She remembers the exact day that he entered her life. It was a Wednesday on the fourth of January, more than a year ago. The temperature was just at freezing, the air dry, sun shining, sky an endless blue. Walking quickly from the stables to Lisa's ranch house to warm up while she waited for a client to drop off another racehorse, her Fairfield Stables cell rang showing a unfamiliar Quebec number.
"Hello Fairfield Stables, Amy Fleming speaking."
"Amy Fleming? The Amy Fleming? The famous head trainer for the Saudi Arab equestrian team from the Normandy Games?" He could barely contain his excitement.
Amy laughed. "Ah. Yes. Who may I ask is calling?"
"Oh sorry. Hi. I'm Andrew. Andrew Pierson. I am just so happy that I finally found you." She detected a tiny hint of French in his accent.
"Well hello Mr. Pierson. How can I help you?"
"Ms. Fleming. I need you. Well, actually my horse Dandelion Wine and I need you. We are trying out for a spot on the Canadian Jumping Team. We desperately need your help to get ready. You are our last chance."
The story was all over the newspapers. The Canadian team's lead jumper, Walker Nichol, had been expelled from completion because of a suspected doping violation, one which he mightily contested. Nevertheless, this created an open seat on the team. And, no doubt, a long slate of riders would be vying for the seat. Apparently Andrew Pierson was one of them.
"Well Mr. Pierson.."
"Please call me Andrew." He interrupted, but asked politely.
"Okay Andrew. Please call me Amy." She said matching his suggestion.
"I will, Amy. Thank you." Earnest, again polite in his response.
"The opening on the team sounds like an exciting opportunity for you and your horse. And, I wish you only the best of luck. But, truthfully, I no longer work with jumpers and their riders." She said as delicately but clearly as she could.
"You must be kidding. What could be more exciting, thrilling than working with jumpers? They are the most beautiful, graceful animals on this earth. And...Dandelion Wine will not disappoint you. She is amazing. She is pure poetry in motion." His voice exuded immense pride for his horse. "I, on the other hand, may disappoint.." He chuckled warmly.
Amy laughed at his self-depreciating, yet confident manner. "I agree. Jumpers are definitely a sight to behold, their grace, athleticism. But. Every horse is beautiful. That being said, these days I am focused only on racehorses and rescues. I am sorry. You'll need to find assistance elsewhere."
"From the research I have done, there is no one better, more skilled, more talented, more successful with training event jumpers than you. Period. No One."
"No one?" She laughed. "Come on. I sincerely doubt that."
"Amy. No one. Your focus on the rider-horse bond, the partnership as a core principle is something I value very much."
"Yes, I believe the horse-rider bond is critically important."
Without missing a beat, he continued. "And. Your work with the Saudi Arabian team is legendary, unconventional, innovative, so seminal in progressing the philosophy of training jumpers."
His effusive compliments made her blush. "Thank you. That's very kind of you to say." She replied sincerely. Then she added, with a heavy sigh. "Funny. It's been quite a long while since anyone has brought up that period of my career."
"I don't know why, you were extremely successful. Since I was a kid, I have watched the World Games including lead up competitions. But, that year, when you were with the Saudi Arabian team, was something special. You brought a relatively unknown team forward, competition by competition, onto the winners podium. And, at the big dance, the World Games, no less. Wow. The final round especially was truly awe inspiring. Winning individual AND team medals. Just wow." He spoke quickly, his voice exuded excitement, passion.
She was truly touched. "Thank you."
"Please give us a chance. Please work with us. And, you'll hear me talk about it so much you'll be begging me to stop."
"Oh you will? I'll be begging, huh?" She laughed.
"Yes. Absolutely. But. More importantly, you can add us to your long string of training successes."
Amy laughed again, enjoying the banter. "Andrew. As much as I am enjoying our conversation, my final answer is still no. I have a client appointment. So, I wish you good luck but I must say goodbye."
"Understand. But be forewarned, I am persistent, if nothing else."
"I've been warned!"
"Thank you. Have a great day Amy."
"You too, Andrew."
Ending the call, a smile on her face, Amy settled into her favorite rocking chair on the veranda despite the cold. From that vantage point, Fairfield's normally manicured grass, dulled to a muddy yellow from the harsh winter, swept away from the porch toward the racetrack and stables beyond. She enjoyed watching the perpetual activity, even in the winter, almost like a bee hive, industrious, coordinated, professional.
