{"id":31437,"date":"2023-01-19T13:18:11","date_gmt":"2023-01-19T19:18:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/?p=31437"},"modified":"2023-01-19T13:18:11","modified_gmt":"2023-01-19T19:18:11","slug":"chapter-18-visitors-from-new-pony","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/2023\/01\/19\/chapter-18-visitors-from-new-pony\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 18: Visitors from New Pony"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cWell, here we are in Misty Hollow,\u201d Elaine, a sprightly white unicorn with curling blue hair, announced unnecessarily to her traveling companion. The bus they had arrived on drove off into the distance, kicking up a dusty haze in its wake. It was one of the few motorized conveyances seen in this part of the country.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWasn\u2019t Thomas supposed to meet us here?\u201d Dulcia, a rosy pink mare with spring green hair, asked with a frown.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he was, but–hang on.\u201d Elaine was checking her phone. \u201cHe says something came up,\u201d she relayed, \u201cbut it\u2019s only a few blocks if we want to try to get there on our own.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUgh,\u201d said Dulcia, eyeing the uneven cobblestone path with distaste. \u201cWell, it doesn\u2019t look like there\u2019s much potential for getting lost.\u201d This was the business section of town, but lacked the apartment buildings and skyscrapers they were accustomed to. A relative few ponies moved at a sedate pace, far different from the hustle and bustle of New Pony.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d said Elaine enthusiastically, tugging Dulcia along.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you really going to move here next year?\u201d Dulcia asked as they walked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course!\u201d Elaine said with alacrity.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut surely Thomas isn\u2019t planning on staying here?\u201d Dulcia pondered. \u201cI mean, it\u2019s not like he\u2019ll spend the rest of his career here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know; he\u2019s got a three year contract with this foundation that\u2019s sponsoring him,\u201d Elaine explained, \u201cwith the opportunity to renew. It will be up to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hate to sound like Wexford, but\u2026\u201d Dulcia winced. \u201cWhat was he thinking? It must be so dull!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think he wanted to go somewhere he would really make a difference,\u201d Elaine said defensively. \u201cThe next nearest clinic is fifteen miles away. Wouldn\u2019t it be nice to be needed like that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019re certainly Miss Positivity,\u201d Dulcia grumbled. \u201cBut I\u2019m not convinced it\u2019s right for him. Why didn\u2019t one of their own set-up shop?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Elaine shrugged. \u201cI guess they were too busy going to the big cities.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLike, this is Main Street?\u201d Dulcia gestured at the businesses they passed. \u201cLook at these places! The Perm Shoppe–the height of style, I\u2019m sure. A bowling alley–the hub of society, no doubt. Secondhoof Treasures–if you want old germy things. Salsa Shop–\u201d She paused. \u201cI might check that out,\u201d she admitted. \u201cAnd the Splendidly Sweet Sundae Spot–because drowning your boredom in ice cream is probably all you can bear to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s smaller than we\u2019re used to, but every bit as much home to these ponies as New Pony is to us,\u201d Elaine said prosaically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess,\u201d Dulcia grumbled.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby deposited a freshly-washed kitten with Strawberry, who happily took over drying and cuddling. She was turning to go back to the treatment room when the door chime rang, and two mares entered. Tabby recognized one as Thomas\u2019 sister, whose visit had been the talk of the clinic in the days leading up to this.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTabby?\u201d Elaine asked, her gaze lighting on the pink unicorn. \u201cAnd you must be Strawberry,\u201d she said, turning to the receptionist. \u201cThomas has told me so much about you. I feel like I know you already!\u201d She walked around the desk and gave each a quick hug. \u201cAnd this is my friend, Dulcia,\u201d she continued, gesturing at the other mare.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA pleasure,\u201d Dulcia murmured, polite but detached.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThomas was sure you would fall prey to hoofpads or miss a connection or starve to death,\u201d Tabby observed. \u201cHe hasn\u2019t shut up about it for the past week.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Elaine giggled. \u201cHe worries too much. Anyway–\u201d She looked around. \u201cWhere is he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s just finished in surgery,\u201d Tabby explained. \u201cWe had a rescued mama cat and kittens brought over from the shelter–the mom was in the worst shape, but we\u2019re tending to the kittens now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, lead the way; we\u2019ll help,\u201d Elaine said resolutely. Dulcia stepped in sync behind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere are some eye infections; it\u2019s not pretty,\u201d Tabby warned, glancing at Dulcia. For the uninitiated, it would be a disturbing sight.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a vet tech,\u201d Dulcia said stiffly. \u201cThis is what I do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine then,\u201d Tabby snapped. How was she supposed to know this newcomer\u2019s resume? There was no need to get uppity.<\/span><\/p>\n

