Saturday continued
Midway down the barn steps, she stopped, lingered for just a moment. Memories of his arms around her, his lips on hers, his warm breath tickling her neck replayed in her head. His words whispered into her ear made her heart skip. Again. A contented sigh escaped her lips leaving the faintest of smiles.
Humming softly, she resumed her descent.
Seeing her in the barn, she called out. "Hey Ashland. Ready for our ride?" A lightness resonated in her voice, touched every word.
"I have been ready." She retorted with a tinge of attitude.
"Oh Good. Me too." She responded, ignoring her tone.
"And I'm riding Night." She added, not waiting for Amy to suggest her other horse.
"Oh. He'll love that."
Ashland eyed her cautiously, but said nothing.
Just outside the barn doors, the two swung onto their saddles in tandem, each with grace, ease, each ponying a horse. Amy, atop of Spartan, took the lead to begin, Harley just a few steps behind, tethered on the right. Ashland rode Night behind Amy, Onyx ponied behind Harley.
Not far down the trail, Amy pulled to one side, slowed down, motioned for Ashland to ride next to her. Side by side, the two rode in relative quiet except for the rhythmic clip clop of the sixteen hooves against the hardened dirt trail as it wound through the manicured grounds.
The morning sky was stunning as the rising sun's brilliant pinks and oranges streaked an endless robin egg blue canvas. The air was crisp and clean. Across the landscape, a wispy morning fog meandered before rising from the tiniest of crevices, dips and valleys as the sun's rays warmed the earth.
Amy breathed in deeply, filling her lungs with fresh air. Happiness poured out from her every pore, a smile settled on her lips, a twinkling in her eyes.
"Such pretty morning." She cooed, breaking the silence.
"Yeah. It is." Ashland softly muttered back.
"And, it looks like we'll have great weather for the Cup this afternoon."
"Yeah."
"I'm kinda excited to see the polo match." Amy mused. "It's been years."
"Me too." Ashland's smile quickly turned into a pout. "Too bad we have to work."
"Bet it will be fun anyhow." She answered back.
Each sunk back into their own thoughts as they rode, surveying the landscape.
"Hey. Look." Ashland whispered, pointed to the small lake on their left. A striking pair of a loons, with glossy black heads, pointed bills, an intricate checkerboard of black and white feathers on their backs, swam low in the water.
"Are those loons?" Amy exclaimed. They stopped to watch.
Suddenly larger one dove into the water below revealing two brownish gray baby loons.
"Look loonlets!" Ashland squealed.
"Loonlets?"
"Yeah. The babies are called loonlets. Did you know that they ride on the parents back?" She gushed.
"Really?"
"Well, just for a week or ten days after they hatch." Ashland conceded.
"Huh! I had no idea." She grinned imagining the sight.
"It's so cute. The little fuzzy heads just looking around." Ashland laughed.
The large loon popped out of the water with a small fish in its beak, sharing with the small family.
"Did you know that they mate for life too?" Ashland offered more.
"How about that!"
"Yeah."
"So. How did you get so smart about loons?"
"My mom's a birder. She gets into all that stuff. You know the binoculars, counts, maps, funny clothes. I think she has every book written about birds. She's ridiculous." She smirked. "Anyhow. Sometimes I go with her."
"That's great that you do that together. You should treasure that time with her." Amy advised, thinking of her mom, missing her, wishing that she had had more time.
"Yeah." A smile flickered on her lips. "It's kinda fun. We have to get up real early."
"And, we both know how you love to get up real early."
"Yeah right."
They laughed.
"Well Ms. Birdie. We gotta get back. We don't want to be late." Amy turned Spartan and Harley around first, Ashland followed suit.
"Hey. Were you able to chat with Brian? Work things out?" Amy asked.
"Yeah."
"Good. Thank you." Amy looked at the young woman, her profile, her eyes focus straight ahead to the trail ahead. "I know that he appreciated that."
Ashland shrugged.
"Um. Anything you want to talk about?" Amy asked, then offered.
Ashland shook her head No, "Nah. I'm good."
"Are you sure? It just seemed like you were bothered by something this morning." She pushed a little harder.
No response.
"Well, if you change your mind, let me know."
"There's nothing to talk about."
"Okay." Amy acquiesced, reluctantly.
They lapsed back into silence again as Ashland urged Night into a trot, Amy followed on.
Back at the barn, they hurried to untack their horses. And, though not late for Nick's meeting, they were the last to take their seats, their faces flush, their chests rising, falling quickly, trying catch their breath from running.
Nick greeted everyone, then got down to business.
"Today's a big day. As you know, we have two teams in today's cup finals. Northern Breeze and Calgary. Congratulations Darren and team for such a terrific showing."
Clapping, cheers and rounds of good luck, congratulations were offered from around the table.
"We're ready." Darren responded confidently. The other coaches nodded.
"And, we're all behind you. You all should be proud of your success." Nick grinned, then looked down at his notes.
"Okay. So. Today's match is 6 chukkers...52 horses for play and another 4 for the refs at the tie-ups. Doors open for spectators at 10. First chukker at noon." Nick paused. "Questions thus far?"
"Vets?" Dan, Darren's assistant coach, asked.
"Right." Nick flipped through his notes. "Ah. Scott Cardinal, as usual." He smiled at Amy. "And, Lance Johnson volunteered as well."
"From the UC Vet School?" Amy asked.
"Yes. Apparently, he's bringing some of his students. Know him?"
"Met him once. He's Ty's professor. And, his current boss."
"Maybe Ty will be here too then." He said offhandedly, then looked back at his notes.
"Next. Amy and Ashland. You're our Club Ambassadors. Here's the programs." He passed them a stack of glossy flyers. "Only one per group. Avoid giving any to kids. They just throw them on the ground." He frowned. "And, wear your name tags. Be at the front door at the ranch house at 10 minutes to 10. Make sure you have business cards. Smile."