Maybe it was his friendly banter, his warm laugh, the tone of his voice, or his enthusiasm. Maybe it was his confidence. Or maybe it was the way he knew of her and praised her work. Whatever it was, she couldn't help but grin. Even if it was just a single phone call, it felt good to laugh, to be recognized for the work she did in Europe, three years prior.
As she rocked, back and forth, the rhythm of her motion made a pleasant, soothing sound almost like the pendulum of an old grandfather's clock. She thought back briefly to the tour, her supposed adventure of a life time, her success, her growth as a person. It was a major turning point of her career. It opened a new door to her incredible partnership with Lisa and racehorses which perpetuated, sustained her mother's and her meaningful work with rescues.
But, pleasant thoughts soon turned unpleasant as she thought about the aftermath, the months that followed her return to Hudson, the complete ruin, the immeasurable loss of everything she had hoped, planned, loved.
So for the last few years, she purposefully tried to put it all behind her, to remove any thought of the tour from her brain, to cease mentioning it. She no longer felt pride for her work, her success there. As a result, she closed the door to anything to do with it, including working with high end jumpers. She stopped rocking.
Andrew's call brought it all back. Mostly the good, but also the bad. Inhaling, exhaling deeply, trying to suppress the resurfacing cloud of emptiness, hurt, loss, she sighed, knowing it was impossible, knowing it was still there. She started rocking again until the cold nipped at her fingers and nose. She rose, then entered the house.
He called the next day to see if she had changed her mind.
"Well, Andrew. You weren't kidding when you said you were persistent."
"I am nothing if I am not honest. Well. Persistent too."
"Well. Honesty is the best policy! And to be honest, I haven't changed my mind." She said plainly.
"Okay. Just checking. Please take my number in case you do. I want to be the first to know."
She laughed. "You'll be the first. Promise. Now I must let you go, I am about to do a two mile jog with one of our horses."
"Oh. Do you have a racetrack there at Fairfield?"
"Yes. We do. It's quite handy when training racers." She laughed. "Bye Andrew."
"Bye Amy. I will talk to you soon."
No sooner than she hung up, a white van pulled up to the race track, not far from where she was standing. The driver stepped up to her with a large flower bouquet in her hands. "I have a delivery for Amy Fleming."
"I am Amy."
"Well then, these are for you." She grinned as she handed the flowers to Amy.
"Wow. These are beautiful. Thank you."
The bouquet was composed of dusty blue hydrangeas, white roses, blue delphinium and purple monte casino, and eucalyptus, all arranged in a vase of mercury glass. She read the card.
"Amy. Hoping you'll change your mind. Dandy." She laughed.
Setting the vase down, she pulled out her phone and dialed his number.
"Well hello Amy Fleming. What a wonderful surprise!"
She shook her head, chuckled. "Hello Andrew. May I please speak with Dandy."
"But of course Amy. She's right here. Do you mind if I put you on speaker? Dandy's standing on her hands.."
Amy laughed. "Please do."
"Go ahead please."
"Hello Dandy, it's Amy Fleming. I am calling to thank you for the lovely flowers. You made my day. They are absolutely beautiful. Thank you."
"Dandy says you are welcome." Andrew added. "She also wanted to say that she's a great admirer of you."
"Why thank you. You are very kind Dandy."
"She says that she'd be honored to work with you Amy. And that she will work very hard."
"Thank you. I wish you and Andrew well in the tryouts." She paused. "But unfortunately, as I have told Andrew, I no longer do that work. I hope you understand."
"We understand." Andrew responded.
"Thank you again. But I must go now. A horse is waiting to be jogged. Goodbye Dandy. Goodbye Andrew."
"Bye Amy. Talk to you soon."
"No doubt!"
Andrew was more than persistent. He called every day for weeks, always cheerful, pleasant, even though Amy repeatedly refused. Their calls were short, full of good natured banter, sometimes he didn't even mention the tryouts, but they always left her buoyed, smiling.
When his calls suddenly stopped, she was mostly relieved. She had held strong, rebuffed him repeatedly. She told herself that it was only a matter of time before he finally got the message, gave up.
