by Jean Carroll
He looked at the towel, “Oh, shit. I guess I better get x-rayed.”
He started to get up, yelped in pain and lay back down.
“Great. It feels worse than last night.” He slowly got up and walked into the bathroom. She sprayed deodorant for him and then helped him with underwear, jeans, socks and shoes.
“Go in the closet and get me a zip front sweatshirt. I know I can’t raise my left arm.” He called his doctor who said to come right over. So they got in her car and took off for D.C.
* * *
Jill was looking out the window and saw them leave.
“Meg just bundled Blackie into her car and they took off. I’d imagine for the doctor’s or the hospital.”
“Okay. They can handle whatever they need to do,” Keary said.
“Don’t you even care if he’s hurt?”
“You know better than to ask me that, Jill. You know how much I worry about him. They’re together and she doesn’t need his sister and brother-in-law always taking over. They’re adults.”
“I know, but I’m so used to it being us who takes care of him and who he turns to,” Jill said frowning.
“You have to let go, Jill and so do I.”
“At least call the doctor and find out what’s going on,” she pleaded.
“You know, I bet Meg calls and tells us how he is and what’s happening.”
* * *
When Blackie and Meg got home, Jill poked her head out the door and beckoned them to come up to the house. Blackie groaned.
“Now what did I do? You go up and see what she wants. I want to lie down and take a pill.”
“Okay, I’ll be back soon. Do you want me to get you something to eat?”
“No, I’m not hungry. Don’t stay long” and he went into the barn.
When Meg got to the house, Jill asked where Blackie was.
“He said he wanted to rest.” Meg said.
“What did the doctor say? Is he alright?” Jill asked, wringing her hands.
“He doesn’t have any cracked ribs and no lung punctures, but he does have a lot of blood from broken capillaries. That’s why he’s been coughing up blood since it happened.
“Oh, God. I can’t stand it when he’s hurt. What is the doctor doing about it?”
“He just wants him to rest and get another x-ray in three days.”
“Is he eating?”
“He says he’s not hungry.” Meg answered.
“Oh, dear. Anyway, Keary wants to talk to him. Why don’t you come in and sit down a minute. I’ll fix something you can take down and heat up when he feels like eating.”
Meg went into the dining room and Keary got up.
“Hi, Meg, is he alright?” Keary asked, with a frown, his face flushed.
“He’s okay; he has to go back in three days. No fractures.”
“I need to talk to him, Meg. We can’t have him leaving here.” Keary said. “Is he coming up?”
“No.”
“I’ve been thinking. I want to talk to him about using the farm’s facilities for his own business.” Keary said.
“Like what?” She asked.
“Well, like a dressage training center. If he got a name for himself by winning
competitions, I think he could make something out of it. I understand he likes your horse.”
“Yes, he does, he thinks he has a lot of potential.”
“Blackie would know. Let me talk to him and we’ll see. You think he’s cooled down enough to talk to me now?” Keary asked.
“I think he’s cooled down some, but he’s still in pain.”
“I’ll let him sleep awhile and then I’ll come down. If I call first he’ll say he doesn’t want to see me. Okay?”
“I guess. Jill’s giving me some food to heat up later. How about I give you a buzz when he’s awake and has eaten, he might be in a better mood.”
“Thanks, Meg,” Keary said smiling.
“Between all of us maybe we’ll be able to take care of him,” Jill said.
“Yeah, maybe,” Meg said and shrugged.
Meg took the food and walked down to the apartment. Blackie was cuddled up on the sofa with a comforter over him, sound asleep. She sat down near him and got a book to read. Of course, she fell asleep right away.
A few hours later she woke up and Blackie was standing over her touching her hair.
“Hi, honey,” he said and kissed her forehead. She reached up and touched his face.
“How are you, are you still hurting a lot?”
“I’m okay; I feel a little better, no coughing. I gotta pee,” he said and went into the bathroom. When he came out he sat down next to her and said, “Man, I’m hungry.”
