Heartbreak Holiday

by C. J. Laurence

  “Are you going to let me look at that?”

  I spun around to see Brady striding towards me from one of the corrals. From there, he would have been able to see me as clear as day. My heart stopped dead when I realised he’d seen the whole thing. How embarrassing.

  I shook my head. “I’m ok.”

  He narrowed his eyes at me. “So, if I ask you to help me carry hay bales into the barn, you can manage that, can you?”

  “You wouldn’t ask me anyway. Guests aren’t allowed near the barn.”

  “Touché.” He inclined his head towards my arm. “I’m sure it’s only a sprain. Bones are tougher than you think.”

  My face clouded over at his presumption. “Not when they’ve already been broken and only been out of a cast for a week.”

  Something in his features changed. I would almost label it as concern if it hadn’t been for our icy exchanges over the past couple of days. “Ah. I see your worry. Do you want me to take a look at it?”

  “No, thanks. I’ll deal with it.”

  I gave a brief smile and continued walking, trying my hardest to ignore him watching me. The pain streaming up and down my left arm was immense. By the time I reached my room, tears were flowing down my cheeks through a mixture of agony and fear.

  I drowned a towel in cold water before wrapping it around the core of the pain. I flopped back on my bed, running my hand over my sweating forehead. Worry consumed me as my immediate thought was another break. I didn’t want to set myself back anymore. Upset and emotions all over the place, I did the only thing I could think of—ring my Mum.

  She picked up on the third ring. “Hello?”

  “Mum?”

  “Hey, Soph. How are you?”

  As much as I tried to stop it, I couldn’t. I burst into tears. “I think I’ve broken my arm again.”

  “Oh, Soph, no. How? Have you been to hospital?”

  I relayed the ridiculous scenario back to her in a croaky voice, wiping at my tears every few words. With each passing minute I spoke to her, I calmed down, realising I was probably making a mountain out of a molehill.

  “Sophie, honestly.” A soft laugh trickled down the phone line. “Trust you to do something so silly.”

  I smiled at her words. I had been a clumsy child, only growing out of it as I ended my teenage years. “The bird was pretty though.”

  She laughed. “That’s ok then. Listen, on a serious note, you’re going to get it looked at, ok? Give yourself peace of mind.”

  I agreed with her, telling her I’d let her know the results. I lingered around saying goodbye. I wanted to talk, to get things off my chest. Being my mum of course, she knew my funny little habits.

  “You ok, honey?”

  “No.” I closed my eyes as more tears escaped. “I can’t…I still can’t believe he did it to me. How could he do that? Ten years of my life, of our lives, just gone. Like that.”

  Silence followed for a few seconds. “I don’t know, Sophie. I really am at a loss with him.”

  My quiet tears became sobs, huge gasping breaths wracking my chest as I finally let everything out. “He effectively put me in a coma. I spent weeks in hospital with nothing else to think about. How am I supposed to forgive him for that? I can’t.”

  She comforted me as much as she could over the phone. I nodded along, mute from my pain. To hurt emotionally, I could handle. To hurt physically, I could also handle. Both together? Well, that resulted in this, right now. A whiny, blubbery mess melting into oblivion.

  “Something made you attempt to patch things up, honey. Remember that.”

  I snorted, my anger making a slow comeback, crawling over my distress with its red-hot tendrils. “The fact I needed care once I was out of the hospital. That was it. If it hadn’t been for the fact I was confined to my bed twenty-four seven, I wouldn’t have had the chance to soften to his meaningless crap.”

  “You could have come home for your father and I to look after you. Something made you want to stay.”

  “It’s my house as much as his. Why should I have to recuperate elsewhere because of him? Plus, running around after me constantly was the least he could do.” A smile crossed my lips at this, my cruel side peeking from beneath.

  A long exhale sounded down the line. “Don’t think about it for now, ok? Get your arm sorted out and think about him another time. You can’t deal with all of it at once.”

