laughed. “Guess we think alike,” Jenny called, hurrying out to assist Pat.
When King was settled, Pat asked if Jenny would mind setting up a few jumps. “I don’t have any real jumps,” Jenny said, sounding somewhat offended. “I’m a dressage rider, remember? But I tell you what, I’ll line up these cavalletti.”
Carole helped Jenny with the wooden Xs for the cavalletti. Then she asked to run in and use the bathroom. “Sure. It’s just past the kitchen,” said Jenny, pointing toward the house. “Make sure you check out the pictures of King!”
Carole was happy to oblige. She lingered in the hallway, taking in photo after photo of King under saddle, winning ribbons, and running free in the pasture.
When she returned, Pat had dismounted. “Not that I don’t
like
dressage, don’t get me wrong,” she was saying to Jenny. She gave the horse a big pat. “Also, he’s a little strong for me. Beautiful mover, though.… Hey, you ought to try him on the flat, Carole—just to see what he’s like.”
Carole caught her breath. “Could I?” she asked Jenny.
“Go ahead,” said Jenny. “He needs the exercise.”
Carole borrowed a hard hat from Pat and got on. As she rode off she heard Pat say, “Wait till you see what this girl can do.”
King was even more amazing to ride than to watch. He was full of energy, but it was nothing Carole couldn’t handle. Riding him was like soaring on air. At the slightest nudge from her heels or tightening of her hands on the reins, King would switch gaits. And every gait was better than the last. His trot
was
big and floating. His canter was rhythmic and powerful. As he trotted circles and figure eights and practiced flying lead changes, Carole lost all track of time. When she finally pulled him up, she was grinning so hard her face felt as if it would crack. She dismounted in a haze.
“You did beautifully with him!” Pat cried, rushing over. “Much better than I ever could.”
“It was all King,” Carole murmured.
“No—not everyone can handle him,” said Jenny, adding, “You ride well.”
King nuzzled Carole inquisitively as she handed over the reins. “Good boy,” Carole said, patting him. “I hope you find a great owner. Thank you,” she said quietly to Jenny. “That’s a ride I’ll never forget.”
“Nor I,” said Pat. “Even though I can’t make you an offer.”
“That’s okay,” said Jenny. “After all, I want him to go to somebody who will take him up to his full potential.”
Pat began to say something but stopped. Carole wished they were alone. Then she could have explained that Jenny’s comment was nothing personal. Any rider would stand up for her horse like that.
Together the three of them walked toward the stable. They helped Jenny untack King. Then, while Pat made a quick call home on her cellular phone, Carole hung over King’s stall door. Jenny joined her.
“His conformation is nearly perfect,” Carole marveled.
Jenny nodded absently. Then she gave Carole a curious look. “You really like him, don’t you?” she said.
“Oh, yes,” Carole breathed.
“
You’re
not looking, are you?” Jenny asked suddenly.
Carole was taken aback. “Looking for a horse?” she said. “Me? Oh gosh, no! No, not at all. But thanks!”
“It’s too bad,” Jenny said with a shrug. “You’d make a great pair. You’re just the kind of talented young rider I want for King. So
his
talent doesn’t go to waste.”
Dimly Carole was aware of Pat wrapping up her conversation. The same strange impulse as before seemed to take hold of her. “I mean, I don’t
think
I’m looking,” sheheard herself say. “That is, unless I found something …” She let her voice trail off vaguely.
Jenny scribbled on a piece of paper and pressed it into Carole’s hand. “Here’s my number,” she said. “Come back any time.”
TV WAS CATCHING . Or watching it was. Or something like that. It was funny, Stevie thought, how
Priced to
Belinda Murrell
Alycia Taylor
Teresa DesJardien
David Zucchino
George R. R. Martin
Rebecca Gregson
Linda Howard
Addison Jane
L. J. Smith
Kealan Patrick Burke