“I have just the thing. Jill sent a bunch of food down. Just let me nuke it. You want a Coke?”
“Yes, please,” he said smiling. He shifted around and still grimaced when he moved a certain way.
She fixed the food, got the drink and sat down next to him.
“I’m glad to see that you’re hungry, that’s a good sign.”
He leaned over and kissed her softly on the mouth and then he started in on the food with a little gusto. She turned on the TV and then went to the bathroom to call Keary on her cell.
“Give it about twenty minutes.” She said quickly.
When she came out, Blackie was watching a movie and finishing up the food.
“I feel better. I needed food. Now I need you. Come here.” He pulled her close and kissed her with a little more interest.
“Hmm, you taste good. I’m sorry I’ve been such a mess,” he looked at her with smoldering eyes.
Oh, goodie. He’s getting romantic and Keary will be here any minute.
Blackie kissed her again and this time it was deep and urgent. He was breathing hard when a knock came at the door. He jumped back from her and yelped in pain, “Shit, who the hell is that?”
“I’ll see.” She got up and answered the door. Keary came in.
“Great timing, Keary,” Blackie said, pissed.
“I’m sorry,” Keary said, flushing. “Did I interrupt something?”
Meg smiled at him and he rolled his eyes.
“Duh, yes.” Blackie said and got up and got another soda. “You want a beer?” He said to Keary.
“I could use one.” Keary sat down in a chair across from Blackie.
“So, what’s happening?” Blackie asked casually.
Keary took a deep breath, “I’ve been thinking a lot about what happened yesterday. I need to apologize to you for the things I said. You don’t deserve to be talked to like that. You’ve always been a vital and central person in this operation. I hope you know how much I’ve always respected your abilities. You still can be a vital part; we all just need to find out what it is. I know you’ve been trying to do that. None of us want to see you leave here. It would kill us.”
Blackie just listened with his head down.
“Anyway, here’s what I want to propose. I understand you have an interest in trying dressage.”
Blackie looked at her, “Meg, what the hell?”
“Don’t jump on her. I think it’s a fantastic idea and so do Jill and Sean. I think you should work with Sandman and the farm can afford to buy you more horses if you want them. Once you’ve made a name in dressage circles, I was thinking you could use the farm’s facilities for your own training center. Your own business. We could even renovate the place to your specifications. What do you think?”
Blackie looked up and stared at Keary, considering the offer.
“Are you serious?”
“Absolutely.”
Blackie got up, walked over to Keary and held out his hand
“You’ve got a deal,” he said and smiled.
Keary shook his hand and got up and hugged Blackie. He stood back and looked at him.
“You know I love you.”
“Yeah, yeah, I love you too.”
“Were you planning on working with Sandman tomorrow or i
s your back too painful yet?” Keary asked.
“It is better, not great, but I said I wasn’t going to ride anymore. Why?”
“I want to watch you ride him.”
“You want me to ride and you’re going to watch?”
“Yes.”
“Okay,” Blackie said with a shrug.
“Good, just let me know when you’re ready. Goodnight you two.” And Keary left.
Black turned and looked at her for a long, thoughtful minute or two.
“What?” She asked.
“What do you think of his idea?”
“I think it’s great. I mean you already have big time name recognition in racing circles; all you need is to be recognized as a dressage expert instead of a steeplechase jockey.”
“You think I can do it?” he asked.
“I think you can do anything you set your mind to.”
“But I do have physical limitations. Suppose I get to a real competitive level and my hip craps out on me?”
“You’ve never let anything stop you before.”
“But the accident did stop me, dead in my tracks, as a race rider.”
“Okay. See how it holds up when you start working Sandy every day and hard. Don’t make any decisions until then. You could talk to your surgeon again.”
He smiled at her. “I think this could be great!”
“Me, too.”
