Cousin Kim nodded. “Nina told me all about it at dance class on Wednesday,” she said. Kim was a dance instructor at a local studio and the main reason Nina had been dancing for most of her life. Before taking up riding, Nina had spent several afternoons a week and at least one weekend morning at the studio. These days, between Breezy, school, and other activities, she was down to once a week, but she still loved it. She’d taken classes in just about every style Kim offered, and was currently taking a contemporary class.
Grandpa Jack looked up from tickling the baby. “Don’t keep us in suspense,” he said in his raspy voice. “What’s the costume, Nina?”
Nina glanced around the table. Aside from her parents and Kim, the only ones she’d told about her idea were DeeDee and Tim, since they’d stopped by the day before while she was working on the costume in the front room.
“I’m dressing up as Great-Aunt Serena,” she announced.
“Serena?” Aunt Iris exclaimed. “What a terrific idea!”
Most of the others nodded, but Gramma Rose raised an eyebrow and Uncle Oscar frowned. “Are you sure you want to do that, Nina?” he said. “You know what family legend says about Serena—she can be vengeful.”
Nina’s cousin Jeremy laughed. “Here we go,” she said. “Okay, Gramma. Your turn—tell us how it’s unwise to mess with the spirit world.”
Gramma Rose pursed her lips. “It’s true,” she told Jeremy, sweeping her gaze around to include everyone. “I know most of you don’t believe it—”
“That’s because most of us have joined the twenty-first century,” DeeDee put in with a smirk.
“Or at least the twentieth!” Aunt Vi added.
“It’ll be okay, Gramma,” Nina said. “I’m being respectful. I just think it’s cool that we have such a colorful ancestor. It’s like a tribute, you know?”
“That’s right,” Kim said. “I think it’s cool too.”
Meanwhile Charlotte’s husband, Paul, looked confused. “Hang on,” he said. “Who’s Great-Aunt Serena? Is she the distant cousin who lives in Biloxi?”
“No!” Aunt Toni laughed. “And don’t let Cousin Tilly hear you think she’s that old!”
“Serena was actually our great-great-great-aunt, I think.” Aunt Toni glanced at Gramma Rose. “Is that right, Ma?”
Gramma Rose nodded. “That’s right.”
“She lived around the time of the Civil War,” Charlotte told her husband. “I’m sure we’ve mentioned her before. . . .” With help from the rest of the family, she filled him in on Serena’s life story.
As they finished, Uncle Oscar was shaking his head, making his jowls shake. He glanced at the window, where bright moonlight was filtering in through the sheer curtains.
“It’s a full moon tonight, you know,” he said in a somber voice. “Some believe that’s a time of great supernatural power, especially for black magic and voodoo.”
“Oh, come on now, Pop!” DeeDee rolled her eyes. “Serena was just a poor sad woman who lost the love of her life. That doesn’t make her a voodoo queen or something—no matter how many tall tales our family likes to tell!”
Uncle Oscar folded his arms over his chest. “Well then, how do you explain the weird things that have happened in this family over the years?” he challenged his daughter. “Like the disaster at Great-Uncle Lou’s wedding—”
“Or the way John cracked his head open trying to keep up with the younger guys from the office on the basketball court that time, right?” Cousin Kim elbowed her brother. “Yeah, I’m so sure that was Serena and not Jumping Johnny’s own pride at work!”
“John’s concussion aside, there have been plenty of incidents that can’t be explained,” Gramma Rose said. “My mother told me her grandfather’s brother was badly injured when his horse spooked at nothing on the way to a party being held in his honor—even though by all accounts he was an excellent rider who never fell off.”
“So what are you saying?” DeeDee shook her head. “Good old Serena figured a party was too much fun and decided to punish him? Yeah, right . . .”
Nina listened, nibbling on her potato salad, as the family discussed that incident and several more. She’d heard all the stories before and always enjoyed them.
“I’ve got a new one for you,” she put in after Uncle Oscar finished recounting the legend of some long-dead relative’s ruined business. “Serena’s messing with Mom now!”
