High Hurdles (39 page)

“Okay, I get breakfast before anyone rides. That’s the rule.” She tied the pony to the fence with his lead shank, removed the bridle and saddle, and headed for the back door.

The smell of roasting turkey wafted through the house. DJ sniffed and closed her eyes to better appreciate the fragrance. How come turkey smelled best on Thanksgiving? She followed the sounds of laughter into the kitchen, where most of the family was gathered, either drinking coffee at the table or preparing food at the counters.

“Good morning, darlin’.” Gran turned from the dough she was kneading to give DJ a kiss.

“Homemade rolls?” DJ snitched a bit of dough. “Anything for breakfast for a starving granddaughter?”

Orange juice, a cinnamon roll, and a bowl of mixed fresh fruit appeared on the table at the same time she sat down.

“You want some hot chocolate, too?” Julia asked. “The other kids sure enjoyed it.”

DJ nodded around a mouthful of cinnamon roll.

“Maybe she’d rather have coffee. She’s almost an adult now,” Andy added.

“No thanks, hot chocolate will be fine. But you could put a drop of coffee into it.”

“Ah, we have a mocha lover here.” Martin leaned forward. “I knew it yesterday when we met—a girl after my own heart.”

DJ grinned back and kept on eating. Each of the Bs had already been in the house asking when she would be ready.

“Where’s Mom?” She looked at Gran. “And Robert?”

“They’re over looking at the new house.” Gran winked. “I think they wanted to be alone.”

Uh-oh, that might not be too good
. DJ sipped her hot mocha. She could feel the warmth circle around her belly. Was Lindy over her grump of the night before?

By the time DJ had given each kid three rides, settled forty-two arguments, refereed thirteen fights, and heard “DJ” one thousand times, she was ready to turn in her cousin badge.

What she really wanted to do was eat dinner in the garage, on the condition that no one under five feet follow her. Maybe Meredith was the smarter of the two, always disappearing.

“No, DJ and Meredith are eating with the grown-ups. They’ll be in here just for grace,” Joe settled firmly. “Andy and Sonya are hosting this table.” He parked the twins on phone books so they could see better. “Now we’re all going to say grace together.”

He took a hand of each twin and raised his voice. “Okay, everyone! God is great, God is good, and we thank Him for our food. Amen.”

DJ headed to the dining room with a sigh of relief. The kids were fun, but oh, she was ready for some peace and quiet.

By the time everyone had eaten their fill, the kids were ready to ride again.

Robert shook his head. “No, DJ is off limits. You can watch a video or play a game or go play outside, but no pony and no DJ.”

DJ sent him a silent thanks and went to find Joe. They needed to go feed Major and Ranger, and she needed some peace and quiet. Her ears were still ringing from the kids’ endlessly calling her name.

By the time Sunday evening rolled around, DJ enjoyed the quiet of her own house. She’d been sad to see the Gregorys, except Meredith, leave for Connecticut and had really had a fabulous time like everyone else. Everyone, that is, but her mother. DJ could tell something was bothering her mom. The twins were still at Gran’s, and Robert and Lindy were off someplace together.

DJ flipped the channels on the television until she found a mystery movie and settled in to watch. She’d already finished her homework, and with the bowl of popcorn on her lap, she didn’t have to get up for anyone or anything.

A car pulled into the driveway.

“I don’t think so,” her mother said in the doorway. “Good night, Robert.”

DJ flinched. She knew that tone well. She huddled deep into the security of the wing chair, wishing she were up in her room and sound asleep in bed. Her mother entered the room.

“I suppose you’d like to know that I told Robert I wouldn’t marry him. I know that’s what you wanted. Now you can finally be happy.” With that, Lindy marched up the stairs, down the hall, and slammed her bedroom door.

DJ started to get to her feet, but the shock of the news pushed her back. “Fiddle. Double and triple fiddle.”

Chapter • 14

“No school tomorrow. What do you want to do?”

“We should spend the day getting ready for the show.” Always practical Amy.

“How about taking a lunch and heading up into Briones? We don’t have to stay too long.” DJ closed her eyes. “Just think—trees, trails, hills. I’m so tired of flat arenas I could croak.”

“Right.” Amy shook her head. “The day DJ Randall turns down a chance to ride just because the ground is flat is—”

“You know what I mean. Come on, Ames, we’ll work extra fast and then go. We can give the horses baths when we get back.” DJ rested one foot on the curb to prop up her bike. She sent Amy a pleading look. “You don’t want me to go without you, do you?”

“I’ll ask and call you. Mom’s got the Cub Scouts here right now.” Amy waved and pushed her bike into the cluttered garage. With four kids, there were always toys and sports gear, school books, and other stuff lying around.

DJ walked into an empty house. As usual, she answered the blinking light to find out where her mother was. “I’m going to dinner with Robert. We won’t be late.”

DJ shook her head. You had to give the man an 
A
 for persistence. Even after Mom said she wouldn’t marry him, he kept coming around. They’d been on the phone every night, and he’d come to visit on Tuesday.