Arriving in Old Blue one morning in early March just after 6am, Amy went about her routine checking on the racehorses, their grooms, high performance feed, drop-off, pick-up and training schedule. She was startled to see a new horse, exquisitely beautiful, in a stall that was empty just the afternoon before.
"Well good morning! My, you are gorgeous! What's your name?" She checked the schedule again, no documentation of a horse in that stall.
Amy approached the horse slowly, talking quietly. "Hey there, sweet thing. Where did you come from?"
The horse, a radiant golden palomino with a silky white mane, expressive eyes, intelligent face, the epitome of the Greek mythical, goddess horse, stared at back at her.
"Wow. You are incredible and the spitting image of Roy Roger's Trigger." The horse nodded, seemingly in response to her comment. "I love Trigger. I used to watch reruns of that show with my Grandpa, sitting on his lap. One of my favorite memories." She reminisced with the horse.
Amy held her hand out, palm up, to the horse who inhaled her scent. The horse's nose lowered, investigated her, whiskers tickled her palm, then lips tasted her outstretched hand.
"Well. Hello to you too." Amy laughed lightly, moved a bit closer, gently ran the back of her hand along the horse's neck. In turn, the beauty reached toward her, its nose nudging her hair aside to caress her neck, delighting Amy.
"Oh my. You are a love muffin, aren't you?" The horse nickered, soft and low. She reached both arms up, hugging the horses neck, playing with the satiny white mane. "You are wonderful."
She peered into the stall, to determine the horse's gender, assess its statute, body structure. Instead, she got an eyeful.
A long, lean man was lying shirtless, a blanket cast aside, in the hay next to the beautiful palomino. His hand lay splayed across his tight abdomen just above the waistband of his well fitted, but worn breeches, taunt with his morning rise. His head was nestled on a pillow of what she guessed was his shirt. His face had a self satisfied look, as though he had just dreamed of something wonderful, perhaps, of winning or making love. She stared at him, she couldn't help herself.
He stirred, opened his eyes, saw her and stared back unabashedly. In turn, she did not look away. With one graceful move, he threw the blanket around his shoulders, rose to his feet, not breaking his stare as he approached her.
"Hello Amy." He smiled.
"Andrew." Amy said softly, the tiniest of smiles on her lips as she recognized his voice. He was handsome, not at all what she imagined. His blonde wavy hair was neatly trimmed, side parted, his eyes a deep brown, his smile wide. He was tall, well over six feet, his physique, trim but well defined.
"I see you met Dandelion Wine."
"Yes. Andrew. She is beautiful. And intelligent. Her eyes..." she trailed off.
"She is all of those things. And a great jumper."
Amy turned her attention back to Dandy, stroking her neck.
"Please forgive me if I am too forward. But Amy, you are even more beautiful than your pictures." His eyes reconnecting with her. "Much more."
"Flattery will get you nowhere." She blushed, then shook her head, trying to regain her composure, trying to remain firm. "What are you doing here, Andrew?" She was pointed.
"Amy. Dandy and I are desperate for your help. We really need you. You are our last hope. Please." He said with honest conviction.
"Andrew." She shook head. "I have told you No so many times. And I really meant it." She reiterated as calmly, resolutely as she could muster. "We have a client coming in this afternoon. That stall is already spoken for." Adding for good measure.
He sighed, then he admitted. "I just thought if you saw Dandy. See how amazing she is, you'd reconsider." He swallowed. "We drove 38 hours from Quebec..." He trailed off.
"Really?" She soften briefly. "38 hours?"
"Yes."
"You are really something." She became tough again. "No matter. You will have to..." She was cutoff.
"Well. Good morning Amy, Andrew." Jack said, walking up behind her.
"Mr. Bartlett. Morning. Thank you for the hay bed and blanket last night. Please thank Ms. Stillman as well."
"You are more than welcome. Hope it wasn't too uncomfortable."
"No. It was perfect. Thank you. Dandy and I both appreciate it."
"So you know each other?" Amy asked flabbergast.
"Met last night. I suppose it was after 10pm." Jack responded, Andrew nodded. "Andrew and Dandy needed a place to sleep after their long drive. We invited them to stay in the barn." Jack smiled at Amy, then reached up, touching the horse's neck.
"Of course you did." She responded sarcastically.
"It was the right thing to do." Jack gave her a look. "Plus, who could resist this horse. She looks just like Trigger."
