Page 121 of Crystal Iris
They look at me.
“It’s summer, Iris,” Hoyt says.
“You should’ve told me she was untamed,” Sawyer grunts, trying to catch up with Mona again.
“Horses have a great memory,” Akira says from my side. “Funny enough, I never forgot that fact. I also remember something about a novice rider and a green horse being a bad combination. There’s a good chance one or both of you will be seriously injured.”
Hoyt overhears her and comes closer. “Iris will practice on Jet until Mona is ready.”
“Will she... be ready?” I wonder, not meaning to say it out loud.
“Sure. Sawyer has a way with wild ones. He can handle it.”
I glance at his friend. Mona’s giving him a hard time; I can tell she’s afraid.
“Are you sure she’s all right outside?” I ask Hoyt again on our way back home.
“It’s only for the first night. Let her calm down a bit.”
“How am I supposed to care for an animal I know nothing about?”
“You aren’t. She’s yours to ride. But we’ll take care of her.”
“Hoyt, this was... I don’t know, special. I really do love her already. Is that weird?”
“To love at first sight? I don’t think so.”
I feel his words go through me.
And then I think of Benny, the only other animal I owned. My eyes well up with tears at the thought of him. I’d forgotten Benny had also been a gift. I wonder how Aaron’s doing with the news of Lara taking his place.
Hoyt decides we need to celebrate Mona. He’s firing up the grill while Akira and I prep the skewers and salad.
“Do you miss the city?” Broc asks, taking a seat next to me.
“Not at all. Maybe the museums.”
“I’ve never been to Boston,” he says, looking at Akira.
“You should come. It’s really nice in the fall. You can stay with me,” I tell him.
“I don’t think Akira feels the same, you know…”
I look at him. He’s fallen for my friend, just like I’ve fallen for his. “I’m sorry, Broc.”
“I’m used to... the heartaches.” He gets up to help Hoyt.
It’s a gorgeous summer night. The smell of the food, the laughter of my friends, the thought of Mona—my life has turned into something I could never have imagined a year ago.
We eat, we drink, and we sing. Broc brought his guitar. I had no idea he could sing and play until he starts. He sings happy and sad country songs, and I let myself enjoy every bit of the night. I’m done holding back on being happy.I want it all.
Once Broc and Akira move indoors, I ask Hoyt, “Will you walk with me?”
He puts his plate down and follows me to the edge of the water, the moonlight guiding us. We walk in silence, until I ask, “Any scary creatures in this water?”
He laughs. “Just fish,” he answers.
I stop walking. I didn’t know I was ready until now. I start to undress.
