Drive Me Crazy

by Jenna Bayley-Burke

  “You don’t like kids?” She looked at him with complete disgust.

  “I don’t like them as much as you do. Everywhere we go, you become a magnet for lost and screaming children.”

  She waved her hand dismissively. “It’s the teacher vibe. Kids can tell when they’re safe with someone, and they lock onto that when they’re afraid. So, what’ll it be, mister tour director? Living snakes or dead ones?” She laughed at her own joke.

  “None of the above.”

  She sat up straighter. “Are we leaving South Dakota?”

  He started he car and put it in gear. “Not a chance, tomorrow you can see your dead presidents in stone, today we’re doing something else.”

  “Like what?” She fastened her seatbelt and then smiled over at him.

  “Careful, J’aime, or I’m going to think you’re enjoying this.”

  “Don’t get me wrong. I know I should already be home helping with the wedding, but this is my first vacation, so it’s fun.”

  His foot slipped off the brake and the car rolled before he slammed on the brake and stuck it in neutral. “What do you mean, your first vacation?”

  “Okay, you know, I’m tired of you thinking everything about me is freakish. My dad lives in Mexico, my mom lives in Oregon, every school holiday has been split between them.”

  “But you went on vacations with them.” She had to have, because the alternative was as freakish as she thought.

  “I went to Disneyland once, but the first part of the week was babysitting one of my younger brothers from my dad, and the second part of the week was watching Allison so my mom and stepdad could take the boys on the rides.” She smoothed her hands on her tan capris.

  “But when you go to Mexico, isn’t that like a holiday?”

  “That’s seeing as much family as I can. My dad has eight siblings and I have more cousins than I can possibly see in a week. Besides, when my brothers were younger, he’d arrange for the nanny to take her vacation when I was in town to help with the boys.”

  “That doesn’t seem fair.”

  She lifted her shoulder, the pink strap of her bra slipping out from beneath her white tank. “Mexican culture is all about family. Besides, I wanted to spend as much time with my brothers as possible. I was only there a couple months a year and I wanted them to remember me.”

  He nodded. “So why didn’t you vacation with your mom’s family? Allison has taken Trent on some trips she’d done as a child. Hawaii, the Puget Sound, even Mexico.”

  Jaime bubbled up with laughter. “I took her with me to Mexico one summer and she lasted three days before she demanded to go back. We had fun before she got too high maintenance. I remember my abuela saying she was so relieved I wasn’t an American girl like Allison after she kept picking apart her food and constantly taking cold showers from the heat. She had Trent take her to Cabo, which is very Americanized from all the tourism.”

  “But she liked the heat in Hawaii?”

  Jaime shrugged. “I wouldn’t know. They took family vacations while I was with my dad. Anytime they went anywhere, I had to go to Mexico.”

  “Why?”

  “Hey, going to Mexico is a good thing. My abuela is an amazing cook. And my brothers missed me.” She toyed with the hem of her tank top.

  “And you didn’t answer my question.”

  She rolled her eyes. “It was a money thing. My dad felt taken advantage of because he was expected to pay for everything for me instead of sharing costs with my mom. But my mom stopped working when she had Ben, so all the money was my stepdad’s, and he didn’t want to have to pay for anything for me. He’s very conservative and thought that since he provided completely for his children, my father should do the same, but my dad is very liberal and found it sexist that my mom wouldn’t provide anything monetary.”

  “Um, wow.”

  “Welcome to the politics of custody arrangements.” She gave a weak smile. “My stepmother also took issue with the difference in cost for things in Mexico and Oregon, plus they were supporting four boys of their own. It was a jumble, and I tried my best not to ask anyone for anything.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  She reached for the folder and opened it again, pretending she hadn’t seen it all before. “I’m sorry you asked. But I think it’s the answer to your question about why I’m going to Oregon. I think without the pressure of money, I can have a better relationship with my mom. I know she wanted to help me more, but she wasn’t willing to stand up to my stepfather. It’s kind of embarrassing to know your parents had a dollar value on you since you were three.”

