Even though I’m confused why she’d say that, by now I’m used to the feeling of missing something when it comes to Lauren and Kade’s relationship. Maybe they have one of those open relationships, but it still makes me uncomfortable to hear his girlfriend say that to me.
“Uhm,” I stammer, unsure how to respond to that whispered statement, so I do what I always do and bury it deep within the recesses of my mind, never to be visited again.
Next to me, Lizzie is quietly laughing and turning away from us, trying to hide her smile, while Lauren isn’t even trying to mask hers. The confusion mounts until I can’t take it anymore, “What’s so fucking funny?” My voice is sharper than I intended it to be, but I don’t like feeling as if someone’s laughing at my expense. It’s how I’ve felt ever since I was ten and my mother entered the high society in Seattle, trying to parade me around the place and showing me off, something I despised her doing because all the people seemed fake and would nitpick and laugh at every little thing I did that showed my country heritage. I learned quickly to not let the real me out around most people in my life after that. It wasn’t until I met Bob and Dakota that I was able to be the real me again, the girl who prefers to be around a horse and get dirty over wearing designer clothes and schmoozing with all the rich people my mother liked to surround herself with once she left my father.
Both their laughter stops abruptly as soon as my voice whips across the space and they look at me, compassion filling their gazes. “We didn’t mean to laugh at you, dear,” Lizzie says, putting her hand reassuringly on my arm. “And I know you don’t understand, but you will one day soon. Things aren’t always as they seem.” With that cryptic statement, she moves to the counter and places her order with Lauren. Even though I’m as confused as ever, the anger has subsided at Lizzie’s genuine reassurance that they weren’t laughing at me. The unanswered questions bounce around in my mind.
I’m still standing in the middle of the store when Lizzie lightly touches my arm to get my attention. “You ready to head home?”
I look at her coming back into the room and nod. “Yeah, I thought I’ll do some work with Lucifer this afternoon after I walk Whisky.”
“I think Kade looked at Whisky this morning when he stopped by to look at the heifer that was having issues calving. He came into the store and told me he and Wayne walked your boy. He was doing fine, even though he still wouldn’t let Kade close without Wayne holding onto him.” A small frown appears on Lauren’s face. “Not sure why Whisky and Lucifer seem to be the only animals that have issues with trusting him.”
Probably because they can tell he’s shady and snide, I think but don’t say out loud. They probably pick up on his feelings toward me, I know Whisky would.
“Thank you, though I’d have appreciated the update from the man himself. If you see him next, tell him I expect at least an email.” I can’t keep the reproach out of my voice. I’m still confused about Lizzie and Lauren’s comments, and growing irrationally upset he treated my horse without my knowledge, and then didn’t have the courtesy to give me an update in person. I’m not sure why that annoys me as much as it does. He’s a great vet, but that doesn’t lessen the irritation.
“Sure,” Lauren answers with a smile, unperturbed by my tone. “I’ll let him know.”
I sigh, trying to let go of my irrational anger. “Thank you.”
I turn and leave the bakery, calling out a, “Bye” before I say something else to embarrass myself or insult someone.
I hop into the front seat and buckle my seat belt, while Lizzie gets in and hands me the baked treats she bought for Wayne and the ranch hands.
I’m quiet on our way home, trying to come up with a plan for Lucifer’s training, studiously avoiding thoughts about Kade and the women’s words at the bakery.
Chapter Ten
Hands braced on my hips, I stand in the middle of the round pen and study Lucifer. I’ve been in here for fifteen minutes, and I haven’t been able to get anywhere near him once he was in the round pen. He’s skittish, watching my every move, like the mere presence of the panels of the round pen frighten him. Or like he’s waiting for me to do something to alarm him.
I’m not surprised he doesn’t trust me, not after seeing his behavior around Wayne or Kade, but I also didn’t expect him to be this uncomfortable. He’s watchful and tense, not once did he try to relax himself, even when I give him space.
Even though it was me who brought up the possibility he might have been abused in the past, I was hoping I was wrong, and he had just been spoiled by someone. But his reactions today prove my hope futile. No horse that’s been treated right would behave like Lucifer. Thankfully, he’s not aggressive, but I don’t like the way he’s continuously frightened by the smallest things.
I sigh, unsure how to proceed. I’ve never been around an abused animal before. Do I treat him like I would Whisky? Gentle but firm. Or do I treat him like the abused animal he is?
Realizing I might just be in over my head, I do the one thing I know I can always rely on.
