“Don’t get testy with me young lady. I loved your husband too, ya know.”
I pulled my long hair into a bun before rubbing my neck.
“I know.”
“Now pet this horse while I fix his shoe so he doesn’t get pissed at me.”
I did as my old friend instructed and watched him go to work filing Hunter’s hoof.
“See you have some fresh meat here. Is it school time already?” Hank took at stab at small talk while I got lost in my own head.
I pushed away the thoughts of Freddy and Hank shooting the shit over a few beers after Hank tended to all our horses, shoving the memories deep down within me.
“Wanna do a farrier demo and instruction class for them when you’re done?” I asked hopefully.
“Have to run after this. The McGuire farm wasn’t too happy that I pushed their appointment back so I could stop here first.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“I know how important this horse is to you, and honestly, I dread going over there. The stable manager thinks the sun rises and sets in her chaps.” As Hank got the last nail finished on Hunter’s shoe, he looked up at me. “You know, my nephew just moved to town, and he bought that bar you and your girlfriends are always going to. Why don’t you let me set y’all up?”
“Mr. Handover, you know what my answer is going to be.” I took Hunter’s bridle off, throwing it over my shoulder.
Hank followed me out of the stall, packing up his equipment.
“Can’t blame an old man for trying.” He shrugged.
“You’re sweet.” I hugged him quickly. “I should probably get back to the students.”
“I’ll come by on Friday to do that lesson for you.” He kissed me on the cheek.
“Looking forward to it.”
Chapter 4
You Can’t Stay Single Forever
Sinking into my tub after a long day, I let the warm water engulf me. There was nothing like a bubble bath with a glass of red wine to soak away the long first day of class.
“My job is amazing,” I muttered to myself as I recounted the day.
The flipflop girl came back and was impressive with her display of hard work. I could tell she had gone right out and bought boots, but it was all right. She shoveled crap and helped all the other students with their afternoon feedings. I was quite impressed with Miss Nelson.
Ella May was going to be the one I had to keep an eye on. When Cletus took the carrot out of her hand the first time, that girl nearly jumped out of her skin. Being skittish around horses wasn’t the best, and we were going to have to train that out of her.
All in all, I couldn’t have asked for a better first day.
My phone started ringing on the bathmat next to me.
I swiped to answer the call, putting Ellis on speakerphone.
“Hey sweetheart! How are you doing?”
“Amazing,” she sang out.
“How is rush going?” I couldn’t wait to hear what sororities she was liking and if she was making friends already.
“I’m really liking all of the girls. It’s going to be so hard to choose which one to join.”