7. Leah
Leah
So far, this has not gone according to plan.
I had thought a friendship with Parker and Grady would work out.
Apparently, that’s the dumbest idea ever.
Aside from our brief interactions before and after training, Grady completely ignores me.
The part of my mind that believed he was warming up has finally accepted the fact that it’s never going to happen.
No matter how sweet I try to be, he stays straight-faced, stoic, bordering on cold.
Parker is indifferent to the whole ordeal, carrying on with training like he’s oblivious, but he’s clearly not.
Maddening, that’s what it is. Every part of me is irked by the situation.
No more breakfasts, no more lunch dates disguised as “business” meetings.
It’s like the first couple of days before the altercation never happened. Except we all know they did.
Despite the tension I’ve been carrying, Parker is satisfied with my progress.
I thought I had learned quite a lot before coming here, but he truly is a visionary.
I don’t know his whole story, but whatever Henrietta saw in him, I see it too.
While she may be a frigid old hag, she’s smart and business-savvy.
New bonding techniques have Tally molding like putty beneath the saddle.
We were best friends before coming here, but she’s undoubtedly more attached to me now.
I love it. She’s much more responsive. I almost miss her attitude and the way she would push back just enough to remind me she’s a badass.
We’ve got a lot of work to do, though, so it’s for the best.
Today is our rest day. Except Parker gave us homework. No time in the training arena, but we’re going for a nice ride on the back trails of the property. I had no idea they existed, but he gave me directions.
When I enter the stables, much to my annoyance, Grady’s just… around, coming out of the supply closet. Startled, his face goes tight when he sees me. I offer a soft smile, which he ignores, re-entering the room he just left, closing the door behind him.
What is his problem?
Shaking off the frustration, I return my attention to Tally.
She nuzzles into me as I scratch behind her ear.
As we ride out of the stables, she whinnies, excited for the fresh air.
She’s spent a lot of time in the stall recently, I’ll turn her out in the pastures later tonight so she can graze.
If only there were other horses around for her to socialize with.
Bridget has deemed her unworthy of mingling with Champ.
Trotting along, we pass by the cabin neighboring mine.
The Jeep parked outside sends zips of interest coursing through my body.
Some new faces would definitely break up the overbearing sameness.
But there’s no time to introduce myself.
Training comes first. Friends aren’t going to win the Olympics for me.
We continue toward the tree-covered path.
My eyes widen when we breach the threshold.
What lies beyond the perimeter is an entirely different world, fantastical even.
The tropical paradise is mesmerizing. Thick foliage lines the gravel trail.
Signs mark the path, but don’t give any details of where it leads.
Lizards and birds skitter about while we disturb their morning.
Tally jolts slightly at first, but quickly calms under my soothing pats.
“I know, T, we didn’t have all this back home,” I murmur, admiring the endless beauty around us. It’s inspiring, bringing a sliver of renewed hope.
Growing up, my parents always called me a dreamer. Now they say I’m a foolish girl chasing unrealistic fantasies. Funny how the tone shifts when you can make them a reality. I haven’t taken any time in the last couple of years to chew over their judgment.
I know this plan, these aspirations, are harebrained and likely unattainable, but I have the means now to actually try. I’m going to give it my all, damn it. If I fail, so be it. I’m no quitter, and don’t plan on coming this far to let the likes of Bridget Hart or Grumpy Grady bring me down.
Does it normally take a few years to qualify for the Olympics? Yes. But I believe in our ability to do it in one year. We’re going to need every waking moment of training to get there. Taking all of Parker’s advice is the first step.
Lost in my musings, I nearly miss the small spring to our left. Halting Tally, I dismount and hitch her to a post. Aside from the gravel and markers, it’s almost easy to forget this is a man-made trail. Thankfully, whoever made it thought of the horses that would be traveling through.
I settle onto a large rock sitting on the edge of the spring and kick off my riding boots.
Serenity embraces me when I dip my toes into the cool water.
Tally, basking in her own bliss, lies down and nickers.
She’s so lazy when she wants to be, and I’m glad I tacked her up with my everyday saddle.
The nice one we use for competitions would need a hefty cleaning, thanks to the dirt and debris under her.
Instead, I giggle as she rolls, disregarding the gear on her back.
“I have to sit there!”
Head bobbing, she lets out a lighthearted whinny.
I swear she understands me more than any “friend” I could ask for.
People don’t get me the way she does. While she’s a total butt-head to those who don’t respect her space, I like to think we’re kindred spirits.
Her breeder gave me a discount because of her “undesirable temperament” but I saw right through the nips and snorts.
When she loves you, she’s the most loyal and fun-loving horse there is.
She’s just picky. A girl’s gotta have standards, after all.
Lord knows I’ve given my time and energy to the wrong people more often than not.
Parker and Grady pop back into my mind. “What do you think about the guys?” I ask Tally.
She bobs her head and blows out a low, easy snort.
“Yeah, they’re decent enough,” I agree, “I just wish I knew what I did wrong to make Grady hate me.”
She grunts, tail flapping.
“He… I thought he was going to kiss me. Can you believe that?” I lie back on the rock, enjoying the coolness through my shirt.
“He won’t even look at me now. Parker doesn’t seem to give a hoot.
How am I supposed to help them if he won’t give me any reason to care?
” Exasperated, I groan and roll to my side, letting my feet dry off.
Tally flops her lip and nods.
“I’m glad you agree.” I chuckle, slipping my boots on. “Thanks for the chat, Bestie. We should probably head back. We rode for a good bit. Gotta be close to dinner time.”