  “It shouldn’t have been that way.”

  “It isn’t anymore. I pay my own way for everything.” She closed the folder and her shoulders slumped. “Well, I did until I got in this car with you.”

  “Thank goodness you got in the car. You deserve a vacation more than anyone I’ve ever met.” He reached out and touched her face, intending to pull her forward for a kiss. But he sensed now was not the time.

  “I should be paying my way. I can. I have savings.”

  “Which you need to get an apartment and a car once you’re settled in Oregon. Besides, I’m doing things with you I wouldn’t have done alone. I never would’ve gone gold mining.”

  “True, I could tell you wanted to leave as soon as you saw the school bus and all the kiddos in matching shirts.”

  “I really did, but I’m glad we stayed, even if I didn’t find any gold. And I never would have known that hotel was haunted.”

  “That hotel is haunted. Don’t mock.”

  He held up a hand. “I was there, you were freezing.”

  “Thank you. I’m still a little freaked out a ghost tried to turn me into a Popsicle.”

  “I am quite fond of that ghost. It got you into my bed. Where you’ve stayed ever since.” He met her dark gaze, loving the way her eyes smiled even if her mouth didn’t.

  “Okay then, let’s go see some snakes.”

  He shook his head. “I have a much better idea.”

  Chapter Eleven

  The warm wind swirled around her, cooling her flushed skin. The sun hovered just above the tree line, promising the day would not swelter on forever. She didn’t know how the animals at the wild-horse sanctuary survived the blistering heat day after day.

  “What about that one?” Xavier asked their guide, pointing to a shaggy tan foal in the distance that stood almost completely beneath its mother.

  Jaime shielded her eyes with her hand and followed Xavier’s gaze. The foal seemed smaller than others they’d seen, and its black mane and tail appeared to just be growing in. The most remarkable thing was the black zebra stripes circling both of the horses’ legs. Jaime slicked back her hair, glad she’d pulled it into a ponytail.

  “Isn’t she gorgeous?” Helen responded, the smile evident in her voice. The older woman leaned against the faded blue pickup and sighed. “She was quite the surprise, the last foal born this spring. We give most of the mares an injection to keep the population in check, but it’s only as effective as human birth control.”

  “But if the horses here at the sanctuary are wild, why change their breeding patterns?” Jaime had been enthralled by the horses since she’d seen the wooden sign announcing the sanctuary. Like stepping back in time, she understood why so many films had borrowed the location as a set for Westerns.

  “Whenever the economy tanks, the horse market does the same. We’d love to let the horses breed at will, but if they foal more horses than we can sell as yearlings, we’re left with the expense of caring for them. We don’t have the funds or the space for ever-expanding herds.”

  Xavier knelt on the dusty ground, adjusting his camera before firing off a few quick shots. He tilted the camera and examined the shots on the display. “What are the stripes on their legs?”

  “Sorraia markings. Spanish conquistadors brought the horses from Portugal to the Americas in the 1500s. The dun coloring and dark dorsal stripe from ma
ne to tail is another distinguishing characteristic. They’re living relics of a time gone by. Not many of them are left.”

  “Are they friendly, or should I change lenses?” Xavier turned to face the women, the lowering sun glinting off the sunglasses perched atop his head.

  “They’re as used to people as any of the other herds, but if I drive up towards that ridge, they’ll move right towards you.”

  Xavier smiled wide, but Jaime’s stomach twisted. “Is that safe?” she asked. “Won’t they stampede him?”

  Helen chuckled and adjusted her tan cowboy hat. “They’ll run like the dickens off the ridge, but that will probably be the end to the excitement. They’re very comfortable here, but they don’t like the sound or smell of a truck.”

  Jaime’s gaze volleyed between the serene and powerful horses, the pick-up behind her and Xavier alone in the middle. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”

  “It’s brilliant.” Xavier made up the ground between them and reached into his camera bag. “Experiences like these make the most amazing photographs.”

  He slung his camera bag over her shoulder, the thick strap wider than her tank top.

