Dark Harmony: A Vivienne Taylor Horse Lover's Mystery (Fairmont Riding Academy Book 2)

by Michele Scott

  I turn to the guys and say, “This is Austen. We rode at the same barn at home growing up. We’ve known each other since we were, like, eight.”

  Austen stretches out his hand and each guy does the obligatory handshake and introduction. He reaches Tristan last. “Hey, man, nice to meet you,” Tristan says.

  “Tristan. The boyfriend,” Austen says, bobbing his head a little too enthusiastically. “Can I sit down? Is this seat taken?”

  “It’s all yours, man,” Tristan replies.

  Can someone please rescue me? I wish.

  I should really watch what I wish for, because right then Lydia sidles up and says, “Oh, hey, guys—looks like you have an open seat.”

  I feel like I’m going to be sick for sure as she pulls out a chair on one side of Austen and introduces herself. Where is Emily? She could have taken that seat! I stare at Lydia in disgust. Yep, she did it. She found the other extremely hot guy in the room.

  CHAPTER thirty-nine

  Lydia is doing her best to get Austen to fall madly in love. Between the eyelash batting, the giggling, and that neckline, she’s going all out. Worst of all, he is responding. I even see him touch her hand at one point. . . . Yeah, I don’t miss much. Even I have to admit that, at the very least, Austen is already madly in lust.

  Riley at one point gives me the raised eyebrow, bug-eye look that I understand means, “What the hell?”

  I return the look with a smile and a shrug. I imagine he’s in his own kind of shock. As soon as Emily arrived, she pulled up a chair and started fawning all over Joel, who is responding with his usual totally fake romantic interest. I try to focus on the prime rib and au gratin potatoes—and Tristan—but the whole night feels off kilter.

  As I take the last bite of my dessert of chocolate mousse, I see Christian Albright head to the podium. Guitar guy takes a step down as a DJ sets up behind him. Christian goes to the microphone.

  “Excuse me, riders. Excuse me, I need your attention for a few minutes.”

  People start hushing one another, and once the chatter dies down, Christian addresses us. “I’m Christian Albright, and on behalf of the Young Equestrians Association board of directors I want to extend a warm welcome. All of you in this room are here because you’ve worked hard, you’ve gotten the grades, and your instructors in the classroom and the arena have faith that you are high achievers. So, we want to congratulate you. We are in for an exciting week in Lexington. Tomorrow begins your journey toward the event next weekend that will change your lives. It’s going to be fun, and you will be challenged. I encourage you to get to know some of the riders from other schools and make new friends, because we all have one thing in common. We love our horses, and we love eventing, which we all know is the best sport on the planet.”

  A loud cheer goes out, followed by applause. Everyone quiets down for another minute as Christian adds, “And the most important thing to remember is to be safe. So, riders, let’s get set for the week and get it done. Now, I want you to enjoy the rest of your evening.”

  More applause is followed by the DJ starting to spin some Jay-Z. Tristan takes my hand and we head to the dance floor. I notice that we are followed by Austen and Lydia.

  My guy can dance. End of story. And, I find that for the first time since I saw Austen this evening, I can relax and enjoy the party as I lose myself in Tristan and the music. I want to warn Austen about the viper he’s chosen to bump and grind the night away with, but I remind myself that he is a big boy who can make his own choices. But then I also remind myself that he is my friend and only my friend. I would want a friend to tell me if I was about ready to hook up with a snake.

  Rihanna and Mikky Ekko sing “Stay.” Tristan’s arms go around my waist. “What’s the story between you and Farm Boy?”

  “Farm Boy?”

  “Yeah. Your buddy Austen. He looks a little rugged, you know, like he grew up on a farm.”

  I laugh. “Yeah. His dad raises pigs.”

  “Ah, see, I can peg them.”

  “But he’s no hick, I can tell you that,” I say. I’m surprised by how defensive I sound. “And what do you mean ‘what’s the story’?”

