Page 40 of Time To Learn

My smile grows as I look back at the arena and my beautiful girl. She’s leant over her saddle, her arms wrapped around Lady’s neck, and I laugh when I see Ailith chattering to her pony. Her smile is so big I’m surprised it doesn’t crack her cheeks.

“Will you be okay tonight when we goout?”

Mum’s question makes me turn my head and I raise my eyes ather.

“Why wouldn’t Ibe?”

She shrugs as worry replaces the warmth in hereyes.

“I just think you should get out more, Laura. Live a little.”

Sighing, I look away fromher.

“Don’t start, please. I’m perfectly happy at home. It gives me an excuse to be lazy for once. To put my feet up and get some uninterrupted readingtime.”

“Laura, a woman your age shouldn’t stay home every weekend. She should…”

“Mum, please. Don’t. But if it makes you feel any better, I’ve actually made plans to go out with Trish tonight, instead of stayingin.”

Mum beams at me, and I just barely suppress rolling my eyes ather.

“Oh, how lovely. Do you need me to drive you intotown?”

I shake my head and clap as all the contestants walk their horses around in a circle, waving at the audience.

“No, she’s coming by to pick me up. We’re going to Oran Mor after we’ve had some dinner, and then we’ll see what happens. I won’t be home late, though.”

“Ah, don’t worry about that,” Mum waves off my reassurances. “You’re a big girl. I know you can take care of yourself.”

I nod slowly at her words.

Yeah. I can definitely dothat.

“You need a new haircut,” Mum interrupts my thoughts as I wipe long strands of hair from myeyes.

I shrug lightly.

“Yeah, you’re right. It’s getting a bit too much to handle, isn’tit?”

She purses her lips and tilts her head atme.

“Just abit.”

I roll my lips between my teeth, wondering for the umpteenth time if a drastic change like cutting my hair is exactly what I need in order to take another step forward and away from mypast.

I release my lips from my teeth and smile at her, already feeling a bit excited at the prospect of a change.

“I’ll ask Trish to give me the number of her stylist.”

Mum nods resolutely at me. The relief in her eyes warms my insides and I give her shoulder a mild squeeze, letting her know I’m okay. Then I turn my head back to the contestants.

I wave at Ailith as she passes us and blow her a kiss. The utter joy in her eyes as she puffs out her chest in pride sings to my soul. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt such happiness, but I hope it won’t be long until I feel it again.

As the riders turn around to trot out of the jumping arena, Mum takes myhand.

“That man who came yesterday,” she starts, as we walk to the small paddock where Ailith is heading.

I tense, but keep my answer light.