20. Chapter 20
Chapter 20
Luke
I lead Olive and Deedee back into the stables thinking about how nice it was to ride with Lydia. She’s a natural on a horse. Very relaxed. Not at all anxious. And she’s so easy to talk to. I’d like to have more time to get to know her better. She hasn’t shared much about herself. Mind you, neither have I. But I love her unstoppable optimism and the way she believes that love can save the world. And that flowers have meaning beyond being pretty. I love the way she gets all caught up when she’s talking about things she’s passionate about. Her enthusiasm is infectious. I could listen to her all day.
Being with Lydia today has made me reconsider my single status. Am I ready to trust my heart with someone again? I thought I’d be content on my own. But then, since meeting Lydia, all these possibilities occupy my thoughts. I wonder if she’s as intrigued about me as I am about her. Probably not.
I spot a jacket draped over the stable door. I’m pretty sure it belongs to Sheena. She was wearing it when she arrived. The ladies are almost at the car, so I call out. They both stop and turn around.
“I think you left this,” I say holding up the jacket.
“Oh, silly me,” says Sheena almost breaking into a run back to retrieve the item of clothing. “Thank you.” She takes the jacket from me. “And I’ll be in touch. Enjoy your trip.”
“I will. Take care.” I wave to Lydia who is waiting by the car. She waves back then gets into the passenger seat.
At the lookout, there was a moment where I thought she was going to reach out for my hand. Then, suddenly, the shutters slammed down again. Why do I feel as if she’s holding back? I should just let it go. Try and ignore the attraction that’s building between us.
In Deedee’s stable, memories of Lydia flood my mind as I unfasten the saddle and slide it off his back. My horse stands perfectly still, patiently waiting to be released from his trappings. I picture Lydia at the hotel when we first met, hiding behind a huge vase of flowers, when I checked in. Then, when she came over to ask for permission to cut branches from my crabapple trees. Then, I remember Lydia at the Old Oak when we danced close to the slow love song. She was sweet and shy, and felt so good in my arms. The connection that night was undeniable. And yet, what happened? It’s hard to say.
I brush Deedee with broad, firm strokes until his coat shines like a copper plate. I comb his mane and tell him he’s beautiful. He already knows and tosses his head to show me.
It’ll be good to get away for a while. I need time to assess the Lydia situation. Perhaps, with time, she’ll open up a little more. When I get back from traveling, I’ll call her. Ask her out on a date. Go out for coffee. Something like that. Lydia is a puzzling conundrum alright.
Later, in my room, I’m packing for my trip when my phone rings. It’s Dad. He’s calling to tell me that he’s heard, through the grapevine, that the mare I’m interested in, is hot property.
“You know a quality horse when you see one, Luke,” my dad says laughing. “Just trust your gut, okay? Watch her move. She’s got to be proud, like a princess. A little attitude is a good thing. But crazy, out-of-control? No. Don’t go there. Too much trouble and hard to manage. You’ll be making things tough for yourself. But you know all that, Son.”
“Yep. Thanks, Dad. I learned everything I know from the best in the business.”
“That’s right.” My dad laughs again. I think that the conversation is over and I’m about to hang up when Dad says, “There’s something else I’d like to run past you, if that’s okay.”
“Sure. Go ahead.” I move toward my closet, open the door, and take out a couple of plaid shirts on wire hangers.
“I’d like you to go to Dubai. There’s a horse breeder there who has been in touch, but I’d like someone to go and check him out.”
“Whoa, Dubai!” I remove the shirts from their hangers and lay them on the bed. The hangers clatter to the floor.
“Yes, Luke. Have a think about it before you make a decision.”
“Dad, that’s exciting. When?”
“Soon. After Christmas would be ideal, but…”
“Oh, okay. I don’t see a problem. I’ll just need to organize staffing here at Green Acres.”
“Great! So, bring your passport, we’ll sort out travel arrangements and you can fly from here.”
“Okay, sounds good.” I pull open the drawer in the bedside table and rifle around until I put my hand on my passport. I open it up and check the expiry date, then toss it on top of my shirts in the bag.
“We’ll talk about it more when you’re here.”
“Perfect. I’ll see you very soon.” I’m almost done packing. “Bye Dad and thanks for calling.”
“Thanks for picking up.” My dad laughs again. “We’ll see you real soon. Mom sends her love. She can’t wait to see you.”
My dad hangs up the call and I gather my toothbrush and shaving stuff from the bathroom. When I return to place them into the travel bag, my phone rings again. I pick up after a couple of rings believing it’s Dad again, and he’s forgotten to tell me something. But it’s not my dad.
“Hey Luke,” says a familiar female voice. “I hope this isn’t a bad time to call.” I freeze, holding the phone at arm’s length, deciding whether to hang up or not. I haven’t heard this voice for months. “Luke, are you there?”