Steven rode out to the station to talk to Buck. Riding into the yard, he looked around but didn't see Buck. He spotted Cody sitting on the porch reading. Dismounting he tied King to the rail. Climbing the stairs he asked, "Cody, you know where I can find Buck?"

Without looking up Cody answered, "He's in the barn Mr. Johnson." He silently envied Buck for having two girls chasing after him since his girl had left town.

"Thanks Cody."

Cody nodded and went back to reading his book.

Steven sighed. He knew Cody was missing Jacy. He shook his head and then headed for the barn.

Upon entering the barn, Steven saw Buck working in one of the stalls. Walking over he said, "Uh, Buck, I have a favor to ask you."

Buck looked up, "Sure, Mr. Johnson. What can I do for you?"

"Well, Caly's been asked to the Halloween Party by Charlie." He paused to see Buck's reaction.

Buck just nodded that he knew.

Then Steven continued. "Well, I was hoping that you would be their chaperon. She trusts you completely and feels safe with you around. "

Buck stopped what he was doing and thought about it. If I were to go with them, I could make sure that Mr. Playboy doesn't try anything with her. "Sure I can do that for you and her. I was thinking about asking Vanessa. Would it be ok for me to bring her along?"

Steven thought a minute and said, "Sure it would be alright. She wouldn't want you to be bored. Does this mean you made up your mind about Caly?"

"No, Vanessa's just a friend. Charlie asked Caly before I did."

Steven smiled and clapped Buck on the back, "Thank you for doing this for me." Then he waved as he walked out of the barn and mounted King and rode home.

**********

Buck had been trying to talk to Vanessa ever since he had switched her and Corey back. She was still mad at him, and he was trying to think of a way to make it up to her.

He rode into town and went into the bordello and asked to see Vanessa. His reason for seeing Vanessa was misinterpreted and he had to pay to see her, but he didn't mind. Vanessa couldn't refuse to see him since he had paid for her, so she led him up to her room.

"Vanessa, I wanted to talk to you."

"You wanted to talk?" She asked disbelieving.

"Yes, I wanted to talk." He said.

"Ok. I'm listening." She said as she sat down on her bed.

"When we were working at the barber shop, I thought we had become good friends. But you have to understand that I don't think bad of you because of your job. I don't judge people by their jobs, but by who they are. I want our friendship to continue. I hate it when my friends think that I'm something that I'm not." He waited for her reaction, when he didn't get a reaction, he continued. "I was wondering if you would go to Meg and Luke's Halloween Party with me."

"Why, Buck, are you asking me out on a date?" Vanessa asked teasingly. "I thought you were trying to decide between Corey and Caly"

"Well, a friendship date. I'm sure that they both will understand that."