"Grandpa, I can't take on Andrew and Dandy as clients. I have informed him of that on multiple occasions." She pleaded her case.
"Andrew mentioned that. Amy, it's your business, your call. Just gave them a place to bed down." He smoothed his mustache. "Well, I best be going. I have some cattle to rustle. Good day. Andrew. Amy."
Jack shook Andrew's hand, tilted his white cowboy hat toward both of them, then walked away whistling.
Frustrated, Amy stared after her grandfather as he walked away.
"Amy. I am sorry. I should not have come." Atonement in his voice.
"But, here you are." She snapped, realizing her tone was harsher than she intended. "Andrew. Look. I haven't had my morning coffee yet." Then she asked. "Would you like to join me?"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Of course."
"Okay. That would be great. I could use a hot cup of coffee. Thank you."
"Ahhhh. No shoes, no shirt, no service." She quipped to break the tension.
"Fair enough." He smiled then he reach for his shirt, pulled it over his head, arms outstretched. She could not help but take him in, watch him as muscles across his chest rippled, tensed and relaxed with his movements. She sighed, admonishing herself for being so easily taken by the sight of a man's bare chest. He was a long cool drink of water on a hot summer's day.
"Before we have coffee, let me formally introduce you to Dandy." He suggested.
"I'd like that very much. Andrew, she is truly incredible."
He nodded. "Amy, please meet Dandelion Wine, or Dandy for short. She is my better half. And, honestly my best friend."
She smiled, melted a bit.
"Danny, please meet Amy Fleming. My new friend. She is famous. A world class Olympic trainer in event jumping."
He signaled to Dandy. She took one step back, with all but one leg, then bowed to Amy.
"Wow! I am so please to make your acquaintance Dandelion Wine." Amy held her palm out again to the mare. The horse immediately rose, stepped forward and nibbled Amy's hand, tickling her into a gentle laugh.
"Clearly, Dandy likes you." Almost on cue, Dandy nuzzled Amy's ear then gently blowing a few strands of her hair with each exhale.
"Danny. I like you too. You are really quite stunning. And very intelligent. Bet you drive all the stallions wild!" She laughed as Dandy nickered ever so quietly, almost a purr, as Amy reached up, stroked her neck, fingering the silky strands of white mane.
"Dandy and I would love to show you our jump work."
She frowned knowing that he trying every way he could to reel her in, break her resolve.
"Andrew. We don't have jumps here." She explained.
"We brought them with us. I mean, if you are game."
"Of course you did." She smirked.
He just grinned. "I try to always be prepared."
"Apparently. Come on. Let's go get that coffee." She tilted her head, topped with a white cowboy hat, toward the barn opening, then started walking toward that direction.
"Dandy girl, I'll be back soon. Be good. Wish me luck." He whispered quietly as he patted her neck, then kissed her nose.
From the corner of her eye, she watched Andrew side vault over the four foot high stable door, landing without a sound. Within seconds, he was walking beside her.
"Beautiful place here." He observed as they exited the barn, a cool breeze ruffling their hair.
"Yes, I love it here and the work we do."
"You and Lisa Stillman?
"Yes. Lisa owns Fairfield Stables. It's been in her family for decades. We've been partners in the racehorse business for a little over two years." Then she offered. "Jack, my grandfather and Lisa are married."
"Well. Appears to be a very well run business. You must be proud."
"I am. We are."
"You should be. Do you handle lots of racehorses here?"
"We do. Especially leading up to and through the racing season. So. We are at full capacity right now. Or will be this afternoon. Like I said, we are getting a new horse." Then she added. "Another reason why I can't take you on as a client." She wasn't giving an inch. "I am sorry Andrew."
"I understand. Truly I do." He sighed, giving up, clearly disappointed. "So after coffee, we'll head out. Get out of your hair."
She nodded as they stepped onto the veranda. "So that coffee. Cream, sugar?"
"Black, please." Then he added. "May I help you?"
"No thanks. I got it. Two blacks then."
He nodded. "At least let me get the door." She smiled, turned, and went through the open door that he held for her.
Lisa was in the kitchen, leaning against the counter, drinking her first cup of the day.
"Good morning Amy."
"Hey Lisa."
"I see you found our overnight barn guest." Lisa grinned.