  “No way am I standing in the middle of running horses.” Her blood raced at the thought. They’d knock her over and trample her to death. Or worse, into a coma where she’d have to listen to how stupid she’d been from her family for months on end.

  “You’re getting in the truck, with this.” He handed her a small point-and-shoot camera and gave her a fleeting kiss on the forehead. “You take my picture getting the shot. That way if people don’t believe I took it, I’ll have proof.”

  “Why wouldn’t someone believe you?” She watched as he adjusted the settings on his camera, wanting to snatch it from his hands.

  “Because I can afford to buy a shot and say it was mine. And that takes all the fun out of it.” His it’s-happened-before smile halted her protests. If he wasn’t scared out of his skin, she shouldn’t be.

  But her pulse refused to slow to logic. “Well, don’t die or anything. I’ll never hear the end of it if I let you ruin Allison’s wedding.”

  “J’aime, we both know the wedding would go on. I’m a replaceable cog in her wedding machine. Trent wouldn’t dare postpone anything.” He spoke without looking at her, finding the viewfinder and camera display more interesting.

  She laid her hand on his arm, the muscles and sinew moving as he made adjustments on the camera. “I’m serious here, don’t get hurt. Maybe you could take pictures from on top of the truck.”

  He slowly turned his head to hers, his dusty green gaze enveloping her. “I’ll be fine. I don’t have some kind of death wish. I have plans for tonight.” The corners of his eyes crinkled as he grinned.

  He pulled a black metal tube from the camera bag, then lengthened it into a monopod. Jaime wondered if he could use it to defend himself if the horses got too close.

  Helen started the truck and two of the horses looked up, wrinkling their noses as they sniffed the air. “I’ll move these ones towards you, and then circle back and try to bring that small band under the trees towards the water with the rest of the herd.”

  Xavier nodded and walked away.

  Jaime felt her breaths coming in sharp pants. It took her a moment to rise above the fear and climb into the truck. She set the camera bag on the floorboards and turned to look out the open window. With the point-and-shoot camera, she zoomed in on Xavier and took a shot, praying it wasn’t about to become a before picture.

  The truck jostled over the field and ambled up the hill. As they neared, the horses grew more anxious, slapping their tails and stomping their hooves. She turned towards Helen.

  “You’re sure they won’t hurt him?” When they’d embarked on the photo safari of the sanctuary, she’d never guessed they’d find themselves doing anything remotely dangerous. It seemed too risky, and yet Helen smiled sweetly as if charging horses were no big deal.

  “Honey, we do this almost every week. I guarantee there are horses in this band that want to head towards the water. They’re just waiting for the alpha mare to start that way. As soon as they decide we’re too close, they’ll head straight for the pond. With the afternoon light and the angle, he might end up with some amazing shots.”

  Jaime nodded, wishing the older woman’s words calmed her fears. “I hate this.”

  Helen smiled wide. “No, you just care about him. He’ll be fine. And if he gets some good shots, he’ll be walking on air.”

  “I hope so.” Jaime turned back to the window and swallowed, but the lump in her throat didn’t budge.

  She expected the truck to leap towards the animals, but Helen kept inching along. Jaime snapped a few shots as they neared the tan foal with the striped legs they’d spied earlier.

  She noticed most of the horses had similar markings, some lighter, some darker. As the truck approached, a large gray horse turned to face them. The animal curled its lip and snorted, startling Jaime. The horse whinnied and took off down the hill.

  The entire band of horses turned and followed. The beauty of the powerful animals thundering down the hill blurred into a cloud of dust and a storm of fear.

  The wild river of animals rushed towards Xavier. The staccato of their pounding hoof beats shook the ground. The truck moved, but Jaime focused on Xavier, unable to breathe. Still as a statue, he faced the herd.

  And smiled like a kid with a new bike.

  She snapped a shot because he wanted her to, but her hands were shaking so badly she doubted it would come out. Time inched forward as the horses sped towards him. As they neared him, Jaime realized she was moving farther away.