Once she’s on her feet, I do my best to dust off her saddle. I guide her toward the rock I was resting on and use it as a makeshift mounting block. She’s tall. I’m not about to mount her from the ground if I don’t need to. My hip flexors are grateful for the break.
I’m not entirely sure why Parker wanted us to ride this trail, but it served as some much-needed self-reflection time. For that, I’m thankful. Being in nature always brings me comfort. This may be a new environment, but the effects are the same.
When we near our stable, I’m surprised to see Parker in the training corral with Bridget and Champ.
Did he tell me to take the trail ride so I wouldn’t know he’s giving her extra lessons? Is he backing out on our deal and deciding to work with her after all?
No, he said that wouldn’t work.
Trotting through the doorway, I attempt to shake off the simmering betrayal and focus on Tally.
Once I have her saddle off, I grab my dandy brush and get to work cleaning her up.
A full bath will be necessary, but the bathing station is out back near the corral.
I have no interest in being within earshot of the training session.
Traitor. Stupid man thinking with his dick, surely.
I huff to myself as the agitating sound of Bridget’s overly forced laughter echoes through the stable.
Great.
The storage room door creaks open. Grady is there, a clearly despondent expression on his face. My eyes meet his for a heartbeat before he stares at the ground.
Awesome.
Maybe I should just re-tack Tally and ride back to the trails. This day sucks otherwise.
“Here,” Bridget barks, thrusting Champ’s reins toward Grady.
He takes them, avoiding eye contact. His timidness is confusing, being a walking brick house and all.
“Take care of him, I’m going to lunch with Parkie.
” She links her arm through Parker’s, and I twist my face and scoff.
“Oh, I’m sorry, does the nobody have something to say? ” she quips, chin raised.
Parker offers a tight-lipped smile to Grady and me, dipping his chin in a way that begs me not to make a scene.
Too bad, I live for humbling pompous bitches. “Oh, no, I have better things to do than give a shit about you.” I smile widely, still brushing Tally.
Parker closes his eyes, rolling his lips between his teeth as Bridget gasps.
“You, you’d better care about me! My mother—”
“May own this place, but you are nothing more than an entitled brat. Go on, enjoy your lunch with Parkie, hope the bonus training sessions will be enough for you to stay in your saddle at our first competition.”
Grady doesn’t quite stop the snort before it leaves him.
Bridget, slack-jawed, directs a sharp glare his way. Before she even opens her mouth, my hair stands on end. “How dare you! Once Mother hears about this, it’s over for both of you. I don’t know who you think you are, acting like you’re better than me.” She pokes him in the chest, and I see red.
Dropping my brush, I’m outside of Tally’s stall and between them before I can think—chest puffed, staring into her beady eyes with laser focus. She might be five or six inches taller than me, but I’m no yellow-belly, and I’m not one to turn a blind eye to bullying.
“You’d better keep that bony finger to yourself,” I snarl, “let me see you get cross with him one more time. I dare you.”
“What is it with you? Why do you care about him? Oh, oh my, are you two an item?” Her eyes widen to the size of dinner plates.
“No, I just give a shit about people other than myself. Parker—” I shoot my gaze up to him.
His silence through all of this is damning, and I am not impressed in the slightest. “—kindly put your bitch on a shorter leash… and get her a muzzle. If she starts a fight, I can’t promise it will end well for her. ”
“Easy, ladies, let’s all just take a step back,” he speaks up, finally.
“She’s the one getting belligerent!” Bridget wails.
“You’re the one laying hands on people,” I spit. “Grady might be too nice to put you on your ass, but I’m damn sure not.”
She gasps, clenching her hand to her chest. Looking over me to Grady, her expression shifts into one of malice. “How cute you’ve got your little girlfriend to fight your battles for you. Pathetic as ever.”
I lunge, but a set of strong arms wrap around me.
Kicking, flailing my arms, I try to free myself from Grady’s grasp, but it’s no use.
My blinding rage dampens as I inhale his crisp, clean scent—lemon or grapefruit laced with a woodsy undertone.
With my back securely against his firm chest, I relax, still scowling.
“Good gracious, you’re a mess.” Bridget sneers, latching onto Parker. He doesn’t say anything, but the sorrow and apology in his eyes confuse me.
Why is he entertaining her?
Champ, completely unbothered by the near fist fight, has wandered into his stall and is munching away on his hay as if nothing happened.
I huff, realizing that Grady is still holding me, chin resting against the top of my head.
His arms have loosened, but his hands have found the curves of my hips.
The rightness of being pressed against him makes my heart stutter.
Leaning into him, I sigh, letting myself enjoy the moment for as long as I can.
His silence and strength are calming. The rise and fall of his broad chest is almost hypnotic.
“I’m sorry, I know you don’t particularly like me, and I’m sure you don’t appreciate me always butting in…
I just—” I bring my hands to his, lacing our fingers together.
Callouses beg for me to drag my thumbs over them.
“—I don’t care if you hate me, I hate seeing you upset by her unwarranted hostility.
You’re gentle and kind. You deserve better. ”
I squeak as he spins me and stares into my eyes. When I move to step back, he pulls me into a hug, lifting me off the ground. His hold is nearly crushing, but I love the pressure, how secure I feel. More of his scent tingles my nose. For a second, I almost wrap my legs around him.
Almost.
Until Tally neighs from her stall
I laugh as he puts me down, giving her an apologetic look. Apparently, that’s all it takes for him to remember that he hates me. His features harden. Giving a tense nod, he excuses himself to tend to Champ.
The hug is enough of a victory. I’d better not press my luck. One day at a time.