"Yeah. But he will be leaving after coffee." She got two cups out of the cupboard.
"Ah. He showed up hat in hand so to speak late last night looking for you. So, an Olympic hopeful?"
"Yeah."
"What are his chances?"
"I have no idea. But, oh my gosh. His horse Dandelion Wine is a real beauty. A truly golden palomino. Imagine a female version of Trigger. Intelligent, confident, friendly." She gushed.
"Sounds like you have fallen for the horse."
"Oh definitely. I would love to ride her to see what she's made of, her potential."
"Hmm. He said you turned him away as a client."
"Yeah. Multiple times."
"A pretty persistent bugger?"
"Yes, yes he is." She frowned.
"Do you want me to get rid of him?"
"Nah. I can handle it." She grumbled.
"I know you can." She changed the topic. "By the way. Brooklyn Stables called. They are picking up Franklin's Folly and Wild Ride early. They should be here within the next hour or so."
"Good to know. That will provide a convenient end to our coffee."
"Boy. I don't envy you."
She laughed. "Actually, he's pretty nice, kinda funny. But yes, very persistent, a bit cocky."
"So...? What's the hesitancy? We will have a couple free stalls."
"I don't want to get involved with event jumpers, especially at that level again. Remember the whole Ahmed debacle?" She shrugged her shoulders.
"Your call. But, Amy that was a long time ago. Three years. You are so very talented in that arena..."
Amy gave her a look.
"I'm just saying..." then she added. "He's young, he's good looking. You love his horse."
"Boy. If it was only Dandy, I'd say yes. No hesitation." Amy shrugged. "But. It's not just the horse. So No. I'm not interested in taking on that work." Amy said.
"Again, your call. But, you can also change your mind." Lisa suggested.
Amy sighed, finished pouring the coffee, picked up the tray and headed back to the veranda.
Hearing her approach the door and fumble with the handle, he opened and held the door for her again.
"Let me help." He took the tray from her so she could settle into a white rocker. He put the tray on the table and handed her a cup.
"Thank you."
"Amy. Look. I really appreciate your hospitality... especially given what a pest I have been." He said, looking down at his cup. "It's just that I figured. If we met.."
"Andrew."
"I mean, if you saw Dandy, watched her jump, you couldn't possibly say No. Truly, she is something special."
"No question there. She is a beautiful horse. And smart as a whip." She took a sip from her cup, then changed the subject. "So Andrew tell me a bit about yourself."
"Me? Not much to tell."
"Come on. There must be something that drives you. Your passion for the event jumping."
"Oh. That." He got quiet. "My dad. It all comes back to him."
Slowly he opened up about himself, his upbringing, his family, and particularly, his dad who he idolized. He was born in Bromont, Quebec, an only child of Louis and Babet Pierson who owned a luxury ski resort in mountains surrounding his small French-speaking hometown. As he talked, Amy could sense the love, closeness, and pride he felt for his father. His dad was a gregarious, successful entrepreneur and pillar of their community. According to Andrew, he was also an early proponent and the driving force behind getting the Olympic committee to locate the equestrian events in Bromont and in Montreal in 1976. The success of those games elevated both Bromont and Louis in terms of notoriety, status and wealth. His enthusiasm for all things equestrian was not lost on his only child.
As long as Andrew could remember, Louis's goal for him was to compete in the Olympic Games, and so it became his goal as well. At age four, he began riding horses and taking private lessons. That morphed into show jumping, cross country, and competition in which he excelled. He attended only the most elite equestrian boarding schools through high school and college. On his 21st birthday, his parents gave him Dandelion Wine, a two year old filly with a strong lineage including two Olympic medal winners and a price tag to match.
Four years ago, again Louis was leading the effort to bring the Olympic event back to Bromont when he suffered a massive heart attack, died, plunging the family into immeasurable grief, financial woes and disarray. A mortgage had to be taken out on the ski resort to pay the enormous personal debt associated the Olympic bid that Louis took on, which the town eventually lost anyhow.
To his surprise, his mother quickly remarried, then moved to Montreal. Since then he had been running the ski resort and practicing with Dandy before and after his long days, often in the waning light of day. His mother agreed to give him six months to secure a place on the team. He only had three left. He was placing his hopes on Amy.
