He spoke with a distinctly British accent in a smooth baritone voice and when she heard it Jessica understood at least in part how Michael was able to work so well with horses. The velvet tone of that deep baritone voice calmed her and instantly made her feel comfortable in his presence. The timbre of his voice resonated within her. She had never experienced such an overwhelming sensation of peace as she listened to Michael converse with Liz and explain how he had been putting Tempest through his paces. I’ll never have a chance, Jess thought to herself.
Lionel was taken aback. Neither he nor Michael had been told that there would be competition for Tempest. This changed Lionel’s thinking drastically. Roberta’s diligence in finding Tempest for Michael had thrown Lionel’s plans awry, and had succeeded in giving Michael hope. There was no way he could prevent Michael from taking the opportunity presented to him to have a horse he could take into competition relatively quickly. Now that there was a possibility that Michael might not have Tempest after all, Lionel’s hopes raised. Maybe Jessica Warren was exactly the answer to this most recent threat to his plans.
Chapter 5
After arranging a time with Mendelssohn for Jessica to ride Tempest the next day, the three women had their driver take them to a lodging house in Hamburg that Mendelssohn had recommended. After checking in, and agreeing to meet in 30 minutes for dinner, they each made their way to their assigned rooms and settled in. Jessica showered and changed into dress slacks and a lightweight sweater, and returned to the Inn’s dining area.
Liz and Charlotte were waiting for her at a table, and she approached them and took the empty seat.
“Well, Jess, what do you think of your competition?” Charlotte asked.
“Are you kidding me?” Jessica responded. “Michael Stafford is one of the best dressage riders in the world. How can I ever compete against him?” Jessica felt overwhelmed with this most recent turn of events. In just a matter of hours, her feelings of excitement and anticipation turned to anxiety and discouragement.
“This isn’t over, Jess,” Liz said. “I know Michael Stafford is a great rider, but he hasn’t ridden an international class horse in nearly a year. In fact, he hasn’t even competed for quite some time,” Liz continued. “On top of that, rumor has it that he doesn’t have the funds to purchase Tempest. If that’s the case, he has to convince Mendelssohn to sponsor him. We, on the other hand, have the funds to purchase Tempest and can assure Mendelssohn that with your USET backing, there’s a near certainty that he will compete on the international stage within months after the purchase. I don’t think Michael can make that promise. All is not lost.”
Jessica looked skeptically at Liz. “I watched him ride today, Liz, and you did too. Did you see anything that makes you think he’s in any way rusty? He was magnificent, and Tempest was putty in his hands. I’ve never seen anything like it, and he was riding the horse for the first time.”
"I admit that he’s a very talented rider, Jess, but you’re a brilliant rider in your own right, and I’ll be right there with you tomorrow. You can do this.”
“If you say so, Liz, I have to believe you. I’m not giving up.” Jessica sighed and perused the menu then placed her order with the waitress serving their table. She turned to Liz. “I’m counting on you to keep me grounded tomorrow. There’s a good chance Michael and his friend will be there to watch us, and I will be a nervous wreck. If Tempest senses my nerves, he’ll react accordingly. I need you to keep me grounded and focused, or I’m not going to perform at my best.”
“Absolutely, Jess,” Liz said. “Let’s start by going over what your plan is for riding Tempest tomorrow.”
“I thought it would be best for me get on him first, to take some time to get him warmed up and gauge his reactivity and sensitivity to the aids. That way, I’ll be better able to guide you through your ride.”
“I like that plan. I was hoping you would agree to ride him first. I’ve never ridden a stallion before, and any insight you can give me would be priceless.”
“Stallions aren’t that much different from mares really. You always have to establish you’re the leader. With a mare, like Callie, you need to gently lead. With a stallion, you have to be certain to establish your dominance early, or he’ll try to take control and bully you. After I’ve had a chance to ride him, I’ll have a better idea how much strength you’ll need. I know Michael didn’t seem to be working very hard to control Tempest, but he’s got long, muscular legs and he’s accustomed to riding a stallion, so his ride may not be very helpful to us.”
