by Lynn Steward
“That’s terrific, Patti. You both deserve success after so much hard work. And speaking of work, I have to meet with Helen and then visit the main floor. It’s been great catching up.” Andrew stood hastily and picked up his tray.
“Have a good afternoon,” Patti said. “I’ll tell Jack you said hi.”
Andrew nodded and left. His entire body was shaking by the time he arrived at his office.
Andrew tried to work, but his mind was too distracted. Had his relationship with Jack been a sham? How could Jack resume his life so quickly, especially after pleading with him for time to explain his situation with Patti? And yet after only a few days, a more relaxed Jack Hartlen was talking with his wife about taking a romantic vacation. Had Andrew merely been an experiment, something Jack had indulged in as a counterbalance to the pressures of relocating from Texas? It was a distinct possibility. Some straight men did indeed try an alternate sexual lifestyle for a brief time before reverting back to their longstanding orientation. But Jack had been so forthcoming when pouring out his heart during the many hours the two men had sat and talked in Andrew’s apartment.
Something didn’t add up. A piece of the puzzle was missing, but Andrew wasn’t inclined to call Jack to find out what it was. Andrew had declared that he would have nothing to do with Jack unless he extricated himself from his marriage, and gauging from what Patti had told him over lunch, Jack was acting once again like a model husband.
For the rest of the day, Andrew went through the motions, performing his job adequately but with little enthusiasm. He left promptly at five and arrived at the Out of Bounds less than an hour later.
“Hey there,” Chad Collins said, swiveling in his seat at the bar. “Make yourself comfortable and have a drink.”
Andrew sat without saying anything for a full minute. “I haven’t seen you since the other night. I thought you stopped in every evening.”
“I usually do, but I’ve been of town on business for the past two days. Hey, are you trying to say that you missed my company, wit, and charm? If so—” Collins opened his arms wide. “Here I am!”
“Yeah,” Andrew said. “Something like that.”
“Then why don’t we pick up where we left off?”
“Sure. Why not.”
Andrew ordered a gin and tonic. Two hours later, the men once again returned to Collins’ apartment.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Dana and Mark arrived at Judd’s at eight o’clock on Friday night, Wills having been boarded in Manhattan. Judd’s farm sat on ten acres near the trails of the Muttontown Preserve and was home to six stables, with his stone house situated on the western end of the property. After settling into their second-floor guest suite, they went downstairs and had drinks with Judd and Margaret before eating a light supper, speaking mostly of Judd’s latest acquisitions, which included a Belgian Warmblood, an Irish Sport Horse, and a Friesian. Later, when Margaret gave Dana a tour of the house, Mark and Judd discussed trading and the plan to have Irwin manufacture a line for B. Altman. Dana and Mark went to their room by eleven, however, since they planned on getting up at six and hitting the trails by seven-thirty the following day.
After breakfast on Saturday morning, Dana rode an American Quarter Horse, Mark an Oldenburg. The horses walked along trails cutting through upland forests in which grew oak, red cedar, birch, black walnut, sumac, and cottonwood. It was a warm, sunny day that stood in stark contrast to the shadows cast over the streets of Manhattan.
“You were right,” Dana remarked when they stopped on a trail cutting across an old estate road. “Early morning is the most beautiful time to be on the trails. I love the way the morning dew sparkles on the leaves, and the air is so fresh and sweet. Did Judd or Margaret grow up in the area?”
“No, they found the house and property when they visited one summer. Before Christmas they packed up, left Manhattan, and never looked back. I think a couple of weekends a month is all we would need to relax and unwind. This is countrified living at its best. The land has everything—nature swamps, glacial ponds, and abundant wildlife.”
“I saw a box turtle about half a mile back,” Dana said.
“They have red foxes here as well, although it’s rare to catch a glimpse of one since they’re both stealthy and quick. But just look around,” Mark said lifting himself off his saddle a few inches and craning his neck. “I couldn’t begin to count the number of bird species.”
