Maybe Baby (6 page)

“I appreciate that, Trey.”

And then he was gone.

Chapter 6

Early the next morning Denise barreled through my hospital door, carrying a bag of clothes with her. “Ray let me into your cottage sweetie. I got you a pair of jeans, bra, panties, tee shirt, and these sneakers. Will that do?”

“Denise, you’re an angel,” I said.

As Denise drove us back to Sinclair Stables, I quizzed her. “Have I missed anything good since I’ve been out of commission?”

“Well, honey, I’m not sure what you consider
good
. Let’s see. I did hear Ray say that Derringer is eating well again. He was on a little bit of a hunger strike from missing you and all. Oh and the races will start over at the track Saturday evening. Everybody’s excited about that. Ray said you're to take it easy today and he'll stop over later to fill you in on your revised schedule.”

“I can hardly wait to get back to work. I feel perfectly fine, you know. I hope Trey didn’t tell Ray to schedule me somewhere boring, like over at the Belle.”

“Well, whatever you're instructed to do, Tylar, it’s for your own good. Keep that in mind, you hear?”

“Yes, Mom,” I teased.

Pulling down the long drive at the Sinclair estate, I spotted Clint and Luke out in the pasture, exercising Ariel and the brown chestnut, Socrates. Both horses were being worked to race at the track over at the Belle. Denise tapped her horn, getting Luke and Clint’s attention. I waved eagerly at them from the passenger seat. Clint recognized me immediately, pulling off his hat and waving it back and forth while Socrates, startled by the car horn, pranced.

“I want to help them get the quarters ready for this weekend’s races.”

“Well I wouldn’t count on doing that anytime soon, hun.”

“What do you mean?” I turned to look at her
.

“It’s just that when Trey came by early this morning to speak with Ray, uhh, I did hear a few things.”

“Spill it, Denise."

“He instructed Ray that under no circumstances were you to be working in the stables, exercising the horses, or even pleasure riding until further notice.”

“What?” I exclaimed. “What will I do, then?”

“I think maybe you'll be working over at the Belle,” she said, almost inaudibly.

“Dressing up and giving tours?”

“No, no,” she assured me.

I felt some relief.

“I think you're scheduled to work in the main building.”

Oh Jeez! There were just old ladies in that building working the gift shop, restaurant, and special event planning. I looked over at Denise.

“It won’t be forever. He’s just worried about you after what you’ve been through and all. I heard him tell Ray about your nightmare. I really do think it shook Trey up. I’ve never seen him so concerned about anyone like he is with you. Seems to me he’s quite protective of you, sweetie.”

I gave her a sidelong glance, with an unspoken
Puleeze
.

“I don’t care if you believe me or not, you’ll see in time.”

“I had a concussion, Denise. Of course I was having dreams, nightmares, whatever. But there was nothing on those discharge papers saying anything about me not riding or working around horses.”

“He’s just being a bit over-protective, sweetie, you know after that accident back there in—” She stopped abruptly, realizing that she'd said too much.

“C’mon Denise, finish what you started. I’ve already heard some rumors about him and a fiancée that ditched him. Tell me what you know.”

“Listen here, if you want to know what happened, you need to ask Trey. I don't like to talk out of turn."

That was the end of the conversation.

      
      
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

Once back in my cottage, I relaxed on the couch, reminiscing about our house in Kentucky and what it had been like growing up there. I'd always been given chores. By the time I turned seven years old my chores included doing the dishes, taking the trash out, cleaning my room, and folding my own laundry. By the time I was thirteen, I was responsible for cleaning the whole house on Saturdays, earning $20 a week.

I liked Saturdays because Mom would allow me to have my new best friend Laurie over on Friday nights to spend the night with me. Laurie’s mom, Mona, and my mom were good friends. Mona was about the only female friend that I remembered Mom having. They lived five blocks from us. Laurie would come home from school with me on Fridays. After Mom got off work, she'd bring a pizza home for us and let us stay up until midnight.

On Saturday, Mona would come by and pick Laurie up at noon. That's when my chores began. I'd put clean sheets on the beds, then start cleaning the rest of the house. Mom left right at 1 p.m. for her weekly appointment at the spa. She'd get a facial, pedicure, manicure, and her hair styled. She'd stop at the grocery to get stuff for dinner.