Then he looked at Ashland. "Be friendly."
Ashland smirked.
"Of course, we will." Amy responded for her. "Do we stay in the ranch house the whole time?"
"Around noon you can come down to the field or stay on the deck overlook. Be ready to drum up some business."
They both nodded.
"Well, let's make it a good day." Nick closed the meeting.
Amy quickly headed back to the barn with Ashland trying to keep up.
"So. What are we doing?" Her assistant asked.
"We're gonna work Parsnip in the outside ring. It's a pretty day."
"Do we have time?"
"If we hurry."
Outside, Amy worked Parsnip over 2 sets of 6 fences, front and back, with Ashland resetting the height starting 3 1/2 feet raising 6 inches in between. 5 of the fences were simple verticals with a top rail. The other jump, third in the series, was an Oxer with the vertical fences 6 inches apart.
Parsnip ran the two sets quickly and cleanly. While Ashland adjusted the rails for the third run, Amy dismounted to give the horse a short rest. For the first time, she noticed that an audience, of sorts, watching from just outside the ring. Mr. and Mrs. Calloway, parents of Stacey, one of her students, stood together. Amy raised her hand and waved to them. Mr. Calloway acknowledged her with a ranchers' nod, a tip of his cowboy hat.
Several feet away from the couple, a man with dark hair stood alone as much as he stood out. He was dressed in a dark suit, more of a European flair than Canadian, tieless, white shirt, quick shoes. He seemed oddly familiar, like she had met or seen him before. But, she couldn't place him.
As soon as Ashland raised the rails another 6 inches for a third round, Amy mounted, and got back to work. The first set was clean, no faults. After another 6 inch rise, the last run was clean too, well mostly. Parsnip tapped the Oxer's second vertical, the rail moved but did not drop. Regardless, Amy was thrilled how far she had progressed. She praised the horse profusely.
"Come on Parsnip. Let's get you cooled down." As Amy and Ashland led the horse back to the barn, the couple approached them.
"Amy?" Mr. Calloway called to her.
"Well hey Herb, hey Beth." She greeted them. "It's so nice to see you both this morning."
"Hello Amy." Beth greeted her.
"Have you met Ashland Berry? She's my assistant." Amy introduced them.
"Yes. Of course, we know Ashland. We play Euchre Asher and Caitland on Tuesday's." The three greeted each other.
"Stacey is thrilled that you are coaching her class." Beth gushed to Amy.
Amy smiled. "Stacey does very well in class. It's clear that she been jumping for some time."
"Oh yes. She a natural." Her mother bragged.
"I hope she told you that our jump class today is cancelled on account of the Cup today."
"She did." Beth nodded, but her eyes were on Parsnip. "This is a beautiful horse. Canadian Warmblood?"
"Yes. Good eye." Amy confirmed.
"Is this Parsnip?" Herb asked.
"It is."
"Walter Anderson told us that she is for sale." He added.
"Oh he did?"
"Yes. And, we've seen Cassidy's new horse Sally Ride. Stunning. Walter tells us that you trained that horse as well before he bought her from you." Beth continued on.
"Well. Nick Harwell and I are partners."
"Parsnip is for sale, right?" Herb was all business.
"Well, yes. Eventually. I am still working with her. But, as you saw her workout, she's an excellent jumper." Amy rubbed the side of the horse's neck. "Are you interested?"
"Depends." Herb hedged.
"Yes, we are. For Stacey." Beth confirmed. Her husband glared at her.
"Well. She should be ready in a week, give or take."
Ashland looked at her phone, cleared her throat. "Excuse me, but it's getting late."
She nodded gratefully. "Beth, Herb, please excuse us but we are in a tight schedule with the Cup. We can talk next week, if you like."
"We'll set something up for tomorrow." Beth was quite persistent.
"I'm sure we can find a time next week that works for both of us." Amy responded but side stepping meeting tomorrow.
As they led Parsnip to the barn, Amy noticed that the other man was still watching. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up.
"Do you know him?" Amy murmured to Ashland, tilting her head toward him.
Ashland looked over her shoulder. "Nope. Never seen him before." Then she added. "Maybe he wants to buy Parsnip too."
"Maybe." Amy considered it, but her gut told her otherwise.
Freshly showered and wearing clean uniforms, Amy and Ashland stood a few feet apart, just inside the main doors at the ranch house with the programs ready to hand out. When the doors opened precisely at 10, Amy was not expecting the line of spectators waiting to enter. She had been to other polo matches before, with Scott and Ty on the sidelines. But somehow, this was clearly different.
Early in line were average Albertans, families, friends, couples, dressed in jeans, cotton shirts, boots, some sporting their favorite team's logo. Most were toting picnic baskets and blankets, laughing, talking, excited for the match. Once through the door, flyers in hand, they rushed to the doors leading to the field, evidently to claim a prime spot.
After the line had essentially cleared, the nature of spectators morphed into something very different. In small groups or couples, they waltzed through the doors, almost choreographed, timed so no one waited in line.
The women were attired in beautiful dresses, short or flowing, in light colors, prints and solids, in expensive fabrics, silks, linens and such. Sandals with chunky or flat heels. Similar in style, the men were clad in long pants, fitted shirts, mostly in light colors. Some wore sport coats, some had Panama hats. Upscale loafers or spectators, mostly without socks. Both wore expensive sunglasses, perched on their nose or their head, just so.
But, more than their attire, the way these men and women carried themselves was different too. With style, yes, but also with confidence, ease, like they knew they belonged. This was their house. They were monied elite, club members, sponsors, owners, the In Crowd.
