“Thank you for having me, and for signing those.”
“Not a problem. We all need a break sometimes.”
Except him, of course. Caleb really takes the eldest brother role seriously. I wish he’d loosen his hold on every detail a little. What was the point of me going to school if he won’t even take my suggestions?
Aurelia turns to me with a tight smile. “Can we get started now?”
My smile is the complete opposite of hers, I’m sure. It spreads across my entire face as excitement builds. This is the good part. Not only do I get to spend time with the horses, I get to share them with someone else. I get to teach a bonified Hollywood star about horses. What even is this life?
“Yeah, let’s get out of here.” But something tweaks in my brain, and I glance down at her boots. “But seriously, let’s see if we can get you something else to wear on your feet. Otherwise you’ll be hobbling here tomorrow. New boots need time. You’ve got to break them in.”
Her expression shifts into a neutral mask. Unreadable. And I can feel her shutting down.
“I’m good. If I can handle a pair of six-inch strappy Jimmy Choos on the red carpet, I’m sure I can handle some cowboy boots.”
“If you’re sure.” But I shake my head, knowing she’s going to be uncomfortable later and I can’t do anything about it. “Well, come on then.”
I grab my hat off the hook beside the front door, tossing it on my head as we’re walking out.
“Look, Quint, since we’re going to be spending some time together you can call me Aura. That’s what all my friends call me.” Her tone is softer, almost an apology. She doesn’t owe me anything, but it sounds like she’s trying to make up for snapping at me about the boots.
My mouth twitches, fighting the smile. “So, we’re friends now?”
“Let’s maybe take it one step at a time. It’ll just be kind of weird hanging out with you for the next several weeks if you keep up the formality.”
“Got it, but I think I like ‘Hollywood’ better. Suits you.”
“Well then, what do I call you? ‘Cowboy’?”
“Sure. You can call me anything you want.”
She shifts a few steps away. “Whatever.”
One step forward, a couple back, I get her hesitation, but I’m not going to let it ruin the moment. I let the smile spread as I tilt my face up to the sky, basking in the warm glow of the spring sun. School was fun, but I’ve missed this place. The air is different here, fresh and pure. A gentle breeze rustles through the grass, but then the thunder of hooves cuts through the peace and I look up to see a chestnut horse galloping along the fence line of the west pasture. Layla, of course.
I veer off the path to head for the field. “Just going to stop and say hi before we head to the barn.”
Aurelia, no Aura, nods, eyes wide, but follows along.
The mare is still trotting up and down the fence line with her head held high, tail raised behind her like a flag, but she skids to a halt when I get close, kicking up a cloud of dust. The wooden boards creak as I lean against them and make a gentle clucking sound with my tongue.
“Hey, sweetie.” I reach out toward one of my favorite girls. “How are you doing? You’ve got to calm down, you’re going to hurt yourself.”
She snorts disdainfully, but leans into my hand as I scratch her sun-warmed neck.
I turn to see Aurelia hangingseveral feet back.
“Come say hi. This is Layla. She won’t bite.” The horse butts my shoulder with her muzzle, sending me rocking back. I mock-glare at her. “Trying to prove me wrong, are you?”
But when I look back, Aurelia hasn’t budged from her spot. “I’m good back here.” She glances toward the large white barn we were originally headed for, shifting back and forth on her feet. “We should probably just go there. I’m not getting on her out here like this, right?”
Wait a second. She can’t be… “Are you afraid of horses?” I ask.
“No.” The denial comes out way too fast.
She is.
“Really? Then come on over here and say hi to my girl here.”
