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ChapterSeventeen
THALIA
I come around to the last fence, a double. I don’t know whether it’s because I’m in the moment or the whole showground has collectively gone silent but all I can hear is the rushing of the wind in my ears as I canter down to the jumps. If I clear them, I’ll be the winner of the four-star closing grand prix. Taking a pull on JC’s reins to steady him, I set him up correctly and hit the first part in perfect stride. I almost smile when I clear the first then second part. Giving him a kick as we gallop through the finish line.
The crowd erupts, applause sounding as I pull him into a trot, then a walk. I pat his neck, whispering praise to him as the large board flashes with my name as the winner.
“We did it boy,” I murmur, my smile dropping when I look to the exit. I search for the one face I know full well isn’t there but wish he was all the same.
Theo.
It’s amazing to think even after all this time. I still look for him. Still want his praise.
I plaster on a smile when I hear shouts of congratulations from Francois, Jess, and Laney, who are at the exit waiting for me. This is a monumental moment for me yet all I feel is sadness that Theo isn’t here to see me win, see me succeed.
“Damn girl, you’re on fire,” Jess beams at me.
“I knew my best girl could do it.” This from Francois.
“The best I have ever seen you. Whatever spurred this,” Laney waves her arms, “more competitive side to you, keep it up,” she drawls with a proud smile.
I make my way down the tunnel, hopping off just outside so JC can be decorated with the ribbons, sash, and blanket I know he’s won. My knee twinges slightly causing me to grimace. Although it’s fine for the most part, I still get the odd bit of pain, which is why I still see a therapist. It’s something my father insisted on and I agreed with him.
Speaking of my father, I glance around, knowing they will be on a private balcony in the pavilion. I want to see my family, but I don’t have time. It will be ten minutes max before they pull us back into the arena for pictures.
“How are you feeling?” Jess asks as she takes JC from me.
I frown not understanding what she means. “Good, I can’t believe I won.”
She shoots me a look. “Thalia, I have known you for a while now. You can’t fool me. Somethings up,” she states.
I sigh. Although I haven’t told Jess about what happened with Theo and me, I think she knows. She spent enough time with us together. She hasn’t outwardly asked me, and I don’t think she will. “I’m fine. Just sad it’s over.”
“I know what you mean. I’ve had so much fun here in Spain. On to Italy next, though.”
I nudge her arm with a smirk. “We know why you’ve had so much fun in Spain.” She blushes before ducking her head to loosens JC’s girth. For the last three months, Jess has been seeing Craig, one of the grooms of British rider Daniel Griffiths, and I think it’s getting serious. Every spare minute they’ve had is spent with each other. I’m happy for my friend, I just worry as Craig is moving onto Poland next for another tour with Daniel while we move on to the Adriatic tour in Italy. This means they won’t see each other for a good couple of months. Not until The Maxwell Global Tour starts in Dubai in July. Will he move on to someone else? I’ve witnessed myself what can happen at these competitions, and I realize how much Theo shielded me from seeing the debauchery that goes on in the showjumping world. Most all showjumpers and anyone associated with them are... let’s say horny. And that’s putting it mildly. I’ve seen some things whilst people watching and when I have attended a handful of the parties the show organizers put on.
After seeing a top married German rider fucking a woman—who was not his wife—whilst sitting at a table in the pavilion in front of a room full of people, like it was the most normal thing, I decided not to attend anymore.
Not that I would be doing anything like that, but I can’t risk being caught around that kind of behavior and having it plastered all over the tabloids. Not only have I made a name for myself in the showjumping world, but I made history back in February when I performed in a fashion show for Viali Rivella on Lolli. I’m also the face of the biggest equestrian brand in the world, Equus International. I am a rising star—and not because of who my parents are—in the fashion and showjumping world and people are taking notice of me. I don’t want or need to be pictured in or around things like that. I’m not innocent by any means, and I’m sure if what happened with Theo was made public people would look at me differently. But it hasn’t, so that means I need to be on my best behavior. Another reason people thinking Francois is my boyfriend helps. We’re every tabloid’s dream with our squeaky-clean reputations.
That doesn’t mean we don’t have skeletons in our closets. No one is that innocent.
“Get on, Thalia, they’re calling your name,” Jess urges frantically, pulling me out of my thoughts. I hadn’t even noticed JC had his ribbons and blanket on. Striding towards Jess, I hold up my leg for her to give me a leg up. Once on and comfortable, I make my way back into the arena where I’ll do the prize giving and take pictures.
* * *
“Baby girl, well done. You were amazing out there.” My father takes me in his arms and kisses my hair.
“Thank you. I can’t believe I won. Especially against all those amazing riders.”
He holds me at arm’s length, his eyes soften and pride glows in them. “Believe it sweetheart, you were wonderful.”
I nod before my mama congratulates me, followed by my sister. I eye Aria as she drops back down in her seat. Something seems off with her and I make a mental note to ask her what it is. I glance at Bishop standing off by the doors leading to the balcony with a faraway look in his eyes. Yeah. There is definitely something going on.
“Where’s the lovely Francois?” my father asks as he takes his seat. Although the tabloids dub us the golden couple, my family knows the real extent of our relationship and that we’re just friends. I know it hurts my father, but he knows I’m still not over Theo.
“He had some things to take care of.” And by that, I mean he’s back at the house with the man he’s dating. Fellow showjumper, Henri Dupont. Henri is wonderful and I love him for Francois, it’s just a shame that Franny can’t be open with his family. Henri has begged him to tell his family as he wants to have a relationship in public and not keep it hidden. I understand it. I thought Henri would take an instant dislike to me considering the world thinks I’m dating his boyfriend, but he has been nothing short of amazing.
