Page 132 of A Long Way Back
“Nothing. We can tell her we met in London and you’re looking for work up here. She won’t ask questions.”
Tay left his crutch in the car. The more practice he got walking without it, the better. Gill was in the yard with a bunch of people, but when she saw Tay, she excused herself and came over. On the point of giving him a hug, she hesitated. “Can I touch you?”
“Depends where you’re thinking of touching me. Don’t be pervy.”
She laughed and hugged him. “It’s so good to see you up and about.”
“It’s good tobeup and about.” Tay pulled away. “This is Ink.”
Ink held out his hand. “Hi.”
“Hello.” She shook his hand. “So you can ride? Even with hair that colour?”
Ink smiled. “Yes. I worked for a horse trainer for five months and rode almost every day.”
“Marmaduke’s saddled for you, though I might swap him for Sol. He’s a bit feistier. Come and say hello to Blue and watch he doesn’t bite you. It’s only you, by the way, Tay. He bites no-one else, but he might object to Ink.”
Blue turned as Tay approached. His ears went up and he stamped his foot and whinnied.
“Hello, old friend,” Tay said. “Miss me?” He took a mint from his pocket and offered it to Blue who nibbled it daintily from his palm.
Tay rested his head against Blue’s neck and stroked him while he talked quietly. “I’ve been ill, that’s why I haven’t been to see you. I missed you.”
Ink came up beside him. “He’s beautiful.”
Blue shoved Ink away with his head, bared his teeth and Ink chuckled.
Gill handed them both helmets. “The grey one is Sol. Let’s get going.”
“I’ll need a hand up,” Tay whispered.
“Okay.” Ink fastened his helmet, then dragged a set of steps over to Blue’s side. He held the horse steady while Tay climbed on, then moved the steps back.
“Stirrups okay?” Ink asked.
“Bit longer please.”
As Ink adjusted them, Tay saw Gill watching.
“They look good now,” Ink said.
“They’re fine, thanks.”
Gill handed Sol to Ink and watched as he climbed on the powerful grey horse and adjusted his own stirrups.
Seven horses and riders made their way down to the beach and gathered on the sand. Ink’s eyes were glittering. Sol was dancing, raring to get going, and Ink had the same look about him, but he had no problem keeping Sol under control. He was one of the more difficult horses and Tay knew this was Gill’s way of testing Ink out.
“How do you feel?” Ink asked.
“Brilliant.”
“I wish your mum was here. Fine, to good, to brilliant. I am a miracle worker.”
Gill walked her horse to their side. “Okay, boys? Take it easy, right? We’re going right if you want to go left.”
As Gill set off with the group, Tay pulled Blue back from following and he and Ink headed in the opposite direction. This end of the beach was empty and they made their way down towards the water.
“Ever ridden on a beach?” Tay asked.