The mares entered the treatment area just as Thomas was stepping out of the door to surgery. \u201cElaine, you made it!\u201d he exclaimed, sounding genuinely surprised.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, of course I did,\u201d Elaine said, giving him a warm hug. \u201cWhat did you think would happen?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a tight connection at Bluewood, and there are untold scalliwags waiting to prey on unattended mares,\u201d Thomas lectured.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI took self-defense lessons, remember?\u201d Elaine said breezily. \u201cAnd anyway, I wasn\u2019t alone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho–\u201d Then Thomas saw the pink mare behind Elaine and drew up short. \u201cDulcia?\u201d he asked incredulously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it worked out at the last minute for her to join me,\u201d Elaine said, scrutinizing Thomas\u2019 expression carefully. \u201cIt\u2019s not a problem, is it?\u201d she added softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not,\u201d Thomas said hastily. \u201cHow are you, Dulcia?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine, thank you,\u201d Dulcia said with a cool smile, inclining her head slightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby frowned, catching an undercurrent of tension between these two. They weren\u2019t exactly happy to see each other. Just what history was there between them? Was Dulcia a former paramour? Well, it wasn\u2019t her place to speculate. It was their business. But Tabby felt a pang, almost wishing it <\/span>was<\/span><\/i> her business.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, once we have these kittens settled, we can go out to dinner,\u201d Thomas said, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll both help,\u201d Elaine said, picking up a gold kitten near at hoof. \u201cWhat\u2019s the situation?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve been bathed, but these two have infected eyes that need to be cleaned,\u201d Tabby spoke up, taking another kitten from the basket.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPoor baby,\u201d cooed Elaine, holding him close to her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dulcia hovered about Tabby. \u201cYou need to soften it with water first,\u201d she stated as Tabby started picking at scabbed-over pus over the kitten\u2019s eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby gave her a long, hard look. \u201cI know what I\u2019m doing,\u201d she said at length.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019re going to tear the skin,\u201d Dulcia argued.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnly if I rip it off like a madpony!\u201d Tabby said in exasperation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmph,\u201d said Dulcia. \u201cI\u2019m just trying to help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, why don\u2019t you finish, since you clearly know what you\u2019re doing,\u201d Tabby sniffed, thrusting the kitten into Dulcia\u2019s hooves. Dulcia deftly caught the kitten in her right hoof, while the left hoof appeared unresponsive. Tabby absently wondered about the circumstances.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Elaine looked back and forth between the two mares with some concern. Both Dulcia and Tabby were forthright and opinionated, and it seemed they were starting off on the wrong hoof. \u201cWell, where are we going to eat?\u201d she chirped, hoping to diffuse some of the negativity.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was thinking the Estate Manor,\u201d Thomas said, closing a cabinet. \u201cIt\u2019s a local favorite.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure it will be lovely,\u201d Elaine said cheerfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can go if you want,\u201d Tabby said to Thomas. \u201cI\u2019ll take care of closing up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Tabby, you\u2019re coming with us, aren\u2019t you?\u201d Elaine quickly interjected. Maybe they just needed some more time to get to know each other.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby looked startled. \u201cWhat?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure! Didn\u2019t Thomas invite you?\u201d Elaine asked, darting a look at her brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure it\u2019s a family event,\u201d Tabby demurred.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve put her on the spot, Elaine,\u201d Dulcia pointed out. \u201cShe clearly doesn\u2019t want to go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense, we\u2019ll be working together,\u201d Elaine said staunchly. \u201cI want to get to know her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome to join us, Tabby,\u201d Thomas offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I don\u2019t think–\u201d Tabby shook her head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou must!\u201d Elaine entreated. \u201cBring a date; I don\u2019t care.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The corners of Tabby\u2019s mouth turned up in a cynical little smile. \u201cVery well,\u201d she said after a pause. \u201cLet me check with Toby.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGreat!\u201d said Elaine, sure that Tabby\u2019s reserve would melt away after a convivial evening with new friends.<\/span><\/p>\n