“Eva?” Gramma Rose glanced at her. “What happened, dear?”
Nina’s mother looked up from her plate. “Nina’s just joking around,” she said. “I dropped a piece I was getting ready to enter in my show next weekend.”
“And you said it was probably Serena’s work,” Nina reminded her with a grin. “She thought you were getting way too successful, so she broke your sculpture!”
“Hmm.” Aunt Vi raised an eyebrow. “That’s as may be. But speaking of your show, Eva, how are you coming along? It’s only a week away now, yes?”
“Yes. I’m ready except that I still need to decide which piece to substitute for the broken one. And for some reason I’m feeling indecisive.” Nina’s mother shrugged. “I keep going over it, but I’m having trouble settling on which piece to use.”
Aunt Iris looked up from her shrimp and rice. “I know which one I’d pick,” she said. “You should use the one you did when Nina first got her pony. It’s of the two of them riding in the moonlight. Remember?”
Nina tilted her head, trying to figure out which sculpture Aunt Iris meant. Her mother had sculpted her countless times, of course, and Breezy a few. But Nina didn’t remember the one Iris had described.
“Which piece is that?” She glanced at her mother, who looked thoughtful and a little sheepish.
“I’m not even sure where that one is,” she said. “Nina, I meant it as a surprise gift for you that Christmas, but I put it away and forgot about it. Remember, Gabe?”
“Not really,” Nina’s father admitted, spearing a bit of potato on his fork.
But Nina’s mother was nodding slowly, gazing into space without seeming to hear him. “But you’re right, Iris, that one just might fit in the show. I should try to find it and see if it turned out as well as I remember.”
“Good.” Aunt Iris looked pleased. “Anyway, we’re all looking forward to opening day next Saturday.”
“Thanks.” Nina’s mother reached for the water pitcher. “But first we’ve got Nina’s show to look forward to tomorrow. And don’t forget, Gabe’s band has a gig right down the street tomorrow night—hope you’ll all be there, too.”
“We wouldn’t miss it,” Charlotte said. “Got the babysitter all lined up.”
Nina nodded. She’d almost forgotten about that gig. Her father was an attorney by profession, but he also played in a jazz band with some friends. They were all amateurs, but they were pretty good and often landed gigs at local spots. Nina made a mental note to invite Jordan and some of her other friends to come with her to hear his band play the next evening. It would be the perfect way to celebrate and blow off steam after the horse show!
Nina was pulling on her nightgown when her cell phone buzzed. She picked it up and saw a text: a friend from school inviting her to see a late movie that night.
Sorry, Nina texted back quickly. Going to bed soon—got to get up way too early tmw. Rain check?
She sent the text and then turned off her phone. It was tempting to accept the movie invitation, but she’d already turned down several other activities that evening. She definitely wanted to be fresh for show day.
Especially since I told Brett we were going to win all the ribbons in sight, she thought ruefully. What had come over her that day at the coffee shop? She wasn’t the type of person to get all worked up about stuff like competing and winning. She also wasn’t the type to let other people’s comments get under her skin—especially since she
was pretty sure Brett had just been joking around.
But she shrugged and tried to forget about that. It was too late to worry about it now. Besides, Brett hardly ever came to Jordan’s lessons. He probably wouldn’t even show up tomorrow.
She stepped to the window and looked out. The full moon made everything outside look silvery and magical. For a moment Nina recalled her uncle’s comments about Serena and shivered.
Hearing a rustle of movement from the doorway, she turned just in time to see Bastet wander in with Teniers right behind her. Both cats leaped gracefully onto Nina’s bed, settling themselves in their accustomed spot at the foot. Nina smiled as they started to purr, then turned to check the duffel and garment bags sitting near the door. She’d packed everything she might need in there, including the costumes for herself and Breezy. The vintage breeches were sitting at the top of the unzipped duffel, and Nina stroked the rough beige fabric.
“I wonder who else might have worn you in a big show?” she murmured.