And, seemingly, Ashland knew most of this set, greeting them with perfunctory hugs, air kisses, and occasionally introducing them to Amy. They didn't need flyers, or directions as they knew their way to the exclusive overlook where they spent many an afternoon mingling, sipping champagne, savoring fancy appetizers while watching their beloved sport.
At a quarter to noon, spectator arrivals had slowed to a stop, nearly.
"Ashland. The match is going to start soon. Why don't you head to the overlook? I'll stay here." Amy suggested.
"Are you sure?" Surprised, Ashland raised her eyebrows, trying to keep herself from grinning.
"Remember, you are an ambassador, not just a spectator." Amy tilted her head slightly, to catch her eye, gave her a sly smile. "But, yes. Go. And have some fun."
Ashland let out a giggle, hugged her. "Thank you. I'll be good."
Amy chuckled as she watched her hurry away.
Just before noon, she too left her front entrance post and made her way toward the deck, somewhat eager to watch the action. She heard a familiar voice call her name.
She turned around, surprised to see them. "Oh my gosh. You all came!"
"Of course. We wouldn't miss it!" Lisa laughed, as she came forward, grinning, arms wide open for a hug. "How are you, sweetheart?"
"Great, now that you are here!" Amy practically fell into her arms, hugging her back. "You look so beautiful, Lisa."
Effortlessly stylish as usual, Lisa wore an above the knee silk dress, with a flattering neckline, cinched at the waist, in a blue and white muted pattern that showed off her trim figure and toned legs. Her golden hair was down, softly curled, her makeup was understated. Ray-Ban aviators perched on her head. She embodied every bit of the strikingly beautiful, high-profile successful business woman that she was, but somehow simultaneously reflected her down to earth, authentic self.
"Thank you." She whispered in her ear knowing that she was responsible for getting Jack to attend.
"Doesn't Jack look so handsome?" Lisa grinned.
"Yes he does! Hello Grandpa!"
Jack stood straight, larger than life, his cowboy swagger ever present. Dressed in tailored trousers in a light hue, rodeo buckle from yesteryear, white shirt with a silver bollo tie, silk gray blue jacket and his best summer cowboy hat and boots, he fit perfectly with Lisa. The two made an impressive couple.
"Well...hello Amy!" His eyes twinkled with happiness as he grinned at his youngest granddaughter.
"Grandpa!" She stood grinning.
"Come here you!" Jack pulled Amy into a bear hug which she returned as she laughed.
Inhaling his clean, warm, earthy scent which always felt like home to her, she whispered, "I've missed you."
"Missed you too. Heartland just isn't the same without you." He confessed, making her breath catch for a second.
Hesitantly, she pulled away slowly, pecked his cheek with a kiss, before leaving his embrace to greet her sister and nieces with hugs.
"Well. Don't you all look so nice." Amy said surveying their attire. "New dress, Lou?"
Lou grinned, posing with one hand on her hip while her other flipped her hair back dramatically.
"Yes. Got it yesterday." Her short, wrap dress in aqua fit her perfectly, accentuating her every curve and asset.
"It's really beautiful. It brings out your green eyes."
"Thanks sis!"
Amy leaned in. "Can I borrow it some time?" They both laughed.
Georgie stood close, growing impatient. "Mom. Can I go find Cassidy? Please?" She begged.
"We just got here."
"Mom." She whined. "Pleeeaaassse?"
"Fine." Lou acquiesced without much pleading from her thirteen year old, then added. "But, take Katie with you. No running. Stay on the deck. And, don't bother the grown-ups."
"Fine." Georgie matched her mother's tone as she acquiesced as well. "Come on Katie."
The four watched the two girls, hand in hand, walk as fast Katie's four year old legs would allow and headed toward the overlook. Given Georgie's impatience, she finally hoisted her little sister on to her hip as she disappeared outside. Lou just shook her head.
"Well, shall we go out and watch the match?" Jack suggested.
Without waiting for a response, he led the way to the outside deck, Lisa close by his side, his hand lovingly on the small of her back.
Lou hooked her arm around Amy's elbow as they followed behind, catching up on Heartland news.
Built twenty feet off the ground, the spacious 150 foot overlook was situated at half field, and lined with rail height chairs for easy viewing. A white canvas awning, adorned with white lights, sheltered long tables with white linens from the late August sun. Silver trays festooned with intricate hors d'oeuvres were arranged around a glistening ice sculpture of a galloping horse. Several bars were set-up strategically. Gloved waitstaff in black pants, white shirts, bow ties carried silver trays of champagne and appetizers, to disperse among to the well heeled.
Upon entry, Lou and Lisa accepted a flute filled with champagne while Jack headed to the bar for a bourbon on the rocks. The three quickly settled into the festivities, mingled with the other guests as they watched the match, already in the second chukker. Still on duty, Amy watched with interest from the rail as her family mingled seemingly with ease, moving from one clique to another without hesitation.
"Amy!" Asher touched Amy's arm. "Come, meet my wife, Caitland."
Ashland was the spitting imagine of her mother. From their long dark hair, brown eyes, thick lashes, to their slender, fit build, both women were almost identically beautiful, stylish, polished. They were separated only by time.
"So nice to meet you, Mrs. Berry." As Amy shook her hand.
"Please call me Cait. So nice to finally meet you, Amy. Both Asher and Ashland talk on and on about you." She smiled genuinely.
Amy blushed a bit. "Ashland talks a lot about you both too. Cait, I understand you are quite the bird watcher."
"Birding is a hobby that I really enjoy. But. Honestly, I am surprised that Ashland said anything about it."
"During our morning ride, she spotted loons, two adults and two babies. She mentioned that she sometimes goes birding with you."
Cait's eyes grew misty. "Oh."
Asher patted her hand. "See?" He said quietly.
She nodded. "Um. How's she doing?"