  I took a deep breath, agreeing with her before saying my goodbyes. At least something good had come of talking to Mum—my sorrow was now replaced with the familiar bubble of fury deep in my gut. At the moment, it was this which drove me forwards, kept me ticking over and on the side of sanity.

  Feeling better, I splashed my face with cold water, swallowed some ibuprofen, and headed up to the main house to the movie theatre. Losing myself in an alternate reality was more than needed right now.

  Chapter Six

  The pain in my arm simmered to a dull ache by the time John returned with the group. My mood was back on a high after a morning of comedy films.

  After lunch, we were told to collect our horses before heading out on another trail ride. I was almost skipping as I made my way to Cody. Riding him this afternoon would only help me further. I tightened his cinch and jumped in the saddle.

  “Err, what do you think you’re doing?”

  I looked down to see Brady stood at the side of me, his dark eyes glaring at me as if I’d stolen something. “Um, riding?”

  “I don’t think so. Get off.”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  He crossed his arms over his chest. “You heard me. Get off.”

  My stewing anger decided to bring itself to boil. “Who the hell do you think you are? You’ve done nothing but speak to me like I’m a piece of shit on the bottom of your shoe since I arrived. Well I’ve got news for you, buddy. I’m a human being, just like you. Well, that’s debateable to be quite frank, but regardless. Treat others how you expect to be treated. Back the hell off and leave me alone.”

  The hum of chatter around us fell into an awkward silence as we stared each other out.

  “What’s the problem?”

  I turned to see John striding towards us, a deep frown creasing his face.

  “Him.” I pointed at Brady. “He’s done nothing but be an ass to me since I arrived. He’s now telling me I can’t ride.”

  His eyes passed over to Brady. “Is that true?”

  “I haven’t been an ass at all. But yes, I am telling her she can’t ride now. I’ve asked her to get off the horse and she won’t.”

  My mouth fell open as I glowered at him. “You haven’t even given me a justification for it!”

  He looked back at me, his lips pulling into a sly smile. “You never asked.”

  “You absolute—”

  “Alright, Sophie. Just calm down. Brady, why can’t she ride?”

  “She fell over earlier and hurt her arm. I’m not prepared to trek into the desert with an injured guest.”

  John glanced at me, running his tongue over his lips. “I’m sorry, Sophie, but he is making the right call here. Have you had it looked at?”

  I shook my head. “No. It’s fine. Honestly.”

  He gave me a look of ‘don’t be daft’. “Come on, I’ll run you down to the hospital.” He nodded at Brady as he walked to his truck.

  I gave Brady my best ‘if looks could kill’ stare before jumping off Cody and following John. If I was ever capable of murder, it was right now.

  ***

  My arm was ok but my wrist had a bad sprain. With a support bandage, orders of ice packs and rest for a couple of days, I came back to the ranch. I begged John to let me ride. He eventually caved in on the provision I only rode in the arena until the weekend. I had to also ride one handed which would be an interesting new skill for me to learn.

  He stopped me just as I jumped out of the truck. “Listen. I know Brady can be a bit direct, but everything he does has a good reason behind it. I trust th
at man with my life.”

  I nodded. “I think it’s just a clash of personalities. I’ll try to calm my temper.”

  He grinned. “Might not be a bad idea. We’re heading out for a cookout again this evening but we’re taking the hay cart and the draft horses.”

  I nodded before heading back to my room. I don’t think I’ve ever been so grateful to collapse on a bed. What a day. I closed my eyes and tried my hardest to focus on the positives of my life, rather than the negatives.

  A sharp knock at the door echoed through my peaceful room. I jumped and rubbed at my eyes, realising I’d fallen asleep. Perhaps a power nap would do me some good. I opened the door, my stomach sinking as I saw Brady stood there.

  “We’re about to leave for the cookout. Are you coming?”

  I frowned. “It’s only two?”

  “No. It’s nearly seven.”

  My eyes widened in shock. “Oh, my. I thought I’d only had a ten-minute power nap.” I paused as I yawned. “Yeah, I’m coming. Just give me a minute.”

  He nodded, staying put as I closed the door.

