After a bit, Scarlet led Stanley to the pony. Cinnamon sidled right into him and he began to lick her. They let the reunion go on a bit, then Joe said, “Let’s take her inside.”
“Does she have to go into the stall now?”
“Yeah, but you can go with her.”
The pony neighed, as if in agreement, Seth laughed and took the reins. All of them, including Stanley, walked slowly to the stall. The pony went right inside and Stanley followed without prompting. The small horse began to nibble on the hay. “She hungry?”
“Probably,” Scarlet said. “Ponies eat a lot.”
“Did you get Stanley as a pony, Scarlet?” Seth asked.
“My grandfather did. When I was little. I rode him as we both grew up.”
Seth continued to pet Cinnamon. “You’re so beautiful. I love you already.”
Joe heard a car pull up to the barn and frowned. He wasn’t expecting anyone else. “I’ll go see who that is.”
He’d just exited the stall when someone appeared at the open barn door. A woman, dressed in a white suit, high heels and a big black and white hat. Joe’s stomach dropped to his knees. She said, “Hello, darlings.”
Joe stalked to her and none-too-gently drew her over to the side of the barn where they weren’t visible to Seth. “What the fuck are you doing here, Evvie?”
Evangelina Larson batted her thickly lashed eyes at him. “I came to see my son.” Before Joe could react, she yanked away and walked back into the barn and up to Seth. Joe had never felt more helpless. “Hello there, baby.”
Seth frowned at her, his body sidling up to Cinnamon.
“I’m your mother, dear. Don’t you remember me?” She eyed Scarlet. “Evangelina Larson. And you are?”
“A friend of the family. I own this horse.” She angled her head at Stanley. “He’s Cinnamon’s sire.”
Suddenly, Seth broke away and ran to Evangelina. He threw himself into her arms. “Mommy!”
Evangelina recoiled, making Seth stumble back. “Look what you’ve done.” She’d raised her voice. “You got my suit all dirty. It’s Prada.” True enough, her white outfit was stained in several places. Scarlet chuckled.
Joe stood behind her. “Holy hell.”
She gathered herself quickly and turned to Scarlet. “Would you mind leaving us alone? I’d like to talk to my husband and son.”
“She’ll do no such thing. You’re the one who’ll leave.”
“I have rights, lover. We’re still married, after all. Nice spread you have here. It must be worth a fortune.”
Scarlet crossed to Seth. “Come on, honey, let’s go up to the house.”
Still whimpering, Seth took her hand and moved close to her as they left the barn.
Joe’s hands fisted. “Is that why you’re here? For money?”
“Not at all.” Up close, he noticed she wore a ton of makeup. “If you cooperate.”
“What does that mean?”
“I want a relationship with Seth.” Her voice softened. She almost sounded vulnerable. But it was all an act.
“You should have thought of that when you ran off with what’s his name.”
“Gayle Marchand. We want to get married so I’d like a divorce, too.”
“You can have that, lady, in a New York minute. Send me the papers.”