In short order, the kittens were reunited with their mother and tucked into the kennel where they would be spending the night. Strawberry was also invited to join the dinner party, but was successful in turning down the request, on the grounds of having to speak at a writers\u2019 meeting at the library.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the group was on its way out of the clinic, a different pink mare, this one with burgundy hair, hailed them on the sidewalk. \u201cThomas! I\u2019m glad I caught you,\u201d she said, smiling charmingly at Thomas and largely ignoring the mares. \u201cI wanted to give you this information on that seminar I was telling you about, <\/span>Business Litigation and Next Generation Data Breaches<\/span><\/i>.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh. That sounds\u2026 great,\u201d said Thomas, taking the leaflet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReservations have closed, but I can still get you a seat,\u201d the mare chattered. \u201cJust let me know by the twelfth. I was thinking lunch on Tuesday next week, because of a deposition I have on Wednesday. Can you do that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite her brother\u2019s continued insistence that he was no longer playing the field, it certainly appeared that this mare felt some proprietary hold over him, Elaine noted. Dulcia elbowed Elaine sharply in the side and mouthed, \u201cI told you so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat should be fine,\u201d Thomas said weakly, apparently flustered at having an audience. \u201cBy the way, this is my sister Elaine, and her friend Dulcia,\u201d he changed the subject. \u201cThey\u2019re visiting for the weekend. Girls, this is Dusty Rose.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, have a good time in our fair city,\u201d Dusty Rose said after exchanging pleasantries, though she looked a little perturbed. \u201cSee you Tuesday, Thomas.\u201d And she flounced off.<\/span><\/p>\n

Elaine looked sidelong at Dulcia and shrugged.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby idly sipped her ice water, listening to but not participating in the excited chatter around her. She probably should have stayed out of this, she mused, despite Elaine\u2019s protestations. Her presence was surely an imposition on this reunion. Despite some initial awkwardness, these three had an easy camaraderie formed from years of association. They talked about common acquaintances, places they\u2019d been, and adventures they\u2019d shared. And Toby was on his way. Was she crazy for inviting him? Probably. Thomas certainly wouldn\u2019t thank her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy, there certainly is a lot of meat on the menu,\u201d Dulcia said disapprovingly when they settled down to study the restaurant\u2019s offerings. \u201cThe savages!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby narrowed her eyes. \u201cI\u2019m sorry that our customs offend you,\u201d she said stiffly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, you\u2019re not saying that you actually <\/span>eat<\/span><\/i> meat?\u201d Dulcia looked aghast. \u201cGiven your line of work, I\u2019d think you would be more considerate.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay, Dulcia. It\u2019s the culture here,\u201d Thomas interjected warningly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMeat was introduced into the cuisine by the human servants of the Atlantean empire,\u201d Tabby noted authoritatively.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat doesn\u2019t make it right.\u201d Dulcia frowned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just saying, there are a lot of cultures you must hold in disgust if that is your criteria for civilized society,\u201d Tabby observed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Toby arrived then, probably diverting the conversation from a worse confrontation, and Elaine started in recognition. \u201cToby? Toby Collins?\u201d she asked incredulously. \u201cIt\u2019s you! Oh, you probably don\u2019t remember me,\u201d she hurried to add. \u201cWe just met a hoofful of times when you were hanging out with Thomas. I thought you were quite dashing!\u201d She bubbled over with youthful enthusiasm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I remember you, Elaine. How are you?\u201d Toby asked politely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI take the veterinary assessment in April; I can\u2019t wait!\u201d Elaine chattered. \u201cLet me introduce my friend, Dulcia. She\u2019s a vet tech.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNice to meet you,\u201d Toby said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you working now, Dulcia?