by Marsha Doss
By the time she reached the exercise ring, Michael was already working Midnight with the halter. The chestnut colt responded quickly to Michael's firm grasp and walked proudly with his head held high.
"Where's Billy?" she asked as she entered the ring and took over the reins.
"He's over at Bay Meadows working out with the two-year olds."
Sonny held the reins firmly, but coaxing Midnight in a gentle way. "That's right, Midnight," she said as a smile covered her face.
Michael watched Sonny as she moved with the animal, her blue eyes aglow with pride. He remembered, as a young boy, his father had allowed him to work with a filly one summer. She had been in his dreams at night and in his thoughts all day. He had taken such pride in watching her grow and respond to his command.
As he watched Sonny he felt an urge to hold her. If given enough time, she could learn to be apart of his life and this farm, but with only a few weeks left, there seemed little hope of that happening. He might have had a chance if Pierre hadn't shown up, but now, with the glamour of Paris at her doorstep, she'd never be inclined to stay at Pinebrook.
The future of the farm still troubled Michael. He was not certain that he and his father could come up with the amount she would surely demand to buy out her half of the business. How much easier things would have been if J.B. had left the farm to Will O'Brien. Perhaps then Sonny would not have resented the intrusion upon her inheritance.
After working with the colt, Sonny attended to his grooming. Michael had offered to help, but she preferred taking care of him herself. She loved the luster that came into his coat after the brushing and rubbing and the way his mane became silky and fine to the touch.
''Finished?" Michael asked.
"Almost. Are we on a tight schedule today?" Her words were clipped.
"You've been here long enough to know the schedule."
"I've been here long enough to know what I need to know, Michael."
"Then go take care of the Lady."
"Of course, you wouldn't think of helping, would you?" Her eyes blazed with anger as she spoke.
"Why should I? You do it so well." Michael's mouth suddenly turned up at the corners and his eyes twinkled.
"Don't you think you're carrying this "training period" a little too far, Michael?"
Michael shifted his weight from one leg to the other and the laugh lines around his eyes moved as he spoke. "Maybe."
Sonny watched him with a growing feeling of disgust that spread through her body. She noticed the indentation in his chin, which was really more pronounced than it should be, and the nose that was certainly less than perfect. Why did this man appeal to her so, she wondered. He's selfish, unyielding and…has the most expressive eyes she had ever seen.
"Then, get busy and help me, Michael. Lady is waiting and I'm not through with Midnight yet." Sonny feigned work as she turned her blue eyes up to Michael. He smiled and tipped his hand to her.
She stood with one hand on her hip and the other on the back of Midnight, and her chin was tilted
in defiance. A move that Michael found alluring.
"Who slept late?" he asked.
"I was tired."
Just because she had slept in once, Michael was determined to make things as miserable for her as possible. Sonny braced herself and tried to calm the anger that was beginning to manifest itself.
"If you'd get in at a decent hour, you wouldn't have to sleep late." Sonny could easily see that Michael was not teasing this time. He was angry with her and nothing she could say would eliminate the fact that she hadn't been here working early.
"Were you checking up on me?" she asked sarcastically.
"No. While you and your Frenchman were out doing the town I was trying to work on the ledgers. Which, I might add, don't balance."
"You leave Pierre out of this. And when I work on the books, everything comes out fine." She tilted her head even higher, challenging him with her eyes that shown with satisfaction that something had finally been difficult for him. She found an unusual comfort in knowing that he too made mistakes and had shortcomings.
"Then you take them over," Michael snapped."I will. And this time they'll balance."
Sonny watched as Michael's eyes looked past her. As she turned around, she saw Katy escorting Pierre down to the stables.
"Well, well if it isn't Mr. Fashion himself," Michael drawled.
Sonny ignored his remark and hurried up to meet Pierre. Michael followed close behind. He wanted to meet the man who had beat him in the final stretch.
"You have a visitor," Katy said as she looked apprehensively at Michael and then turned and hurried back up to the house.
"Sondra," he said with perfectly enunciated words, "what are you doing down here?"
"I've been wondering that myself," she answered as she glowered at Michael.
"We're working," Michael said, smiling broadly.
Too broadly, she thought, as she watched him initiate a hand shake that left Pierre wincing.
"Sondra has told me so much about you. I assume you are Mr. O'Brien?" Pierre said solicitously.
"None other. And you're Pierre, the dressmaker." Michael smiled, ignoring Sonny's sudden poke in his ribs, "I design garments, yes. From there they are prepared in factories." Pierre had not caught Michael's insinuation and for that, Sonny was grateful. She would not have him humiliating her guest.
"Pierre, why don't we go up to the house?"
Sonny broke in, anxious to separate the two men. She was afraid Michael would eventually offend Pierre. If they stayed here a minute longer, that was bound to happen.
"I think your friend would enjoy seeing the horses," Michael said putting an arm around Pierre's shoulder. Sonny rolled her eyes at Michael but realized it was useless to to argue.
"If you insist," Pierre said politely.
"Oh, I do." Michael smiled as he led Pierre into the main barn. As the three of them walked past the enclosed stalls on either side, Michael pointed out the fine Thoroughbreds of Pinebrook.