“I just don’t want to let you down, Liz,” Jessica responded. “I know how much you need the funds we can earn from competing well at the Olympics to rescue your farm from foreclosure.”
“Don’t worry about me, Jess. If this doesn’t work out, I’ll figure out some other way to save the farm.”
“Not if your soon-to-be ex-husband has anything to say about it. From the way he’s been behaving, Rick wants to see your dream destroyed in the worst possible way. Why else would he be so persistent about forcing you to sell the place and pay him off to the tune of a quarter million dollars?”
“I don’t want to talk about Rick right now. Let’s talk about tomorrow,” Liz said, hoping to distract Jessica from this very painful subject, at least for now. The last thing Liz needed was to be reminded about how angry and vindictive her husband had become in past few months. “We have to be as prepared as possible. The best thing we can all do is get some rest. I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling some significant jet lag. A good night’s sleep is essential if we’re going to be at our best tomorrow.”
“I agree,” Charlotte said. “I’m exhausted. Let’s go up to our rooms, get some sleep, and I’ll see you both tomorrow morning, bright and early.”
The three women, having finished and paid for their meals, made their way back to their rooms. Jessica placed a call to Hailey to check in with her and make sure she was all right. Hailey confirmed that everything was fine, so Jessica changed into her pajamas and settled in for the night.
~ ~ ~
Michael and Lionel had been provided rooms at a guest house on the Mendelssohn farm property, and Mendelssohn had invited his famous guest and his friend to his home for dinner. Although it would have been to his benefit to spend more time with Mendelssohn and press his case for sponsorship, Michael felt as though he needed some time to himself to contemplate the events of the day. He asked Mendelssohn if he could have dinner delivered to his room this evening, and Mendelssohn had agreed. Lionel, on the other hand, decided to take advantage of Mendelssohn’s hospitality, and joined him for dinner.
Michael made quick work of the meal Mendelssohn provided—simple but satisfying German fare consisting of whole grain bread, cheese, and deli meat, with mustard and pickles, and a smooth, rich German lager to quench his thirst. He stretched his full length out on the bed in his room. He linked his hands behind his head and looked up at the ceiling, thinking back to his encounter with Miss Jessica Warren, the women he was competing with for Tempest. Even though he had only just met her, and they had only spoken a few words, Michael knew that she was different from any other woman he had ever encountered.
Since his Olympic success, Michael had met several young, attractive women who clamored for his attention as a dressage trainer, and many times as a sexual partner as well. When he was engaged to Emma, Michael tried as best he could to gently distance himself from encounters with the women he soon came to understand weren’t nearly as interested in learning dressage from him, but were more interested in bragging to their friends that they had “hooked up” with the famous and very good-looking Michael Stafford. However, this young woman, although about the same age as many of the “groupies” he had encountered, was different. She was so serious she initially appeared much older than she was.
When he and Lionel had returned to the
ir rooms after his ride, Michael had searched the internet and learned that Jessica was only 26 years old. He also read a recent profile of her in Dressage Today magazine. He learned that Jessica had lost her parents in an automobile accident 5 years ago. The accident had also so severely injured her sister Hailey’s legs that they both had to be amputated below the knee. No wonder Jessica carried herself in such a mature way. She had been forced by circumstances to grow up quickly. At the very young age of 21, she had become the legal guardian of her disabled sister, and the sole means of financial support for their small family. His respect for Jessica grew with that knowledge. She was, definitely, a remarkable young woman.
Just from their brief interaction earlier today, Michael sensed that Jessica Warren was not only intelligent and beautiful, but she carried serious burdens no one her age should be carrying. Her face was careworn and her eyes showed a hint of sadness even when she smiled and interacted with her mentor and trainer and the sponsor’s sister. Now he knew why. He was surprised to realize that a part of him instinctively wanted to find some way to help her, and bring some happiness to her life. If only he could step aside and allow her to have Tempest for herself. Michael shook himself from his reverie and chuckled to himself. Unfortunately, he needed Tempest and the funds he could earn from showing him, to help Ian. Not to mention the fact that Michael Stafford was the last person to help someone fix their problems. He had way too many of his own.
