Brian’s dad and Sabrina’s mom met through mutual friends, clicked instantly, and got hitched.
Sabrina was nine when she first met Brian. He was fourteen, knee–deep in teenage rebellion, and not thrilled about having a stepmom or a new little sister. At their first meeting, he yanked Sabrina’s pigtail, telling her to
scram.
But Sabrina wasn’t one to back down. She bit his wrist with all her might, leaving a faint scar that Brian still
carries.
Allison stirred her tea, watching Sabrina with a smirk. “You’re like a little whirlwind sent to shake up his life.”
Sabrina laughed, “He used to pick on me all the time. I got to get him back for that.”
After some light–hearted chatter, Sabrina asked, “So, are you guys up for the ranch? It’s been ages since I rode a horse, and I’m itching to go.”
“Absolutely,” Allison said. “I haven’t been on a horse when I was in Havenbrook. I miss our races.”
Olivia smiled warmly, “Count me in.”
With a sly grin, Sabrina pulled out her phone, “Let me call Brian, see if he can bring Joshua along.”
At the ranch, Allison slipped into her riding gear. The light–grey, high–collared jacket paired with white jodhpurs and black boots accentuated her curves beautifully. She pinned her long hair up, giving her an effortlessly chic look.
As she stepped out, those waiting outside couldn’t help but admire how stunning she looked.
“Wow, Allison, you look even fitter than before,” Brian teased, unable to resist.
Sabrina nudged him playfully, “Zip it, Brian. Let Joshua do the talking. Don’t embarrass yourself.”
“Ouch, let go!” Brian winced, trying not to laugh.
10:31
尖
Chapter 49
Joshua glanced over, smiling. “Allie, you look incredible today.”
Dressed in similar shades of grey, Joshua’s attire just happened to match Allison’s, making them look like quite the pair. His riding gear highlighted his broad shoulders, and with his height and long legs, he stood out effortlessly.