DJ thought about the wedding that wasn’t going to be while she heated some leftover soup and made a sandwich. Her plan had been to keep Robert and her mother apart. Well, they weren’t apart, but the wedding was off. And her plan had nothing to do with it, even though it was obvious her mother halfway blamed DJ. But now DJ found herself rooting for Robert.

What would life be like with the Bs around all the time? Noisy, but they could learn to stay out of her room when she needed some space. What about Robert?

She took her tray into the family room and settled into the wing chair. He wasn’t too bossy. Actually, he was a pretty nice guy. And rich. Well, not really, but he sure had more money than she’d ever seen in her life. And he said he’d help her go for her Olympic dream. Was that the only reason she now thought the marriage might be a good thing?

That would be really creepy of her. One thing was sure: She wouldn’t come home to an empty house anymore. He’d even said he’d keep the nanny so Mom could continue her career.

DJ swung one foot and tucked the other underneath her. Robert was right—this house wasn’t big enough for that many people.

She shrugged and turned on the television. What did any of this matter now? Her mother had decided against the wedding.

But that night in her prayers, DJ changed her request. “God, my plan sure doesn’t seem to be a good idea anymore. Now that Mom and Robert aren’t getting married, I don’t like it.” She stopped to think. “Gran always says we should ask for what we want and then thank you for doing what’s best. Is that what’s going on here, or did I mess up big time?” She waited, hoping for an answer.

She heard Lindy come up the stairs. Was her mother crying?

It wouldn’t be the first time this week.

DJ tried to return to her prayer. “So, do you have a plan that’s better than mine?” She could still hear sobs.

She threw back the covers with a sigh. Her mother’s bedroom door was closed. Obviously she didn’t want any company. DJ turned back toward her room, then with a shrug, tapped on the bedroom door. All Mom could do was yell at her or tell her to go away. So what?

“Yes.”

“Can I come in?” When there was no answer, DJ pushed open the door just a crack and peeked in. Lindy sat on the edge of the bed blowing her nose and looking as if she’d been crying for hours. Red eyes, mussed hair, and a mound of crumpled tissues on the bed gave her away.

“Can I get you something?” DJ paused in front of her mom. “How about some tea or hot chocolate?”

“That would be nice.” Lindy sighed and wiped her eyes. “I don’t know what’s come over me. All I do is cry lately.” She rubbed the spot where the diamond engagement ring had been, then flopped back on the bed, one hand on her forehead.

“I’ll be right back.” DJ clattered down the stairs and set the teakettle to heating. She took out a box of tea bags and one of cocoa packets and got out two mugs. By the time she had the tray set, the teapot shrilled. She fixed the hot chocolate, topped it with miniature marshmallows, and carried the tray back upstairs.

What could she say? If only Gran were here. She always had the perfect words.

Lindy had changed into a pair of silk pajamas and folded back the covers of the bed. The tissue pile had disappeared, but the box sat on top of the nightstand, within easy reach.

“DJ, I don’t know what I did right to deserve as good a kid as you.” Lindy accepted the steaming mug with a nod of thanks. “I sure haven’t been the kind of mother who helped make you that way, that’s for certain.” She set the mug down and swung her bare feet up onto the bed. Scooting toward the middle, she patted the edge for DJ to sit down.

“That’s okay, you were busy. I had Gran.” DJ sipped after blowing on the hot liquid. The screen-saver images on the computer flashed different colored patterns in the corner. Outside, a dog barked.

“DJ, I’m just so scared.” The words sounded small in the stillness.

“Scared? You? Hey, you’re not afraid of anything.” With one leg up on the bed, DJ turned so she could see her mother better.

Lindy pushed her hair back with a shaking hand. “Yes, I am. The thought of marriage makes my stomach hurt. And look what kind of a mother I am. I yell at you or don’t talk to you. I expect you to be the adult around here when you’re just a kid. You shouldn’t have to bring me hot chocolate and listen to me cry.” She snorted. “That’s my job.”

“Well, I’m not the one who’s sad right now. You can do this for me when it’s my turn.” DJ watched as another tear brimmed over and ran down her mother’s face. If only she dared reach over and wipe it away. Instead, she handed her mother a tissue.

“See what I mean.” Lindy took it and wiped before the next one could fall. “A waterworks, that’s what I am.” She tossed the tissue toward the wastebasket, but it missed and floated to the floor. “I’ve even prayed about this. I pleaded with God to tell me what to do, but there’s been no answer. I know Gran gets answers all the time. She must have an inside track or something.”

“She’s been praying for you.”

“Oh, I’m sure she has. Robert has, too—look where it’s gotten him.”

“Gran says God can’t guide you unless you’re already moving.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I don’t really know—it just came to mind.” DJ wished she knew what to say. 
God, please help me
.

“So what do you think? Should we marry Robert?”

“We?” DJ’s voice squeaked on the words. “
I’m
 not the one getting married.”

“No, but you’re my family.” Lindy reached over and patted DJ’s knee. “I know how you feel. You’ve made your opinion abundantly clear. Don’t worry, DJ, love isn’t fatal. I’ll get over it.” Her voice cracked on the words.

