Chapter 20
Louisiana
Just like he promised, Issac was at my door this morning to take me to get my car.
He had a coffee in his hand and a bagel, too.
He seemed hurt when I was surprised he showed up.
I apologized again and tried to explain that I wasn’t used to men actually doing what they said they’d do.
I’d lost count on how many times Charlie told me he’d do something and then never ended up following through.
After he brought me to Life in Bloom, I stayed to talk to Carrie. “If you don’t want to date him, I will,” Carrie teased.
“I never said I didn’t want to date him, I’m just not used to this, I guess.” I shrugged as I grabbed a green apron and pulled a container of multi-colored roses out. Carrie was in the process of making up bud vases and I just naturally joined in.
“How much longer do you think you need on the wall?” She mentioned it as if she was trying to not pressure me.
“Maybe one more day.” I thought about it. I had some lettering to go over, and then it would be finished. “Amy has a competition tomorrow so, I can finish it up on Sunday.” I tied a ribbon around the vase and turned it to face her. “What’d ya think?”
“I think you should work here permanently.” She grinned.
“I might take you up on that. I like this, us, hanging out.” I smiled.
“Same, but I’m enjoying dating Issac through you.” She giggled. “When are you seeing him again?” She nudged me in the side.
“We’ll see each other tomorrow at the competition.” I set the vase aside and grabbed another.
“No, I mean when are you going to have adult time with him? Like no kids. You know, so you can get to know each other better.” She wagged her brows.
“We’ve had adult time.” I was confused.
“Oh my god, Lou. When are you two going to do it?” She seemed exasperated.
“I don’t know!” I squeaked. “He’s kissed me twice. I’m not thinking about that.” I flung my hands up in the air.
“Are you crazy? After the way he defended you last night? I’m not even dating him and I thought that was hot!” Her eyes widened. “I can’t believe you weren’t turned on after that.”
“I was dealing with my drunk ex who wanted to see our child. Sex wasn’t even on my radar,” I huffed. “You get that, right?” I spun to face her.
“Yeah, I get it, but I can’t believe you aren’t more interested in what’s under all those jeans and button-downs.”
“It’ll happen when we’re ready,” I muttered.
“And when will that be?” she teased.
“I don’t know. Not today.” I brushed her off and carried a bunch of vases over to the display cooler. I didn’t really want to think about it. Part of me wondered if Issac was even thinking about that.
Ooooooooo
Competition day went by in a blur. The girls won their division and were granted a much needed break.
The dance season was finished for the summer and wouldn’t start back up until fall.
We were going to get eight weeks off, and I was going to relish every minute of it.
I love that Amy loved dance, but sometimes it became a bit much.
Practice every day, gone every weekend, night rehearsals, two a days, it was a lot.
“We’re going to Georgia this weekend for a race; you guys wanna come?” Hallie chattered away as we all left the studio. “Daddy says he thinks we gotta real chance.”
“I’ve never been to a race,” Amy murmured. “Could we, Mama?”
“I don’t know. I don’t think I can get away. I’d have to see what it would cost to go.” I felt bad telling Amy no, but I didn’t have a lot saved with dance season just ending.
“You could come with us, right Daddy?” She tugged at Issac’s arm. He was on the phone with someone and kept nodding as if he were trying to appease her but wasn’t really listening. “We get tickets for the owner’s box, and Daddy booked a suite. Right, Daddy?” she tried again.
“Sure, honey.” He brushed her off and then his eyes met mine. I was confused. Was he inviting us, or was he agreeing with her to get her to stop?
“You don’t know what she just asked, do you?” I laughed as both girls rushed off, laughing and squealing in delight. There was a small grassy area outside the studio, and they rushed over and flopped in the grass.
“She invited you guys to the Green Oaks Stakes.” He slipped his phone into his pocket and smiled at me.
“And you’re ok with this?” My brow furrowed.
“Sure. It’ll be fun.” He put his arm around my shoulders.
“Hallie can show Amy around the barn. She loves the horses and helping, and I can show you around the racetrack. As an owner, I get passes for areas that other people can’t get into.
She’s right. You can stay with us. We have plenty of room.
” He pulled me into his side. “We can even go into the owner’s club for dinner one night.
The view of the track from there is amazing. ” He kissed my temple.
We reached the girls and I could hear them talking. “Wear purple,” Hallie was telling Amy. “Our stable colors are purple and gold. That’s what Henry, the jockey, wears. And get a hat. All the girls wear hats. Right, Daddy?” She looked up and grinned wider.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say she’s really trying to make this work,” I whispered.
“What’s wrong with that?” His breath was hot on the shell of my ear. “A little alone time. Fancy dresses and a chance to win some money. Seems like a pretty good day, if you ask me.” He pulled me closer. “I’d love to show you my world.”
I swallowed. His world. Racing was a world full of money and chance. He bought and sold horses like cars. I wasn’t sure I’d fit into his world.
“Please, Mama!” Amy laced her fingers together and batted her eyes as she stared up at me.
“Ok. Let me talk to Carrie and make sure she’ll be good without me for a few days, and we can go.”