She gave the breeches one last pat, then grabbed her laptop and climbed into bed. Soon she was logging on to the Pony Post. Her friends there had been following her progress on the Serena costume all week, offering suggestions and encouragement. Nina had posted a photo of the breeches, too, promising to send them another picture of herself wearing them in the show ring, since her father was playing photographer tomorrow.
Now she found recent messages from all three of her friends:
[BROOKE] Good luck tomorrow Nina! Can’t wait to hear all about it!!!
[HALEY] Me too! I know u and B will do great!
[MADDIE] Me three!!! Go get em, tiger! (That’s what my dad says before my soccer games sometimes, lol!)
[MADDIE] O, and I know u say u never get nervous. But if u do, just picture all the other horses and riders in their underwear!
Nina laughed and opened a text box, typing fast.
[NINA] OK, now I’m totally picturing Breezy dressed in boxer shorts and a tank top! Maybe I should rethink our costume, lol . . . Anyway, u guys are the best cheering section ever! I’ll let u know how it goes as soon as I can.
CHAPTER
5
THE SHRILL WAIL OF NINA’S alarm yanked her out of a restless sleep the next morning. She sat up and slapped it off, feeling tired and a bit fuzzy-headed. She’d noticed she often had especially vivid dreams during a full moon, and last night had been no exception. The difference was that this time, all the dreams had been about Serena—at least Nina thought they had been. The details were already fading, drifting just beyond reach of her memory, leaving her with only an unsettled feeling and the faint whiff of voodoo.
“Whatever,” she said aloud, then yawned. She stretched her feet out beneath the covers—the cats had left, though not long ago since she could still feel the warm spot where they’d been.
Nina stood up, her nose twitching at the enticing scent of coffee drifting back from the kitchen. She glanced at the window, and for a second it was as if she could still see the full moon hanging heavy in the bright early-morning sky. But she shook that off, along with her lingering grogginess. The sun was up, and it was time to get this day started.
Cypress Trail Stables was always a pretty busy place, with an active lesson program and lots of boarders and leasers coming and going seven days a week. But Nina had never seen it as crowded and crazed as on this particular show morning. Miss Adaline and the other instructors were bustling around, helping students get ready. Horses stood in the wash racks or grooming ties, while riders raced back and forth to the tack room or their storage lockers.
Nina paused in the entryway for a moment, taking it all in. Jordan rushed past, holding a bucket, then stopped short when she saw her.
“Nina! You’re finally here!” she said breathlessly. “Did you bring your costume?”
“Of course.” Nina patted the duffel under her arm. “Got my show clothes to change into later too. That way they won’t get dirty while I’m getting Breezy ready.”
“Oh!” Jordan’s eyes widened with alarm as she glanced down at her own pale gray breeches and white shirt. “Wish I’d thought of that. I’ll probably be filthy by showtime.”
Nina shrugged. “Don’t worry. With my luck, Breezy will blow a big green pony sneeze all over me as soon as I change.” She grinned. “Then again, maybe not. I’m feeling positive, since I’ve already got my lucky undies on.”
Jordan laughed. “Seriously? You mean those ratty old pink things with the dancing teddy bears printed all over them?”
“Absolutely.” Nina winked. “That’s the best thing about those vintage breeches—the old-fashioned fabric is so thick there’s no way anything will show through!”
Jordan just shook her head. “Honestly, sometimes I don’t even know if you’re joking or serious,” she said. “But never mind—can you help me get the dirt off Freckie’s fetlocks?”
“Sure. Just let me drop my stuff by Breezy’s stall first.”
For the next two hours, Nina barely stopped moving. She helped Jordan, then fetched Breezy out of his stall and gave him the grooming of his life. She wanted him to look perfect for his show debut.
“Twenty minutes to showtime, everyone!” one of the instructors hollered, charging down the barn aisle. “Make sure you’re ready when your division starts!”
“Yikes.” Nina glanced down at her shorts and T-shirt. “Better get changed, Breezy. I don’t want to embarrass you by looking less fabulous than you do!”
She gave Breezy a brisk pat, which made him jerk his head up from his hay pile and let out a loud snort. He turned his head and eyed her rather suspiciously before stepping over to the stall door to look out.