Chapter 6
Lionel was seated with Mendelssohn for dinner that evening. “Herr Mendelssohn,” Lionel said. “Thank you for your wonderful hospitality. I apologize on Michael’s behalf that he was not able to join us. He has been through a lot lately, and needed some time to himself.”
“Yes, of course, Mr. Hayes,” Mendelssohn replied. “I have heard rumors that Mr. Stafford has not been the same since his fiancée left him several months ago.”
Lionel could tell that Mendelssohn was bursting with curiosity to see if the rumors about Michael were true. Was he really a hopeless drunkard and womanizer, and had he lost his touch with horses? Obviously, from Michael’s remarkable demonstration on Tempest today, he hadn’t lost his abilities as a rider, but Lionel was eager to leave Mendelssohn with the impression that Michael couldn’t be trusted with a horse as valuable as Tempest – especially now that Michael had viable competition in the guise of the American dressage star, Jessica Warren.
“Well, Herr Mendelssohn,” Lionel began, with apparent reluctance, “I really shouldn’t be telling you this, but I’m very worried about Michael.”
“Why are you worried?” Mendelssohn replied.
“Michael has been, well, different since Emma left him. He’s been trying to find solace in alcohol and one-night stands with anonymous women. He has lost several clients and his training yard isn’t nearly full. To add insult to injury, his brother was recently charged with manslaughter in connection with a bar fight. I don’t think his mind is in his riding at all.”
“I see,” Mendelssohn said, clearly disturbed by the information Lionel was providing him. “I must say, this concerns me.”
“Please, Herr Mendelssohn,” Lionel responded, trying as best he could to look concerned, and not to smile, “Michael really needs this opportunity to redeem himself with the dressage world. Your trust in him, despite his recent history, would be invaluable.”
“Thank you, Mr. Hayes,” Mendelssohn said. “I very much appreciate this information.”
“I would appreciate it if you didn’t tell Michael I’ve told you any of this. He would be extremely embarrassed, not to mention angry with me for my candor with you. I’ve only told you this because I know I can trust your discretion,” Lionel said.
“Of course, Mr. Hayes, you have it.”
Lionel smiled. He had made a great deal of progress today in ruining Michael’s chances to get a sponsorship from Mendelssohn. It was, of course, the least he could do.
~ ~ ~
The next day dawned clear and cool, and Jessica was experiencing the worst nerves of her riding career. She knew in her heart that her success in riding this stallion would make or break her dream of competing in dressage on the international stage, and Jessica could feel the weight of the pressure like nothing she had ever felt before. All right, Jess, get a hold of yourself and do this. You’re good. No, you’re better than good, you’re one of the best dressage riders in America. Don’t let this Brit or this big horse scare you. She took a deep breath, looked at her reflection in the mirror and saw a pale, but professionally turned-out young woman with a look of determination in her eyes, and knew that she was as ready as she ever would be for the ride of her life.
As Jessica left her room to meet Liz and Charlotte in the lobby of their inn, she remembered that she had left her ever-present cell phone plugged in to charge in the room. She retrieved it and left her room to meet her companions. As she went to the lobby, she checked her phone, and there were no missed calls or text messages. Hailey must be doing all right, or she would certainly have heard from the Turners or Hailey herself. Jessica relaxed a bit. At least that’s one thing she wouldn’t have to worry about today. As she approached Liz and Charlotte, her nerves reappeared, and in an attempt to chase them away, she took another deep breath and forced what she hoped was a cheery smile on her face.
“Hey, ladies,” Jessica said. “How are you both this fine morning?”
“We’re fine. More importantly, how are you doing?” Charlotte responded. Not unexpectedly, Charlotte was outfitted in the latest designer fashion. Liz was right beside her in riding attire. Before Jessica could respond to Charlotte, Liz said, “She looks confident and ready for her ride. Am I right, Jess?”