  “Well, it was hard to miss the way he looked at you over dinner, and the way you glared at the flirting going on between Lydia and him. I think there is something I may have missed.”

  I stop dancing and pull away. “What?”

  “You and Farm Boy? Were you ever more than friends?”

  I can’t say I’m surprised that Tristan has picked up on some truth here. Although, what is the truth? Austen is my friend and we shared one kiss, plus a moment over Christmas break that I wanted never to end. But so what? Mainly what I feel about Austen is confused. That’s not something I should have to explain. But I can tell Tristan is waiting for me to talk.

  “We have always just been friends. The guy is a goofball. He’s part of my group back home. Trust me, most of the time the guy grosses me out making pig noises or just acting stupid.” Yes, I am laying it on thick. But it’s true Austen did gross me out when I was, like, ten.

  “He doesn’t seem to gross you out now.”

  I pull away slightly and my hands go straight to my hips. “Excuse me? I just told you that we have never been anything more than friends. I don’t want to be more than friends. The guy is all over Lydia, so it’s obvious to me that it goes both ways. I don’t know what you think you saw, but it’s in your head. But you know what isn’t in mine? The fact that when you and Lydia got out of the van today, she was all smiles and made that remark about how sweet you were on the plane!”

  “She hates flying. I was only trying to make her feel better. We hit some turbulence. She grabbed my hand. I let her. It was no big deal.”

  “Guess what? We hit turbulence, too, today. Horses were going nuts; one had to be sedated . . . I had no one there to hold my hand, though!” I shake my head. “I need some air.” I turn on my heel and head outside, fighting back tears. I take a walk over to the closest barn. I walk inside. It’s dimly lit, and I hear the sounds of horses eating. The smell of the hay calms my nerves. But then I hear the sound of someone crying. Not sobbing, but sniffling. I recognize crying when I hear it. It’s coming from the end of the barn. I walk down and have to do a double take.

  I see Joel on the ground, slumped against one of the walls.

  CHAPTER forty

  Joel?”

  He startles and looks up. He immediately wipes his face. “Oh hi, Vivienne.”

  I sit down next to him knowing that my dress is getting dirty but whatever. I am not in the mood for partying at this point, and I can see that he is upset. “What’s going on?”

  He shakes his head. “Nothing.”

  We sit in silence for a few minutes. He finally blurts, “I kissed Riley, and I think he hates me again.”

  “What!?”

  “I know it was stupid. I can’t blame him for being mad. I didn’t mean to do it. It just happened. The worst part is that I think Lydia may have seen us.”

  “Oh. That is bad,” I say. “But I don’t think Riley hates you. He isn’t like that. Is that why he’s giving you the cold shoulder? When did this happen anyway?”

  “You picked up on the fact that he’s giving me the silent treatment? Yeah, well . . . it happened last night in the tack room at school. We were packing our trunks, and I don’t know. It just happened, and then he pulled away. The next thing I know, Lydia is walking into the tack room, and maybe she was at the door the whole time. It was stupid and I have to make this better again. I have to. There’s just stuff that we . . . there’s stuff that I told him about that I can’t tell anyone about.”

  I’m not sure what he means here. “Want to clue me in?” I ask.

  “I can’t.” He shakes his head and there are more tears coming down his face. “I really can’t, Vivienne. It could
cause you harm, and I’ve done enough where Riley is concerned just by sharing things with him that I shouldn’t have.”

  What is it with everyone not wanting to reveal their crap, in order to keep me safe? Jeez, you’d think I was some dainty little girl. It’s starting to really get to me! But, Joel is so upset that I don’t argue this point with him right now. “I’m here for you if you want to share. I’m sorry you feel so stuck, or down, or whatever is going on. God, I don’t know what to say.”

  “There is nothing to say. I just can’t talk about any of it, and I would appreciate you not saying anything to Riley or anyone.”