Nina chuckled as she watched his ears prick this way and that. The hustle and bustle of show day had him—like all the horses and ponies in the barn—a little more jazzed than usual. After a moment, though, he returned to his hay pile, settling down to eat with one last sigh. Nina let herself out of the stall and headed for the changing room.
Less than ten minutes later, she was fully dressed in her show clothes, including the vintage breeches. A couple of people had already commented on the cool old pants, which made Nina smile.
She found Jordan by her horse’s stall, looking pale and rather clammy. “Oh my gosh, I’m so nervous I could die!” she wailed. “My legs are shaking so bad, I don’t think I’ll be able to ride!”
“Chill. Breathe. Try not to hyperventilate.” Nina rubbed her friend’s arm, then grabbed Jordan’s wrist to check her watch. “The littler kids still have one more division, then we’re next. You’ll probably relax once you start your warm-up.”
Jordan raised an eyebrow. “Have you met me?” she exclaimed.
Her words came out sounding so wounded that Nina couldn’t help giggling. For a second Jordan looked annoyed; then she blinked and started giggling too.
“Sorry,” she said. “Am I spazzing out again?”
“Totally. But it’s okay—it’s one of my favorite things about you.” Nina slung an arm around her friend’s shoulder and gave her a hug. “Come on, I’ll help you get Freckie’s bridle on.”
A few minutes later Jordan and Freckles were in the smaller riding ring, which was being used as a warm-up area. At least a dozen horses and ponies were in there, going every which way as their riders put them through their paces or jumped the small crossrails set up in the middle. Nina watched the action for a second, then realized she needed to start her own warm-up if she wanted to be ready. Breezy might be a little pepped up by the show atmosphere, but she wanted to have plenty of time to make sure he was moving off her leg and paying attention. Even a show probably wasn’t enough to wake him up entirely!
Jordan glanced over, and Nina tossed her a thumbs-up. Then she turned and dashed for the barn.
As she raced in, she almost crashed into someone coming out. “Sorry!” she blu
rted out. “I was—oh! Uh, hi, Brett.”
“Hey, Nina.” Jordan’s brother grinned at her. “I like the monkey suit.”
Nina glanced down at her navy blue jacket and crisp white show shirt. “What, this old thing?” she said. “It’s just what I wear around the house. You know.”
Brett laughed loudly. “Good one!”
Nina smiled back weakly. The joke had been pretty lame, but she supposed boys were easily amused. “So you came to watch Jordan’s show, huh?”
“I guess.” Brett glanced around the barn. “The parentals insisted. I mean, it’s not like I wanted to spend my Saturday smelling horse poo, you know?” He barked out another laugh at that. “So are you and the runt riding in the same, you know, competition thingy as Jordan?”
“Same classes, yeah.” Nina smiled tightly, deciding to ignore the not-so-appreciated nickname for Breezy. “Speaking of which, I need to go get ready.”
“Oh. Yeah. Good luck or whatever.” Brett shoved his hands in the pockets of his faded jeans. “See you out there.”
“Okay.” Nina brushed past him and then stopped, not sure for a second where she was supposed to be going. Oh, right—Breezy. She turned and headed for her pony’s stall, shaking her head at her own airheadedness. What had gotten into her lately? For some reason, being around Brett made her feel tongue-tied and strange.
But never mind—she didn’t have time to worry about that right now. She reached Breezy’s stall, unlatched the door, and swung it open.
“Ready to go, Breeze-man?” she sang out. “Let’s go show ’em what we’ve got!”
Five minutes later, Nina was swinging into the saddle just outside the warm-up ring. Breezy normally stood stock-still for mounting—maybe almost a little too still, since Nina usually had to give him a couple of kicks to get him moving. Not that day, though. As soon as her left foot hit the stirrup, she felt the pony’s weight shift. “Easy, boy,” she said, quickly swinging her right leg up and over. As she did, Breezy hopped forward, and Nina collapsed heavily into the saddle to avoid overbalancing.
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