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“Absolutely,” I said, a grin spreading across my face. I couldn’t deny the thrill that coursed through me at the thought of sharing these moments with him.
As we waited for the next race, I watched the ladies parading by showing off their Derby Day fashion. The key to a successful ladies’ outfit was the hat. My mother was a master at finding outrageous hats and she didn’t disappoint this year.
I was wearing a flirty, off-the-shoulder floral sundress that hugged my curves just right. The colors were in shades of vibrant pink with a green ribbon sash around the waist. My hat was the real showstopper, though — a wide-brimmed straw creation trimmed with pistachio-green ribbon and adorned with clusters of pink flowers that matched the dress. It was an unwieldy monstrosity that cast playful shadows on my face as the sunlight filtered through.
Not to be outdone, Knox wore equally eye-catching attire to complement mine that the band’s stylist helped him pick out. He looked ever so dapper in a blue small-patterned floral print dress shirt, tucked into tailored beige pants and paired with a pastel green blazer. A matching pocket square added an air of sophistication, while his sunglasses kept him looking effortlessly cool. His light-colored fedora hat had a green chambray band that matched his blazer.
We made a stunning couple, and I was glad that my mother had insisted on taking dozens of pictures of us on her phone. I’d do my best to sneak in a few more before the day was over.
The only hint of sadness that hung over Derby Day was that my mother was still dealing with the side effects of chemotherapy. She still had many cycles of chemo to go through, but she was adamant that she wouldn’t miss the Derby for anything. I wasn’t sure how long she’d last, but I was glad that she could come.
Of course, my mother, ever the elegant lady, had dressed to the nines. She’d opted for a chic navy blue dress with a peplum waist, accentuated by her signature strand of pearls. She and Dad had dressed more conservatively, but Mom’s hat was a piece of artwork. She wore it over a floral headscarf, with one side of the long scarf trailing over the side of her shoulder. Her navy hat towered high on her head, a concoction of feathers, flowers, and ribbon.
I pulled out the official program to check the race stats while we waited. We each had a horse we were rooting for — Knox had chosen based on statistics, while I had selected mine purely on the basis of its name. We clinked our glasses together in a toast — me with my wine, and Knox with his neat bourbon — and waited for the starting bell.
“May the best horse win,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the excitement coursing through me.
“Right,” Knox replied, his eyes crinkling with amusement as he watched me practically vibrating with anticipation.
As the bell rang out and the horses burst forth from the starting gate, Knox and I couldn’t help but get swept up in the fervor of the crowd. We cheered and hollered for our chosen horses, our voices lost amidst the cacophony of excitement around us.
My heart was pounding in time with the hooves thundering down the track.
“Come on, Lucky Lady!” I shouted.
Knox groaned as his horse fell behind. “Pick up the pace, Midnight Thunder!” His eyes never left the race.
I couldn’t help but feel the thrill of excitement as we watched the horses gallop past, jockeying for position. Lucky Lady, an underdog, was pulling ahead.
The deafening cheers of the crowd momentarily drowned out my victory cry as Lucky Lady crossed the finish line. Knox and I shared a victorious grin, our exhilaration mirrored in each other’s eyes. I couldn’t help but think that maybe lady luck had taken our side, and maybe, life was finally taking a turn for the better.
Knox pulled me into an embrace, almost tipping my hat off as he kissed me. I grinned when he let me come up for air. He’d been pulled into the excitement of it all as much as I had. I’d placed a very small wager, so the amount of money I won wasn’t even that substantial, but it felt momentous at that moment.
“Summer?” a voice called from behind me, cutting through the noise like a knife.
My blood ran cold as I recognized the familiar tone. It belonged to Brad, my ex-boyfriend — the one who had talked incessantly about us getting married until the day he dumped me and went off to college. Turning around, I found myself face-to-face with him, his brown eyes searching mine with the goofy grin on his face that I used to love.
“Brad,” I acknowledged, my voice wavering slightly. I could feel Knox tense beside me, silently watching the exchange.
“Wow, it’s been what? Two years since I ran into you?” Brad said, running his fingers through his styled hair. “You look amazing, Summer. I’ve missed you. We should hang out sometime.”
His words might have sounded genuine to an outsider, but I knew better. I remembered the way he had convinced me that we were in love in high school, only to move on without looking back.
“Thanks, Brad,” I replied curtly, forcing a smile. “I’m only in town for a few days visiting my parents. And I’m spending all that time with my boyfriend.”
He moved closer to me. “Where are you partying tonight? Maybe we can meet up?”
I guess he didn’t get the hint. “I’m not interested. I have a boyfriend.”
“Really?” He looked skeptical, his gaze flickering over to Knox before returning to me. “That guy”—he gestured dismissively at Knox—“you’re with him?”
“Damn right,” I retorted, my voice steady and firm. I could feel the weight of Knox’s hand on my waist, offering silent support. “He’s a much better boyfriend than you ever were. He treats me with respect and love. Something you wouldn’t know anything about.”
“Come on, Summer,” Brad insisted, his voice taking on a pleading quality. “I’ve changed since high school. Give me another chance.”
“Oh, please,” I said, my voice tinged with sarcasm. “You had your chance, and you blew it. And I’m not the same girl I was back then. I’ve grown up and I won’t let anyone treat me that way ever again.”
As I stood there, my heart pounding in my chest, I could see the hurt flicker across Brad’s face. But it was quickly replaced by a familiar arrogance — the same arrogance that had wreaked havoc on our relationship.