The more he talked, the more his somewhat cocky facade fell away and humbleness emerged, the more she grew to like and respect him.
"So there you have it. My story. The whole thing has been hard, devastating really losing dad. But also eye opening and humbling. Blah blah. Kinda pathetic." He said.
"Not pathetic. Actually quite impressive. You have a dream and you are going after it."
"Honestly, it just feels like it's slipping away. Like it wasn't meant to be. I mean I am almost 32 years old, still chasing a dream that my father had for me since I was born."
"Don't give up now." She encouraged him. "You are so close."
He didn't respond. He didn't even look at her. Instead he finished his cup, then placed it on the tray.
"Another?"
"No. But thank you. I need to tend to Dandy as she needs food, water and good stretch. Then we need to get the the road. We have a long trip ahead." Resigned, he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Wait. Aren't going to dazzle me your jumping?" She said, opening the door.
"No sense in it. You are busy, I get that. Finally I am getting the hint." He rubbed his hands together to warm them.
Just then a Brooklyn Stables trailer pulled up. "Listen. I need to meet up with these folks. It will take an hour or so. So tend to Dandy then set-up your jumps in the round arena over there. When you are ready, you can show me what you got."
"Really?" He was sincerely surprised.
"Yes. Of course." She said. "I will watch and give you my honest opinion. But. That's all I can promise."
"Oh. Thank you. Thank you. You will not regret it." He jumped out his seat, clumsily hugged her then he hurried off toward the barn and Dandy, not giving her a chance to change her mind.
Two hours later, Amy was watching the two ran through the temporary jumps. Watching Dandy jump was incredible, clearly she had pure instincts, athleticism, and grace for show jumping. And confidence. Andrew, on the other hand, was a bit stiff, controlling, unsure. She chalked of it up to nervousness. But not all of it.
When he asked her opinion, she asked to ride Dandy instead, to which he gracefully agreed. She was everything Andrew said, and more. Amy knew she was destine to be in the Olympics.
After untacking and cooling Dandy, they retired to the living room in front of the fire to get warm and talk.
"Andrew. You were right. Dandy is impressive, an instinctual jumper, graceful, strong, confident. Everything you'd want an Olympic class show jumper to be. She is ready."
He nodded his head. "But? I feel a but coming."
Amy sighed, tried to cushion the blow. "Andrew. Um. Well."
"Come on Amy. Don't go soft on me."
"Okay. Okay." She hesitated, then laid it out. "Andrew. Your riding needs some adjustment."
He nodded.
"You are trying to jump for Dandy. You are leaning too far forward before the jump, then you pull the reins too tight right before landing to ensure you do not lose balance. Your hip and knee angles are slightly off. While Dandy still makes the fence soundly, you will be assessed minor penalties that undoubtedly add up."
"Yes. I know. What do I need to do?"
"First. Dandy is an amazing jumper. You need to trust her."
"I do. I really do."
"Then you need to show her and the judges. Your riding does not communicate that."
"Oh. Okay."
"And you need to refine your style, your positioning. You need to ensure that your hip, leg, knee, foot, shoulders, butt, frankly, every body part is in the right spot at all times. You need to be studying films of your jumping."
"Oh." He went silent.
"When are the tryouts?"
"May 15th."
"Nine weeks." She shook her head, then exhaled heavily. "Andrew. You have a lot of work to do in nine weeks."
His shoulders slumped, his eyes burned with sting of her words. He couldn't look at her. He simply sat there in silence for a few moments.
He took a deep breath, then looked at her. "Thank you Amy for your honesty."
She nodded.
"But. I assure you, I am ready to work, and work hard. What do I need to do?"
"Okay. Here's my offer. I will give you one week. My fee is 500 per day. Your stall fee is 1000 per week. You have to take care of Dandy and all of her needs including mucking her stall yourself. You will do everything I ask. That's it. One week."
"Are you serious?" He couldn't believe it.
"Yes."
"Deal." He said immediately, before she could back out. Jumping up, he shook her hand. Pulling her to her feet, he gave her a bear hug lifting her off the ground. As he spun her around, they both were laughing until tears streamed down his cheek.
"Thank you, thank you." He said, grinning. "Thank you." The night Jack, Lisa, Andrew and Amy had dinner at Maggie's to discuss the plan. Andrew took up temporary residence in the groom bunk room at Fairfield.
