Chapter 24 – Trip into Town
Nathan, Jack and Elizabeth took one of the trucks to head into town. It wasn't the nicest vehicle that Jack's family owned, but it served the purpose even if it was a few years old. It was a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4x4 with a crew cab in silver with a custom black leather interior. Jack also knew that if they were picking things up, that the truck would be nice. Nathan drove and Jack and Elizabeth sat in the back. Jack hated that it felt like Nathan was chauffeuring them around, but he also didn't want Elizabeth to feel left out. Nathan knew that they would have security either follow them or pick them up in town. Jack looked at his phone when it chimed.
"Security wants to know where we are going?" Jack said. "They are in a blue SUV and should be coming up behind you soon."
"Tell them and then me." Nathan said. "I really don't know my way around up here. I looked at some maps, but I am going to rely on you telling me."
"Want to go to the farmer's market first?" Jack asked. "I saw that there was a cooler in the back, so we can get stuff and put it in there."
"Sounds good." Nathan said. "Farmer's market, then the saddle shop. If we still need anything we will make that call after the saddle shop."
"Sounds good." Jack said. "Elizabeth?"
"Sounds good." Elizabeth said.
Jack texted the security that was following them to let them know the plan. Jack didn't like the security detail, but he understood why it was needed. He also knew that there was no point in arguing with his father on the point since as long as there was a problem with Elizabeth's family and the Kensingtons that there would be security. He thought at least they wouldn't have to go into town much. Jack knew that he would be fine staying at the ranch most of the time. As much as he wanted to show Elizabeth around, he didn't want the hassle of dealing with security all the time. Jack thought that at least Nathan was cool. If it had been any other situation, Jack would have probably been jealous of Nathan. Jack thought that Nathan was what women wanted – tall, dark and handsome. Jack didn't see himself that way. At just over five ten, he wasn't all that tall. With green eyes and dimples, he didn't consider himself handsome. He also wondered if the girls in the past had wanted him more for his money than who he was.
At least with Elizabeth there was a connection before she knew about the money. She also didn't seem to care about the money, which made Jack happy. He was glad that he had found Elizabeth, but still needed to remind himself that he needed to be careful and take time for everything to happen. Jack knew that he had to give Elizabeth time to heal or there wouldn't be much of a relationship if he didn't. He just hoped that she still wanted to be with him as she continued to heal. He knew that he would back off if she asked, but he also knew that it would be hard. Jack looked over at Elizabeth and she looked lost in thought.
"Are you okay?" Jack whispered, touching Elizabeth's arm.
Elizabeth jumped at the touch.
"Sorry." Jack said. "I didn't mean to startle you."
"It is okay." Elizabeth said. "I was just thinking about things. I don't think your mother likes me."
"Don't worry about her." Jack said. "She didn't like Doug or Lee at first either, now she calls them her other sons."
"Thank you." Elizabeth said. "But I think that this is different. I don't know why, but I think she will always be skeptical of me."
"She just doesn't know you." Jack said, trying to reassure Elizabeth.
"Can I say something?" Nathan interjected.
"Yes." Jack and Elizabeth said in unison.
"Mothers never think anyone is good enough for their sons." Nathan said. "Just the way that fathers never think any man is good enough for their daughters. Not that I would know, but I am just going with things that I have been told over the years. All you can do is get to know her and show her that you will take care of Jack.
"We aren't together." Jack and Elizabeth said in unison again.
Nathan laughed.
"Keep telling yourself that." Nathan said. "I see the way that you look at each other. I can see that you love each other. Even if you haven't admitted it, it is there. The only thing I will say is take your time and get to know each other. Please don't rush into anything because of what has happened."
Both Jack and Elizabeth blushed, but it was Jack that recovered first.
"Thank you." Jack said. "We have admitted that there is a connection that we can't explain. We also don't want to rush into anything."
"Then talk to your family." Nathan said. "Jack, I think they are worried about you rushing into something and that might be the reaction from your mother. I know that your father hired me in hopes to cut down on the gossip, because he knew it would come with the two of you being seen together. I don't want you to worry, but I am just telling you what he said to me."
"Thank you, I will." Jack said. "I was hoping that on this trip that there would be some time for us all to get to know each other."
"Good plan." Nathan said. "Just remember, take it slow and keep talking if there is a problem."
