Beyond Chance

by Karice Bolton

  “I didn’t really realize it until recently. It seemed like a great idea. I wasn’t doing it for money, and I hadn’t planned on things taking off the way they did.”

  “Your work is gorgeous. You’re talented. There’s no question about it, but if it isn’t satisfying any longer, I completely understand.”

  “You’ll get over not dating an artist?” he teased.

  “I might make you put on the welders’ mask every once in a while, but I’ll get over it.”

  His laughter boomed through the air and I smiled. I wasn’t kidding, but that was for him to find out at another time.

  Feeling like the weight of the world had been lifted, I sat back on my hands and stretched my body. In the last hour, my world went from one extreme to the other and now all I wanted was to spend the rest of our time in Paris without drama. Something about this trip had to change.

  “So what have you and your father been talking about?” I asked. “Are we going to China?”

  Aaron grinned. “Not with law school starting. Thankfully, my father noticed how good I am at what I do, and he is willing to work with me anyway I need just to get me back to the company.”

  “Seriously?” I asked.

  He nodded.

  “It’s about time.”

  “You be sure and tell him that,” Aaron joked.

  “I will.”

  “I don’t doubt it.”

  “I can’t believe we’re sitting in France with you getting ready for a show that most artists would kill for, and you’re hanging up your welder’s hat the moment it ends.” I grinned, and he tackled me onto the bed, pinning me down. “I knew things felt off about this trip.”

  He leaned over me and kissed my lips softly. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”

  “Thank you. That means a lot to hear.”

  “I’ve learned my lesson,” he murmured, rolling off me.

  “You promise?” I asked, turning on my side to face him.

  “Absolutely. No more secretly commiserating with myself. You get to share in all that misery too.” He grinned, and I felt like I was riding a high.

  “So you haven’t spoken with Elizabeth since you and I talked about it?” I asked.

  “No. I should probably meet with her and explain things.”

  I nodded. “It kills me to say it, but it’s the right thing to do.”

  “I’d like you to come with me when I meet with her.”

  “Are you sure?” I asked.

  “It’s the only way. I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said in the park, and I never meant to lead her on, but that must be what I’ve been doing all this time. I didn’t pick up on it because I didn’t see her like that. I never intended to hurt you, and it never occurred to me that sometimes what I would say to her, I should’ve been telling you.”

  I nodded and slid my hand to his. “To hear you say that makes my world seem right again. It’s been eating me up and having Tracy regurgitate what you must have told Elizabeth killed me.”

  Aaron’s eyes darkened and his face paled. “What did you say?”

  “What do you mean?” I asked, realizing I didn’t even know what slipped out.

  “About Tracy. What aren’t you telling me?” There was no hiding the anger in Aaron’s voice as his stare intensified.

  I drew in a deep breath and fell against the bed, covering my eyes with my arm. “It’s no big deal.”

  “It sounds like a very big deal, Brandy, and I don’t understand why you’re not telling me.”

  “Because I don’t want you to do something you might regret.”

  “Why don’t you let me worry about that? Now tell me what’s been going on.”

  I turned on my side again and steadied my gaze on Aaron’s.

  “Tracy told me that the bond between you and Elizabeth is unbreakable.” The first admission felt like the biggest weight had been lifted as I removed my arm and watched him carefully.

  “She did, did she?” His brow arched.

  I nodded. “I told her I wasn’t concerned, and she implied I really ought to be. I tried to be as polite as possible, but I told her I didn’t think it was her business, and I wasn’t worried about you and Elizabeth.”

  The anger was building behind Aaron’s gaze as he shook his head.

  “She brought up you giving up China and how I held you back from what you wanted to do, and at least I didn’t do that with Paris.”

  “You know that’s not true, don’t you?” Aaron’s voice was urgent.

  “I think so, but I have to confess it placed doubt, and that’s why I’ve probably been so sensitive about you and Elizabeth. This last week hasn’t been the greatest. I’ve been more in shock that you talked to Elizabeth about those things in the first place, but I didn’t want to bring it up.”