\u201d Thomas asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have a job at Rolling Hills Clinic,\u201d Dulcia said. \u201cThat\u2019s on the west side.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026 that\u2019s Sugarplum\u2019s clinic, isn\u2019t it?\u201d Thomas asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re thinking of Pleasant Hills,\u201d Dulcia corrected. \u201cNo, Rolling Hills is real bottom of the barrel, but it\u2019s about the best I can get with my mobility issues.\u201d She gestured at her left hoof, and Tabby realized that she hadn\u2019t imagined the disability. \u201cI can still do the work of three techs, but who cares about that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry to hear that,\u201d Thomas said, looking distinctly uncomfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSurely there are protections in place for you,\u201d Toby protested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLaw and practice are different things.\u201d Dulcia shrugged. \u201cTabby,\u201d she said, turning to the unicorn with a sly smile, \u201ctell us more about your background. I hear you interned for a Bigfoot, but where did you go to school?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby took a sip of water while she thought about how to answer. \u201cMy work with Tiny <\/span>was<\/span><\/i> my school,\u201d she said after a poignant pause.<\/span><\/p>\n

A smirk spread across Dulcia\u2019s face. \u201cDon\u2019t you have proper schools here?\u201d she asked, incredulous. \u201cLet me guess, magic spells?”<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMagic injections, mostly,\u201d Tabby said, unflinchingly meeting Dulcia\u2019s eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo that\u2019s what you do all day,\u201d Dulcia said with a toss of her mane. As if magic were so disreputable!<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe clinic isn\u2019t licensed for magic, of course,\u201d Thomas hurried to add, \u201cbut Tabby\u2019s experience has left nothing to be desired.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, I bet,\u201d said Dulcia, eyeing Tabby speculatively. Tabby frowned back. \u201cSo, Thomas, I\u2019m trying to understand your reasoning,\u201d the pink mare said, turning to Thomas. \u201cYou\u2019re saying you hired someone with <\/span>only<\/span><\/i> magic experience, to work at a clinic with <\/span>zero <\/span><\/i>magic?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have a wide breadth of experience,\u201d Tabby snapped. \u201cTiny uses plenty of methods.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf she\u2019s good enough for Thomas, she\u2019s good enough for me,\u201d Elaine said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut for how long,\u201d Dulcia mumbled almost imperceptibly, but Tabby was near enough at hoof to catch it. What was this mare\u2019s problem with her?<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Sometime into the meal, a yellow mare with green hair passed by the table and paused. \u201cHi, Dr. Fairfax!\u201d she exclaimed, a friendly smile on her face. \u201cIt\u2019s so nice to run into you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Dulcia raised a brow. What a surprise, another fan to ogle <\/span>Dr. Fairfax<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Becca,\u201d Thomas said pleasantly, and made introductions. \u201cBecca is with the Chamber of Commerce here in Misty Hollow and has been very helpful,\u201d he added for the benefit of the visitors.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI bet she has. It\u2019s so nice to meet all of your new friends,\u201d Dulcia said demurely, even while smirking and nudging Elaine in the side. By all appearances, Thomas was still up to the same old games.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDr. Fairfax is a treasure!\u201d Becca enthused, not picking up on any subtext. \u201cWe\u2019re lucky to have him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cElaine will be joining the practice next year,\u201d Thomas pointed out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s great! You\u2019ll love it here!\u201d Becca said, beaming.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAny suggestions for what we should see while we\u2019re here?\u201d Elaine asked, smiling at Becca\u2019s enthusiasm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou should definitely stop by our statue of General Thistledown at Wood\u2019s Edge Park, and the quilts displayed at Main Street businesses,\u201d Becca advised. \u201cThe local history museum is a must-see. It\u2019s open 8-10 on Saturday. Oh, and don\u2019t forget Pony-mart if you need anything; they\u2019re open 24\/7.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll keep that in mind,\u201d Elaine said. \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Dulcia stifled a snort. As if she would ever allow herself to be seen shopping at Pony-mart!<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, who wants to go to the SSSS after this?\u201d Tabby invited as the meal wound-down. Her love of ice cream overshadowed her fears of socializing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe <\/span>what<\/span><\/i>?\u201d Dulcia asked, looking perplexed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Splendidly Sweet Sundae Spot. The ice cream shop,\u201d Tabby clarified.