"You sound like you speak from experience." Elizabeth said.
"Sort of." Nathan said. "My parents. They quit talking when there were problems and it only created more problems until it was too much to overcome."
"Sorry." Elizabeth said, putting a hand on Nathan's arm.
"Thank you." Nathan said. "I don't talk about it. You probably know more than anyone, other than my best friend, about my past."
"I won't push." Jack said. "But if you want to talk, I am here."
"Thank you." Nathan said. "I know I am working as protection for you, but I can really see us being friends."
"Me too." Jack said.
The trio didn't say anything else, other then Jack pointed out where to turn to head to the farmer's market. He had also been busy texting on his phone. Elizabeth was going to ask him about it, but she saw the scowl on his face and decided against it. They parked and the blue SUV pulled in a couple of spots away. The two men that stepped out were dressed in jeans and button ups. They looked like they belonged. They didn't wear dark suits like some of the security in the city. Both men nodded slightly toward Nathan who returned the nod. Nathan, Jack and Elizabeth proceeded into the market and the other two followed but kept their distance. Elizabeth picked up a few things that she wanted. Jack also found a few things that he wanted. It wasn't long and both Jack and Elizabeth had found plenty of things. They were excited to learn that the market would be back each Friday and Saturday so they planned to be back. They made a trip to the truck before walking down the second aisle at the market.
They found a few more things, Nathan had seen a few spirits that he thought he might like, but didn't try any since he was working and driving to boot. He did pick up a bottle of Saratoga in the Rye from Upstate Distilling Company. Nathan also picked up a bottle of NY Honey (Brandy) from Capital Distillery which he had actually had before. Jack assured Nathan that his family would love both. Nathan had wanted to pick up something for opening their home to him. Jack also talked Nathan into picking up a few bottles of Rose wine from Galway Rock Winery. Jack actually paid for it, but Nathan had to buy it since Jack wasn't old enough. Jack knew that his mother and grandmother would like the wine. Nathan didn't mind as long as Jack was sure, which he was. When they got back to the truck, Nathan tucked the box of wine and spirits carefully into the back seat behind his driver's seat. He was glad that the winery had offered him a box.
From the farmer's market, they headed to Saratoga Saddlery. They knew that there was stuff that they needed to get. Jack also texted his grandmother and let her know that they had picked up a bunch of stuff at the farmer's market and we headed to the saddle shop and that they would be at least another hour. She texted back, to let them know when they were headed home and she would call Ryan to come over. Jack was happy with that arrangement. He wanted to know what that boy had done to his horses. Jack had been happy to learn that it was Bandit that Ryan had been riding when he got hurt. Bandit had been Jack's jumper and was a very sweet horse. Jack wondered if he would be able to recreate the bond with Bandit in such a short time, especially after something must have happened. Elizabeth could see that Jack was upset about something.
"You okay?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes." Jack said. "I was just thinking about Bandit. I wonder what that kid did to him. I have never known Bandit to be aggressive."
"Well." Nathan said. "Then maybe the kid had it coming. Let's worry about that when we get back to the ranch. Let's enjoy our afternoon out."
"I like that plan." Elizabeth said.
Nathan found the saddlery. He found a spot to park off the street. He noticed that the security guys found a spot to park where they could see the front door. They didn't follow the trio into the store. Nathan was glad, he was hoping that they had some freedom and it appeared that they would. The first thing that they looked at was boots. Jack found what he wanted right away. He decided to get a pair of Corral black boots. He had liked that brand. Nathan got a pair to match Jack's black ones. He also grabbed a tan pair that was very similar to the black ones to wear around the ranch. Next they looked for some for Elizabeth.
"Which ones should I get?" Elizabeth asked.
"I would suggest something not too fancy." Jack said. "They are for riding and wearing around the ranch. They will get dirty."
"Should I get black or tan?" Elizabeth asked.
"Either." Jack said. "Just no studs or crystals. They can have a design like ours, if you want."