TWENTY-THREE
Blackie, Sean and Meg were standing at the rail of the track watching Casey work a new horse over the hurdles. Several weeks passed since Blackie rode for Keary who was blown away by Blackie’s ability to do dressage. Everyone enthusiastically agreed that Blackie should proceed with showing and work toward a training business. Meg and Blackie were successful at a few local shows with Blackie winning several 2nd Level classes. Sean and Keary were making a concerted effort to include Blackie in training decisions for the chasers.
Sean and Blackie were talking about the way the horse was working.
“Sure and he moves well enough but I’m not crazy about the way he takes off at the fences. He’s taking off way too soon and he’s going to end up hurting Casey,” Blackie said.
“I don’t see it,” Sean said. “He looks okay to me. It’s Casey’s fault if he isn’t taking off right.”
“Not necessarily. Casey’s trying to correct it but it’s not working. I’ll ask Casey what’s what. Signal him to bring the horse in.”
Blackie leaned against Meg and bent down to kiss her neck. They had been sleeping together for some time now and never got enough of each other. Everyone was used to Blackie being openly affectionate with her. Actually, they were living together. She spent all her time except for working at the gallery, at the farm. Blackie had a fit if she stayed in her condo over night.
Just then Keary walked up and said, “Hello, you three. How’s the new gelding?”
“Pretty good,” Sean said. “Blackie has a problem with him.”
“What?”
“I don’t know; I don’t like where he takes off.”
“You’re the expert on how and where they should jump,” Sean said.
“Yes, that’s me, the expert,” Blackie said sarcastically.
“Come on now, we talked about this. That’s one of your new roles around here, the racing expert, and you certainly are that,” Keary said.
Blackie just had his head down and nodded. Keary put his arm around his shoulders and hugged him.
“Anyway, I need you to go to Ireland to buy some horses.” Blackie glanced up with his mouth open.
“Why don’t you take Meg with you? I’m sure she’d enjoy seeing Ireland.”
Blackie smiled and looked at her. “How many do we need?”
“Maybe four or five. You can go to Goff’s and see what they have. Take Meg to the National Stud while you’re there.”
“Ohmigod, I’ve always wanted to see that!” She was so excited she couldn’t stand still. Her excitement made Blackie grin.
“Sean, why don’t you and Katie go too?”
Sean’s mouth dropped open and he stared at Keary a minute in surprise then said, “Great, but don’t you need me here for the racing?” Sean said.
“I do, yes, but I think we can manage without you two screw-ups for a couple weeks. Actually, after Ireland you could fly down and see what’s going on at New Market.”
“What’s New Market?” Meg asked.
“A race track, barns, bloodstock sales in England?” Blackie explained. Blackie and Sean high-fived each other.
“Are you serious? You’re taking me to England too!” She shrieked.
Blackie laughed and put his arm around her neck and said, “I am, yes. We’re going to have a blast.”
“We’ll go over the details before you guys leave. Blackie, you make the reservations, since you know the best places to stay or you could stay with your parents while you’re there.”
Blackie instantly got pissed. “Oh, is that it, then? Getting me to go see them. Shit!”
“Blackie, calm down, you don’t have to go see them, but it would be nice to have them meet Meg. They’ll have to eventually.”
“I guess you’re right.”
“I was thinking maybe, since you’re at the sales, see if they have any warm-bloods or whatever that you could use for dressage,” Keary said quietly.
Blackie just looked at him a minute. “Yes, a good idea. You’re serious about this?”
“I am, yes.”
“Thanks, Keary,” Blackie said.
Keary grabbed him, ruffled his hair and walked away.
“I’ll call the airline and hotels and make reservations. Can you two go to Tattersalls?”
“Okay, now what’s that?” Meg asked.
“Only the biggest bloodstock sales in Europe.”
“Oh, this is so exciting.” Meg said, bouncing on her toes.
“I’ll ask her. We can do London too. This is so cool.” Sean did a little jig and walked away smiling.