  I fumbled over to the bathroom, soaking my face in cold water in an effort to wake myself up. That had been my first sleep without the aid of sleeping tablets in weeks. I felt good considering.

  I made my way outside, dreading the walk up to the barn. We walked in silence for a few seconds before he cleared his throat.

  “How’s your wrist?”

  “Ok, thanks.”

  I continued staring straight ahead, making it clear I wasn’t bothered about small talk.

  “Listen, about earlier—”

  I shot him a dirty look. “It’s fine. Leave it.”

  He pursed his lips before nodding, accepting the rest of our walk would be in an awkward silence.

  The two Shire horses they had with the giant hay cart looked fantastic. Their tails had been plaited and tied up, and colourful ribbons braided into their manes. The leather driving harnesses gleamed in the fading sunshine. The cart looked like something from an old Wild West movie with its huge wheels and rustic looks. I couldn’t wait.

  I climbed up inside the trailer, taking a seat at the back whilst Brady went to the front. I started to feel a little guilty for cutting him short but told myself it was the least he deserved.

  The wooden cart lurched forwards as the horses started moving us into the depths of the desert. As the rays of the blistering sun began to cool, I enjoyed the air flowing over me, cooling my skin and my emotions. The rhythmic beat of their trotting hooves combined with the squeaks and rattles of the tack and cart almost entranced me back to hundreds of years ago. Along with people’s chatter and laughter, it was all just a welcome bubble of tranquillity I needed right now.

  About an hour later, we stopped at an area which housed a beautiful creek to the side. Again, the cookout area had been marked with a fence as the perimeter. A few trees provided some shade over a few of the tables. The grill had been carved into the soft pink rock, hugging its home as if nature had created it. I couldn’t help but think of The Flintstones for some reason.

  After John’s enviable food, we all relaxed with beers, and people chatted in their small groups. I took a wander down to the creek which was several hundred yards away.

  A U shaped jagged formation of rocks encased the shallow water. Numerous trees covered it over, weeping and trailing into the small source of water. In the middle of the trees, at the apex of the U was a huge tree trunk on its side. I picked my way down to it, sitting on its rough surface as I stared into the pool before me. It was such an odd sight in the middle of this dry, bleak landscape. It was almost like finding a diamond in a manure heap.

  I heard the scuffling of feet behind me, mentally cursing whoever it was for disturbing my serene moment. My heart sank even further when Brady’s gorgeous form appeared. That man could only be described as a rose bush. Absolutely beautiful to look at, but get too close and it stabs you for all its worth.

  He sat down next to me which surprised me, and started throwing small pieces of dirt into the water. I watched the ripples moving out across the still surface, thinking back to my childhood with my dad teaching me and my sister how to stone skip.

  Several minutes passed, the quietness between us only deepening. I continued staring straight ahead, trying my best to ignore it.

  “How’s your wrist?”

  I smirked. “Same as it was an hour ago, thanks.”

  I caught his scrutinising look from the corner of my eye but refused to acknowledge it. My heart increased its steady pace, and a small sweat broke out on my palms.

  “How did you break it?”

  I blinked, holding my eyes closed for a brief second as I chewed on my lip. “Car crash. It was my whole arm.”

  “Oh. Bad wreck then.”

  I shrugged my shoulders, finding a stray leaf between my feet. I picked it up, slowly shredding it to pieces. “Yeah, I guess so.”

  “Sorry to hear that. Did someone you hit you?”

  “No.” I paused and smiled. “I was speeding.”

  He said nothing for a few minutes as he carried on disturbing the peaceful scene in front of us.

  “Was it just your arm you broke?”

  “No. I broke my left leg, three ribs, and fractured my skull. I was in a coma for six days.”

  He remained quiet for a minute or so, fiddling with something in his hands. “At least you’re better now.”

  I bit my lip as I felt tears springing up from nowhere. I was not going to cry in front of this man. Managing to mutter a thanks, I started drawing patterns in the dust with my boots.

