Page 26 of The Only Seconds that Matter
Her response was:I’m gonna beat his ass, but thank you for looking after Taylor last night.
“How’d everything go last night in jail?”Victor asked Johnny.
“Ain’t the first time I been there, I’m ashamed to say.Sometimes I do get a little too, uh, drunk.The damn cop they sent out knew me from a few run-ins I’ve had before, and he assumed I was causing a ruckus, and he wouldn’t listen to me cuz I did have a few drinks, so he took us both in and wouldn’t let me out until they talked to the Kevin.”
“Who is Kevin?”
“Bartender.We’ve known each other a while.Good guy.But would you believe that the lady that man was pickin’ on wouldn’t vouch for me?Last time I help out I guess.Some of these women are fuckin’ crazy.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Sorry you had to look after Taylor last minute, but she seems to be in one piece.How’d she do overnight?”
“Great.She’s very brave.”
“Yeah, that’s my Tay.Gets it from me, ya know.”Johnny winked.“What do ya want for your time?”
“Huh?”
“Payment.You looked after her all of last night and this mornin’.I feel like I need to give you somethin’.”
“Oh!Oh, no, it’s fine.Don’t worry about it.We were happy to have her tag along.”
“Sounds like she guilted you into buying a horse.”
“Two horses, actually, but it’s fine.The pony I can use in my lesson program if he’s a good fit.The Arabian…” Victor trailed off.“Training prospect, I guess.”
“Now you’ll never get rid of her.She’s gonna wanna be here every damn day.”
Taylor came jogging over, interrupting their conversation.“While you two are talking, can I walk Midnight around a little?”She pointed to the Arabian mare.
“You already named it?Damn, girl.It ain’t your horse.”
“I know, but…” Taylor trailed off, looking a little sheepish.“I really like her.Can her name be Midnight?Pleeeease?”
“Midnight is fine.And yes, you can walk her around a bit but stay in our sight.Don’t let her eat too much grass, either.She’s too thin to be eating that right now, and I don’t need anyone collicking on the first day they’re here.”
“Okay!”Taylor ran off, braid bouncing.
Johnny chuckled, shaking his head.“You’re a rare breed, Vic.”
“Is that a good thing?”
“From where I stand it is.”
“Well… thank you.”Victor didn’t know what else to say.
Eventually Johnny was able to convince Taylor to put the horse back so they could head home.Before Taylor got into Johnny’s truck, she gave Victor a firm hug around the waist.
“Thank you for buying her,” she muttered into his shirt.“Now she’s safe.”
“I’ll test her out and see if she’s rideable.Either way, if you help out a bit around the farm I promise you can work with her.How’s that sound?”
Taylor pulled back and nodded enthusiastically.“I’d love that!”
“Alright, kiddo.”Victor patted her head.“Off with your uncle now.”
She darted away, waving at Victor over her shoulder.Johnny chased her into the cab of his truck, then gave Victor a lazy salute before climbing in after her.Victor watched the truck turn and drive off before heading back to his new equine acquisitions.