“Yay!” Amy jumped up and down.
“You should come over and watch Craig workout Maverick. It’s magical.” Hallie sighed. “The way he moves…” She closed her eyes as if she were watching it in her head.
“You guys are welcome to come over whenever. She’s right. He’s magical when he runs. He’s a true champion. Best investment I’ve made.” Issac laughed.
“If you haven’t raced him yet, how do you know?” I was confused.
“Sometimes you can just tell. I watched him leave the practice gate, and the way he moves on the track… he’s gonna win.”
“What happens if he doesn’t?” I’d lived through Charlie and all of his prospects of success, so I was more of a pessimist now.
“We wait a year, see how he does, and then sell him if he’s not doing well, but I think the reason he wasn’t successful before was because of his training. You have to have the right team, and I’ve got that.”
We’d made our way over to our cars at this point. Hallie was climbing into Issac’s truck. “Craig and the team are leaving Wednesday. We’re heading out Friday. Come on over in the morning, and we can ride together,” Issac called over the truck.
“What should we bring?” I smiled.
“Like Hallie said, our colors are purple and gold. Most of the ladies wear hats, and you’ll need something nice for the owner’s club. You can call me if you have any questions.” He smiled as he opened his door.
“Ok. I just might do that.” I laughed lightly, but inside I was screaming. This wasn’t my scene. I came from a family who considered dressing up to be not wearing jeans.
On the way home, I called Codie and Carrie and filled them in on my plans. They both insisted that I needed to go shopping, and they’d help me. By the time I reached my apartment, they were waiting by my parking space with my mom in tow.
“What is all this?” I shook my head as I cut the engine and climbed out.
“I’m here to watch Amy, and your sisters are taking you downtown to get a dress for this weekend.” Mom grinned.
“But what about me? I need a dress.” Amy crossed her arms over her chest.
“I think we’ll manage.” My mom began to lead Amy over to the stairs that led up to our door.
“Bye, Mom,” Amy waved.
“Now, get in!” Carrie pointed at the passenger seat of her car.
Ooooooooo
We made our way into downtown, passing my mural in the process. “It looks good. I’m glad I thought of that.” Carrie pointed out the window as we slowed down going by it.
“Yeah, I didn’t have anything to do with it,” I teased.
“It was a joint effort,” Codie chimed in from the back seat.
Carrie parked and we all climbed out. “Where do you want to start?” Codie waved her hands around.
“How about McClintock’s?” Codie pointed to the store a few doors down. They always had nice stuff, but the boutique was often pricey.
“I don’t know if I can afford anything in there.” I sighed.
“Well, we can at least look.” Codie shrugged.
We both followed her inside. There were several mannequins dressed in spring dresses up front and then rack after rack of what we always called ’Sunday wear’.
Growing up, we had dresses, play clothes, and Sunday wear.
If it was Sunday wear, it was only worn on special occasions or to church.
Mama bought us a new spring dress each Easter, and we had to make it last until the fall.
For most of us, this was easy. We just made sure to change when we got home.
Gia was the only one to mess her dresses up.
There were many Sundays when she refused to change, and we knew she was hoping to rip or stain her dress so she didn’t have to wear it anymore.
“What about this?” Carrie pulled a silk sheath out. It was a deep plum color and had white flowers on it. “He said purple, right?”
“I like that.” Codie breezed past me for the shoes. “These would match—” she held up a pair of sandals “—and look…” She pointed at a rack of hats.
“Go try it on.” Carrie shoved the dress at me and pointed toward the dressing rooms.
“How much is it?” I tried to locate the price tag, but my sisters didn’t give me the chance.
“I wanna see it when you get it on,” Codie called at my back.
I changed into the dress, and it fit perfectly.
The silk was so soft, and it swished around my thighs when I walked.
I could tell by the way it felt that it was expensive.
“Look at this.” Codie came over with a hat.
It had a large brim and it shadowed my face slightly.
“Yes. You have to buy this. You look so good in it.” She clapped happily.
“Go take it off.” She shooed me back into the dressing room.
I could hear them both talking in hushed whispers out there as I changed. When I was putting the dress back on the hanger, I finally saw the tag. $342. My stomach nearly came up into my throat.
“You’re stalling. Come out!” Codie called as she knocked on the door.
I closed my eyes as I gathered everything and opened the door. “I can’t get this. It’s too much. I have rent due soon.” I looked at the floor before going to put the dress back on the rack.
“Nonsense. You look stunning in that, and we’re going to get it for you.” Codie put her hands on her hips and tapped her foot.
“What? No!” I shook my head. “That’s too much.”
“Um, first off, you look great in it, and second you look great in it.” They both started giggling.
“Um, and you need to get some and if Issac doesn’t want to give it to you after seeing that, then he has a problem.” Carrie wagged her finger, and I could feel my face heating.
“This isn’t about that,” I scoffed.
“Oh honey, it most certainly is.” Codie burst into laughter. “Trust me when I tell you that you still got it. Now, come on. Let’s pay for all that and go get some ice cream.” She motioned to the register in the back.
“You had me at ice cream.” I giggled.