Saturday was Mom’s "date night" so that's when I would stay overnight at Laurie's. Mona would come by with Laurie to pick me up, just as Mom was starting dinner for her date. Laurie said her mom was the same way on her Friday date nights. I guess that’s why Laurie slept over at my house on her mom’s date nights. We had a lot in common. Neither one of us had any family except for our mothers.

I was startled from my sleepy memories by the sound of my cell phone ringing. I jumped up to answer it. “Hello?”

“I trust you got home and settled okay.”

It was Trey’s “business” voice and my stomach did a flip-flop. I wanted his smooth and silky voice back.

“Yes,” I answered softly. “Everything went fine. I feel fine. I'm ready to go back to work and dig in.”

I was curious as to whether he was going to divulge my new assignment, or leave the dirty work to Ray when he came by later.

“Tylar, Ray was supposed to stop by this evening after his shift to discuss the schedule we worked out for you for the next couple of weeks. Unfortunately, when I just now called him, he has been delayed by an early delivery of a foal over at the Belle. He's staying there waiting for the vet. Since he hasn’t had the opportunity to discuss the specifics with you, I wanted to give you a call to let you know to just take it easy tomorrow until Ray can get with you about next week’s schedule.”

“Why don’t you go ahead and fill me in, Trey. I already know I’m scheduled to work over at the Belle. Are you punishing me for some reason?”

“Not that I owe you an explanation, but to answer your question, you're not being punished. I simply must make appropriate decisions in the best interest of the business and minimize any risk of re-injury to you.”

"I'm sorry I snapped," I replied. “It’s just that I know that with the races starting this weekend and all, the rest of the group can probably use all of the help they can get prepping the horses. I can be of more assistance at the stables than anywhere else. I can make sure that I don’t over-do it.” My voice was soft and sweet. “Please, Trey?”

“I know what you're trying to do, Tylar,” he said, firmly. “It isn’t working. You'll start your assignment over at the La Vie Belle on Monday. Ray will fill you in on the details sometime before then. This is non-negotiable, understood?"

“Yeah, yeah,” I replied rolling my eyes and not bothering to hide my irritation. “What about Derringer?”

“What about him?”

“Can I at
least
take care of him when I’m off the clock?”

“No,” he answered. “I want you to distance yourself from the horses until your follow-up appointment with the doctor.”

“My discharge papers don’t say anything about my not being allowed around horses.” There was silence on the other end. I heard soft music in the background.

Where is he?

“Hello? Are you there?” I asked.

“Ah yes, I’m sorry. This really isn't a good time to discuss the details of your schedule. I’ve made myself clear from the company's standpoint, and I believe that you're clear on what's to take place on Monday, correct?”

Just then, I heard a female voice speaking to Trey. His attempt to cover the mouthpiece was less than perfect. The voice sounded like the same one I remembered from the hospital. Charlotte. It sounded as if she was saying something to him about dinner being served, did she say “Don’t keep me waiting, baby?”

Trey shifted his voice back to me, “Are you there?”

“I am,” I replied coolly.

“So you're clear on what I expect and that you'll adhere to your schedule on Monday.”

“Right. Monday,” I repeated. “Yep, I'm clear about Monday.”

“Okay, then,” he said. “Please rest up until then.”

“Will do," I lied.

Tomorrow was Friday and I had no plans to “take it easy.” I needed to busy myself with the horses. Since I wasn't officially assigned to the Belle until Monday, I was still technically following the rules. I'd get a good night's rest and be back in action tomorrow.

Chapter 8

My sleep was restless. The phone call with Trey left me with a cluttered mind. I was tossing and turning until finally blessed sleep came, but with it, a disturbing dream tagged along.

It spawned from a memory of when I was 13 years old.

It's a particular Saturday. Mona and Laurie have picked me up from my house to spend the usual Saturday night with Laurie

We've been hanging out at a video arcade about a block from her house the past few Saturday evenings. Mona lets us walk down there and then she picks us up promptly at 9 p.m. Laurie and I are both interested in boys, but the problem is, we both like the same boy. His name is Kyle; he is fifteen years old and, to us, he seems practically all grown up.