  “I won’t. I promise.” I hug him. “You’re a good guy, and you’re strong. Whatever it is . . . it will be okay. And, Riley has a big heart. He’ll get over it. I think if Lydia had seen you then she would have already done her best to spread the word.” I try and reassure him, but I have to wonder if I am speaking the truth. I honestly don’t know. I know that Riley will do whatever he needs to do to keep his secret of being gay under wraps, at least until he graduates. He’s counting on being able to move away with Santos and start a new life.

  “Thank you,” he replies.

  “I have to ask you, though, what are you doing with Emily?’

  He doesn’t answer.

  “Joel . . . it’s wrong. I know why you’re leading her on, and now it really makes sense. You’re protecting Riley and I respect that, but it is really unfair to Emily. She’s into you.”

  “I know. I do. But I have to protect Riley, and she keeps throwing herself at me, and it just has made everything easier.”

  I sigh. “It’s a no-win situation. You’re going to have to get out of this at some point, and it won’t be good.”

  “I’m planning on breaking up with her at the end of the year, and that’s less than a month away. I have to keep up this act for now. There’s so much you don’t understand.”

  “Then tell me,” I say.

  “I can’t. I wish that I could, but I can’t. Trust me that it is for your own good.”

  “Want to go back in? Maybe try and have some fun?” I want him to confide in me, but pushing the issue doesn’t seem to be working.

  “Sure.”

  He stands and holds out a hand, which I take. I brush myself off and we go back into the party. I scan the area looking for Tristan, knowing that we need to talk. Maybe I need to get over my crap, and maybe he needs to get over his. In the big picture, petty jealousy is just stupid.

  I spot him sitting at the table by himself, looking as miserable as I feel. Joel and I start to head over to him when suddenly some guy steps in front of us. He’s tall, lanky, and looks like he may have had a broken nose once. His dark eyes narrow into slits as he says, “Joel Parker.” He smacks him hard on the shoulder. “How are you, buddy? Long time, no see. And who is this lovely specimen you’re hanging out with?”

  He turns his attention on me. I look at Joel, who has gone paler than a white horse. Tall, lanky, jerk guy says, “I’m Christopher Haverly.”

  Haverly?

  “Pretty little brain at work. Yes. That Haverly, of Haverly Watches. We sponsor this event.”

  “Splendid,” I say. “And you know Joel?” I ask.

  “Oh, we rode together at Liberty Farms.” He smacks Joel again, clearly a little too hard.

  “Good to see you,” Joel says. “We’ll have to hang out. We were just heading over to our table.” I think I detect a tremor in his voice.

  “Right, but not before you introduce your pretty friend here.”

  I’d kind of like to kick this pompous jerk in between the legs at this moment.

  “Vivienne Taylor, obviously, this is Chris Haverly.”

  I force a smile and shake his sweaty palm. He does one of those weak-ass handshakes that no girl likes. “Nice to meet you. Come on, Joel, let’s get Tristan. I think we need to get back soon. It will be an early morning.”

  Joel nods as if on autopilot. I wipe my hand on my dress as we walk away, and ask him, “What was that?”

  “What? Haverly? He’s an ass.”

  “I got that much. But why are you freaked out by him?”

  “I’m not.”

  I sigh. “Okay.” It’s clear that Joel isn’t in the mood for an intimate tell-all talk tonight, so I will let this go for now. But, I am positive that Joel is freaked out by Haverly. I am pretty sure what I spotted in Joel’s eyes was genuine fear.

  I look over at Tristan again and he sees me. He stands and walks over to me. “I’m sorry,” he blurts. “I was being stupid.

  I throw my arms around him. Joel says, “I’m going to go talk to the Fairmonts for a minute.”

  “I’m sorry, too,” I say.

  “You okay?” he asks.

  “I am now.”

  CHAPTER forty-one

  The next morning, I get up too early. I know I should sleep longer because the trip out was tiring and there’s a three-hour time difference, but I’m too excited. I can’t wait to get over to the horse park and see Harmony. I shower and am more than ready for breakfast by the time the team wakes up and gets going. We all eat together. I pick up on some tension between Riley and Joel, and I am sad for the both of them. I wish Joel had confided what he is so upset about and what secrets he is keeping, but that is between him and Riley. I just liked it so much better when we were all one big, happy family.