"Ashland is coming along nicely as my assistant. I enjoy working with her." Amy answered truthfully.
"Oh, I am glad to hear that... but how is she, really?" Cait asked, as looking for something more.
"From a work perspective, she is doing fine. She doesn't like early mornings, but who does?" Amy swallowed, then proceeded carefully. "But, I assume that you are asking about something other than work?"
Cait looked at Asher, who inhaled heavily, then nodded. Asher guided them to a empty area on the overlook so they could talk in private.
"There is something else..." Cait began in a whisper.
"Mom! Dad!" Ashland cut in, grinning as she slipped in between her parents, grabbing their arms, pulling them close.
Noticing her parents uncomfortable expressions, she tensed up, glared at them. "What are you talking about?"
Asher and Cait became tongue tied.
Amy jumped in. "I was just telling them that I really enjoy working with you. That you are coming along nicely as my assistant."
Ashland wasn't convinced as she looked at her mom. "Mom?"
"Amy was very complimentary of you and your work, Ashy." Her mother said, her tone tender. "Your dad and I are very proud of you."
Ashland smiled awkwardly.
Amy nodded. "And. I told them about the loons."
Cait jumped in. "It's just really unbelievable for a family of loons on such small body of water. How many loonlets? Two?"
With the focus off her, the young woman seemed to relax. "Yeah. Two adults and two babies...Can you believe that Amy never heard of a loonlet!!"
"Guilty!" Amy chuckled. "Your daughter knows a lot about loons. But, now I want to see a baby loonlet riding on its mom's back."
"They are really adorable." Cait offered. "But, you'll have to wait til next season."
"Just my luck."
From the corner of her eye, she spied Scott on the field. And down field from him, Dr. Johnson stood with a gaggle of vet students.
"Well, this has been nice chatting. But, you'll have to excuse me. I need to go down to the field and check on our vets." Amy said. "Its been lovely meeting you, Cait. Enjoy the rest of the match."
Down on the field, Scott was standing on the sidelines, his black vet case on the ground next to him, his eyes trained on the horses racing across the field.
"Hey Scott."
"Hey Amy." He turned toward her, momentarily then remarked. "New outfit?"
"Yeah. I am now the Calgary Polo Club's official riding and jumping coach." She smiled, as she too kept her eyes on the match, the horses, the hard plastic ball which reached deadly speeds when whacked.
"Oh." He was taken aback.
Picking up on his reaction, she tried to explain. "I just started few days ago. So not many people know."
He nodded once. "I see."
She chuckled to lighten things. "But today, I am an official Club Ambassador."
"An ambassador, huh?"
"Yep. Need directions?" She joked.
"Yeah. Where do I take a horse that needs a Miracle Girl's touch?" He said seriously, glancing at her from the corner of his eye.
"Bring him here. I am still working with horses. I have two jumpers right now. Do you have one?"
"Here? Instead of Heartland?" He questioned, ignoring her question.
"Yes. Here." She sighed heavily, then admitted. "Scott. I needed a change." She stopped short in her explanation.
"Jack okay with that?"
"Yes. He seems to be. He's here. They all are. You can ask them yourself." She responded, then got a bit defensive. "Regardless, it was my decision."
Before he could respond, the other vet joined them, Amy in the middle.
"Well hello Amy Fleming! What a wonderful surprise." His broad smile stretched ear to ear.
"Hey Lance." She shook his hand, trying to smile.
The two vets acknowledged each other. All three pairs of eyes returned to the action on the field.
"So, you and Scott know each other?" Lance asked Amy.
"Yes. We grew up together at Heartland, so Scott is essentially family." She touched Scott's arm. "Plus, he's our vet. Here and at Heartland. I honestly don't know what we'd do without him."
"You're a lucky man, Scott." His words had wistful bent.
"Yes, I am." Scott said quietly, then changed the subject away from himself. "So, Amy, how do you know Lance?" Scott asked, softening a little.
"Well, I attended one of Lance's classes." She purposely did not mention Ty.
"Amy is being modest. She did more than attend, she gave the lecture."
Scott sounded surprised. "Really?"
"Ms. Fleming is quite an impressive orator. She had my students eating out of her hand."
She blushed pink.
"Well. I wish I had known." He lamented.
"It was a very last minute thing." Amy admitted.
"True that. We met for the first time in the UC parking lot right before my class. Somehow I convinced her to relay a story from her European tour. Amy, you had, what, ten minutes to prepare? But, one would never have guessed. Scott, she was captivating, inspiring."
"What was your topic?" Scott asked.
"Horses." Her one corner of lip curled up. "What else?"
"Winter's Snow and Winter's Drift. I'm sure you've heard the story more than once." Lance jumped in.
"Can't say that I have." Scott briefly cut his eyes to Amy.
"Well, it's an incredible story. Twin champion jumpers that were separated then reunited by chance at a major competition in London. Amy owned Winter's Snow, and truly is the heroine of the story."
"You owned a horse in Europe?"
She nodded as Lance went on to retell the story, in great detail.
"Surprises never cease." He muttered.
Amy was visibly uncomfortable with Lance's effusive compliments, so she purposely changed the subject as soon as she could. "Lance, um, I heard you brought some of your students with you today. Are they a part of your Large Animal class?"
"No, not really. Any UC vet student interested in equine science can volunteer to get exposure to this type of work. We show up at different venues, polo, racing, jump competitions. And, try to help out the vet on duty and have some fun too. Scott and I have run into each other quite a few times this year."
"Small world." Amy muttered.
"Very." Scott looked directly at her, asked but already knowing the answer. "So Amy, did you know that Ty works for Lance now?"
"Of course. She helped get him the position." He answered for her.
