Secrets in the Lowcountry--The River

by Janet Cooper

  Hannah limped but her foot appeared to be able to hold her weight. Dozens of ideas flowed through and around Taylor’s brain. The boot-cast would prevent the girl from using a stirrup for that foot. Although slender, her upper body showed muscles. Her balance, even with the cast, appeared good.

  Gratefully, they reached the cramped space that resembled a small walk-in closet rather than an office. Two windows, one facing the ring and the other a washing area for the horses, gave the cubby hole light. A wooden desk of unknown origins sat shoved under the front window. An equally old swivel chair pushed into the open knee hole. Two folding chairs rested against the back wall. “Just give me a minute to set up the seats.”

  The two Lees stood while Taylor unfolded the chairs, placing them on the side of the desk nearest the door. She gestured for them to come in and sit. They did.

  Ms. Lee wrinkled her nose in a dissatisfied way and waved her hand in front of her face. “The smell is appalling. Can’t you disinfect the barn and eliminate the horrible odor?”

  Anger welled inside Taylor, but she gritted her teeth before saying, “Barns tend to smell of hay, horses, and manure. While we rake out and change the straw in the stalls, no one has discovered a way to house train a horse. For those of us who love the animal, it’s perfume.”

  “Disgusting!” Ms. Lee placed her index finger beneath her nose, obviously in an effort to block the aroma.

  Taylor refused to cater to the woman. “If we’re all comfortable, please hear me out before you say anything.” She looked directly at Ella Mae Lee. “Did your lawyer send you here?”

  The woman blushed.

  Pushing, Taylor continued to stare hard at Ms. Lee.

  “Mr. Thomson told me he’d call and arrange a meeting.”

  “Between…?”

  Her garish makeup made her red face even uglier.

  “Between?” Her voice hardened as did her eyes.

  “Mr. Thomson, me, and your lawyers.” The words came slowly and with great hesitation.

  Her daughter whipped around and glared at her mother. “You told me we had an appointment.”

  Not wanting a fight, Taylor interrupted, “Let’s put that aside for a moment and get on the same page. Okay?” She glanced from one to the other.

  Reluctantly, mother and daughter nodded. Hannah’s facial expression retained an angry expression, while her mother continued to block ‘eau de barn’.

  “Right now, neither set of lawyers is aware that you are at Harmony Barn.”

  Ms. Lee stared with malice at Taylor before bobbing her head.

  Taylor ignored the distorted expression. “You decided on your own to come here.” She fixed her gaze on the woman.

  Another nod, just as reluctant as the first and her countenance remained irritated.

  “Perhaps, we can find a solution.” Taylor hoped the Muellers and her father would forgive her for going around them, but she intuitively believed in her plan.

  “Your daughter won’t qualify for Horseback Heroes.”

  The woman’s eyes flared open. “She’s handicapped!”

  Clenching her fists until her nails dented her palms, Taylor replied in as even a tone as possible, “Please let me finish. Her foot will heal…”

  “Not sufficient for gymnastics!” the woman taunted. “She might never walk normal again!”

  Pushing hair that had escaped from her ponytail behind her ear, Taylor took what she hoped was a calming, deep breath. Maybe I should let the lawyers settled this. “Ms. Lee, please. If you noticed the young girl riding when you arrived, you’d understand. These children and adults are severely, physically handicapped. Horseback Heroes encourages individuals to develop self-confidence and teaches them a skill impossible to do alone. Ours is a very small operation. Unlike some of the therapeutic programs, we cater to only one or two niches. One day, if all goes well, we can expand our operation. Check the internet and it will explain much, much more about us and other similar programs. The special needs individuals we help will always require support, some more and some less. Your daughter can and will survive without constant supervision or assistance.”

  Ms. Lee’s mouth started to open. Her eyes flashed with annoyance. Taylor held up her hand. Looking directly at the girl and totally blocking out her mother, she asked, “Hannah, do you want to ride?”

  “Of course she does.” Her mother strident voice shouted the words. The sound bounced off the walls of the small, enclosed space. Taylor hoped they hadn’t carried out the door to the ring.