Pierre looked down at his white loafers, which were already covered with smudge marks. Seeing his expression, Michael made an effort to brush his feet along, stirring up more dust.
"Michael, I'm sure Pierre has seen enough,"Sonny interrupted.
"Yes, I do have to be going." Pierre's long, thin fingers raked nervously through his carefully styled black hair.
"So soon? You haven't even mounted one of these beauties yet. Why, Sonny's father always said, "Any man…"
"Never mind, Michael," Sonny cut in nervously. "I'm sure Pierre wouldn't want to ride wearing a white suit."
Michael smiled and led them back to the second barn in back. She despised the look of joy on his bronzed face. He was enjoying every minute of this.
"You have to see Midnight," Michael announced.
"Isn't he beautiful," Sonny exclaimed as Pierre shoved his hands into the large pockets of his suit jacket.
She led Midnight out into the open so the sun could shine on his lustrous coat.
Pierre watched with disinterest. Sonny held her breath as the breeze caught a wisp of Michael's dark hair, and it fell against his forehead. She wondered how Pierre could remain motionless, as even her own moved about gently.
She noticed the incongruity of the dark-haired
Frenchman who stood motionless in his white suit and expressionless face. He was a picture from another world and hardly fit in here.
"Would you like to give him a pat?" Sonny asked. Pierre shook his head.
"Go ahead," Michael coaxed, "he won't bite."
"He's a fine animal," Pierre answered stiffly, but he made no attempt to touch the young colt. Sonny felt disappointed. She had hoped his reaction would be d ifferent.
"Sondra," Pierre said, "I was hoping we could take a drive along the coast to Carmel. I hear it's a charming little town."
"It is Pierre, but I've got so much to do here today."
"Oh, don't be bothered with the farm, Sonny,
go ahead with Pierre." Michael crossed his arms and flashed a fake smile in her direction.
"I don't know, Michael. Midnight is used to me handling him, and I was gone yesterday."
"Were you?" Michael's smile had suddenly faded and his dark eyes watched for her reaction,
"Yes, Pierre, I'd love to go." Sonny lifted her chin, meeting his icy stare.
She was tired from the night before and would
have welcomed staying at home. But, Michael's arrogant insistance had made her agree to something she already regretted.
Sonny placed her hand against Pierre's elbow and edged him toward her house.
"Have fun, Michael," she called over her shoulder.
The drive to Carmel was quietly relaxing, and Sonny was relieved that Pierre had rented a late model blue Mercedes rather than another limousine.
The countryside was splendid with its intermittent hills and valleys of green on one side and the ocean on the other. Sonny had visited the Louvre and seen its artistic treasures and she had thought the Eiffel Tower was one of the most magnificent sights in the world, but the honest beauty of Northern California dazzled her.
It was a pleasant drive and they spoke very little, each absorbed in their own thoughts. Things were happening so fast now that Pierre was here, that Sonny needed time to think.
Pierre was enchanted with Carmel. The quaint stores and tree lined streets shaded them from the early afternoon sun. They walked along the street, looking in windows and then he saw a dress that captured his attention.
The salesperson inside the dress shop looked approvingly at Pierre, and then noted Sonny would need a size seven. Sonny liked the soft fabric that was draped easily.
"Please try it on, Sondra," Pierre coaxed with an air of authority that he was so accustomed to using with his models.
"I have no place to wear something like this.
No Pierre, I have enough clothes."
Pierre smiled warmly at the clerk, and then began making small talk about the garments in her stock. He made several suggestions as to the trends that would be changed by the following year, and the dark haired woman listed, captivated. Sonny wished that he would keep his opi'nions to himself. She suddenly wanted to leave.
After giving the woman his business card he reached for her hand, kissing it lightly. Stop it, Sonny thought, you're being ridiculous.
Outside, she locked her arm through his and guided him along the street. She would be careful to avoid any more dress shops.
"American women are wonderfully charming," Pierre said, reaching down to kiss her on the
forehead. "Especially you, Sondra."
"Honestly, you think you can charm your way into every woman's heart." She laughed lightly, remembering how un-charmed Katy had been with him.
"No, not at all. I like meeting beautiful women, and if I am charming, then that is very good."
"Are you tired of looking around yet?" Sonny asked wearily.
Her feet were still recuperating from the night before and she wanted to get back home.
"Perhaps I have seen enough of this town. But, I have a propositon to make and I want to tell you over dinner."
"What kind of proposition?" Sonny asked, her interest piqued.
Over dinner, Pierre asked permission to have a party at Sonny's home for a few business associates from San Francisco.
"It sounds like fun," She said with interest.
"I will have it catered, of course, so you may concentrate on being the perfect hostess and not the perfect cook."
"That sounds easy enough, I haven't been to a party since your last one."
"Then, it is well overdue."
They talked and made plans during the drive home to Pinebrook. Sonny was getting caught up in the excitement of entertaining again. She hadn't realized how much she'd missed helping Pierre with his parties until now. His dinners were always well-planned and never anything less than perfect. Just like Pierre himself.
