by Ronica Black
“Well, you got to know what to say.” He laughed as the colt came again to briefly nudge his palm. “How’s he been? Any teeth grinding or salivating?”
“No.”
“Rolling around or abdominal sensitivity?”
“Don’t think so.”
“You want to hold him while I check him out?”
Madison bent to hold him tightly. He resisted at first, but when Rob offered his palm, he quieted.
“That’s a boy. So handsome. Loving that star there, boy,” Rob whispered.
“He is beautiful, isn’t he?”
“Sure is. That pretty brown all over. He’s a looker. Especially with that white star.” Rob went silent as he listened with a stethoscope. He pressed it against his chest, then his abdomen, checking both sides. He used his fingers to gently feel his midsection, then examined his teeth and feet. He also checked his ears and eyes.
“Well, he looks okay. How’s his stool? Normal?”
“Yeah.”
“And the rescue gave him colostrum and had him on an IV for a few days?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll check his immunity level, but I don’t see any sign of neonatal diseases. I think he just got uncomfortable and refused to eat. You do need to keep him with that mare, though.”
“He’s been sleeping with her. He kept trying to feed from her for a while, but now that he’s eating from the bottle he should be fine. We’ll keep him with her until he needs his human time.”
“I knew you knew what you were doing.”
“Ha, thanks.”
“He’ll be okay.”
“Glad to know you know what you’re doing,” she said with a grin.
“Madness is such a smart-ass.” He brushed his hands on his pants. She rolled her eyes at the nickname he’d given her back in college. They’d both been studying psychology and he found the pun quite funny. Now anyone who knew her well used it, much to her chagrin.
“You going to offer me some wine or what?” he asked with a sheepish grin.
Madison slipped a light noose around the colt’s neck and walked with Rob to the stables. The day was settling in for the night and the breeze had grown a bit cooler. It blew through the trees with a gentle rustle and tickled the colt’s ears. It was a perfect evening for sharing wine with a friend.
She entered the stall with the colt and Rob stood petting Mazey on the snout, whispering, “Hey, girl, how’s that skin, huh?” He stroked her long and soft, and her back shuffled under his hands in approval.
“She’s been doing okay. The boys bathe her carefully every day and apply the medication. And she gets her soaks and gets covered in the sun.”
“Good, good.”
Madison released the colt and watched as he trotted the length of the stall and then settled in the corner. “I was hoping he would bond with Mazey, but he seems to be quite the rebel without a cause.”
“Mazey’s a lover. She’ll win him over.” He grew serious for a moment and Madison inhaled the deep scents of the stable. The stables were quiet and still with the occasional whistle of the wind coming through a crack in the door. In the distant tall corner a large fan blew fresh air for the horses. If she had wanted she could’ve curled up next to the colt and fallen fast asleep, inhaling the scents and listening to the hum and whistle.
“Have the boys asked what happened to Mazey yet?”
The thought of Mazey and her trauma snapped her out of her pleasant daze.
She leaned in and kissed Mazey on the nose. “They have. But I don’t answer. I think they know, though. It’s pretty obvious.” She hated to think about it herself and mostly refused to anymore. Mazey was okay now, and with her daily skin care routine, she was close to thriving. That was all that mattered now.
“It’s amazing how she isn’t afraid anymore,” Rob said softly.
“Yes, it is.”
“Huh, Mazey girl? You’re a good girl.”
“Come on, let’s get some wine before you sweet-talk that horse to death.”
Rob laughed and followed her out after switching on several more fans. The days were getting warmer, and Madison made sure her horses were well ventilated while in the stables at night. If she slept comfortably, she made damn sure her horses did as well. She looked back on the stables as they reached the patio. Some called her obsessive-compulsive when it came to the horses, but she just called it being a good parent. She’d long to check on them again before bed. Question was, could she resist?
Once inside the house she and Rob removed their shoes in the mudroom. Madison removed her socks as well and slid into her favorite slippers. Rob followed her to the kitchen, watched her retrieve two heavy wineglasses, and then moved into the sunken sitting room to settle on the sofa.
“Did you eat yet?” She needed to know in order to pick the perfect wine for the moment.
“Yes.” He groaned as he sank into the sofa.
“Good, do you want some dessert? I have chocolate and the perfect wine to go with it.”
“Sounds good.”
She opened the wine cooler and pulled out the bottle of Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion ’07. It wasn’t one of her older, more expensive wines, but she’d been dying to try it. He took his glass with a broad grin and a thank you.
She placed her own glass on the coffee table and slid him the box of Swiss chocolate. Usually she would shower before cuddling up in her satin robe to enjoy the wine, but her friends sometimes stopped by for some after-dinner vino and she loved the company and conversation.
“I always feel like I’m messing up your couch with all my dust,” Rob said, helping himself to a small wedge of chocolate.
“Don’t be ridiculous. I picked out this sofa set with my ranch hands in mind.” She smiled. “Besides, it’s leather. I just wipe the dust right off.” She was quite dirty herself and usually was after walking through thick dirt, dust, and Bermuda hay all day. But she straightened up nightly after her shower, and if guests had come, she simply wiped down the couches.