  Maybe I am making a mistake, but guilt stabbed. “Ms. Lee, please allow your daughter to answer me. Do you?” From the straight back, to the hands clenched in her lap, the girl’s body showed tension and a drop of fear. Taylor always interviewed her potential riders and had gathered an instinct for possible trouble or problems. She eyed the child, checking her facial utterances which often shouted what the person’s voice could not.

  From the corner of her eyes, Hannah peeked at her mother. Ms. Lee perched on the edge of the thin, wooden seat, glaring. She had finally removed her finger. Taylor hid a smirk with hers.

  “I guess so.” The timid voice scarcely reached Taylor’s ears.

  Hoping to steady and soothe the child plus get her answer and not her mother’s, Taylor forced her voice to relax. “Riding’s hard work…”

  “My daughter’s not afraid of working. Being a gymnast requires sacrifice and constant effort every day.” Her belligerent tone scrapped on Taylor’s nerves.

  Dear Heaven, I’m regretting I started. “Ms. Lee, your daughter must answer my questions, not you. If you interrupt one more time, I’m leaving and so are you. Our lawyers will handle everything!

  “Hannah, do you want to ride? Yes or no.” Taylor hoped she hadn’t shown her annoyance.

  “I think so, but the horses are awfully big.” Her eyes widened and a smidgen of fear returned.

  Bingo. She’s afraid. I had seen it. “Yes, they are but they really like to please people. Besides, we won’t put you up on the horse until you’ve been around them for a while. Before riding, you must learn about the saddle, the bridle, the cinch, lots of other important things. That would give her foot a chance to heal. Other vital details are cleaning the stall, feeding the horse, walking them, and talking to them. People who wish to ride must understand taking care of a horse is the first step in a successful relationship with that animal. Could you do all that?”

  “I like animals. We had a cat, but a car ran over her. We don’t have any pets now.” A touch of sadness showed in her tone.

  Taylor patted Hannah on her hand. “Losing a pet is very hard. I’ve lost several over the years. And each time I did, I hurt inside. Animals love us and don’t expect much in return that’s why caring for them is so important.

  “Would you like to come back one afternoon and wander around the stable before you make a decision?”

  Her face lit up. “Yes.”

  “Good. I’ll arrange a time with your mother. Now, why don’t you go out to the bench next to the ring and watch Amanda and her helpers. Your mother and I should talk.”

  They watched the teen until she found a seat.

  “Ms. Lee, I will take your daughter as a student, if Hannah wants to learn. If she says no, I won’t force her.” Taylor stared at her. “You can’t compel her either. Horses sense fear. When they do they can become undependable and accidents can and do happen.”

  “But…”

  “Please listen. Either my assistant Jean or I will coach her. How well she fares is anyone’s guess. I can’t and I won’t promise she’ll succeed.” Keeping her eyes glued to the woman, she said, “And neither can you.

  “Give me a call next week. Now, I have students waiting.” Without waiting for a response, Taylor left.

  Chapter Ten

  After a shower and lunch, Taylor headed for the pool. The day continued bright, clear, humid and very warm making a swim a necessity as well as a pleasure. She did a shallow dive and came
up stroking. For the next fifteen minutes, Taylor allowed no thoughts to invade her mind. If one tried, she pushed the idea aside. She’d had enough thinking and worrying for today. Flipping over onto her back, she watched a few streaks of clouds drift by. Such peace!

  “Taylor.”

  Leisurely turning on her side, she smiled. “Hi, Jeff. Care to join me?” She glanced at his tee shirt and shorts.

  He surveyed his attire then smiled at her. “Didn’t bring my suit.”

  “Ditch the shirt and come in. Nothing could hurt those old shorts,” she teased.

  “Just because I get value from my clothes,” he defended himself.

  “I bet you still have your Eagle Scout shirt,” she retorted. He didn’t respond. “You do!”