  Aaron looked absolutely horrified as I proceeded to fill him in on the other pleasantries Tracy managed to sling my way.

  “Why didn’t you tell me?” he questioned.

  “I didn’t and still don’t want to ruin what you’ve got going at the gallery. I can handle a woman like that. I didn’t really think they existed, but I’m confident in what we have. I’m not going to let some strange woman break us apart. I had put on my big girl panties and was going to wait it out. It’s only two more weeks before the show.”

  Aaron groaned and pulled me into him. “Don’t ever keep things in like that again. I’m sick about it. Disgusted. I can’t believe Elizabeth would have a friend like that, but it makes me question her judgment of character and many other things.”

  “The whole thing felt like a scene out of the Twilight Zone,” I confessed.

  “I can imagine. When did this even happen?” he asked.

  “When she came to visit you, not last time but the time before. Anyway, I think it’s safe to say that she doesn’t care for me.”

  Aaron started laughing, and I buried my head against his chest.

  “Anyone who doesn’t like you is suspect in my book, and I’m tempted to pull out of the show.”

  My head jerked back, and I shook my head. “You don’t want to do that. Your sister and everyone will be here to see it. Aren’t your dad and Carla coming?”

  He shrugged. “I think I do want to pull out. I don’t want to be associated with anyone like that. And yes he might be. Depends on his schedule, but believe me they’d understand and would enjoy the trip anyway.”

  “It was pure schoolgirl antics. I think we should move on and make it look like it didn’t bother us one way or the other.”

  “I’m not sure I agree.”

  “I have to say it took me aback, but once she left, and I managed not to knock her out, I felt completely empowered. You know how I had a sudden interest in law again?”

  Sitting up, he nodded.

  “It was because of this situation. I was so infuriated; somehow things just realigned in my head.”

  “Your feistiness had seemed to take a hiatus…” his voice trailed off.

  I grabbed a pillow and slammed it over his head. “Well, it’s back now, and I say we follow through with the exhibit and show how we’re the better people in all this.”

  Aaron tackled me, and I couldn’t help giggling as he tickled me and I smacked him with more pillows.

  “We’re way more refined than those guys,” I chuckled, gasping for breath. “We’ll show them how it’s done.”

  “Will we now?” Aaron hovered his mouth over mine, and I raked my fingers through his hair, pulling his lips to mine.

  France was starting to redeem itself.

  Aaron had finished assembling two sculptures and had a surprise planned for our afternoon. He told me to meet him at the stables and that was where I was headed. I was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, and I hoped that would be okay. The pathway wound along a large herb garden near the back of the house. About a hundred feet in front of me, the stables were nestled in between some trees. I hadn’t seen him all morning and I missed him. It felt like thin
gs were back on track, and I couldn’t wait to spend some quality time with him in France. After our confessional last night, we were ravished and ate every single item the chef had cooked. The dessert should have lasted several nights, but we managed to polish it off too. I could still taste the buttery crumbly crust of the salted caramel mouse.

  I saw some movement behind one of the trees and my heart rate increased. I couldn’t wait to see what he had arranged.

  “I’m here.” I hopped over to Aaron, and he spun around, holding two champagne glasses.

  “Yes. You. Are.” He kissed me, and his lips lingered, making me rethink whatever he had planned. Spending the day in the bedroom sounded just as perfect.

  “For you.” He handed me one of the glasses, and I took a sip as I scanned the area, looking for any clues.

  “So what have you been up to out here?” I asked.

  “I thought we could go riding and have lunch. You said you used to ride when you were growing up.” He smiled.

  “You remembered?”

  “Of course.”

  Completely exhilarated at the thought of getting to ride this afternoon, I sipped the last of the champagne. He took the glass and set it down on a wrought iron table right behind him. I spotted several bags with prepared meats and cheeses and fruits that he’d been stuffing into a sack.

