Chapter 23 #3
I'm sorry I didn't text last night. I was pretty tired by the time I got home.
Noah
It's okay. I needed the sleep anyway. How'd things go with Jase?
Fisher
Really well. We went to Lyla's gravesite and had a long talk. I can tell you more during the next break.
Noah
Okay. Are we still talking tonight?
As much as I want to know what Jase said, I need to know I'll see him later.
Fisher
Yeah, I'll come over once it's clear.
My dad announces the jumping competition next, and I know our time is done for now.
Noah
Sounds good.
After I send him one last message, I pocket my phone.
I miss him so much already, and my heart aches to touch him again. Even if our hands only touched for the briefest of moments, it had my chest tightening. I'm happy for him that things are progressing with Jase, but that means our relationship suffers for that to happen.
The jumping show begins, and each one does so well, it's anyone's win at this point. Harlow's still new to it, so she's in the beginner level and managed to jump over all the poles without knocking any over. The girls and I cheer loudly for each one, getting the crowd hyped up as well.
Ian continues sitting next to us and although he stays quiet, he keeps looking over at Magnolia and me, which makes me uneasy.
When he does try to engage, we pretend he doesn't exist. If he wasn’t so pushy about wanting a date with her and wanting to know who I was with, it wouldn’t feel so tense having him here.
Once each rider has gone through, the twins remove all the equipment as Dad announces that mutton busting is next and to stick around for a fun time. Then he brings out Mr. Billings to talk more about their charity.
“I'm grabbin’ some food. Y'all wanna come?” Magnolia asks.
I shake my head. “Gonna stay here, but can you bring me back somethin’?”
“I'll go!” Ellie jumps to her feet.
They walk down the steps and more people follow suit.
When my phone vibrates, my heart races in anticipation, and I smile when I see Fisher's name. I shouldn't get my hopes up about a future between us, but I can't help it.
Fisher
Was Ian bothering you?
Noah
Nothing I couldn't handle. How's judging going?
Fisher
If he becomes a problem, tell me.
Noah
You just sit there and judge. We're not outing our relationship in the middle of the fundraiser.
I'm only half joking, but honestly, this would be the worst possible time for Ian to recognize Fisher and make a scene with my family and clients around.
Fisher
Doesn't mean I can't find him later and remind him how to keep his mouth shut.
I smile like a stupid lovestruck teenager at the thought of him sticking up for me, and even though it's not necessary, it's nice to know he has my back.
“Who's makin' you this giddy?” Ian leans over, gradually scooting closer, and I quickly lock my phone.
“What do you want, Ian?”
“Talk me up to Magnolia so she'll go on a date with me.”
I scoff, nearly laughing in his face. “If she were interested, she woulda told you she was.”
“Maybe if you say nice things about me, she will be.”
“I'm not gonna get you dates. I'm not a pimp.”
“You owe me, remember? I didn't report you or call the police, and it woulda been in my job description to get you in trouble. You and your little boy toy.” He arches a brow, and I'm tempted to smack it right off his smug face.
“But ya didn't, and there's nothin' you can do about it now. Is there? You have no proof and there’s no cameras behind that buildin’. So nice try at blackmailin’ me.”
I stand, walk to my dad, and whisper in his ear to get Sheriff Wagner here.
“Everythin’ alright?” he asks, calling his personal cell.
“It will be,” I deadpan, then glance over my shoulder and notice Fisher staring at me intently.
If Ian being a pain in my ass isn’t enough, Magnolia and Ellie rush over and pull me aside.
“Craig’s here. Saw him sneakin’ ’round the barn actin’ really suspicious, but Ayden told him to get lost.”
Goddammit. Am I an asshole magnet or something?
“Great, I just sent the sheriff here to get rid of Ian. Do you know where he went?”
“No, but I suspect he won’t leave of his own free will.” Magnolia groans.
The mutton-busting event begins and we cheer for all the little kids who enter.
It’s cute watching them hang onto the sheep for their dear lives, but it reminds me of Craig’s presence and how he could easily put so many innocent lives at risk.
I’m still on edge after he scattered nails in here and can’t help but be suspicious of him sneaking in today.
When Sheriff Wagner arrives with Deputy Scott, I inform him of Craig’s unwanted attendance so he can keep an eye out for him, then I ask him to escort Ian out of the arena and tell him to leave.
It might be extreme, but he’s making us uncomfortable and tried to blackmail me.
It’s one thing to be an asshole.
It’s another to do it on my own property at the event I’m hosting.
As they approach Ian, the three of us keep our backs to the bleachers. I catch a glimpse of him out of the corner of my eye as he stomps down the stairs and glares at me.
“Thank God,” Magnolia mutters. “He fucked around and found out.”
People come up to me and introduce themselves between events, some even asking if I have openings in my training schedule. I book a year out but tell them to email me anyway in the event a spot opens early. Others come up just to tell me how much fun they’re having and enjoying the shows.
People walk in and out to grab food and drinks, and although I’ve been to many events since I was a teenager, I like these types the most. It’s low-key but fun and exciting. Everyone is there to have a good time, eat, and socialize.
When my dad announces the next break, he reminds them to return for the showmanship event and then the awards ceremony, where I’ll announce all the winners from each event.
Once the cash prizes were handed out, Landen brought over the silent auction totals so Momma could total everything.
Between that, the tickets, each rider’s entry fee, sponsored booths, horseback riding sign-ups, and food truck percentage donations, we handed Mr. Billings a check for one hundred and twenty-three thousand dollars.
That’s over six months’ worth of the charity’s annual budget, which means they’ll be able to continue to help a lot of horses in need with medical and physical care.
My heart was so full by the time everything came to an end.
Despite Craig and Ian showing up, the day was a huge success, and I hope from now on we can make it an annual thing.
I’d love to be able to raise money for different charities each year.
The bonus was meeting other local trainers and their clients, seeing all the townspeople enjoy themselves, and the small businesses coming together to help make it all possible.
The networking I was hoping to do was a success.
I feel much better about the friendships I’ve made within the industry and what that’ll mean moving forward.
I nearly cried at the end of my speech as I gave my thanks and appreciation. Then I made the mistake of glancing at Fisher and wanted to cry for another reason.
It’s nine o’clock by the time I get home.
We had a lot of cleaning to get things back in order.
I helped the riders load their horses in their trailers and thanked each one of them for coming.
I jump in the shower and change into comfy clothes before Fisher’s expected to come over.
I have a feeling I won’t like what he has to tell me, but if we only have this one final night together, I’m going to make it count.