He didn’t want to make this more awkward than it already felt.
VINCE WONDERED what Dustin planned to do with the puppy—whom he had named Tally—while Vince was competing that night, but apparently both she and Xander behaved well enough that Dustin could handle both of them.
Despite winning, Vince couldn’t help feeling a little sad that there was only one week left of competition for this show. He realized that he loved the crowds and he loved living out of the trailer, even if it wasn’t the most luxurious way to live. There were other shows on his calendar where they would need to use the trailer, but would the crowd follow too? Maybe some would.
THE ADOPTION woman had been right about Tally keeping them awake. She cried in her cage until Dustin got down on the floor to sleep next to her with his fingers through the bars. Vince was amazed that she quieted down then.
“Bring her up here,” he called down to Dustin. “Bring the whole crate up. Don’t sleep on the metal floor.”
Dustin carefully handed up the crate and Vince helped him position it on Dustin’s side of the bed. He had never expected to share his bed with a dog. He didn’t have anything against dogs; he’d just never really wanted one.
“Thanks,” Dustin murmured. He gave Vince a kiss, then settled down again, once more weaving his fingers through the bars on the crate.
Vince smiled and slipped his arm over Dustin to hold him. “You’re welcome.”
VINCE DID take Jane’s advice, and made an excuse to leave Dustin for a while on Monday so he could go shopping.
“Your birthday is a week away and I still haven’t gotten you anything,” Vince told him. “So will you be okay here without me for an hour or two?”
Dustin waved him off. “I was going to get a new collar and leash for Tally but I can wait until tomorrow.”
“You don’t like what she has now?” Vince asked, curious.
“The pink is overkill,” Dustin complained. “Pretty much everyone knows about us, and here I am with a dog on a pink leash. I’ve never liked pink.”
“Me neither, but Xander has pink jumping boots.”
Dustin sighed. “You have a reason for that, though. Plus, this is one of those super cheap leashes that isn’t going to last very long and I want something durable. And a collar I can adjust as she grows.”
“At least you didn’t adopt a little dog,” Vince pointed out with a smile.
Dustin chuckled. “I guess you’re right. I’ve got a Lab–pit bull mix.”
This was the first time Vince had heard what the Lab mix actually was. “Is that what the paperwork says?”
Dustin nodded and picked Tally up in his arms. “But let’s just tell everyone else she’s a Lab mix. I know pit bulls have a bad rep but I also know it’s all in the training.”
“Right,” Vince agreed. “We don’t need people thinking they should be afraid of her.”
Dustin gave Vince a kiss on the cheek and held Tally close so she could do the same thing. Vince smiled and kissed them both.
“Text me if you think of anything you need.”
“Will do.”
Chapter Eighteen
VINCE FOUND a shopping mall a short drive from the showgrounds and set about trying to find Dustin a birthday present. Eventually he settled on a pocket knife—everyone at home had one with them at all times while working, for cutting baling twine or feed bags or anything else. Having scissors around was just risking them being misplaced. Dustin had never gotten around to getting a knife, though he always said he felt bad borrowing everyone else’s. So Vince decided to finally buy him one, along with a bag of Dustin’s favorite candy. Food was always a good choice for anyone.
Then he hesitated outside a jewelry store. He took a moment to second-guess himself and caught sight of a display of charms in a window case. He knew Jane had one of those fancy charm bracelets, and it seemed to him that buying her a thank-you gift was a good, easy reason to get him into the store. Once he was inside there would be no turning back.
As soon as he walked in the door, a young, moderately overweight woman approached him. “How can I help you?”
“I want to get something for a friend who has been doing me a huge favor.” He motioned to the display of charms. “Would any of those be a good choice?”
The saleswoman—her tag read Kathy—gave him a playful look that Vince didn’t much like. “How good of a friend?”
Vince shook his head. “She’s a good friend, but not that kind of friend. Nor do I want her to be.” Never again, anyway.
The look faded quickly and Kathy nodded. “I think I can show you a few options that wouldn’t send the wrong message. What has she been doing for you, if you don’t mind me asking? Having an idea of what it is may help in choosing something.”
Vince followed her to the display. “She’s been acting as my accountant since January, and she won’t take any payment for it.”
Kathy seemed surprised. “That is a pretty huge favor.”
“We were together at one point,” Vince explained. “We have a son. The breakup was mutual and we’ve stayed close to raise him together as much as possible. So it really is just a favor.”
This didn’t seem to clear up much of her confusion, but Vince didn’t care. She could have clarification later.
It took ten minutes for him to choose from the numerous options she showed him. The charm was essentially a silver ball covered in tiny stones in pale shades of blue and yellow, among some white ones. It was hardly worth whatever monetary compensation Jane should have gotten for helping him out all winter, but he knew she’d be annoyed with him if he did much more.
“Is there anything else?” Kathy asked as she got the charm packaged into a box that was far too big for it.
He cleared his throat. “Yeah. Do you, uh, have engagement rings? For men?”
Kathy suddenly smiled. “That’s why she’s just a friend?”