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I couldn\u2019t eat another bite,\u201d Dulcia protested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA visit to Misty Hollow isn\u2019t complete without going to the SSSS,\u201d Thomas maintained, and so the group ended up at that hub of society, which was buzzing with activity this Friday evening. They met with Vanguard and Strawberry, and other assorted friends. Now that Tabby was on more familiar hoofing, she settled back to observe what played out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Elaine was the life of the party, and everyone loved her, which was appropriate, Tabby mused. Her youthful vivacity drew ponies to her, and she had a kind word for everyone, listening attentively to their stories. Dulcia, while not rude, was much more reserved.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beauregard stopped by the table. \u201cHey, Doc, got your zither all ready,\u201d he commented, looking at Thomas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, have you taken up playing, Thomas?\u201d Elaine asked, grinning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a chance find at a flea market,\u201d Thomas explained. \u201cIt just reminded me of Mom.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was all hooves on hers,\u201d Elaine recalled. \u201cYou always had a better grasp of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStop by the salsa shop tomorrow and try it out; it\u2019s open mic night,\u201d Beauregard invited.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that sounds like fun,\u201d Elaine said enthusiastically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t count on me playing,\u201d Thomas warned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou never forget how to do things. You\u2019ll do fine,\u201d Elaine respectfully disagreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Later on, the crowd thinned somewhat and attendees had formed smaller clusters. Clovis, Talon, and Couthy were discussing the relative merits of D20 versus 2D10 dice. Thomas and Toby were arguing over who would be better equipped for a zombie apocalypse. Strawberry was with her sweetheart, going over some plot points she was stuck on. Dulcia, Elaine, and Tabby had ended up together, much to Tabby\u2019s discomfort, and were talking about boys.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, tell us about Thomas,\u201d Dulcia said, looking at Tabby with a wicked grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Tabby asked warily. Maybe she was on the verge of having some questions answered\u2026 and she wasn\u2019t necessarily sure she wanted answers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, come on, we all know what he\u2019s like, making up to the mares like some Don Juan,\u201d Dulcia said, rolling her eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Elaine looked uncomfortable. \u201cMaybe we shouldn\u2019t… \u201c she trailed off.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby looked at Dulcia levely and ignored Elaine\u2019s hesitation. \u201cHe\u2019s quite in demand among the local populace, yes,\u201d she said blandly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you, you still hold his interest\u2026 for now. He will get tired of you,\u201d Dulcia predicted. \u201cAre you loyal to your beau, or have you given in to the charms of your boss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDulcia!\u201d Elaine said chidingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby exhaled slowly. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t think of me like that. I\u2019m just his assistant.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know how he treats his <\/span>assistants<\/span><\/i>,\u201d Dulcia scoffed, and Tabby stared down at her hooves. Dulcia scrutinized her expression. \u201cHe really hasn\u2019t made any moves on you, has he?\u201d she realized wonderingly. \u201cWell, perhaps you\u2019re not really his type.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby flushed red.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDulcia, that\u2019s enough,\u201d Elaine chastised her friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re better off without him, anyway. Take my word for it,\u201d Dulcia huffed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s clear that something happened between you,\u201d Tabby said coolly. \u201cBut why are you taking out your frustration on <\/span>me<\/span><\/i>?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about,\u201d Dulcia said. \u201cWe\u2019re just having a conversation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDulcia is a poor traveler,\u201d Elaine interjected with a significant look. \u201cShe\u2019ll be in a better frame of mind tomorrow.\u201d Thomas and Toby had stood up, and it seemed like a good time for the evening to end. \u201cTabby, Toby, we\u2019ll see you at the salsa shop tomorrow, right?\u201d Elaine asked as they went their separate ways.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Toby quickly replied with a kind smile. Tabby felt that, as a proper girlfriend, she should be offended at the ready friendship he had struck up with the mare, but found that it didn\u2019t bother her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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