Scott shook his head, pressed his lips ever so slightly. Clearly chagrined to be out of the know, on so many things. She understood, whispered "I am sorry."
Lance, not noticing the interplay between the old friends, filled the gap. "Yesterday was his first day. It was kinda tough."
"Why?" Amy's eyes grew wide, she forgot about the game, looked only at Lance.
"Some kids brought in a juvenile saw-whet owl that was severely injured by a murder of crows on their playground."
"A saw-whet? Don't see those very often." Scott commented.
"Right. They are just so small and hide in the thicket."
"So. What happened?" Amy asked.
"Ty tried everything to save him. but.. we lost it." Lance said without much emotion.
"Oh..." Her heart sank, for the owl and Ty both.
"That's a shame." Scott added. "But, it happens."
"Yeah. It's one of the hardest lessons a young vet has to learn. Try as we might, we can't save every one."
Both vets nodded.
"Scott, Lance. I need to get back to the clubhouse." She said abruptly. "Nice to see you both."
As she quickly walked away, her eyes were not focused on where she was going. Her mind was full of thoughts of Ty, wondering why he didn't tell her. She ran smack into him, losing her balance.
"Whoa!" He exclaimed, catching her before she fell. "You need to watch where you are going."
"Oh sorry. I should have.." She looked up, did a double-take as she was surprised to see him. He was dressed in street clothes, not his RCMP uniform. "Matt. What are you doing here?"
"Watching a polo match." He chuckled. "What else?"
"Oh. Of course." She didn't know what else to say so she didn't.
"We were surprised to hear that you moved."
"The club position was a good opportunity for me."
"Well. Keep us informed. Okay?" He chastised her lightly.
She didn't respond.
"We are still tracking Ahmed and his people." He offered.
"Oh?" She was surprised again. "I thought that RCMP's involvement had ended."
"RCMP is not guarding Heartland anymore. But. We're still on your case." He explained.
"I see. What does that mean exactly? On my case?"
"Well, we are still tracking Ahmed and his people's movements. Syed is still in Hudson at Hillhurst. And, Ahmed and his gang are still in Antwerp."
"And Adela?"
"She's still in Rome."
"So, no movements. That's good, I guess. Thank you."
"Anything else we should know that would help your case?"
She shook her head. "No. I have been busy with my new job." She didn't mention Summer and her impending lawsuit.
"Well, if something comes up. Let me know."
"Thank you for everything." She swallowed hard, trying to push down any suspicions.
"Just doing my job."
"Well Matt. I need to get back to work." She shook his hand, then walked away.
She found Ashland leaning against the rail of the overlook deck by herself, drinking a Canada Dry.
"Hey. Having any fun?" Amy asked.
Ashland shrugged. "It's alright."
"Mind if I join you for the last chukker?"
"Sure. Why not?" Her tone was flat. "By the way. When are we done?"
"In seven and a half minutes. Unless it's a tie."
"I know how long a chukker lasts. I was asking about work." Ashland said sarcastically.
"Figured."
"So as soon as the match is over, we're done?"
Amy nodded.
"Thank god. I am starved."
"Me too. Want to grab something to eat when we're done?"
"Depends. Can we have something other than peanut butter toast?" She teased, clearly already in a much better mood.
Amy laughed, responding in kind. "Let's go out. My treat. Any suggestions?"
"Blue Star Diner. I am craving their burger. And they have the best fries."
"In Calgary?" Amy guessed.
"Yeah? Too far?"
"No, that's perfect. I need to pick up a few things there."
Suddenly, excitement and cheers rose from the crowd around them. Their attention turned back to the field to watch the action.
"Look! Darren has the ball in reach." Ashland began to narrate the match as he swung his long wooden mallet knocking the hard plastic ball just ahead of his horse.
"He's driving towards the goal." Ashland was jumping up and down. "Watch out for Wilson! Hold the line Darren!"
"Go Darren." Amy joined in, clapping, hollering, following Ashland's lead. "Go! Go!"
"You have a clear shot! Take it!" Ashland screamed. "Look! He's going for the goal!"
The crowd's cheers grew louder, from the deck and the field as the hooves of the eight horses thundered across the field. The noise was deafening, exhilarating, even the overlook seemed to shake with excitement.
With one more swing of his mallet, Darren whacked the ball, skipping it across the green grass through the goal posts on right side.
The home crowd roared as Amy and Ashland jumped up and down, as they hugged, laughed.
Following the rousing goal, the last few minutes of the chukker were a fairly tame as the Calgary team controlled the tempo, defended their two goal lead. Amy's attention drifted from the match to the spectators. As she surveyed the crowd below, he caught her eye. Or rather his dark suit did as it stood out in a sea of light colors. This time he was not alone, instead he was talking with another man.
"Ashland, can I borrow your binoculars?"
She trained the lens on the two men, standing off by themselves.
"What are you looking at? Or rather who?"
"That guy from Parsnip's workout this morning."
"What's he doing?"
"He was talking to a guy that I know. An RCMP officer. But, now it looks like he may be leaving."
"Yeah. Well. The chukker is almost over. Everyone's leaving."
Regardless, Amy felt uneasy.
As soon as the match concluded, with Calgary Polo Club besting the Northern Breeze club 7 to 5, Ashland and Amy raced to their apartments, missing the presentation of the huge silver Cup. Within twenty minutes, Amy had fed Ruth and Mouse and changed into her usual jeans, boots, flannel over a tank and cowboy hat then headed next door.
When Ashland opened her door, Amy was surprised to see her transformed. She was wearing a sunny yellow dress, with a tiny daisy print, short and swingy, that showed off her toned and tanned arms and legs. Strappy flat sandals framed her pretty feet and painted nails. Her make-up was understated but freshened. Her glossy hair hung in loose spirals around her face and shoulders.
"Wow Ashland. You look beautiful."