  “Geoff, an equerry for the stables, will be riding with us for the first hour,” Aaron said. “If we want him to stay with us he will or whatever. I wasn’t sure what your comfort level would be.”

  As he spoke, it hadn’t even hit me. I hadn’t been on a horse since my bike accident. I had no idea how my body would respond; how the muscles would react after such trauma. My stomach twisted in disappointment as my mind wandered to yet another thing that was forever changed, thanks to Derek.

  Derek. Good old Derek.

  I’d been so preoccupied since we arrived at the villa that I hadn’t even checked to see if we had wireless. I knew I should be finding out what was going on with the trial, but part of me didn’t want to know.

  “You okay?” Aaron asked, touching my chin softly.

  “Sorry. I spaced. I’ve been trying to forget about the trial and it popped in my head again.”

  “That’s completely understandable. You heard anything more?” he asked.

  I shook my head. “I forgot to ask you about wireless. I haven’t been able to get any phone reception since we got here. The messages I told you about must have come over on our way here.”

  “I can hook it up right now if you want to see what happened while we were sleeping. Geoff won’t mind waiting.”

  I reached for Aaron’s hand and squeezed it. “I don’t want to know. We can check later, after I enjoy our day together. No good can come of it.”

  “You sure?”

  “Completely. It’s like what? Three in the morning there?” I asked.

  “Something like that.”

  “Yeah, so if I see something that upsets me, I don’t want to wake my poor mom up. I’ll wait. By the time we get back to the villa this evening, the trial will be underway, and I can see if she has any new news.”

  Aaron looked like he wasn’t sure that was the best idea, but as I pushed him toward the stables, he got the message.

  “We need this,” I told him as excitement pounded through my veins.

  It had been so long since I’d ridden, I couldn’t wait to get on a horse. They were such kind and caring animals. I’d always wanted one as a little girl, but it wasn’t exactly in our budget so I rode my friends’ horses, or my parents would rent a horse by the hour for lessons.

  A gentleman in his mid-fifties walked out of the stable and gave a quick wave to Aaron before turning his attention to me.

  “Vous êtes magnifique,” Geoff exclaimed, taking my hand and kissing it. I had no idea what he said but hoped it was good. It sounded like something was magnificent. I just didn’t know what in particular.

  “Merci,” I replied, glancing over at Aaron who was beaming.

  Geoff led us into the stable and handed us each a helmet. I fastened it on tightly and followed Geoff to the first stall where a beautiful palomino stood. She was caramel colored, and her flowing white mane was gorgeous. She looked like the perfect size for me, around fourteen hands.

  “Son nom est Sasha,” Geoff said, opening the gate and leading her out by her reins.

  “Sasha,” I repeated, as he walked her in front of me. “Beautiful name for a beautiful horse.”

  He tied her up in front of me and walked over to grab a saddle. I glanced at Aaron and he was watching me as I rubbed Sasha’s neck.

  “C’est magnifique.” Geoff winked and put her saddle on.

  I nodded and continued to run my hands along her neck. She loved the attention, and I was falling in love with her. Sasha’s doe eyes were so expressive, and I knew our connection went both ways.

  Geoff finished securing the saddle and walked over to another stall and opened the gate, bringing out a beautiful chestnut colored horse.

  “French Trotter,” Geoff said, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

  Of course he spoke English.

  “He’s beautiful,” I said, looking over at Aaron.

  “He is,” Geoff agreed.

  Sasha snorted as if to remind me that she was standing in earshot, and I quickly turned my attention back to her. I was certain they could understand what we were talking about, and she didn’t like the fact that my affections were so easily swayed.

  “You’re just as beautiful, Sasha,” I whispered.

  Sasha moved her head up and down in agreement, apparently feeling immensely better at my admission.

  “His name is Bob,” Geoff said, bringing Aaron’s horse in front of me.

  “Bob?” I asked, shocked.

  Geoff broke into laughter and shook his head. “No. His name is Bruno.”