  He coughed, wringing his hands together. “Well, I guess that was a lesson learned on speeding.”

  His words cut right through me. What a pompous asshole. “As if I haven’t heard that enough already.”

  “Sorry, it was just an automatic response. I was trying to lighten the atmosphere a little.”

  Anger was simmering away in my gut once more. He didn’t know the first thing about my life, or the circumstances that led me to that awful car crash.

  “Yeah, well don’t. I don’t need anyone’s pity, especially yours.”

  He glanced across, surprise flickering through his dark eyes. “Ok, I’m sorry if I offended you.”

  I snorted and stood up. “Whatever.”

  “I am.”

  “You lot wouldn’t know the meaning of sorry if it jumped up and bit you. Just leave me alone. I’ve got enough going on without you giving me a hard time just for the sake of it.”

  With heat flooding my cheeks, I stepped over the log, and started to walk away. My emotions were running high once again and all I wanted to do was sit and cry it out. I’d come to this secluded little spot for some time out and yet again, that damn fine cowboy had ruined it.

  “You know what,” I said, turning back around. “I’m not leaving. I was here first. I’m sick of men making me run away. That’s what got me in this mess in the first place.”

  I plonked myself back down on the log and folded my arms over my chest. Glaring into the distance, I said nothing.

  “Wow,” he said, scratching his head. “I can see you have some stuff to work through. I’ll give you some space.”

  As he stood up, I breathed a sigh of relief. Just the pressure I felt under when he was around was an added strain I didn’t need. Yes, he was hot, but he was just as cruel to go with it from what I’d experienced so far.

  “You know, sometimes it helps to talk to someone on the outside of the situation. Get a different perspective and all that.”

  I looked up at him with raised eyebrows. “Are you suggesting I’m going to get that from you?”

  He shrugged his shoulders. “I’m just saying I have a pair of ears, and I’m willing to listen.”

  I dropped my eye contact and went back to staring into the small well of water. The fact he was being nice was irritating me—I was finding it hard to stay angry. So overwhelmed by everything, it didn’
t take much at all for me to spill the dreadful truth.

  “I was speeding the day I crashed because I came home to find my fiancé in bed with my sister.”

  Chapter Seven

  An awkward hush fell between us. I continued staring into the water, as if all my answers might be found in the fluid serenity before me. A solitary tear escaped my brimming eyes and rolled down my cheek.

  After what seemed like an age, Brady eventually broke the silence. “Is that why you came out here?”

  I shook my head, lifting my head to meet his gaze. I was surprised to see his chocolate eyes swimming with concern.

  “I attempted to patch things up with him.” I paused as I picked up a rock, and threw it into the water with a big splash. “Despite the fact they’d been having an affair for over three months.”

  “I’m sorry—”

  “Don’t.” I held up a hand in a stop sign. “Please don’t give me your sympathy. I don’t need it.”

  He held his hands up in a surrender sign and fell silent.

  For some reason, I found myself on a roll, telling him the ins and outs of it all. Maybe some part of me did need to talk it out with someone ‘outside’ of the situation, or perhaps I hoped he might ease up on me a bit.

  “I needed help when I came out of hospital. I figured it was the least he could do considering he caused it, so he became my carer twenty-four seven. Unfortunately, that also gave him an opportunity to plead his case.” I stopped and looked at the ripples fading on the water’s surface. “Ten years together, that’s a long time to throw away because of a three-month affair. That’s what he kept clinging onto and eventually, he got his way. I agreed to try and make a go of it. He assured me he didn’t love Alyssa, my sister, it was just a fling.”

  I hesitated, unsure whether he really wanted to listen to this or not. I became very aware of sounding like an idiot, doubting my reasons for being such a jumbled mess.

  In a soft voice, he asked, “Did he then admit to loving her or something?”

  I closed my eyes, the painful last argument we’d had playing out in my mind. “Alyssa announced she was pregnant two weeks ago.” A few more tears released themselves, running down my pale cheeks. “The due date is the date Ben and I were supposed to get married. Talk about irony, huh?”