Elizabeth picked out a pair of turquoise boots with dark brown detail. Jack liked them. They also had a more square toe, so they would be more comfortable for Elizabeth to wear. They found a helmet for Nathan to wear while riding/jumping. They didn't find the riding boots or breeches that Jack was looking for. They ended up texting security to let them know that they were heading for Cheshire Horse to get the rest of what they needed. Both Nathan and Jack were able to pick up two pairs of black breeches and Jack got a beige and also a white pair as well for competing just in case. He wasn't sure if he would be allowed to wear the black ones. They usually wanted white or beige and he hated white. Jack and Nathan both found a pair of Ariat tall riding boots. They were pleased to be able to find ones in Nathan's size. The only thing that they didn't get was hats. They also didn't have riding boots in Elizabeth's size. Jack assured her that the boots that she had would be good for riding and he had guards that she could wear on her jeans if needed.
"Elizabeth." Jack said. "You don't need a hat. If you really want a hat, there are plenty at the house. Gran and Ma have plenty there. The only time we would wear one is out riding on the trail. Even then I usually wear a baseball cap."
"I agree with Jack." Nathan said. "I mean we can get one if you really want, but I saw plenty of hats when we were back at the house."
"I guess." Elizabeth said. "I have the boots and I can wear a hat you have."
Jack walked up to Elizabeth.
"Hey." Jack said. "It is okay. I am not mad and the money is not an issue. I just haven't seen a hat that I like. How about I call Katie and have her pick up a couple in the city and send them with Dad."
"You can do that?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes." Jack said. "Let's get this stuff and I will pull up the site on my phone. We will pick hats and then have Katie go get them."
"Thank you." Elizabeth said.
Jack paid for their stuff and when they got to the truck, he pulled up the website for JJ Hat Center in New Your City. He helped Elizabeth pick a hat. They each got one black one. As soon as Jack had ordered them, he called Katie to let her know. She promised that all of them would be sent with Thomas when he flew up. Elizabeth was so excited. While Jack was doing that, Nathan texted the other security guys to let them know that they were headed home. After Jack got off the phone with Katie, he called his grandfather to let him know that they were on their way back. The three headed back to the ranch, taking the most direct route. They talked a little about what the plan for the afternoon was.
"Elizabeth." Jack said. "I was hoping that you would stay with Gran for a bit this afternoon. It is not that I don't want you to see me ride. It is just I don't know this kid or what he did to the horse. If you haven't noticed, I get a bit distracted when you are around. I need to be fully focused on this today."
"Okay." Elizabeth said with a hint of sadness.
"I promise." Jack said. "I will let you come watch me as soon as I have things figured out. I want you to see me ride."
"Okay." Elizabeth said still with sadness in her voice.
"I think Jack is right." Nathan said. "We don't know what this kid did. We both need to focus on figuring out what is wrong with the horse. I promise I will bring you down there myself as soon as we know it is okay. Please try to understand that we aren't excluding you, but we both need to be careful. Horses can be unpredictable and we need to be able to focus on the task at hand. I have seen people get hurt riding, especially jumping. All it takes is one split second of not focusing on what you are doing."
"I guess I understand." Elizabeth said. "Will I be a distraction at the competition?"
"No." Jack said. "When I compete, I know how to focus. It is when I am training and trying to figure out what is wrong with a horse that it is harder because I have to be aware of everything around me in case that is what is causing the horse an issue."
"Okay." Elizabeth said. "I want you to be safe. Are you sure that it will be okay for me to be with your Gran this afternoon?"
"Absolutely." Jack said. "It is Saturday afternoon, so she will most likely be baking. I am sure she would love for you to help or even just sit and visit. But I am sure she would show you how to help her if you want."
"Okay." Elizabeth said. "As long as you are sure."
"I am." Jack said.
They were quite the rest of the way home. Nathan pulled up to the large house. Elizabeth stopped and stared again. It actually looked bigger pulling up through the driveway then coming over from the helipad. There were several trees that actually hid how large the house was. She wanted to see every room and see the view from the upper level. The trio quickly unloaded the stuff that they had bought. Gran insisted on washing the boys new riding pants. The boots were left off to the side to polish later. Nathan did slip on his tan ones to wear. Jack also grabbed a pair of his more worn work boots. They left the riding boots with their dress boots to polish later. After making sure that Elizabeth was okay with Gran, they headed down to the arena. Gran had let them know that Honey and Bandit were both at the small arena. There was also a trainer down there and was expecting them. Jack decided that they would take the side by side over to the arena. Nathan pulled the pickup into the garage and Jack backed the side by side out. Nathan got in and they headed over to the arena. Jack was anxious to figure out what was going on.