“I love it,” Dana said. “It’s everything you promised it would be.”
“And I love your being here by my side. You’re doing pretty well on that horse, by the way.”
“I’m not doing anything but sitting. The horse seems to be doing all the work.”
“But you’re sitting properly and getting used to being in the saddle, and that’s what counts. You’re relaxed. And we’re both going to stay that way for the entire weekend, I may add. Amanda will arrive sometime this morning, and other than dinner tonight, I doubt we’ll even see her, although I promised to watch one of her practice sessions with Paul today or tomorrow.”
“I was wrong to be so worried,” Dana said. “She’s your daughter, and I need to trust your instincts more. Margaret said that she’d take me to a farmers market this afternoon, so don’t worry about spending time with Amanda. I’ll be fine.”
“I’m just glad that you trusted my instincts when I asked you out. I wasn’t sure you’d say yes.”
“You mean you weren’t sure I’d say yes so quickly,” Dana laughed. “You were probably prepared to work a little harder.”
“I was prepared to do whatever was necessary,” Mark said.
“Obviously I felt the same way or I wouldn’t be sitting on this horse,” Dana said. “We do share a determination to get what we want.”
Mark smiled as the horses moved forward again. “I think we both know each other pretty well, but you know the best part of it?”
“What?”
“We’re just getting started.”
The pair rode on, listening to the sounds of the rustling leaves and the birds. Dana adored the pastoral setting and the slow, easy gait of the horse. She shook her head and smiled as she recalled her mother’s dire warning on the dangers of horseback riding. Jaywalking in Manhattan posed a greater threat. As for the dangers of dating a forty-two year old man, that, too, seemed ludicrous. There was no way she would ever again be interested in a man her own age, one who was going through the growing pains of establishing a career. Once was enough. It was now time to focus on her career, and Mark was lovingly and enthusiastically supporting her. Right now, she longed for nothing more.
• • •
Amanda arrived at eleven o’clock. Judd greeted her personally, helping her unload her bags from the car.
“Welcome to your home for the summer!” Judd said, picking up her suitcase and leather tote bag. “Let’s get you settled in so you and Paul can get started right after lunch. Your father’s out riding, but I expect him back before too long.”
Judd and Amanda proceeded into the house, where Judd paused momentarily to hand Amanda a brown package. “This came for you a couple of days ago. I think your Dad’s been at it again.”
Amanda took the box and saw that the return address indicated that it was from Miller’s.
“No, I think they’re the khaki breeches that I had to backorder,” Amanda said as they moved to the staircase. “Thanks, Judd.”
Arriving at her room, Judd made sure that Amanda was comfortable and said, “I’ll tell Paul that you’ve arrived and notify the kitchen that you’ll be joining us for lunch.”
“Thanks,” Amanda said, suddenly curious to open the box that felt a bit heavy for two pairs of breeches. Perhaps it was a surprise gift from her father.
She eagerly tore off the brown parcel paper and opened the box to find a brown tweed hacking jacket, which she quickly tried on. The sleeves were a little long, and a tailor would have to nip in the waist, but it was perfect and she loved it. Sh
e decided to change into her riding clothes and wear the jacket to lunch. As she gathered up the tissue paper, she noticed another small gift-wrapped package. Smiling, she carefully untied the burlap ribbon and removed the hunter-green paper. Lifting the top of the crème-colored box, she gasped with excitement when she saw a green enamel dragonfly ascot pin.
“It’s beautiful!” she said aloud to an empty room. “I love you, Dad.”
She then spied a card in a small gift envelope and opened it. Her excitement faded immediately, blood draining from her face, as she read the message on the card.
For Dana, the prettiest equestrian on the trails and in my heart. Love, Mark
Amanda was crestfallen. It was a foregone conclusion that Miller’s thought the package was for her when they saw it was being sent by Mark, who sent all her riding clothes to Judd’s. She recalled how her dad had told her that he’d outfitted Dana the previous week. But the words stung her each time she forced her eyes to look down at the card. Prettiest. Equestrian. Heart. Love. Was her father in love with this woman? And how could he dare call her an equestrian?
