10. Chapter 10
Chapter 10
Luke
H olding Lydia, as we danced, was the highlight of my night; my week; my year. She fits inside the circle of my arms as if she is meant to be there. Her hair smells incredible. I want to bury my nose in the silky tresses that fall around her shoulders. We sway together in time to the music, and it feels like heaven. The crowd melts away, and it’s as if Lydia and I are the only people in the place. The band is playing this song just for us, ‘Always’. And yet we hardly know each other. All I know is, I feel I’m home.
Abruptly, Lydia pulls away from me, breaking the beautiful, intimate, slow-dance spell. She holds out her hand for a formal handshake and says, “Thanks for the dance. It was nice.”
It was nice? Is that what she really thinks? It was more than nice for me. It was wonderful. I want to ask her what happened. But then, it was just a dance. And how I felt could have been my imagination running wild. It’s been a while since I held a pretty woman. The experience must have gotten to me, and I projected deeper feelings of something more than just a dance.
The frontman announces the last song of the night. The music changes and I follow Lydia back to the bar. I figure it’s time to go. I stand close to Lydia with my eye on the exit. There’s so much I’d like to say, but the music is too loud. There are too many people. I look down at the floor. My hands are stuck in the pockets of my jeans.
“Thanks for inviting me.” I lean in to kiss Lydia’s cheek. “I had a great time tonight.”
“Me too,” says Lydia. Friendly but cautiously distant.
Whatever I felt when we were slow dancing together is obviously a mistake. Lydia has made it crystal clear that there’s no way she’s interested in me, romantically. Which is fine. I like her. Maybe we can see each other again, socially. As a friend. A buddy. A pal. Or whatever. I don’t know. At least I do know where I stand. The final chords of the last song ring out.
“Well, goodnight, Lydia.”
“Goodnight, Luke.”
Monday and the start of a new week. I’m in the main barn with Ray, Amy, Georgia, Saskia, and the part-time staff who have taken up positions, seated on hay bales around me. They each hold a printout of the run sheet and assigned duties for the upcoming Open Day. We talk through what the day might deliver and cover any questions and concerns that arise. My laptop is open and I’m referring to the detailed documents created by Maisy - a color-coded calendar; staff roster; health and safety procedures; and clear instructions for every aspect of the Green Acres Grand Open Day.
“The day is mainly for local people to come and have a look around; for us to introduce ourselves; and to showcase what we’re all about.” My staff listen attentively. “We’re a stud farm first, but the Open Day is for trialing our new venture in horseback rides, treks, and riding lessons. Pretty much, if someone would like to ride a horse, then we can accommodate. Hopefully, our visitors will like what they see, book a trek or riding lessons, tell their friends, and come back again and again.”
There are still things to sort out, but mostly everything’s in place. Maisy ordered more riding gear so we can take up to six people trekking at one time. The ponies we have are suitable for beginners. And the staff now all have the relevant certification for leading a group and instructing.
“As you know, bookings come through the website, as well as over the phone, so it’s super important you are all familiar with the program. If you’re not sure about anything, or it’s a special request, then grab the name and number and say that someone will get back in touch very soon.” I pause for a minute and look around at the faces who smile back at me. I’m encouraged by their willingness and positive outlook. “This is new for me too, so we’re all learning.” My staff nod an affirmative. “Having visitors onsite, it kind of means that we’re ‘on show’, if that makes sense. So, be friendly but courteous. Helpful. And be prepared to answer questions about the horses and stables. We’re going to get reps from the hotel in town, and other tourist-related businesses. So, this is a great way to connect with the community, show off what we’re all about. We’ll get families. There will be kids, so be extra careful to keep everyone safe.” I ask if there are any questions, then wait, and look around the barn. Everyone seems happy. “The weather looks good which is great for the outdoor demo. The whole thing, including the prize giveaway, should be all wrapped up in a couple of hours, tops.”
“It’s going to be great,” says Saskia. “Maisy’s flyers look really good.”
“They’re up in the library and noticeboards around town,” says Georgia.
“I’ve invited some industry people and we’re getting some RSVPs through,” I say looking at my email inbox. “The final head count should be this Thursday. Of course, everyone is welcome, but we need them to register so we know how many people are on site.” Everyone nods and smiles. “Brilliant. Thank you. That’s all for today.”
I close my laptop, and the staff members stand, stretch, and chat quietly together before heading out to their various stableyard duties. Walking back to the house, I shout hello to Deedee who is enjoying the paddock. He prances around, with his tail held high, showing off to the ladies in the paddock next door. He’s a fine animal. I’d really love to go for a ride right now, but I have a ton of admin and accounts to do.
In the office, I plug in my laptop, sit down, and try to concentrate on accounts, income, and expenses. But my mind is distracted by the memory of dancing with Lydia a couple of weeks before. I can still feel her in my arms and the way we moved to the slow song.
It’s been a while since I felt I could hold a woman that wasn’t Courtney. I respectfully held back from Lydia. And Lydia? She didn’t need to tell me in words that she’s not interested in me. The handshake spoke volumes. I lean back in my chair, interlacing my fingers together behind my head, and gaze out of the window.
It’s better for us to be just friends. This is a small town, after all. I know how things work. Just because you dance with a lady, some folk could see that as the start of something. Something that leads to something else. I need to protect myself. I don’t want to be the subject of gossip. And I don’t want complications. Or heartbreak, if things go wrong. I’ve learned my lesson the hard way. I can’t open my heart to someone for fear of it being trashed. Like before. With Courtney.
Memories of Courtney instantly chill my bones. My heart hardens. My jaw clenches. Falling in love is never going to happen to me again.