“Wow! But Hilary…”
“Hilary needs funding. If she lost her as a sponsor, she would be out of business overnight. I do realise she has to do this. But…” Sally turned and faced me; her teeth gritted. “If she touches one of the horses…”
“You and I both… Sally, I would not be responsible for my actions if she hurt one of the horses.”
Sally had smiled, hugging me tightly. “I’m sorry I’ve been a bitch. You’re alright…”
“Praise indeed…” I laughed as I watched her walk away.
* * *
“She’ll be here tomorrow so I want the yard looking spotless.”
I stepped in before Sally could say anything. The yard was always in immaculate condition Sally prided herself on ensuring there wasn’t even a blade of grass out of place.
“The yard will look amazing because it always does. Trust us, Hilary, we won’t show you up…”
Hilary blushed, stuttering an apology before rushing away. I glanced at Sally and was pleased to see her smiling.
* * *
At the end of the day, Sally invited me in for dinner. She hadn’t cooked anything so I offered to rustle something up while she got showered and changed. I quickly put together a chilli con Carne, using up various leftovers in her fridge, spicing it with a strong dose of chilli powder, I was just serving it up with rice when she stepped back into the room.
“Oh Adam, that smells so good… I’m starving.” She paused, stepping towards me and gently placing her hand on my arm. “Look. I know I said sorry, but I was really childish before…”
“Sally, say no more… You’d had a crappy few days but remember, I’m on your side. Right, let’s eat this while it’s hot.”
The chilli was fiery and we were left gulping down bottles of beer to try and quench the heat of the dish. I quickly washed up as Sally slumped on the sofa, inviting me to join her. She laughed hard at my lame attempts at jokes, her fingers fluttering at my elbow, my knee. I found myself enjoying the attention. Noticing the way her eyes caught the light in the room and the simple motion of her tucking her hair behind her ear. I missed Kate but this was comfortable. I sat down and we chatted, enjoying more beer. It was dark when I glanced at my watch.
“Right, early start…”
“Aww! Stay longer…” Sally slurred.
“No, you have an early start too and you’re drunk.”
“No…” She hiccoughed. “You’re drink. Drunk…” She stumbled towards me falling into my arms.
“Whoops!”
Sally looked up at me for a moment before grabbing me and kissing me. I tried to fight away but found myself enjoying her attention. Thoughtlessly I reciprocated, my tongue entering her mouth, my hands feeling her firm body. I snapped to my senses, pushing her back, she stumbled and fell onto the sofa. She sat staring at me, equal parts confused and angry as I fled the room.
* * *
I woke with a banging headache and a deep feeling of regret. I’d stood outside Sally’s door for a good few minutes the night before, my resolve almost breaking. Part of me wanted to slam down the door and take what was on offer. But I was married and loved Kate.
I picked up my phone and dialled Kate… What was I doing? Was I going to tell her I’d got drunk and had almost cheated on her? I shoved my phone into my breeches pocket and walked back towards the caravan.
6
Mother And Daughter
The next morning, we worked quickly, feeding and mucking out, there was little conversation, I put this down to our collective hangovers. I was in the arena riding when the white Range Rover pulled up in the yard. Hilary looked across excitedly.
“She’s here! … Right cool him down and put him away. Then you can come and meet Olivia.”
I nodded, letting my horse walk on a long rein. We had been schooling for just over an hour, I was sweaty and no doubt not in a great state to meet visitors, however, I told myself she was just a new working pupil.
It was almost half an hour later when I’d finished cooling off and putting away my horse. Sally was sitting in the tack room, a mug of tea in hand, I noted the cool reception and the fact I was not offered a mug as I would have been normally. It was clear from Sally’s nervous looks and the way she was biting her fingernails that something was on her mind. I just hoped it was Olivia and not me. I poured myself a brew and sat down beside her. I felt her nervousness, having the sponsor’s daughter with us on the yard filled me with some dread, but, as I told myself, I was only a working pupil, it was none of my concern.
“Sally, what’s up?”
“They’ve been in the house all this time.”
“I am sure Hilary is catching up with Olivia and her mother, setting out the ground rules. Look, Sally, I know this is difficult. But I’m here too. I’ll support you, however, I can.”
Sally hugged me, before wiping her eyes on her sleeve. She drained her mug and stepped out of the tack room.
* * *
“Adam!”
“Hilary. And I presume this must be Mrs Wright-Turner.”
“Please. Call me Grace.” She held out her hand. Grace was instantly recognisable; her face was not only on our horsebox but also on every sack of feed and across regular full-page adverts in the equestrian press. She was blond with a slim body and the sort of nails which clearly never had to undertake stable management tasks. Dressed in country boots with highly polished toes, brilliant white breeches and a matching white blouse, she looked more catwalk model than working equestrian.