Amanda burst into tears, throwing the pin and the card to the floor before she curled into a ball on the bed and sobbed for several minutes. She felt alone, betrayed, even unloved despite her father’s reassurances over the past week. She recalled his words from their last conversation. I’m expecting you to act like an adult. Did that include having to look at her father’s endearing message to his girlfriend? Was that part of being an adult?
More than ever, Amanda didn’t want Dana in her father’s life—or hers, not even in the most casual way. Amanda succumbed to a fresh wave of tears. For Dana, the prettiest equestrian on the trails and in my heart. Love, Mark. In an instant, all of Amanda’s fond memories of time spent riding with her dad were erased. When it came to the trails, she was no longer the prettiest girl in her father’s eyes. The black ink said so, written in his own hand. She would give him the pin and the jacket, obviously another gift for his girlfriend, when he returned to the house, but she wasn’t sure what she would do after that.
Someone tapped lightly on the door.
“Yes?” Amanda said.
“Your father’s back,” Judd announced. “Why don’t you come downstairs, and we can all have lunch together.”
“Okay,” Amanda said weakly. “On my way.”
Amanda took a deep breath and summoned up every ounce of strength to lift herself off the bed. She took off the jacket and picked up the pin, her hand grasping it tightly until it pressed into the flesh of her palm. She then walked down the stairs, but she wasn’t prepared for what she saw in the hallway leading into the dining room.
“Hi, Amanda,” Dana said. “I can see why you and your dad are so fond of Muttontown.”
“He’s apparently a lot more fond of you than me or Muttontown,” Amanda said as she handed Mark the jacket, ascot pin, and note. “Here, these are for your girlfriend.”
“What are you talking about?” Mark asked.
He looked closely at the pin and read the note. “Honey, I’m sorry,” Mark said after a few seconds. “Yes. These were gifts for Dana.”
“Well, now you can give them to the prettiest equestrian on the trails yourself,” Amanda fired back, breathing heavily.
Dana stepped back, not knowing what to say.
“Oh come on, Amanda,” Mark said. “They’re just presents!”
Amanda turned around, took three deep breaths, and then faced her father again. “What is she doing here anyway? I told you I didn’t want her to come with you.”
Stung by the remark, Dana put her hand to her mouth as she looked at Mark. “I think I’d better go upstairs and let you two talk.”
“No, Dana,” Mark said. “Stay right where you are. I told Amanda you were coming with me, and she’s not acting like an adult right now.”
“What you told me,” Amanda said, “was that you would think about my request to either come alone or stay in the city with your girlfriend. You said it was only fair to consider my feelings.”
“And I did consider them,” Mark said, his voice calm but determined. “But I also explained that I have to lead my life the way I see fit. In the end, I decided that Dana wouldn’t intrude on your stay here. You’re blowing this way out of proportion.”
Amanda was now in tears. “This is my first weekend home for the summer, and I have to concentrate on my jumping. Your stubbornness has ruined everything. You could have brought Dana another time, preferably when I wasn’t here.”
“But I want you to get to know her. I’ve made that clear.”
“But it’s not what I want. How many times do I have to tell you that?”
Looking down in frustration, Mark ran his right hand through his hair. He wanted to get matters under control, but he didn’t want to give Amanda the upper hand. She was acting childishly.
“There’s nothing to stop you from practicing with Paul right now,” he said. “You don’t have to have lunch with us. Or dinner for that matter. If you want me to watch your practice with Paul, I’ll do it. Margaret has plans with Dana this afternoon.”
“You didn’t even bother to call back and warn me that you’d decided to bring her,” Amanda continued, not hearing a word Mark said. “It’s the least you could have done. Maybe I’ll go riding. Or maybe I’ll go upstairs, get my bags, and leave!”
