A smile played at Shane’s lips. “Yeah?”
“I had to break it off for a good reason, but there was—is—a small part of me that would have liked to see us reconcile if the timing was right.”
“And is it?”
James lifted a shoulder.
“James…”
“No. It doesn’t look like it will ever be right.”
Shane tilted his head, his eyes searching James’s and his lips pressed into a thin line. “I’m sorry.”
“Yeah, me too.”
“So find another girl.”
James tossed back his head and let out a groan. “It’s not that easy.”
“Sure it is. Whenever you think abouther, find someone else to think about. Associate those feelings for someone new.”
James brought his head back around to gape at Shane. “Are you seriously suggesting I find a rebound?”
“If that’s what you want to call it, then sure. Only make sure you find one who is worth it. Don’t settle for something less when you deserve more.”
James huffed. Shane’s words were making things awkward—the exact reason why he didn’t want to bring any of this up in the first place.
Shane laughed and clapped James on the back. “Just give it a try. Spend some time with someone new. Ignore the old flame like your life depends on it.”
“Isn’t that just the same thing as bottling everything up?”
“Perhaps. But it’s probably the only thing that will work. Evenyouhave to admit there’s a reason why people go on the rebound.”
For the first time since James had brought up this conversation, Shane had made a comment that actually made sense. They wandered through the club until they got to the front entrance. Shane held out his hand, and James shook it.
“And when you find someone worth rebounding for, maybe we can double,” Shane said.
James rolled his eyes, knowing full well that Shane wouldn’t have anyone to double with. He gave his friend a wave and skipped down the steps toward his truck. If he was lucky, Brielle wouldn’t be there.
* * *
“He’s looking pretty good,”James assured Constance. She hovered nearby, watching every single move he made. It was somewhat unnerving the way she wanted to be so close to everything. But then, he supposed if his horse had been through the trauma that Clio had, he’d be clingy, too.
Constance held her hands behind her back as she watched with sharp eyes the way he massaged and examined Clio’s hind leg.
“He’s getting some strength back here just by following his mother around. Has he been eating regularly?”
“I think so. I don’t see them apart very often. And Calliope is very patient. She doesn’t wander too far or go too fast.”
“That’s great.” James rose to his feet and moved to where Calliope grazed. “How has she seemed after giving birth?”
Constance shook her head. “She’s bounced back really fast.”
He nodded. “That’s what I want to hear.” James ran his hand down the mare’s glistening coat. It was clear that Constance adored her horse and took great care of her. There wasn’t a speck of dirt on her body that James could find, and her mane and tail were in great shape as well. “You’re very good with her.”
Constance beamed. “Thank you.”
His gaze lingered on her smile and the way it had lit up her whole face. It was stuff like that he didn’t really notice on anyone after he’d dated Brielle. Maybe it was because of his hope that he’d end up with her again one day.