She noticed Amy's attire. "Should I change into something more casual? Like jeans?"
"Absolutely not. Come on, let's go. I'm famished."
Arriving at the Blue Star by 3:30, they ordered and settled into lunch.
"How's your burger?" Amy asked Ashland just a she shoved a huge bite of burger into her mouth.
Ashland gave her the thumbs up. After she swallowed, she added. "I used to eat here at least once or twice a week when I was at UC. I love this place."
"I can see why. My burger is great too." Amy hesitated, before asking. "Um. Tell me about being a student at UC."
"What did my parents tell you?" She shot back, narrowing her eyes.
"Actually, they told me nothing about you and UC. And I already told you what we talked about at the match." Amy responded truthfully.
"Oh."
"But, full disclosure, Nick told be you left school in the spring."
"Oh. Yeah. I guess he'd mention that to you."
"We don't have to talk about it."
"No. That's okay." She put three fries smothered in ketchup in her mouth, then continued. "What do you want to know?"
"I never went to university. Wish I had. Guess I was wondering about your experience."
"You know. Its never too late for you to go. They have those programs for older adults."
"Older adults?" Amy laughed. "I'm only 22. Just two years older than you."
"Oh. I just though you were way older. Maybe it's the way you dress. Or act. Or something... It's not a bad thing."
"Oh sure! Not bad at all. Older adult!" Amy grimaced. "So, tell me about UC."
"Well, I loved university. You know, living in the dorms, going to parties and even attending classes. Believe it or not, I was sociology major."
"I can believe it. What did you want to do?"
"At first, I just liked the classes, the topics, learning how society functions and doesn't function. Plus, I got straight As in those classes." She chuckled. "But, after I declared, I decided to study social media and it's effects, good and bad, on young people."
"Interesting. Did you ever take classes with Dr. Summer Flower?"
"No. She's teaches upper level classes. So I would have had her this coming year...my senior year. I hear she is a great professor. Do you know her?"
"She was my mom's friend in high school. I just recently connected with her. I bet she is a terrific teacher."
"Yeah. Her focus is on gender and cultural roles in society. She's one of the most popular professors on campus. Every year, she takes on a student or two and commits to advising them in their careers after graduation."
"She would be a good advisor." Amy hesitated for a moment, weighing the pluses and minuses of sharing more with her.
"I was hoping that she would select me.. but it's not in the cards."
"You never know."
"I'm not a student any more."
"She's been advising me on a few things."
"Really? Like what?"
Amy looked away as she wrinkled her nose, started to doubt her decision to open her can of worms.
"You don't have to tell me."
"No. I want to. Um. It's complicated. But, in a nutshell, when I was in Europe working, my boss. Well, he did some things that made me feel..uncomfortable."
"Did he rape you?" She blurted out.
Amy wasn't expecting that. "No! no! Nothing that horrible. Thank heavens. But it was bad enough."
"Oh. Did people blame you?"
"Wow. You go right to the heart of the matter." Surprised again. "But. Yes. Some folks did blame me and that hurt, a lot. And, for a while, I blamed myself for it too. I thought maybe I gave off the wrong vibe or something. Um. The whole episode caused a riff between me and my family."
"That sucks."
"Worse. My fiancé broke off our engagement because of it."
"Guys can be such jerks." She paused. "Wait. Was it Ty?"
"Yeah. Ty." She admitted.
"Wow. Honestly he doesn't seem like a jerk."
"He's not. And, the break up wasn't totally his fault. I didn't tell him what happened..but he found out anyhow...in the worse way...so." She shrugged.
"I can tell that he still loves you."
Amy smiled half-heartedly.
"And...you still love him too."
She nodded. "We're trying to work it out. We didn't talk for months after the breakup. And that was so hard...so we are trying to start over as friends."
"That's good. Cuz it seems like you two belong together."
"Funny. That's what Mrs. Bell says."
"Who is she?"
"She's somebody very special in my life. You know, she's the one who sent all the herbs and oils for my herb bench."
"Wait. Is she Ty's adopted grandmother?"
"He told you that?"
"Yeah. She seems cool. I'd like to meet her one day."
"She would love that. One day after work I'll take you there to visit."
After a couple of hours eating and shopping in Calgary, the women returned to Amy's apartment with several bags. Amy went straight to the kitchen, opened the refrigerator door.
"Want something drink?" She offered as Ashland took a seat at the counter.
"Sure. Water would be great." Ashland noticed Amy's journal and opened it. "Did you write about your boss in here?"
"Yeah. I did some. Mostly, though I wrote about the horses, the team, the competitions." Amy put a glass of ice water on the counter in front of her.
"Oh." She took a sip from her glass.
Amy studied her, her expression. "Why do you ask?"
"I don't know. I was wondering how you dealt with it...I mean your boss."
"Probably not as well as I should have. At the time, things happened just a little at a time. Reading it again, I see the signs that I missed. And, the lines that were crossed." Amy sipped from her glass of orange juice.
"Oh."
"Ashland. Do you want to talk about why you dropped out of school? What happened?" As soon as she asked, she knew she had come on too strong.
"No." She said quietly, not looking at Amy, but at the journal.
"Would you like to read my journal? It might be helpful to you and your own situation."
"I don't have a situation." Ashland was adamant, then shut the journal's cover.
"Okay. Sorry to insinuate." Amy sighed, put her glass in the sink, switched gears. "Well. I better get a move on. I have chores to do before I visit Ty."
"Seriously? Now?" Ashland rolled her eyes.
"Yes. Not sure when I'll be back tonight so..." She smiled. "You are welcomed to join me. You'll have your evening free then."
"I have to change first."
By 7pm, their chores were done and Amy was showered, dressed and ready to go. As it was still too early to leave, she played with Ruth and Mouse in the living room. Ashland knocked on her apartment door.