Blackie turned to her, “This is going to be fun. You know it’s been over three years since I’ve been home.” He hugged her again. Those big, blue eyes of his were lit up with excitement.
TWENTY-FOUR
Meg couldn’t believe she was going to Ireland with Blackie to buy racehorses. The first place they were going was Goff’s Bloodstock Sales in Kill, County Kildare. Blackie booked them rooms at the Killashee House hotel in Naas near the sales. Sean and Katie were going along. After the sale, they’d visit Blackie’s parents. Meg was fairly nervous about that. Blackie didn’t get along with his parents and Meg hoped they liked her. Blackie said he didn’t care if they like her or not, but she did.
After that they were going to a place outside of London called Tattersall’s in New Market to look at more horses. It seemed like it was going to be a hugely expensive trip, but she didn’t ask about finances. Whenever she got upset about the cost of something, Blackie always told her not to worry, it wasn’t a problem.
She was busy trying to pack but wasn’t sure what to take. Blackie said he’d take care of his stuff but she hadn’t seen any evidence of it yet. She thought she’d ask Jill and walked up to the house while he was working at the racing barns.
“Meg, honey, I was hoping to see you. How’s the packing going?” Jill asked.
“Hi, Jill, that’s why I’m here. I haven’t a clue what to pack. Give me some ideas. Blackie hasn’t packed a thing.”
“Oh, don’t pay any attention to him; he always waits till the last minute. Don’t let it stress you though, he’s traveled so much, he knows what he’s doing. Of course, you’ll want to take lots of stable clothes; those are what he’ll wear almost the whole time. I would take quite a few outfits for fancy restaurants. He has expensive taste in places to eat. He travels in casual but
nice clothes, so I’d take about five pretty, pants outfits. They might have one fancy dinner at my parents’, but all the rest of the time he’ll be in jeans. How long are you guys going to be gone?�
�
“Three weeks, I think, I’m not sure. I better ask him.
Just then, Sean walked in and washed up.
“Meg, hi, are you getting ready for the trip? Katie’s going nuts figuring out what to take. I kind of know because I’ve traveled with him before but I wasn’t sure what to tell her.”
“I’ll call her, Jill just filled me in on what I’d need,” she said.
Blackie came in the door and washed up. Then he walked into the dining room.
“Hi, guys, hi, sweetheart,” he said kissing her. “What’s up?”
“I can’t believe we’re actually going to Ireland,” she said.
“I know, I can’t wait, we’re going to have a ball,” he said, standing behind her and circling her in his arms.
“The plane’s ready and hotels are reserved. I hope you guys like this place. It’s fairly close to Goff’s.”
“Katie’s upset about the sleeping arrangements at Mom and Dad’s,” Sean told him
“Why?” Blackie asked.
“She doesn’t want to shock Mom by us sleeping together. I’ve taken girls there before and Mom automatically put us in separate rooms,” Sean said.
“I’ve got news for my mother. Meg and I are sleeping in the same room or I’m not staying,” Blackie said firmly.
“Honey, I don’t want to upset your mother either,” Meg said.
“Jesus H. Christ, you too. We’re adults, that’s ridiculous!” Blackie said. “I’m not changing the way I live because my mother’s not happy with it; then again she’s never been happy with my lifestyle. I’ve never taken a woman there before. She should be happy I’ve found a decent girl that I love. Fuck it!” and he stomped out.
“Oh great. Is this going to be a real problem?” Meg asked. “I don’t want to go against your parents’ rules, but you see how he’s going to be.”
“Actually, I don’t think it’s going to be a problem. Mom knows about you and how happy he is. She also knows that you’re living together and she hasn’t said anything,” Jill said.
“I guess we are living together. I hadn’t thought about it before. I haven’t seen my condo in months. I better go calm him down. See you guys later,” she said and went after Blackie.
* * *
Meg found him in the barn, grooming Sandman. He didn’t look quite as angry. He turned and stopped what he was doing.