She smiled thinking back to the deal they struck over a year ago. The first week went fast. True to his word, he worked hard, listened to her every instruction, made small but steady progress. And, Amy was tough. She revised both his and Dandy's food, exercise, and training programs. She scheduled, oversaw every aspect, every second of their life. But, she had fun too, laughed a lot, felt truly needed. One week stretched to two, then five, then before they knew it, tryouts were being held in Bromont.
Andrew and Dandy drove back to Bromont for the team tryout. Amy flew there to be on hand as their coach. She was there when they breezed through their tryouts, when it was announced that they made the team and when the team celebrated their newest member. Taking her back to her hotel, he thanked her profusely and at her door, kissed her good night, for the first time.
Smiling, she snapped back to the present, picked up her phone and dialed his number.
"Well hello Babe!" His voice was fully of enthusiasm.
"Hey Andrew. Sorry I didn't pick up earlier. I was involved with something. Now a good time?"
"Of course. But I only have about 5 minutes til we head to the arena."
"I miss you."
"I miss you too. Everything okay? How was your trip to Calgary?"
"First, tell me about your round yesterday."
"Oh Amy. I wish you were here. The round was exciting, nerve racking, horrific all at the same time.
"I bet. Please know I am so proud of you. Tell me everything."
"So. Dandy was amazing as always. Our competition is really good, really stiff. Dandy and I finished fifth but it was all my fault."
"Oh? What happened?"
"On the second turn, my foot slipped in the stirrup, just a hair, leading into the jump. My leg angle was off. So they deducted."
"Oh shoot! That is so frustrating."
"Yeah. But the Italian Rider who came in forth, was 9th last round. So, at this point I am still in forth overall."
"That's good. What about the top three?"
"They are still maintaining their positions after yesterday. France, Germany and England, same riders, same spots. But, there is always today's round."
"There is always that. And the team spot?"
"Still third."
"Oh that is great. So. How do you feel going into today?"
"Better now that I am hearing your voice."
"It's good to hear yours too."
"I miss you so." He sighed. "You have no idea how much."
She sighed. "I think I know. Andrew, I miss you too."
"So Calgary?"
"So Calgary. I toured the campus on my own. Given today is Sunday, campus was basically empty. I checked out the Haskayne business school. The new Centre is really nice."
"Good. Find anything interesting?"
"Their course catalog has several small business management courses that seem perfect for me."
"Good. And the Vet school?"
"I spent most of my time there. I really loved it. I checked out the arenas, clinic, fields, horses and animals. It has a nice set-up."
"Great."
"And, I got to talk with one of the professors, Dr. Barnes. He teaches Equine Behavior and Nutrition class. He was really nice, very helpful."
"Thought no one was on campus?"
"Well...Old Blue sorta broken down on the highway, just outside the gates. He stopped to help." She admitted.
"Amy. When are you going to get rid of that hunk of junk. It's nothing but bad memories and breakdowns." He sounded just like her dad.
She didn't respond.
He sighed loudly. "Sorry. I know I overstepped." He lamented. "So go on."
"I plan to enroll." Amy confessed.
"Where? The University of Calgary."
"Yes."
"Oh, so you aren't going to tour University of Montreal?"
"Andrew."
"Okay. Okay. What class?"
"Actually I have picked out three. Small Business 101, Equine Behavior and Nutrition and Animal Health."
"Three? Wow. Okay. Are you sure you'll have time? You're pretty busy now."
"Yes, it will be tough. No doubt. But that's why I plan to take mostly night classes."
"And you'll have homework.."
"I know. But this is really important to me. I want to earn my degree. You know that."
"I do. You know I support you and whatever you decide."
"I do. Thank you. Your support is important to me."
"We'll figure it out. Right?"
"Yes. Of course."
"But I have to wonder if you'll have any time for me, for us...when I do get back to Canada. Bromont."
"Look Andrew. We'll figure it out."
"Yeah." He said quietly.
Amy heard someone's voice in the background.
"Dang. Hey Babe. I gotta go. The shuttle to the arena just arrived. I'll call tonight. Love you."
Before she could answer, the line went dead. She could not get used to being called Babe. Regardless, she crawled under the covers still in her clothes.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter, Dear Readers.
SBR
Be Safe, Stay Healthy.