"Hey. What's up?"
"Is that what you are wearing for your date with Ty?" Ashland frowned.
"It's not a date. But, yes."
"Do you want to be stuck in Friendsville forever? No! You want to rekindle your romantic relationship. Right?"
Before Amy could respond, Ashland rushed out the door. "I'll be back." She returned 5 minutes later.
"Wear this with these!" She handed her short summer dress and a pair of sandals.
"They are pretty. But..."
"Go put them on before you say No." Ashland urged her.
She acquiesced, disappearing into her bedroom. A few minutes later, she danced back into the room, Amy was beaming.
"I love this outfit!"
The short chambray dress, in the hue of soft, faded jeans, had tiny buttons running down the front. A scooped neckline and fitted bodice gave way to a slightly flared skirt that ended above her knees, flattering her toned legs. Instead of sandals, she was wearing her dressy cowboy boots in cognac and white stitching.
"Oh definitely the boots. Feminine but not too flirty. Perfect."
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet. I got to touch up your hair and make-up first."
Ashland added just a little curl to Amy's hair and a smidge of mascara and lip gloss to her face.
"Take a look."
When Amy looked in the mirror, she giggled. "It's me but better. I love it. Thank you."
Ashland smiled.
"So, making me non-date ready wasn't why you came by, is it?"
Ashland shook her head No. "Um. About your journal.."
Amy grabbed her journal off the counter, handed it to her. "Here. Hope it helps."
"Okay. Thanks..." Ashland gave a half smile "And, um."
"Something else?"
"Can I babysit Ruth and Mouse at my house? I think I might need some company."
"Yes. They would love that."
"Really?"
"Really. Come here." Amy hugged her.
As planned, Amy knocked on Ty's door just past 8. Opening the door, he stood there speechless taking her in. His lips parted slightly, easing into his boyish grin.
"Wow."
"Hey." She smiled coyly, letting him look.
"You look beautiful." He took a step closer towards her, leaned in, and kissed her cheek.
"Let me take those." He took the bags from her hands and from the floor next to her booted feet.
"Thanks."
"Come in."
She followed him in, watching him scurry around, putting her bags on the kitchen counter. He seem just a little nervous, excited maybe. His fingers raked through his hair, still damp from a shower.
"Your apartment is nice." She looked around the sparse room, white empty walls devoid of anything Ty.
"It's not much yet. But it's gonna be home for a while. Let me give you the grand tour." He grinned.
"Okay." She grinned back.
"So. We're standing in the living room." He chuckled. "Here's the couch, two chairs. That one is a bit rickety, so don't sit there. My coffee table and two side tables. The stereo is over there." He pointed to a bookshelf, of sorts, and the stereo where old soft rock music played quietly.
"Plenty of room to have friends over."
"Yeah. I guess." He pointed to the galley kitchen to their left. "That's the kitchen."
"Everything you need. Stove, refrigerator, sink. And it's very clean."
"And. Look. There's even a microwave."
"Nice!"
"I know!" He seemed surprised. "Beats the trailer all to pieces."
He took her hand, led her to a 4 by 4 alcove with a door on opposite sides. He opened one door.
"This is my bedroom." She peered in. A double bed, covered in a gray blanket hugged the far wall. Next to that was a nightstand with a reading lamp on top. A tall dresser stood on the wall opposite the bed.
"Roomy."
"The bathroom is through this door." He opened the door opposite the bedroom door. She leaned in to take a look.
"Nice."
"There's a tub and a shower." He pointed out. "Impressed?"
"Absolutely. But. I shoulda brought bubble bath and water toys." She giggled.
"No kidding. I don't remember the last time I took a bath... not even as a kid...it's always been super fast showers before the hot water runs out."
"If there was water at all."
"True. The trailer definitely had its issues." She followed him back into the living room.
"Hungry? I brought Italian from Bruno's." She asked.
"I'm starved. And, Italian sounds perfect."
She looked around. "Where should we eat?"
"Hmmm. Well we could sit on the couch and use the coffee table as a dining table."
"Sounds good."
Together, they readied their makeshift dining table. He arranged two mismatched plates and silverware while she unpacked the takeout containers.
"What would you like to drink?"
"Water please. I brought you a six pack of Cabin Brewing IPA." She pointed to another bag.
He read the label aloud. "Sunshine Rain. A hop bomb. Sounds interesting."
"Hope it's good. I picked it because I just liked the name."
He chuckled.
He popped the top and took a swig. "Good call." He handed her a glass of ice water. "Please sit."
She took her seat. He sat next to her.
"Amy. You really are beautiful." He leaned over, kissed her cheek. Smiled then kissed her shoulder. "Smooth. Soft. Nice."
She giggle. "Come on. Let's eat! I am famished." She teased.
"My Horsey Girl! What did you bring?"
"Spaghetti with meatballs and gnocchi. And... garlic bread." She said as she opened the containers of food, put some on each plate.
Side by side, they ate, talking about their day, laughing, enjoying each other's company.
"I saw Dr. Johnson at the polo match."
"You did?"
"Yeah. He told me about the owl. I'm sorry. He said you did everything possible."
"Yeah. Not how I wanted my first day to go."
"Understand. But, you can tell me anything. That's what friends are for. Right?"
"Right. Sorry that I didn't say anything. I'll do better."
They each took another bite, signaling the end to that topic.
"Have you ever seen the movie, Lady and the Tramp?" She asked.
He looked up to the ceiling for an answer. "Is that an old Disney movie?"
She nodded.
"Can't say I have. Why?"
"Well. Funny. This dinner reminds me of that."
"How so?"