“Still.”
“Just relax.” She sat back with wine and chocolate in hand, tucking her feet up under her legs. First she took a generous bite of chocolate, let it melt in her mouth, and then she stirred her wineglass, inhaled, and noticed the coffee and berry aromas. She sipped and allowed the flavors to play. They came at once as she swished a little and then swallowed. Mahogany, berry, vanilla, and yes, a bit of a chocolate aftertaste. Perfection.
“This is good stuff,” he said, taking his own hearty sip. “Very nice. All that’s missing is a good man.”
“You have one.”
“Please.”
“You’re saying Juan doesn’t count?”
“Juan is my friend!”
“Uh-huh.”
“He is.”
“He’s adorable, Rob, and he loves you.”
“He does not love me.”
“Yes, he does. I can tell. You need to ask him out.”
“No way.”
“Why not?”
“Because he’ll say no.” He stood. “You see this?” He massaged his stomach. “This is too flabby.”
“So?”
“So he’ll say no. He’s a little guy. Very toned. No way he would go for me.”
“You’re saying he’ll turn you down because you’re not in perfect shape?”
“Yes. These younger guys, it’s all about physicality.”
“Juan is not like that. And I know he likes you. I can tell by the way he is around you. He’s in love.”
“Madness, please. You’ve lost your mind.”
She took another sip as he sat. “Rob, you’re the one who’s mad. Not everyone is into absolute perfection. I know I’m not.”
“You’re not a man, and yes, you are into perfection. Look at this place.”
“I have taste, Rob. There’s a difference.”
“It looks like a gay wet dream in here.”
“I get my ideas from home décor catalogues, so what?”
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“It’s spotless.”
“Is not. There are morning dishes in the sink and my bed is unmade.”
“What else?”
She had to think a moment. “I probably left my robe and towel on the floor in the bathroom.”
“Oh, bad girl.” He laughed.
“I don’t have kids, and other than my wine, I have no vices. So I prefer to decorate and to tidy up. What’s wrong with that?”
“Well, for starters, it’s all you do. And for…whatever comes after starters, you don’t have anyone to share it with. Who sees this big beautiful home other than Marv and me?”
She sipped more wine, considering how to answer. She decided to be coy. “My home is decorated in a Southwestern theme. Lots of homes are. It’s nothing special. As for who sees it, whoever walks in is welcome.”
Rob grimaced at her and helped himself to more chocolate. After several moments of silence she was satisfied he’d given up.
“How’s the team?” she asked, referring to his rugby team. He’d been playing and coaching rugby for years. His gay men’s team was number one in their region.
“Good.”
“Juan’s playing well despite his size?” She couldn’t help but smile in bringing Juan up again.
“Yes. And your point is?”
“Ask him out.”
“What about you, missy? You ask someone out.” Damn it, he’d turned the tide again.
“I don’t have anyone to ask out.” There.
“We will have to find someone, then.”
“No.” Where was this headed?
“Yes,” he said.
“Bad idea. Let’s drop it. I promise I won’t bring up Juan anymore.”
“Oh, no. We’re going with this one. I will find someone and we will double date.”
“You’ll ask Juan?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, then. This might be worth it.” She grinned.
“You can’t refuse the woman, though. You have to promise to sit through the entire date and be polite and engaging.”
She groaned. “Fine.”
He set down his glass and thrust out his hand. “Shake on it.”
She did and laughed. “You’re crazy.”
“Crazy like a fox.”
“Please tell me you’ll find someone with half a brain this time.”
“No promises. Besides, if she’s cute and into you, you could have a great night.”
“You know I’m not into one-night stands.”
“What about weekend stands?”
“No.”
“You need to live a little. You’ll never meet anyone if you stay holed away in here, listening to jazz and drowning in your bottles.”
“Maybe I don’t want to.”
“Seriously?” His face clouded. “Madness, you are wonderful. Too wonderful to spend life alone.”
“I’m happy.”
“You’re secure.”
“Don’t give me the psychological mumbo jumbo I know you so badly want to.”
“Don’t worry, I know better than to engage any with you.” He blinked and said, “Kisses.”
At one time he and Madison had worked together in the counseling field. They’d had their own practice counseling youth, and things had gone quite well. But both had yearned for more and they had quickly burned out with the way young kids were being parented, not to mention the red tape and turns of cheeks within the system. So they’d decided to make a change. Rob had moved on to veterinarian school while she invested in her ranch. They were both, she was happy to say, doing well.
She was helping kids, more so than ever, and Rob was too, coaching his young rugby teams. Many of the boys that had come through the ranch had ended up playing for Rob. They still needed the intense physical work, and Rob used their energy and tenacity on the field. It was the perfect match.
Rob downed the rest of his wine and sat quietly for several moments. She thought about offering him more, but she knew he would fall asleep on her. Mondays were early morning rugby practices and Rob was usually out like a light the second he sat still. His eyes started to drift closed as Flaca came in and settled at his feet. Beamer and Lila were no doubt out on their evening prowl around the property.
“Rob?”
One eye opened to look at her.
“I know, I know. Next time I’m bringing jammies so we can listen to jazz and I can drink myself to sleep.” He said the same thing at least twice a week. He stood and stretched.