Amanda stormed out of the hallway, the sound of her feet heavy on the stairs beyond.
“I’m sorry, Dana,” Mark said, handing Dana the pin and note. “I think Amanda is being unreasonable and rude.”
The look on Dana’s face was pensive as she read the words that had troubled Amanda so greatly. “Mark, I have to be honest with you. If I were in Amanda’s shoes and had received this note, I would be upset, too. It must be terribly hard for her to process such a sentiment. I think Amanda may be right. Maybe I shouldn’t have come. You’re expecting her to deal with your relationship with me in a logical manner, but emotions aren’t always logical. To her, it doesn’t matter that Judd has a large estate and that she doesn’t have to interact with me if she doesn’t want to. The fact is that I am here. With you. And that’s not what she wants right now. She wants your undivided attention—to know that you’re here for her, and her alone. I’m a distraction from her jumping and your usual routine with her.”
“But that’s my point, Dana. The routine can’t go on forever. There’s never going to be a good time to change it. I know my daughter, and she can be headstrong. Unfortunately, receiving your gift made matters worse. Frankly, I think that’s what’s caused her to have such a strong reaction to your being here. But whether it’s this weekend or six months from now, my being in a relationship is going to bother her.” He paused. “Or am I totally missing the boat here?”
“I think it’s a possibility,” Dana said. “Look, I’m not trying to judge you. I understand your reasoning, but I’m thinking about how the situation might look to Amanda. Maybe I should go back to the city to show her that we’re sensitive to her feelings. Let’s give her more time to adjust.”
“Why don’t we have lunch before making that decision. We need to give Amanda time to settle down. Let’s not push the panic button just yet. I still think she’s capable of understanding what I’ve been telling her.”
Dana sighed. “I suppose there’s nothing else to do for the moment, and I think we all need a break. And Mark? Thank you for the pin. It’s beautiful. And so is the note.”
“I mean it,” Mark said as he kissed Dana.
Amanda reappeared, walking quickly through the hallway in her riding outfit minus her jacket. She said nothing as she passed Mark and Dana.
“At least she’s not leaving,” Mark said philosophically. “I take that as a good sign. She can work out her frustrations while practicing with Pepsi.”
Margaret appeared in the doorway of the dining room. “Hey, everyone! I hope you had a good morning. It’s time for lunch. Will Amanda be joining us?”
“I understand,” Margaret said. “It’s a beautiful day, so we’re lunching on the patio.”
Judd walked in the front door and stood by his wife, putting his arm around her shoulder. “That daughter of yours is racing to meet Paul at this very moment. I’d bet money that she’s going to wow the judges at the Classic.”
“I wouldn’t bet against her,” Mark said as all four went into the dining room. “She’s a force to be reckoned with.”
Dana gave Mark a sideways look as she considered the irony of his last remark.
• • •
Paul was an easygoing man in his early fifties, a man with a slender but muscular build and a shock of short blond hair. He squinted in the early afternoon sun as Amanda appeared at the barn where Pepsi was stabled.
“Pepsi is saddled and ready,” Paul said. “Judd called and said you were on your way.”
Amanda gave Paul a perfunctory smile and “hi” before entering the barn. A few minutes later she led Pepsi from the barn by the reins. Paul climbed onto his own horse, and the pair rode to a one-acre field fifty yards away. They were accompanied by a man named Wally, who would help out by picking up any bars that might be dislodged from the fences during practice. The field, surrounded by trees, contained eight fences of varying height, some angled towards the others to force a jumper to change directions after clearing a fence.
“Remember to keep your shoulders back so we can get rid of that hitch,” Paul said. “Have you been visualizing the jumps like I told you?”
Amanda nodded. “All week.”
“Okay then,” Paul said, riding to the edge of the field. “Ride around for a bit. When you’re ready, take Pepsi through the paces. Nice and easy. We’ll worry about speed when you feel loose.”