Vince nodded. “Yes.”
“We don’t have a lot,” she told him, motioning for him to follow her across the room. “We don’t really advertise them as engagement rings, just more elaborate wedding bands. But they’ll probably work.”
There were two other employees in the store. Both were older men and weren’t helping customers, so they could easily overhear what Kathy said. Vince ignored their looks and focused on the tray of rings Kathy got out for him.
For having only a small selection, it was still overwhelming to choose one. He finally settled on a silver ring with three small diamonds set in it. When he told her he didn’t have time to come back again to pick it up after having it engraved, she put a rush on it and promised it would be done in an hour, rather than letting him go without getting it done. Vince insisted on paying extra for the rush, then made sure he got insurance for the thing and cleaner. Working with horses probably wasn’t easy on jewelry with stones.
If Dustin even wore it.
Vince pushed that thought as far to the back of his mind as he could. Positive thoughts.
HE MADE sure to show Dustin the charm he bought for Jane when he got back, mainly to keep him from wondering what was in the jewelry store bag if he found it in Vince’s clothes chest. He put the knife and candy in a grocery store bag and hid it in the same place. He didn’t really care if Dustin found that early. The ring was far riskier.
VINCE TOOK charge of Tally while Dustin went on his own shopping trip the next day. After checking Xander, he took Tally for a long walk all over the showgrounds, pausing for water and rest periodically. At one point, though, she decided she was too tired to keep going. She wasn’t panting heavily, so Vince guessed she was just too young to walk long distances. He scooped her up in his arms and she snuggled against him.
When he started walking again, he caught sight of the board outside the show office nearby. They were advertising a grooms’ class for that Friday. Vince grabbed a form and asked one of the officials how the class worked. By the time he got back to the trailer with the information, Dustin w
as back. Vince found the new collar and leash—in black—along with some new toys and a bag of treats.
Dustin appeared from the bathroom and smiled at him. “Hey. I got a big bag of puppy food for her but I stuck it in the trailer,” he explained, pointing with his thumb toward the connecting door in the bathroom that led to the stalls. “I didn’t want her chewing it open.”
“Good idea.” Vince let Tally off her leash. She bounded over to Dustin with her tail wagging wildly.
Dustin got down to say hello, and when he stood up again he noticed the paper in Vince’s hand. “What’s that?”
Vince handed over the form. “They’re having a grooms’ class on Friday. I thought you might like to do it.”
“Am I supposed to ride?” Dustin asked, scanning the form.
“No,” Vince clarified, moving closer to put an arm around Dustin. “You just get Xander all ready like he’s about to compete, and you get judged on how well you do it. Just have him and the tack looking good, and present yourself well. They’ll probably ask you what you carry in that backpack you use too. Whoever seems to do the best job is the winner. Totally subjective, but I thought you’d like to know it was going on in case you wanted to try it.”
Dustin nodded. “That sounds cool. I’ll do it.” He smiled at Vince. “Maybe I’ll even win my own ribbon for once.”
Vince grinned and kissed him. “I hope so.”
VINCE GOT an immense sense of pride watching Dustin compete in the grooms’ class on Friday afternoon. Dustin had brushed Xander until his dark bay coat practically glowed. He’d used a whitening product on Xander’s three white leg markings to make them seem brighter. Xander’s mane and tail had not a single strand out of place and his tack was spotless.
And Dustin looked great too, Vince immediately noticed. He wore new jeans that fit him perfectly, black paddock boots that he’d cleaned with Vince’s boot polish the night before, and a dark blue polo shirt tucked neatly into his jeans. He also had his small blue backpack full of emergency grooming items, treats, and first aid supplies—all for horse and human.
Vince and Tally watched from the arena fence as the judges made their way down the line of entrants—seven others besides Dustin and Xander. Each horse was carefully looked over and each groom was asked questions while the judges wrote notes on a clipboard.
When they finally announced the top six competitors, Vince found himself holding his breath. He could easily see that Dustin was better than many of the other grooms, but there were also several others who looked to be on par with him. With each place that was awarded, Vince got more excited. There was no way he was one of the two not to place at all.
“In second place, Dustin O’Brien and Sir Galaxy.”
Vince didn’t bother trying to hold back his “Woo-hoo!” as he applauded as loudly as he could. There weren’t many people in the stands, but those who were watching applauded with him, just as he had politely applauded the others.
“And would you look at that?” the announcer went on. “This horse can even win his groom a ribbon! I’ll be saying his name in my sleep soon.”
Dustin looked over at Vince from the arena and grinned. Vince grinned back.
When Vince walked to the stables after the class with Dustin and Xander, Dustin still couldn’t stop smiling.
“That was really cool. I never thought I’d like getting judged on how well I do this job.”
Vince smiled and squeezed Dustin’s hand. “And you do awesome. Did they tell you what you lost points on?”
Dustin nodded. “The girl who won braided her horse’s mane and tail. It wasn’t a requirement but she got bonus points, which put her ahead.” He shrugged. “I don’t really care, though. I don’t think I’d have the patience to learn to do that.”