Sonny watched Pierre manipulating the car with ease and she remembered riding with Michael, watching his profile, feeling his presence, smelling his tart cologne.
It seemed odd to her that the two men in her life were such opposites. Pierre was sparkling with vitality and pure talent. He was a perfectly oiled piece of machinery that never stopped. Michael, on the other hand, was strong and proud and had an unforgettable way of caring for and loving her father's Thoroughbreds.
Sonny closed her eyes, listening to the quiet purr of the motor. She was remembering the searing touch of Michael's fingers and the excitement of his kiss when his lips touched hers.
Yes, these two men were totally different.
CHAPTER 10
"Michael, I had other things planned for today. I can't possibly go to the racetrack with you." Sonny stood motionless in the doorway.
"Why not?"
"I have some shopping to do for the party this week-end, and this seemed the best time to get it finished."
"Well, it's not. Dad has to go to Sacramento for the next four days and so we are elected." His reassuring smile did nothing to dispel her feeling of disappointment. She had never been much interested in the races, and today she was even less interested.
"Is this one of those 'have to' occasions?"
"Definitely. It's time you witnessed for yourself the end product of all your work around here."
"I'll take your word for it."
"Not good enough, Sonny. An owner's place is at the track."
Sonny smiled sardonically. "Fine, then you can be the owner that watches them run. I'll keep things going here."
"Without me?" Michael's mouth was firm, but his eyes sparkled with an element of mischief.
Sonny was well aware of his over confidence in himself, but was always amazed that Michael so blatantly flaunted his arrogance. She had enough confidence in herself to know that she could run Pinebrook just as efficiently and smoothly as he had.
"Yes, without you, Michael."
He smiled then and bowed his head in a mocking gesture. "Some other time, but I'd like you to go with me. Bright Fancy's running." Sonny had watched the young filly come back from her training and known that she must be a magnificent runner, so the thought of actually seeing her perform was intriguing. Spending the day with Michael would not be easy, but she would get through it somehow.
"I'll go…but only to see Bright Fancy." Her voice and manner was emphatic.
Sonny had telephoned Pierre, telling him that she must watch Pinebrook's entry. He had assured her that he understood, and he would use the day to find a caterer for the dinner party.
Bay Meadows was, in itself, a different world for Sonny. By the time they arrived, the grand stand and outdoor seating areas were filled. The betting windows were lined with men and women, watching the board, checking the odds and getting ready to place their wagers.
"We'll go on up to the Turf Club," Michael announced as he placed his hand at her back, guiding her up the wide staircase. "There are some people I'd I ike you to meet."
Sonny was introduced to several owners and each one offered condolences for her father and their support of her new business venture with Michael O'Brien. One owner in particular, a Seamus McGuire, had high praise for him.
"Sonny, I've known Michael here, since he was born. In fact, I worked on the same farm with his father in Ireland." Seamus smiled and put an arm affectionately around Michael's shoulders. The older man was short and stocky and held a beer in one hand as he spoke.
"Then, you must come see our new colt," Sonny said brightly.
"New blood, that's fine. I just might take you up on that." His large round stomach, which protruded over his belt and his bright red cheeks pointed to the fact that Seamus enjoyed his ale as much as his horses.
"I'll tell dad I saw you," Michael said.
"Do that, lad, and good luck today. I hear your entry's got a good chance."
"We hope so." Michael flashed a confident smile in Sonny's direction and she knew that h
e was more certain of a win than he indicated.
As Seamus moved away, Sonny looked up at Michael with question in her blue eyes. "You're so sure Bright Fancy will do it, why did you act so hesitant?"
"Never hurts to keep em' wondering." A smile embraced the corners of Michael's mouth.
As Sonny watched Bright Fancy in the ring, just prior to the race, she felt an unexpected sense of pride. It had been one thing to work at Pinebrook and care for the horses, but now, watching one of their finest actually preparing made her heart skip.
Billy led her around as the people gathered marking their programs, deciding sometimes by appearance which horse would carry their wager. Sonny could feel the excitement around her and she wondered why it had taken this many years for her to see what this was all about.
"Michael, I think everyone is watching Bright Fancy." Sonny tugged at his elbow, talking inconspicuously out of the corner of her mouth.
"She's a beautiful horse and they know it."
"Look how high she holds her head. That's important isn't it?"
Michael placed an arm around her shoulder.
"Very. Now, let's get ready. They'll be leading them out soon. Do you want to "give a leg up?" Michael asked.
"What do you mean?"
"As owner, one of us helps the rider onto his mount. It's tradition."
Sonny followed Michael over to the side of Bright Fancy, where he talked with Billy, giving him last minute instructions.
"Don't let her take the lead too soon. Wait, be patient, and cut loose around the turn and down the home stretch," Michael instructed.
"Got it! This will be our day, you'll see. She's responding well and this morning's work-out was good." Billy smiled broadly as he adjusted the red and white hat atop his head. His silks were a combination of stripes and dots and his white pants and high black boots hugged his body.
Sonny began to feel the excitement build in the pit of her stomach as the riders were asked to mount and be led out to the starting gate.
She cupped her hands and Billy stepped into them and hoisted himself up on the strong back of Bright Fancy.