Jessica flashed Liz a look of surprise. The last thing she felt was confident and ready to ride. Liz would know that in a heartbeat. The two had been together long enough. At Jessica’s quizzical look, Liz surreptitiously glanced quickly at Charlotte, then back to Jessica. It instantly dawned on Jessica that Liz had seen right away that Jessica was nervous, but she didn’t want Charlotte, whose brother was about to spend a million dollars on a horse for her, to know she wasn’t completely confident in her ability to ride Tempest no matter what. Jessica nodded her head slightly to Liz to acknowledge she understood, then replied. “Yes, Liz, you’re right. I’m ready to go.”
“Good,” Liz said firmly. “Let’s eat something before we go. It would be better for you if you can.”
“Great. How about something light, though. Maybe a couple of scrambled eggs and a slice of toast?”
“Works for me,” Liz said. “Let’s go in and place our orders.”
The three women went into the inn’s dining area and sat down. Liz ordered eggs as well, and Charlotte ordered a traditional German breakfast of soft-boiled eggs, meat, bread, and cheese. They all had coffee. Jessica’s nerves calmed enough that she enjoyed her breakfast, and the women were quickly done and ready to go.
Their driver met them in the parking lot, and they made their way to Mendelssohn Farm. As they drove up to the farm, Jessica could see inside the tastefully decorated and lavishly appointed stable and noticed that Michael and Lionel were already there talking with Herr Mendelssohn while a groom was saddling Tempest. The stallion was fidgeting in the cross ties and appeared agitated, his tail occasionally switching in apparent irritation. However, as she watched, Michael reached over to the stallion and said something to the horse while stroking his neck several times in long, smooth strokes from his poll to his withers. The horse seemed to calm almost immediately, and actually reached his head around and nudged Michael’s shoulder as if to thank him for the reassurance. Both Mendelssohn and the groom looked at Michael in amazement. Just at that moment, Herr Mendelssohn noticed the women had arrived. He left the men and started walking in their direction.
“Welcome back, ladies.” Mendelssohn turned to address Jessica. “As you c
an see, Tempest is almost ready for your ride today, Miss Warren.”
“Actually, Herr Mendelssohn,” Liz said. “I will be riding Tempest first, then Jessica will ride. I hope that plan meets with your approval.”
Mendelssohn turned to Liz. “Of course, Mrs. Randall. I have every confidence in your abilities.” He looked back at Michael and Lionel, who had followed him out of the stable to greet the three women, then again addressed Liz. “Mr. Stafford and Mr. Hayes are my guests here at the farm, and have asked if they might observe your ride. Do either you or Miss Warren mind them staying?”
“No, not at all. We are happy for the gentlemen to stay.” Liz looked confidently over to Jessica. “Aren’t we, Jess?”
“Sure,” Jessica said, hoping the men couldn’t hear the tremulousness in her voice as she responded. She looked directly at Michael. “I’d be honored if you stay.”
Michael acknowledged Jessica with a slight smile and a brief nod. Jessica thought she saw a flash of what could have been encouragement in his eyes at that instant, but Michael quickly averted his gaze, and Jessica wasn’t completely certain she had seen it.
The groom brought Tempest out, and Liz strapped on her riding helmet, went over to him, took the reins from the groom, and led the stallion to the mounting block just outside the outdoor arena. The women had been discussing on the drive over that the crisp, cool morning would most likely find Tempest fresh and full of nervous energy. They were not disappointed. As Liz took the reins from the groom and led him up to the mounting block, he shied away from the mounting block a step or two, and Liz reprimanded him with her voice and firmly brought the stallion back to the block. Liz knew the stallion had seen this mounting block hundreds of times, and was shying in part to test Liz to see what he could get away with. Properly chastised, Tempest stood quietly this time, and Liz was able to lift herself into the saddle easily.
Dressage Dreaming (Horses Heal Hearts Book 1) Page 5