  Tristan puts an arm around me as we walk to the van, and I realize that for once Lydia is being quiet this morning. Emily is hanging on Joel’s every word. I have also noticed that Tristan has not given Lydia the time of day and vice versa. This makes me happy.

  I lean my head on his shoulder as we drive down the road. Once again I am mesmerized by the beauty of our surroundings. We are at the entrance of the Kentucky Horse Park in a matter of ten minutes and I feel my heart racing. The sign at the entrance is green with gold lettering and has a painting of a mare with her foal running alongside her. It’s beautiful, and I can hardly register the enormity of being here. As we drive through and up the lane, there are pastures all around—draft horses in one, and minis in another. There is a pond with swans and ducks. To the right, I can see administrative offices.

  We are directed to make a left turn and follow the road until it winds around to the barns. Holden has already told us where our horses are, so as soon as the van comes to a stop, I bound out to find Harmony. Tristan calls after me, “A little excited?”

  “You could say that,” I shout back over my shoulder.

  I find my horse. She takes a second to rub against me and then goes right back to eating. “What do you think of this place?” I say. “Can you believe we are here?”

  She looks at me as if to say, “Really?! I’m eating, sis! And, I am kind of tired.”

  “I know,” I say. “Long plane ride and all that.” I place a hand on her neck and she shows me an image of the tiny makeshift stall on the plane. I laugh. “No. You don’t have to ride in a plane for another ten days. Promise.”

  I hear Joel before I see him. Then, I see him on the phone. I duck inside the stall because I’m nosy like that and want to hear what he is saying. “Dude, leave me alone. Look, I don’t want any problems. All of that is behind us. I did what had to be done for myself, and I am sorry, but you had to do what you had to do. I have no plans on talking to anyone about that day. So, drop it and leave me alone.” I peer out of Harmony’s stall to see him hang up his cell phone. What is going on with Joel?

  Then I hear him say out loud to himself, “Oh crap. As if it can’t get any worse!”

  “Joel? Is that you?” I walk out of the stall.

  “Geez, Vivvie, you scared me.”

  “Sorry. I just heard you say something about can it get any worse?”

  “That’s all you heard?”

  Hmm . . . to lie or not to lie? “Yeah.
Why? You okay? Dumb question after . . .”

  “Last night.” He finishes my sentence.

  “Right.”

  “Totally okay.” He raises his voice. “Just happy as I can be. My dad just sent me a text saying that my soon-to-be stepmonster is driving down from Virginia with my soon-to-be stepsister to watch me compete. Isn’t that great?”

  I can tell by his face that it’s the opposite of great.

  “Can he really expect me to act as if we are all some happy family? After everything that went down?” He shakes his head. “You know what, Vivvie? Sometimes I wish that I could just go to sleep and never wake up.”

  I touch his arm and squeeze it. “Stop it. You don’t mean that.”

  I see the tears well in his eyes as he replies, “Yes. Yeah, I do. If I didn’t have Melody, I am pretty sure I’d either go insane or jump off the nearest bridge.”

  “Stop talking stupid talk. You have friends. We are not going to let your future stepfamily get in the way of what you have to do this week. You are a freaking rock star, Joel Parker, and we are going to keep you focused.”

  “Yeah. Okay.”

  “No. That is not good enough. I want to hear you say, I am a freaking rock star.”

  “You’re kidding me, right?”

  “Do I look like I am kidding? Look at this place! Will you just take a look around here? This is a place for freaking rock stars like yourself. Say it.” I laugh.

  “Okay, if I say that, then you have to say, I am Vivienne Taylor and I am a pain in the butt.”

  “No problem. I am very aware that I am Vivienne Taylor and I am a pain in the butt. And, you know what, I am actually proud of it.”

  This gets a smile out of Joel, and I am happy to see him have some sunshine in his face. “Your turn,” I say.