  I smiled and glanced at Aaron who was watching Geoff tease me. “Bruno is more fitting, considering.”

  Aaron’s horse neighed as Geoff put the saddle on and Aaron’s brows shot up. Aaron looked a little on edge, and I thought it was kind of cute. There were very few things in life that made Aaron nervous, and I think we just found one. Geoff caught Aaron’s expression and grinned as he fastened the buckles.

  “You doing okay over there, cowboy?” I asked, grinning.

  Aaron smiled and cracked his knuckles. “Never been better. Thanks for checking.”

  We led our horses out of the stable and Geoff followed behind with his. My pulse quickened at the thought of getting to ride Sasha this afternoon. It had been so long and I was really looking forward to it.

  Aaron handed Geoff the reins and jogged over to where he’d left the food. He looked so excited about the day he’d planned, it melted my heart. Aaron brought over the sack and Geoff helped him secure it to Bruno’s saddle.

  Bruno got a little restless and Aaron’s lips pressed together and his face paled slightly. I could see his anxiety level raise, and it was hard to suppress my laughter. Come to find out my big, tough boyfriend was afraid of horses.

  “I thought you said you’ve ridden before?” I asked, smiling.

  “Many times,” Aaron said.

  “Could have fooled me,” I teased, checking to make sure the cinch was snug and the buckles tightened. I grabbed the reins with my left hand and lifted my leg, sinking the toe of my shoe into the stirrup as I grabbed the cantle with my right hand and swung my leg up and over the horse. I sat snuggly on my horse and watched over Aaron as Geoff helped him into the saddle. Geoff was holding the horse’s reins tightly while Aaron got situated on Bruno. I watched Aaron slide himself in the saddle, trying to get comfortable, and I chuckled slightly.

  Geoff glanced at me and winked before giving Aaron some last minute instructions. He handed over the reins and nodded, asking if Aaron had any questions.

  Aaron caught me watching him and grinned. “It’s been a while.”

  “I didn’t say a word.” I smi
led.

  Geoff mounted his horse quickly, and we began following him away from the stable.

  We couldn’t have asked for a better day to ride. The temperature hovered around seventy degrees and there was a slight breeze. Following behind Geoff, we rode through the property, discovering a tiny but fertile vineyard and ruins, which Geoff explained was once a small monastery.

  As we rode deeper onto the property, the surroundings became even more magical. The property was walled in stone, but it stretched as far as the eye could see. Geoff steered us to a clearing and stopped.

  “I thought this might be a nice area for your meal. It seems like you two are doing just fine on your own.” Geoff glanced at Aaron for confirmation.

  “I think we’ve got it,” Aaron replied, glancing over at me and I nodded.

  “You should be able to find your way back to the stables. If all else fails, follow the stone wall and you’ll eventually find where you need to be,” Geoff said. “There are tie posts throughout the property if you want to take breaks.” He pointed at a few behind us.

  “Merci,” I said, unable to believe we’d already been riding for over an hour.

  Geoff gave a quick wave as his horse trotted away, leaving Aaron and I alone. I dismounted and led Sasha to one of the tie posts and tied her up. Aaron was having a bit of difficulty turning Bruno around so I walked over and led Bruno to one of the vacant posts.

  “You got this?” I asked Aaron.

  He nodded and began dismounting, but Bruno was getting agitated and began the dance.

  “Are you digging your toe into him?” I asked, trying to calm Bruno.

  Aaron repositioned and tried again, this time dismounting perfectly if you counted tumbling backward as a perfect dismount.

  I couldn’t help but grin as I tied up Bruno and rubbed his neck. I spun around to see Aaron watching me.

  “You’re really in your element.”

  “Who knew?” I laughed.

  “How are you feeling? We can always head back if you’re sore.”

  I shook my head and laughed. “Surprisingly, I’m not feeling it at all. I thought my muscles might revolt, but everything feels really good. I think all the PT has helped strengthen muscles I never thought about.”