Page 20 of The Front Runner
Her amber eyes narrow at me. “Yes.”
Hank and I both laugh.
“What? I am. I will be just as civil as Dalca the Dick.” A knowing twist takes over her lips. “And don’t worry, Violet just read me the riot act. She even said he’s not as bad as I think he is.”
She shudders, shoulders shaking dramatically. Hank’s eyes flit over to mine, like he’s a freaking mind reader, and I glance away, grabbing my keys, feeling grateful that neither of them actually is.
When I jump into my vehicle, I take my phone out and open a blank text conversation with Stefan. He only ever calls me, and texting feels more personal somehow. There’s a casual familiarity that comes with texting that I’m not sure is a match for a client and me, but I need to make sure he won’t pull some sort of childish shit once we get there.
Mira:Hi. We’re on our way. Can you throw me a bone and just stay away for a bit?
He texts me back almost instantly.
Stefan:Maybe if you beg.
Ha. That’ll be the day.
Mira:You’d like that, wouldn’t you?
Stefan:Absolutely.
Perv.
Mira:Go fuck yourself.
Stefan:You shouldn’t talk that way. It’s unbecoming.
He’s not wrong. I’ve been spending too much time around Billie. But would it really be so hard for him to be compliant this once?
Mira:Okay. Please go fuck yourself.
Stefan:I think I will. ;)
I shake my head, half amused and half agitated. He can’t just give me a straight answer. It’s so typical of him. Between him and Billie, I’m going to have to pray for some superhuman levels of patience these next several months.
We travel to Cascade Acres separately. There isn’t a lot of spare room in my truck with all the equipment I have to haul around. And Hank isn’t wrong. Having a way to get out of there isn’t his worst plan.God, I hope Stefan stays away.He and Billie are like water and oil. Or gasoline and a spark.
When we pull up, I direct them where to go and unpack what I’ll need for tonight’s check-up. I’m working overtime right now, but the Hardings gave me a generous compensation package, including lodging. Sure, the apartment is a far cry from fancy, but it beats living with my parents to afford my student loan payments. They’ve done so much for me that I don’t mind spending a few extra hours here and there, going above and beyond.
When I round the corner into the immaculate barn alleyway, I’m transported to the morning we spent mucking out stalls together in quiet companionship and shared sadness over the lost foal. The truth of it is, I hadn’t planned on doing that. I could have just asked him the favor straight out, but he looked so downtrodden. And I’m a sucker for a wounded animal.
“Mira. You saved him.” Billie’s eyes sparkle as she claps her hands together when I enter the stall. “He already looks so much better!”
Hank’s palm lands on her shoulder, his green eyes glittering with the same grateful emotion as hers.
“Okay, well, let’s not take this overboard,” I say, prepping my tubes for the blood draw.
“No, I’m serious. Thank you. I know it means you have to spend time here with that asshole but… well, I’m not sure how I’ll ever repay you.”
Oof. If she had any idea what it really cost me, I’m not sure I’d be so securely in her good books.
She hugs the foal’s neck, planting a kiss on his little head before turning to the bright chestnut mare with the flaxen mane. “Thank you,” she says, voice cracking as her hand trails over the mare’s delicate face. “You’re the best mama in the world.”
“She’s a special mare, for sure,” I murmur as I shoo them out of my way.
Billie and Hank look at her with so much love my heart squeezes. If everyone could stop making me feel so emotional these last couple days, that would be great.
“Skedaddle you two. You’ve seen he’s fine. There haven’t been any confrontations. Let’s call this a win. I’m going to take blood and wait to collect a fresh fecal sample.”