“Go get some rest.”
“Can’t. The boys have a practice tonight. I gotta get going.”
“Another one?”
“The young team.”
She tossed him a piece of chocolate as she stood. “One for the road.”
“You’re evil. Oh, and God, how I wish I could take a glass with me. That wine is divine with this chocolate.”
“You can.” She crossed to the kitchen, corked the bottle, and handed it over.
“No.” He pushed it away. “I couldn’t. You’ve given me, like, three bottles this month.”
“Take it.”
“No. You save it for your date.”
“I’m not bringing a date back here.” She laughed at his confidence. There was no way he’d find a woman she’d even consider a second date with, much less a one-night stand of hot, steamy, passionate, wet sex. Whoa, where did that come from? She turned away, confused by the runnings of her mind.
“Well, whatever. You keep it, okay?” His voice grew soft as if he knew something was wrong. “Maybe the four of us could share it. You never know.”
“Yeah,” she said forcing a small smile. “You never know.”
He watched her closely, then enveloped her into a quick, tight hug. “Firm embrace,” he said, just like always.
“Firm embrace,” she repeated.
He stepped out into the mudroom and into his shoes. Flaca followed him out to his truck, gave his hand her customary good-bye lick, and then came back to the house as he drove away. Madison watched his dirt trail and gave Marv a wave as he too left for the night. The ranch was hers alone now as the new blue of twilight darkened in the sky. She shed her slippers, walked the hall to her bedroom, and stripped. Her towel and robe were hung neatly in their place and she smiled, knowing Rob probably knew that too. He never bought her bullshit. Not totally.
She got the shower good and hot and stepped in to lather herself. The dirty water ringed the drain at her feet, and oftentimes she liked to stand and watch it until it ran clear. In the summer it seemed to take longer. Tonight it didn’t take too long, but she still washed twice and hung her head to let the water knead her neck. When she was finished, she felt pliable, like her skin would be easy to maneuver if someone should try. It was a feeling that went hand in hand with her records and her wine. Pliability. To be easily moved and maneuvered. She slid into her satin robe and returned to the larger sitting area. With her remotes, new bottle of wine, and the dogs, who had come while she showered, she settled in, turned on the fireplace, and started up the stereo. She chose her favorite playlist and eased back into the oversized chaise lounge. And as Coltrane and Ellington began to play, she drank her 2005 Bergstrom Pinot Noir and willed her mind not to think of Grace Hollings.
Chapter Seven
“Jake. Jake, get up.” Grace stood in the doorway with her robe hanging loosely despite being tied. Her hair was wet from her shower and she hoped like hell she wouldn’t have to battle Jake this morning. She was running late. Again.
Jake mumbled and rolled over. He forced himself up and wiped the drool from his face. His hair stuck up on one side and he looked like he’d slept as hard as she’d suspected. “What time is it?”
“Time to get up.”
He stood and stretched. “God, I’m sore.”
“A nice hot shower will help. Hurry up, though, we don’t have much time.”
He trudged to the bathroom and slammed the door. Grace hurried to her room and finished getting ready. Whe
n she emerged, Jake was pouring himself a huge bowl of Frosted Flakes.
“I don’t want to go today,” he said.
“Yeah, me neither.”
“No, seriously. I’m not going.”
She sighed and stopped in front of the refrigerator. “Jake, not this morning. Please.”
“It sucks there.”
“You have to go.”
“No, I don’t.”
“We’ve been through this.”
“Yeah, well, I’m leaving. Right after I eat.”
She poured herself a glass of orange juice. “What about your ankle monitor?”
“I’ll cut it off.”
“They will know. As soon as you try.”
He paused, spoon nearly to his mouth. “Bullshit.”
“Really.”
He lowered his spoon and she spoke.
“Look, Jake, I know the place isn’t great. But it beats juvie and it isn’t forever. Besides, you get to work with that baby horse. Ms. Clark said so herself.”
“Yeah, after I slave away all day. No thanks.”
“Well, you have no choice. So come on. We’re already running late.”
“But I’m eating and I didn’t get to play video games at all last night.”
“Bring your cereal with you and you can play tonight.”
“Damn it, Aunt Grace.” He stood and cupped his bowl.
“Stop talking to me like that.”
“You’re making me late.”
“I thought you didn’t care?”
“I don’t.”
“Then get in the car and quit complaining.”
She returned the orange juice and grabbed his water cooler, which she’d filled and chilled the night before.
They drove in silence with the occasional sound of Jake slurping his cereal. Panic settled in over both of them when she missed the correct turnoff for the ranch.
“I’m gonna be late!”
“I’m trying, Jake.” She checked her mirrors and did a U-turn. They got stopped at a light.
“She’s gonna make me run.” He fidgeted in his seat and ran nervous hands over his new jeans. “I’m gonna be running for the rest of my life. It’s all your fault, Aunt Grace.”
“Calm down.” But she was panicking too and she gunned the engine and drove back to the proper turnoff. Dirt flew up behind them as she continued onto the dirt road. Jake began to sway back and forth. She’d never seen him so worried or concerned before.