  “We can’t leave him,” she yelled at Helen, still keeping her gaze firmly locked on Xavier.

  “We’re not, honey. We’re just bringing in his next wave.” The truck bumped and turned, putting Xavier behind them.

  “Wait, go back!” Jaime turned in the seat, staring through the back window. She couldn’t see Xavier through the dust and horseflesh.

  The truck stopped and Jaime reached for the door handle. Helen gripped her arm. “He’s fine. If you run out there you’ll spook the horses and there’s no telling how they’ll act. Listen, do you hear them now?”

  Jaime closed her eyes to focus, realizing the thundering din had stopped. She forced a breath, two, and opened her eyes again. “I need to see that he’s okay.”

  Helen nodded and steered the truck towards the half dozen horses standing beneath a rise of ash trees. A large black horse flew towards the water, the other horses quickly joining in the powerful rush.

  The truck followed the flying manes and tails, jolting and bumping across the meadow. Jaime braced one hand on the door, the other on the dashboard as she tried to find Xavier in the fray.

  The dull, heavy pounding of hooves slowed as the truck drove through the clouds of dust. The smell of warm earth, sweet grass and sweaty animal hung in the air. Everything seemed to vibrate with excitement, tightening her anxiety into hard knots in her belly.

  Finally, she spied him, crouched low by the water, camera in hand. She tried to convince herself to relax, but so much adrenaline still coursed through her veins she felt as if the restlessness would never end. She’d never been so afraid, not when her car was stolen, not when her purse was snatched in Mexico City, not when her stepfather threatened to send her to Mexico permanently after a cheeky adolescent tirade.

  She wanted to run to him, wrap her arms around him and keep him close. Make sure he was really unharmed. Keep him from ever trying something this ridiculous again.

  But her feet stayed glued to the floorboards. If she did, if she let him in on the depths of what she felt for him, she’d be back in Oregon by lunchtime tomorrow.

  He didn’t want her love. He wanted a travel buddy.

  She hadn’t wanted to love him, hadn’t planned on it and fought against it until her fear made her realize the truth. She was probably going to resort to phone sex, take an awkward tr
ip to France before she had to admit he’d never be on the same page.

  The uncomfortable stew of emotions threatened to boil over and her eyes grew heavy as her heart sank. But as Xavier stood and smiled at her, she put a lid on that pot. She’d save the pity party for another day.

  “That was amazing!” He yelled while walking to her, his green eyes sparkling like a C student who’d aced a final. “The first group came straight at me, and the next one from the side. I know I got good shots, J’aime. Did you get any pictures?” He stopped beside the truck and leaned against the door.

  Jaime raised her arm, noticing the camera dangling from a strap around her wrist. “A few.”

  He smiled wide. “I know, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment. I had to force myself to focus on the shots I wanted instead of the power of the horses flying by me.”

  She nodded, agreeing with him about more than the horses. She’d gotten completely caught up in the moment with him, but what she wanted was more than the moment. She couldn’t let the now blind her to what she needed in the future.

  Xavier’s gaze moved past her, to Helen. “Is the foal for sale?”

  “Not until she’s a yearling. We don’t separate the foals from their mare until then.”

  “I don’t want to take her. I want her to stay here, to be free.”

  Jaime’s heart swelled at his generosity. Which did nothing for her resolve to emotionally distance herself. Nothing at all.

  “We’d love that.” Helen’s smile shone in her voice. “You’ll be able to name her and we’ll keep you updated on how she’s doing.”

  “Perfect,” Xavier said, his warm green gaze locking with hers. “We can name her J’aime, because she deserves to be wild and free.”

  “What is with you and ghosts?” Jaime’s fingers squeezed his arm, her short fingernails pressing into his skin.

  “I didn’t know it was haunted, I swear.” The wooden floor of the former brothel creaked as he stepped forward. He looked down at the wide planks and noticed a pizza-box-sized square cut into the floor and a small sign stating Tunnel to the Flophouse. “Look, we can go back that way.”