Page 35 of Something Stronger
“And you’re ok with this?” My brow furrowed.
“Sure. It’ll be fun.” He put his arm around my shoulders. “Hallie can show Amy around the barn. She loves the horses and helping, and I can show you around the racetrack. As an owner, I get passes for areas that other people can’t get into. She’s right. You can stay with us. We have plenty of room.” He pulled me into his side. “We can even go into the owner’s club for dinner one night. The view of the track from there is amazing.” He kissed my temple.
We reached the girls and I could hear them talking. “Wear purple,” Hallie was telling Amy. “Our stable colors are purple and gold. That’s what Henry, the jockey, wears. And get a hat. All the girls wear hats. Right, Daddy?” She looked up and grinned wider.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say she’s really trying to make this work,” I whispered.
“What’s wrong with that?” His breath was hot on the shell of my ear. “A little alone time. Fancy dresses and a chance to win some money. Seems like a pretty good day, if you ask me.” He pulled me closer. “I’d love to show you my world.”
I swallowed. His world. Racing was a world full of money and chance. He bought and sold horses like cars. I wasn’t sure I’d fit into his world.
“Please, Mama!” Amy laced her fingers together and batted her eyes as she stared up at me.
“Ok. Let me talk to Carrie and make sure she’ll be good without me for a few days, and we can go.”
“Yay!” Amy jumped up and down.
“You should come over and watch Craig workout Maverick. It’s magical.” Hallie sighed. “The way he moves…” She closed her eyes as if she were watching it in her head.
“You guys are welcome to come over whenever. She’s right. He’s magical when he runs. He’s a true champion. Best investment I’ve made.” Issac laughed.
“If you haven’t raced him yet, how do you know?” I was confused.
“Sometimes you can just tell. I watched him leave the practice gate, and the way he moves on the track… he’s gonna win.”
“What happens if he doesn’t?” I’d lived through Charlie and all of his prospects of success, so I was more of a pessimist now.
“We wait a year, see how he does, and then sell him if he’s not doing well, but I think the reason he wasn’t successful before was because of his training. You have to have the right team, and I’ve got that.”
We’d made our way over to our cars at this point. Hallie was climbing into Issac’s truck. “Craig and the team are leavingWednesday. We’re heading out Friday. Come on over in the morning, and we can ride together,” Issac called over the truck.
“What should we bring?” I smiled.
“Like Hallie said, our colors are purple and gold. Most of the ladies wear hats, and you’ll need something nice for the owner’s club. You can call me if you have any questions.” He smiled as he opened his door.
“Ok. I just might do that.” I laughed lightly, but inside I was screaming. This wasn’t my scene. I came from a family who considered dressing up to be not wearing jeans.
On the way home, I called Codie and Carrie and filled them in on my plans. They both insisted that I needed to go shopping, and they’d help me. By the time I reached my apartment, they were waiting by my parking space with my mom in tow.
“What is all this?” I shook my head as I cut the engine and climbed out.
“I’m here to watch Amy, and your sisters are taking you downtown to get a dress for this weekend.” Mom grinned.
“But what about me? I need a dress.” Amy crossed her arms over her chest.
“I think we’ll manage.” My mom began to lead Amy over to the stairs that led up to our door.
“Bye, Mom,” Amy waved.
“Now, get in!” Carrie pointed at the passenger seat of her car.
Ooooooooo
We made our way into downtown, passing my mural in the process. “It looks good. I’m glad I thought of that.” Carrie pointed out the window as we slowed down going by it.
“Yeah, I didn’t have anything to do with it,” I teased.
“It was a joint effort,” Codie chimed in from the back seat.