“But, Mom . . .”

“Good night, dear, and thank you for the comfort.”

“Good night.” DJ picked up the tray and left. How 
did
 she feel? She wasn’t sure anymore.

“What can I do, God?” she asked later just before falling asleep. “We have to come up with a new plan.” Or had her plan been the reason everything was so messed up? Scary thought.

DJ woke in the night to the sound of her mother’s crying again.

“How about if we ask Joe to go with us?” DJ gave her saddle one last swipe with the polish rag.

“Fine with me.” Amy held up her headstall. All the conches shone in the sunlight. “But my mom said I have to be home by five.”

DJ leaped to her feet. “Then we better get out of here.” She trotted through the barn and out to the stalls where Joe was brushing down Ranger. “You want to ride up in Briones with Amy and me?”

“Sure, when?”

“Now. I’ll even share my lunch.” DJ gave Ranger a rub on his nose. Major nickered in the next stall. “Come on, guy, let’s get saddled.” She led the big horse out and tied him in front of the tack room. By the time she’d answered fifteen questions from her students, found a missing brush, and finished saddling Major, twenty minutes had passed.

Amy met her at the gate. “Where’s Joe?”

“Coming. If I don’t get out of here, the munchkins will snag me again. They’re so jealous about our trail ride, they’re turning green.” DJ opened the gate. “Let’s wait up the trail a bit.”

Just then Joe rode up, followed by Tony Andrada. “Hope it’s okay. I asked Tony if he’d like to come along.”

DJ stared at Joe. What could she say? Tony Andrada, the creep of all creeps. What a way to ruin a so-far perfect day.

“Fine, why not?” She could tell from the look on Tony’s face that he understood her sarcastic comment. He didn’t look as if he wanted to be with them, either.

DJ and Amy trotted their horses up the tree-shaded trail. Off to the right snaked a gully that ran with water during the winter. Squirrels scolded the riders for invading their territory, and scrub jays squawked their own brand of insults. When they could ride side by side, DJ and Amy hung on to the lead. Single file, DJ went ahead. She didn’t want to be any closer to Tony than she had to, and right now she wasn’t at all happy with her grandfather. The nerve of Joe, inviting Creepo along. He knew how she felt about the guy.

The ride wasn’t nearly as much fun as she’d thought it would be. It was all Tony’s fault.

Once they reached the open meadows, she nudged Major into a canter. “Come on, Ames, let’s go.” The two galloped along the fire road that curved around the meadow and up to the Briones Crest Trail. Sunlight, blue sky, even a puffy cloud or two. The day was definitely improving. Horse hooves pounded the packed dirt road, a steer bellowing at their interruption. DJ laughed—without Tony, it would have been perfect.

At a shout behind them, DJ turned in the saddle to see Tony galloping across the meadow. He was not keeping to the fire road.

“Oh, fiddle. That stupid—” Before she could finish her sentence, Tony’s horse stumbled. Tony yelled and flew through the air, landing crumpled on the ground.

Horrified, DJ reigned Major around, and she and Amy pelted back to the fallen boy. Joe rode up at the same moment, dismounting in a fluid motion and throwing the reins to DJ.

At the look on his face, DJ shook her head. “It’s not my fault. I never thought Tony was stupid enough to ride through the gopher holes.”

The sternness in Joe’s eyes silenced her.

He
 thought it was her fault.

Tony hadn’t moved. His horse stood, head hanging, one hoof barely touching the ground.

God, please don’t let him be really hurt. I’m sorry. Please.

DJ and Amy dismounted, keeping their gaze on Joe, who was examining Tony for broken bones.

Tony groaned. “I . . . I can’t breathe.” A whisper. He raised his head. “My horse?”

“Do you hurt anywhere?” Joe rested back on his heels, his hands gentle as they unbuckled the boy’s helmet.

“Everywhere.” He wiggled his hands and feet. “But I’m not broken anywhere.” With Joe’s assistance, he sat up. When he held up his head, the bruise that was fast turning purple shone bright. He lifted a hand to touch it and flinched.

“Are you dizzy? Feel like throwing up? Sharp pain anywhere?”

Tony shook his head at the questions. “Just got knocked out, that’s all. Y’all needn’t worry about me.” He looked up at Amy. “Thanks for catching my horse.”

“He didn’t run off. His leg is hurt too bad.”

DJ hunkered down and inspected the already swelling foreleg. “I don’t think it’s broken, just sprained. He can put his weight on it but is limping pretty bad.”

Tony let Joe help him to his feet. At the first step, he nearly fell. “Ow!” He grabbed his leg. “Talk about sprains.” He pressed against the side of his boot.

“Don’t take it off—the boot will help keep the swelling down.”

“Should we go tell Bridget to bring up the van?” Amy asked Joe. “If fire trucks can make it up here, she can, too.”

“Let’s give it a moment and see how both Tony and the horse feel.” Joe turned to his saddlebags. “I brought cans of soda for everyone. Tony, you sit there and prop your foot on that rock. DJ, Amy—you brought food, right?”