“So, how are you doing? It’s been a while since I saw you both?”
“We’re settling in. It’s been good to have some normality after… Well, after, all that happened. And you won again! You’re unstoppable.” Hilary blushes. The season had been very successful for her so far, Adam and I’d watched her win many times, crowded around the laptop when there were live feeds and applauding when we saw her name appear in the show results in Horse and Hound.
“I’ve been very lucky… I think Adam could be as good. He has natural skills…” She stops.
“What?”
“Kate, I know his place is here, but he’s very skilled. I would like to have him spend some time on my yard. He could bring Oscar, but it would help him develop. But I know that you are only just together…”
“Hilary, of course. If it’s going to be best for him, it will do us good in the long run for the yard. We’ve discussed it and agreed. I appreciate you giving him the opportunity.”
“I know, but. Well… You’re not…?”
“What?” I laughed. “Hilary, I’ll miss him, but I know he’ll be coming back. This is a major opportunity for him. A once in a lifetime chance. We would both be kicking ourselves if we turned it down.”
“Oh goodness, thank you… I was really worried. As you say, it won’t be forever and he can come back as often as he wishes, but I find it would be best if he lives and works with us. If he becomes part of the yard, he can come to shows with us and we can put him up as the season progresses.”
“I just ask one thing… Don’t you steal him from me…” Hilary looked shocked, starting to stutter something when I cut her off, laughing. “Don’t you worry! I know he only has eyes for me…”
2
An Honest Day’s Work
“No!”
“This is a massive opportunity for you.”
“No… I don’t want to… Not yet!” Adam crosses his arms, shaking his head.
“Adam Bishop. One of the top riders in the UK has given you the chance to work with her, a unique opportunity to learn from a top rider. If you are so stubborn that you turn this down… I’ll…”
“You’ll what?” I notice the smile at the corner of his lips and it infuriates me.
“Well, let’s just say you would regret it…”
“Would I now?” He leaps up grabbing my arms, leaning in, he reaches below my armpits. I gasp and scream as he tickles me. “Come on Katie… How are you going to make me regret it?”
Tears are running down my face, I’m stuttering, desperate to breathe. “Please… Mercy… Oh, God Adam… Stop it I’ll wet myself!”
* * *
“How did you convince him?”
“Let’s just say we reached an agreement.” I’d been expecting Hilary’s call. Adam had initially politely rejected her offer. Then, a day later he had called back apologetically asking if the offer was still available, that he’d been stupid… In fact, he’d said everything I’d told him to say. I’d set him an ultimatum that unless he wanted to start living alone in an old caravan, we had left on the land he had better say yes to Hilary’s offer.
“And you’re okay with this? I take it by your long pause that you are sort of okay with it.”
“Oh sorry, no, Hilary. Look this is amazing for both Adam and me. I mustn’t be selfish. He won’t be far away and he will come home when he can.”
“But you’ll still miss him. I understand and can appreciate it. This will not be forever, but he is a skilled rider it would be a waste to not let him develop his skills. I’ll look after him.”
“Thank you. For everything. I’m sorry for making a fuss.”
“Kate, not at all…”
* * *
It was mid-morning when the horsebox pulled into the yard. It was covered in sponsorship messages and I recognised it immediately as Hilary’s. Her groom, Sally was driving and she hopped down from the cab and came across to me, giving me a firm hug.
“Hello, stranger! How are you doing? Nothing too exciting happened to you recently I hope?”
“Sally, we have led a beautifully boring life, no gangsters, no attempts on our life!”
“So, is he ready?”
I paused. I was doing my best to hold it all together, however, today was the day Adam would be leaving. We’d agreed it would be best for both of us, and it would be great for the business, however, the thought that my husband would not be by my side for the coming months was still tough. I’d done my best to put a good face on it and I knew that Adam had done the same.
He was leading Oscar out across the yard, legs bandaged and rugged up to protect him on the two-hour journey across the Yorkshire Dales to Hilary’s yard on the outskirts of Harrogate. Sally walked to the rear of the box, unbolting the ramp and taking Oscar, she led him on board, ensuring he was secure. The horse seemed to be the only one not fazed by what was happening as he started to tuck into the hay net which had been hung for him.
Sally took Adam’s holdall and placed it in the living area of the box. It was clear the time had come to say goodbye. I tried to be brave, hugging Adam telling him to be good. Sally had climbed back into the cab and was watching intently in the side mirror as we embraced.
Adam got into the cab, slamming the door and