  “If and when I ever have children and if and when he grows up and becomes an Eagle Scout, I’ll give the shirt to him,” his tone even, not rising to Taylor’s joshing. “Okay, that’s fair. But what about that old fishing jacket that once belonged to your father?” She enjoyed bantering with him.

  “That’s an heirloom.” A smile escaped.

  “I give up!” She waved her hands in submission.

  With that, he peeled off his shirt, toed off his sneakers, and cannonballed into the pool, drenching an already soaking Taylor.

  “Catch me if you can.” She dove underwater and headed for the far side of the pool. An instant later, in the middle of a kick, he grabbed her ankle and pulled her back toward him. Taylor came up and spit water in his face. He wiped the salty liquid off his face, but his other hand remained holding on to her, as he bent close to her. They came within inches of each other. For a moment, she wanted to kiss him on the lips. Her conscience tweaked her. Instead, she brushed her lips against his cheek, before easing away. His face flushed.

  Breathlessly she said, “I forgot how much taller you are. Next time, I’ll ask for a lead of half the pool.” Her eyes avoided his. She sensed the water moving and chanced a quick peek. Jeff slid back a few feet. Had the almost kiss affected him, too?

  “How’s the barn? Many heroes today?” Jeff treaded water, keeping his distance.

  “A good group, but guess who came?”

  “Who?”

  “Guess.”

  “Miss Mary.”

  “Miss Mary’s allergies, to dust and hay, prevent her from getting near anywhere near the stables.”

  “I know, but I couldn’t think of anyone else.”

  “Ms. Ella Mae Lee.”

  “What?” His eyes opened wide.

  “And her daughter.”

  “Why?”

  “Ms. Lee heard about Horseback Heroes. She decided her daughter fits into the category of ‘severely handicapped’. Ms. Lee had never seen our kids and adults. She didn’t even bother to check the website. In her mind, because of the accident, her daughter is disabled and qualified to join.”

  Jeff shook his head as if in disbelief.

  “After she created a scene at the ring, the three of us retreated to my office.”

  “A little tight for everyone,” he stated.

  “Definitely, but a positive in this case. I had the chair. She and her daughter sat on old folding ones that have seen better days.”

  He stared at her in disbelief. “You don’t still have those old metal chairs my mother gave you, do you?”

  “You’re not the only one who retains useful objects.” She giggled. “As for Ms. Lee, I believe she’s convinced her daughter’s gymnastic skills can be converted into riding. Actually, the girl’s balance and the stamina she’s developed over the years will help.”

  “Back to the original subject.”

  “Which one, the old chairs or the talk?”

  “Taylor …” His mouth crinkled into a partial grin.

  “Okay. After she informed me of her scheme, I informed her Hannah won’t qualify. She tried to argue, but finally, with a little persuasion she stopped talking. Then, I explained her daughter doesn’t need someone to lift her on the horse or have the special lift place her in the saddle. Nor does she require someone to hold her on the horse; neither does her physical condition necessitate constant watching and observing. Once her daughter gets comfortable on the horse she could ride alone, but our Heroes program?” Taylor shook her head vehemently. “No way.”

  “Where does that leave you?”

  “I volunteered to teach her to ride”

  “You what?” The volume of his voice almost matched Ella Mae’s, except for the bass range.

  She held up her hand. I seem to be doing that a lot. “Please let me explain. She’s adorable, petite with black hair and eyes, plus I sense a tough spirit, which is essential for an athletic. Hannah’s very petite and looks twelve or thirteen, but she’s almost sixteen. While we’d strolled at a very slow pace to the barn, making sure Hannah could stay with us, my conscience nagged me. My mother caused the problem. If I can help the girl achieve success, that will partially pay for the problem Mom started.” She stared at him, willing him to understand.

  He hugged her gently. “Taylor, you are a wonderful woman.” He kissed the top of her head.

  “You do understand.” She sighed. “I haven’t told Dad or Miss Mary. The whole riding deal might not work out.” Taylor scrunched up her face.

  “Why?” He frowned.

  “Let me explain this my way.” She gave a tentative smile.

  “Okay.” He returned to treading water.