"Well. In the movie, two dogs, a cocker spaniel - Lady - and a mutt - Tramp - are on a date at Tony's Restaurant. They order one big heaping plate of spaghetti. As they are eating, like this.."
She pretends to be a dog and eat directly from her plate with her mouth which makes him chuckle.
"You are so cute."
"Wait. So. Each dog grabs a spaghetti strand from the plate not realizing it's the same strand. Anyhow, they nibble on the strand until they meet in the middle and.. kiss."
"Like this?" He put one end in his mouth, then dangled the other end near her lips. Like a little bird, she opens her mouth, sucks in the pasta.
Feeling silly, she tried not to giggle as she nibbled. Gazing into his eyes, green and happy, she accidentally bit through her end, leaving the strand dangled from his lips, skidding down his chin and the three inches below.
He tilted his head, his bottom lip protruded into a pout, protesting that their game was over. She laughed at his silliness. She leaned in, opened her lips, pulling the spaghetti end back into her mouth with her tongue. Nibbling her way up the skinny pasta rope to his mouth. She teased his lips with hers, touching but not kissing.
He let her play until he couldn't any longer. He cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs stroking her soft skin, gently pulled her even closer.
"Mmm." The sound vibrated from his mouth and lips tickling hers into a sweet kiss.
"Mmm." She echoed his utterance adding her own murmur.
Lips parted as their foreheads touched. Their eyes searched the other, lingered, looking for a sign.
He knew to go slow. He put his arm around her shoulder pulling her in. She curled into him, her head resting on his chest, just above his heart. His beat, rapid and strong, echoed in her ear, synced with her own. Her knees drew into her body, her hand inched across his broad chest, hooking around him.
"This is nice."
"Mmm. Very. I miss this."
"Me too."
They cuddled, cocooned together, not wanting to let go. His chest rising, hers falling, in and out, yin and yang. In their silence, the music presented itself. A song, an old Eagles favorite began to play, moving him to ask her to dance.
Swaying together, more than dance steps, their eyes locked. He whispered. "Remember?"
"Yes."
"Old Blue."
"You were so handsome in your suit and tie."
"You were so incredibly gorgeous in your green dress."
"Hmm."
"Almost as beautiful as you are tonight."
She pulled him closer, squeezed his hand. "You gave me your promise ring."
"I was so happy."
"Me too."
"I am happy tonight. With you."
"Me too."
Their foreheads touched, he bent just slightly to kiss her lips, tasting of spaghetti sauce.
"Mmm."
The song, Peaceful Easy Feeling, tapered to its end, into a commercial for Goodyear tires. She pulled away from him.
"I have something for you." She retrieved three bags from the kitchen counter.
"Really?"
"Come sit on the couch with me." Settled, she gave him a brown gift bag stuffed with tissue paper.
He smiled at her as he pulled out a blue tissue wrapped rectangular shaped item.
"Thank you." He leaned in and kissed her cheek.
Ripping away the paper, he inspected a framed picture of the two of them. Both had grins on their faces, their temples touching.
"This is great. When was this picture taken?" His eyes twinkled.
"Ashland took it in the barn when you gave me the herb bench." Amy explained.
"It's a nice picture."
He turned it over to read aloud the inscription. "No matter where we go. No matter what we do. You'll always be there for me. And I'll always be there for you. Love. Amy." He smiled. "Thank you. I love it."
"Good. A couple more things."
"Amy! You should not have." He tried to protest half heartedly.
"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth!!" She gaffawed at her own pun, handing him another brown bag, though larger.
He pulled out the next item, unwrapped it, finding a a black zipped binder. "What's this?"
"Open it." She grinned, anticipating his reaction.
He unzipped the kit. Inside countless shiny metal surgical scissors, forceps, scalpels, hemostats, clamps, needles and blades were neatly arranged. "Oh my god Amy. This is incredible."
"There are 160 pieces. The guy at the UC Bookstore in the medical section said that it's required for last year students to have their own instruments."
"This is absolutely perfect. Thank you." He pulled out a pair of scissors, curvy blade with fine tipped point. "Wonder what these are used for?"
"Let's look it up in the manual." She suggested.
Ty leafed through the manual. "Ah. These are Stitch Removal Scissors. These scissors have a fine tip and blades specifically designed to facilitate suture removal."
"And...look. The kit include flash cards to study..." she held up the deck of cards.
"I love this! Thank you!" He couldn't stop smiling.
"There's one more." She handed him the last brown gift bag, stuff with green tissue paper.
He reached in, pulled out a hardback book and read the cover. "All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot. Never heard of it."
"Well, the book is written by a real vet, James Alfred Wight. It's a collection of stories from his life when he was fresh out of school and practicing in rural England in the 1930s. It's a classic and mandatory reading for all vets."
"Really?"
"I was kidding about the mandatory part. But, it has a lot real stories about animals, their owners and vet care. Some are comical."
"Sounds interesting. I will read it after exams are over."
"I read the entire series in grade 9. The books are really good and funny. They are a quick read."
He opened the cover, read its inscription. "To the wonderful Dr. Ty Borden. With Love always. Amy."
He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Thank you."
They snuggled for a bit, as Ty flipped through the flash cards on surgical instruments. "Quiz me?"
"Sure!"
"Kiss for every correct answer?"
She giggled.
Dear Readers.
Hope you enjoyed this long chapter. I had plans to have this finished and published in October, but alas, those plans went awry. My absolutely favorite holiday, Halloween, took precedence, I must admit. From fully decorating the inside and outside of our home with pumpkins, gourds, and lights galore, with spider webs, ghouls, ghosts and skulls thrown for good measure, to tricks, treats, costumes, food and spirits...after a two year hiatus, I had to make up for lost time.
Thanks as always for being patient and forgiving. A shout out to WWD with a wish for a speedy recovery.
Happy November everyone!
SBR.