“Me neither,” Vince agreed. He paused to pull in Tally’s leash when he saw another dog headed their way, then asked, “How’s it feel to win a ribbon of your own?”
Dustin looked at the red rosette pinned to Xander’s bridle. “I think it’ll take me a while to catch up with you.”
Vince laughed in response, but when they arrived at Xander’s stall, he stopped Dustin by putting a hand on his shoulder before he led Xander inside.
“I’m proud of you,” he said with sincerity he felt to his bones. He leaned close and gave Dustin a light kiss on the lips.
True and utter happiness shone in Dustin’s eyes. “Thank you.”
Chapter Nineteen
THERE WAS a noticeable shift in the atmosphere of the showgrounds between Friday night and Saturday morning. It was the final day of international competition, and the final Grand Prix was that evening. Really it was the grand finale of the show series; the class with the biggest money and, if the rumors Vince had heard were true, the course was going to be the toughest yet. On top of that was the fact that, if Vince won, he would hit the million-dollar mark. He’d already broken the show record for the most prize money won in the twelve-week series—not to mention that he’d broken records for the sport in general with his wins too—but having that record amount set at a million dollars would be a hell of an achievement. Second place would leave him short by around five thousand dollars, which Vince would end up blaming on that one stupid fall.
The crowds started building before noon, which was insane considering the Grand Prix wasn’t until seven that night and not much else was going on. Vince spent more time than usual dodging the equestrian press and paparazzi and spent most of his time in the secure stable area with Xander.
He did venture out to give one interview, though. Tom from the gay news agency that he still couldn’t remember the name of had returned and wanted another chance to talk to him. The interview was mostly about how he thought the show had gone and what his plans were for the future, but he also agreed to meet him again Sunday morning for another brief interview about the final class. He’d wanted it that night, but after Vince explained how many other people were going to be after him whether he won or lost, he agreed on Sunday.
As the day wore on Vince couldn’t avoid the other riders who wanted to wish him luck. He had the feeling that most of them were sincere at least. He even got a text from Jason wishing him luck and promising to watch that night. Apparently the guy was excited enough about the possibility of a construction contract to act extra friendly. Vince appreciated it.
Vince didn’t like admitting that he was nervous, even to himself, but when he walked the course that evening he had to take multiple deep breaths.
The crowd seemed much louder than usual, blending with the sound of the live band that was there to cover all the current hit pop songs. Vince tried to focus on the fences and on checking the distance between each one. Almost every fence seemed to be at the maximum height of five foot three, and the wide oxers were also near the maximum width of six and a half feet. It was going to be an endurance test for every horse and rider, that was clear.
A couple of riders casually asked Vince for his opinion of the course and how it should be ridden. Vince had no desire to talk to them, though. Not because he had some supersecret strategy to win, but because he didn’t want to be the guy to give bad advice. He tried not to be rude, though, so he gave a neutral response about how he’d ride it with his own horse.
That got him some nods and shrugs, but he knew it wasn’t specific enough to be helpful. He didn’t really care. It was all he could do to keep his own head.
It wasn’t especially helpful that he rode near the very end of the order. The class consisted of forty-six pairs, and Vince and Xander went forty-fourth. Even though he didn’t watch the others, he could hear the crowd’s reactions and the announcer declaring the number of faults each pair had finished with. By the halfway point, not a single pair had ridden clear. Two had left every rail up but had earned time faults for going over the allowed time.
The only good thing Vince saw in this was that as long as he and Xander kept all the rails up, they could take a single time fault and force a jump-off
with the other pairs that had earned a single fault.
Then they got to the fortieth pair in the order. Theo Welch and Starbound, the same pair Vince had narrowly beaten to make his half-million-dollar mark. That somehow seemed like ages ago and just yesterday at once. This time they were the first pair not to knock a rail or take a time fault.
Vince and Xander had no choice but to go clear and under the time now.
Dustin grasped his hand tightly. “You got this.”
Vince glanced at him and smiled. “I’ll try.”
By the time his round came it was still only Theo and Starbound with a clear round. Vince ignored the crowd as he trotted Xander into the arena, took a deep breath, and reminded himself that winning really didn’t matter in the scheme of things.
When had he gotten so competitive anyway?
Xander, unlike Vince, didn’t tune out the crowd. The sound only seemed to spur him on to give his best performance. Vince held his breath over every jump, groaned once when he heard hoof hit rail, and breathed again when the crowd cheered. But he didn’t really breathe easily until they pounded past the finish mark and he looked up at the scoreboard.
Just under the allowed time. No faults.
They were in the jump-off.
Vince grinned brightly and laughed to himself. He didn’t even realize he’d made a triumphant fist at his hip until he started rubbing Xander’s neck.
At the gate he jumped off and yanked Dustin into what he intended to be a fierce hug. Tally barked at being almost squished between them and they both laughed. With a quick kiss, they switched charges and Vince discovered the calming effects of cuddling a puppy. He needed it.
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