Page 117 of Waiting for Ru
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RU FELT AS if he’d never worked so hard in his life, and he’d worked hard in Ireland. But over the next few days, Benning Park was electric with activity. No one had time to rest. There were so many new ponies and grooms around. Everyone but Ru knew all their names. Poppy blushed when she was anywhere near Tomo, who worked for Marcelo, and Tomo always looked pleased to see her so Ru wondered if they were together.
Large horseboxes were parked on the hardstanding at the back of the stables. As well as carrying horses, they provided accommodation for the grooms. The sides pulled out to make a lounge to sit in with a TV.
Training went on every day. Different orders of play were tried out with the ponies until Jasim was satisfied, yet apparently, depending on play, the order could change. Ru shadowed other grooms, watching what they needed to do during a match, where they had to stand, how they handled the ponies. The riders switched mounts in a flash and expected the ponies to be ready. Mike was being his usual bastard self and piling work on Ru, but Poppy had shown him how to operate the quad, so collecting the poop was quicker and easier.
Along with everyone else, Ru attended meetings led by Jasim who’d carefully studied the form of the team they’d be playing for the cup. They all watched the matches The Stars had played, searching for weaknesses they could exploit, the other team’s tactics that might be turned to The Eagles’ advantage. Jasim’s grooms had chatted to other grooms throughout the season and been warned to be careful what they said about The Eagles in return. All information was valuable. Every detail on player and pony was logged.
Jasim asked the grooms for comments on the matches they’d watched before he asked his team members. Ru’s heart started to pound and his mouth went dry. He’d noticed something, but he was worried about saying something obvious and looking a fool. Mike made a comment. So did a girl called Suz who worked for Nicolás.
“Anyone else?” Jasim asked.
Ru tentatively put up his hand.
“Yes, Ru?”
“Their number four. Alejo. In the games I’ve seen, he changes direction three times to confuse the opposition, usually in the third chukka, and the last shot he takes is always a nearside shot. He favours that side.”
Jasim looked at his team. “Any of you spot that?”
“No,” Nicolás said. “Let’s have another look.”
Ru hoped he was right and several minutes later after the games had been scrutinised, he breathed a sigh of relief.
“Well done, Ru,” said Joaquin.
Ru smiled and made sure he didn’t look at Jasim.
Later that day, Ru paid for that comment. Mike knocked him into one of the water troughs. Ru scrambled to his feet, soaked to the skin.
“Why did you do that, you bully?” Poppy stepped in front of Mike. “Ru had done nothing.”
“Fuck off, Poppy.” Mike shoved her shoulder and Ru threw himself in front of her.
“Don’t touch her.”
“Didn’t think she was your type,” Mike sneered.
“She’s exactly the type of person I like. You’re not. You’re a dickhead and a coward.”
Mike pushed right up to Ru so their faces were inches apart, presumably expecting Ru to step back. He didn’t.
Poppy pulled Ru away. “Don’t. He’s not worth it. You’ll hit him and you’ll be the one in trouble. Me too, because I’d thump him as well.”
Mike glared at them both and stalked off. Ru’s shoulders dropped.
“Come on. Nicolás’s lot are stick and balling. Let’s go and join them. You can ride Shade.”
“I’m supposed to be cleaning bridles.”
“They’re all fine. Mike’s making work for you. Go and get changed and I’ll tack them up.”
Ru squelched back to his room. Once he’d loaded his stuff into the washing machine, he put on his knee and elbow protectors, and went back to the stables. He’d ridden Shade a couple of times now and the difference between her and Joni was amazing. Joni had done her best, and he loved her for it, but Shade was like a rocket in comparison.
Poppy was waiting for him outside the stables and Shade pressed her nose against Ru’s shoulder. He gave her a mint. “I missed you too.” He turned to Poppy. “Is Marcelo okay about me taking her out?”
“Yes, you’re saving me a job.” She handed Ru a mallet. “Fifty-two inches, right?”