Laurie talks her mom into letting us stay later tonight at the Video Palace. She lies and says it's her friend Vanessa's birthday, and her parents are hosting a party there. Mona buys it and we're clear to stay there until eleven. Laurie tells her Vanessa's parents are giving us a ride home.

“How easy was that?” Laurie laughs, as we are getting ready in her room.

“Is there really a Vanessa?” I ask.

“Of course there is,” Laurie replies. “You always use a real name with something like this. And the good part is Vanessa is going to be at Video Palace when we get there. She has used the same story with her parents.” I'm amazed at Laurie’s skillful manipulation.

“Is Kyle going to be there, too?” I question nervously.

“Of course he is, dummy,” she answers. She sees the look of despair on my face.

“Look Ty,” she says, “I know that we both like him. We're best friends, too. There is no way that we should let a boy come between us, right?”

I nod, not sure where this is going.

“Here's what I suggest,” Laurie continues, in her most grown-up voice. “Let’s just see how things shake out. I mean, other guys will be there too. Vanessa’s boyfriend is bringing some of his friends. Maybe I'll meet someone better than Kyle. Maybe you will. Either way, no boy is worth ruining a friendship over.”

“I agree, Laurie.”

“Pinky promise?” she asks, offering her pinky up.

“Pinky promise,” I reply, linking my right pinky with hers.

Mona drops us off at the Video Palace. Once inside, the music is blasting. A taller, blond girl approaches us almost immediately--Vanessa. She has more make-up on than even Laurie. I guess her to be sixteen years of age at least. They click immediately, giggling at what they pulled off. Laurie introduces me to Vanessa, and then quickly asks if the guys are here yet.

“They’re out in the car waiting for us,” Vanessa answers, smiling mischievously.

“Cool,” Laurie says, turning to me. “C’mon Ty, we be partying!”

“You mean we aren’t staying here?” I ask.

“No way,” Laurie replies. “You heard Vanessa; the guys are out back in the car waiting for us."

“But who's old enough to drive?” I ask.

“Vanessa's boyfriend, Justin,” she responds.

“Oh Laurie, I don’t know. I don’t think this is a good idea. Your mom might find out. She’ll tell my mom. We’d both be in a lot of trouble.”

Laurie looks at me as if I've grown two heads.

“What are you worried about?” she demands, incredulous that I'm not gung-ho on the whole idea.

“Do you really think either of our moms gives a damn about where we are or what we're doing?”

“Why wouldn’t they?” I ask.

Immediately her whole demeanor shifts. I feel like I'm from another planet by the way Laurie is staring at me. She lashes out. “What exactly do you think DATE night is?”

I stare at her wondering what the hell she's getting at here.

“You're really clueless aren’t you?” she asks without venom in her voice this time. It’s as if she suddenly feels sorry for me. I’m not sure which is worse. “Here’s the deal,” she continues, “What we have waiting for us in a car are several really, really hot guys, including Kyle. Vanessa’s guy, Justin, is driving. They are willing to take us to a house where we can get a buzz going, and then you know, whatever happens, happens. Are you in?"

“I don’t think so, Laurie,” I answer firmly.

“Well, now what?” she asks, throwing her arms up, totally exasperated with my ignorance and my unwillingness to follow.

“Hey, not to worry,” I respond lightly. "My house is four blocks from here. I'll go on home. Just tell your mom I didn’t feel well and left Vanessa’s party early and went home when she picks you up tonight.”

“But it’s your mom’s DATE night,” she whines, emphatically. “My mom will bust my ass if she finds out.”

“That’s too bad,” I reply. “I just know that my mom wouldn't appreciate my going with you and this group and getting involved in that kind of stuff.”

“Oh really?” she snickers, not attempting to hide her amusement. “Let me know how that works out for you, Tylar,” she snaps.

I walk home and quietly let myself in. It's only 8:30; not even dark yet. The dining room is dark. I can see that the dinner dishes are still on the table, left exactly as they were when Mom and her boyfriend finished dinner. I step into the kitchen and switch the lights on. An empty bottle of wine is on the counter. It looks like Mom cooked her infamous roasted veal with baby red potatoes and spinach salad. All the candles are snuffed out.