  “Her foot won’t cause her any problem. I’ve known amputees to ride and compete–with other two legged competitors.” She surveyed him carefully. “Working as a gymnast helps because of balance. Her petite size is an advantage because we can use pony size mounts. None of those prevent her from succeeding.” She stopped.

  “No, but fear of horses might,” he replied, calmly.

  Taylor frowned. “How did you guess?”

  “A good number of people are afraid of animals much larger and a great deal heavier than themselves. If a person has an injury, especially to a foot or leg, he or she is hobbled, which compounds the fear. A horse could step on her, rear up, anything’s possible.”

  Unwilling to allow him to douse her plan, she replied, “Jeff, I’ve worked with people who were afraid. In the initial training period, many of the Heroes are scared, but they work through their fears.”

  “Taylor. Some people do not want to ride enough to overcome their anxieties.” Jeff played devil’s advocate, something he’d done for years when she came up with an idea that required additional assessment. “Just because you love the sport, have always loved the sport, does not mean that everyone shares this emotion. The mother may want her daughter to ride since she can no longer train as a gymnast, but the girl has spent her entire life, or most of it, learning gymnastics. That dream is dead. Unless you can create another and have her accept the dream as hers, she might not cooperate,” Jeff said, quietly, but firmly. “What if after all your work to help her overcome her fear, the girl doesn’t want to ride?”

  She focused her attention on him as if he had sprouted donkey’s ears or worse. “Not want to ride? Everyone wants to ride.”

  He continued treading water and remained focused on her.

  Taylor absorbed his words. “I’ll have to be very persuasive. I like the idea of teaching her a new sport. I bet she’ll be good. She might even win a scholarship for horsemanship.”

  Jeff shook his head. “From not wanting to be involved to having her win a scholarship or even compete is quite a stretch, even for you. However, that’s what makes you so special. Each time a wall appears you climb over it, go around it, or knock it down.” He shook his head as he smiled.

  Her heart burst with joy at his encouraging words. “Great, aren’t I?”

  “No comment.” He laughed.

  She splashed him.

  “Naughty, naughty,” he warned.

  Taylor flipped over, starting swimming. Jeff grabbed her leg, flipped her over, and reeled her in. Her legs scissor his waist. He slid his
arms under her back. With both hands, she splattered his shoulder and face with water. His eyes locked on hers. “Caught and captured. You owe me a fine. What shall I do? Dunk you?”

  She shook her head, trying to get the wet hair off her face.

  “No?”

  “No! I hate being dunked!”

  “I’ll settle for a kiss.”

  Before she could respond, his hands slid from beneath her shoulders and grasped the back of her head. An instant later, his mouth touched hers. He deepened his kiss. She acknowledged and responded.

  “There you are,” Aunt Bertha said.

  They broke apart.

  “Trey called, Jeff. He asked me to remind you to stop by the Post Office and pick up a package. I was visiting Mary when the call came in and offered to come find you. She’s baking cookies and can’t leave them.

  “How’s the water?”

  Much too hot thought Taylor.

  Chapter Eleven

  By unspoken agreement, Taylor and Jeff neither saw nor spoke over the next few days. He’d mentioned he’d be consulting for a client or two. She spent the time catching up on bills and phone messages she’d left unanswered for the past week. Jean had covered most of them, but Taylor’s list remained long. As for the kiss, when her mind activated that memory, she jerked her attention on something else, almost an impossible task. On Monday, after a short discussion with Ms. Lee, Taylor arranged for Hannah’s first barn experience.

  The threesome met them at the office on Wednesday afternoon. Ms. Lee arrived in what Taylor began to believe was her only style of dress, hot pink stripped sundress with spaghetti straps, platform heels that matched the dress, heavy make-up, and wind-swept hair. Hannah wore her jodhpurs and a blue-striped tee. A clip held her jet black hair firmly in place at the back of her head. Her dark chocolate, nearly black eyes, showed her uneasiness. In her left hand, she carried a helmet. Mentally, Taylor rolled her eyes. Hadn’t I made myself clear? No riding until Hannah conquered her fear.