Join the Dance (Dancing With Horses Book 2) Page 5

  He rolled his head around on his neck. “You know I don’t care about the fame. But to work with those types of animals, to not have any financial worries, to live in a nice place, that would be more than I ever imagined I could have in a first job.”

  I nodded, ducking my head to take a noisy sip of cappuccino. “Ideal,” I agreed. After a moment, I whispered, “Will there always be something making it so hard, Cory?”

  He lifted my chin with his finger. “I didn’t give them an answer. I told them I needed time to think about it, to talk to you.”

  I nodded. “But you want to do it. And you should. You deserve to be treated like that.” A tear leaked down my cheek. I dashed it away, taking a deep breath and trying on a wobbly smile. “It would be stupid to say no.”

  “I left here once. I don’t know if I should again.”

  I stared at him, my skin growing cold. Pressing my lips together, I took a deep breath. In a relatively steady voice, I said, “It’s not really leaving, you know. You would come back and visit a lot, right? And you would call me. All the time. Not like last time when you wouldn’t even talk to me. Things change. Change is good. This is a good decision. Good for your future.” I blinked away the stinging in my eyes and sat up straighter.

  His face more serious than ever, Cory nodded slowly. “Maybe.”

  #

  Chapter Nine

  It always smelled so good in Megan’s room. I laid flat out on her bed and just sniffed. Girly, sure, but still yummy. “What is that smell?”

  She glared at me. “You don’t call it a smell, you call it a fragrance. And it’s perfume. Want a squirt?”

  “Yeah, sure.”

  Megan sat on the bed next to me and delicately spritzed perfume on my wrists. “Now rub them together.” She demonstrated.

  I sniffed my skin. “Hmmm, nice. So, did I say the right thing to Cory? I was trying to be supportive. But I don’t want him to go. Why is there always something separating us? Our relationship is doomed.”

  “It is not, drama queen. He’s out of school, and he has to get a job. That sounds like a good one.”

  “But six hours away. I’ll never see him.”

  “So, you move down there after you graduate. It’s only three months away. Can you believe it? We’ll be done with high school forever in three months.” She bounced up and down on the bed.

  I laughed. “You make everything sound easy.”

  “Jane, we’re eighteen years old. We can do anything, be anything we want. In three months our lives will be completely different. Why worry so much?”

  “Not that different, I hope.” My phone vibrated in my pocket and I jerked up to my knees with a squeak. “I forgot I had it on vibrate. I thought something was crawling on me.” I pressed the on button. “Hello?”

  “Hi, Jane? This is Erica Flame.”

  I gasped and dropped the phone. Megan caught it and shoved it back against my ear. “Say something,” she hissed.

  “Yes, this is Jane,” I mumbled.

  “I hope you don’t mind me calling you. Your number was still in my phone from the horse show the other day.”

  I held a hand over my chest, pressing the phone against my ear like it would make me closer to Erica’s tiny voice. “No, no, not at all. I don’t mind. Umm, how are you?” Bouncing frantically on the bed, I silently screamed at Megan’s puzzled face.

  Megan lifted her shoulders, hands out. “Who is it?” she mouthed.

  I held up one finger. I could barely concentrate on what Erica was saying, let alone try to talk to Megan too.

  “Great. I was actually calling to ask a favor.”

  I nodded. “Anything. Whatever you want.”

  Erica laughed. “You better let me tell you about it before you say that. Have you heard of my charity, EMA Horse Rescue?”

  Of course I had. Advertisements featuring Erica and a sad-looking, scruffy pony were posted at every horse show and in every publication you picked up. I nodded again. Megan pointed to her mouth, opening it and wagging her tongue. Right, I should speak. “Yes, of course.”

  “I am having a big event, a Chinese auction and dinner with celebrities, equestrian celebrities.” She blew into the phone. “I need volunteers to work the tables. Would you help?”

  I didn’t hesitate. “Yes, of course. I would love to.”

  “Great! I really appreciate it.” She filled me in on the details and asked for my email address to send all the information. I was still bouncing up and down, punching my fist into the air as I said goodbye.

  I leapt off the bed, my chest heaving, and paced fast, frantic circles. “Erica Flame just called me! She remembered my name. She wants my help. Erica Flame just called to ask for my help!”

  “Easy there, girlfriend.” Megan grabbed my arms to slow me down. “Who is Erica Flame?”

  “Only the biggest name in equestrian sports. She won a gold medal at the last Olympics, and her name is all over television because she is such a great person. You’ve seen her in commercials and on posters and stuff. Megan, she called me. On my phone.”

  “Good for you. What did she want?”

  “She wants my help with an event she’s holding. I am definitely there.”

  “When is it? What is it?”

  “A celebrity dinner and Chinese auction. This Saturday.”

  “But we have plans to do the bowling thing this Saturday,” Megan whined.

  I hesitated. This thing was big, celebrities and all. I could go bowling any time. I didn’t like cutting out on Megan, but . . . “This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. I will probably meet all the big names. I gotta go.” I took Megan’s hand. “You understand, right?”

  Megan studied my face and then smiled. “I do. It’s okay.” She pulled her hand away and held it up for a high five.

  #

  Chapter Ten

  I was concentrating. Shoulders up, left heel down, slant shoulders to the right, slide left leg back a few inches. Windsong turned his shoulders to the right, but then his hind end took two big steps to the right. Ugh! Why wouldn’t my left heel stay down? When I weighted my right seat bone to signal the movement sideways to the right, my left heel popped up and goosed Windsong, and in his oversensitive way, he giant-stepped in reaction. We were walking because I really wanted to figure out how to make that heel stay down. I closed my eyes and went through the body movements in slow motion. Windsong tossed his head, bored. He tried to dance a few steps sideways.

  “No, hot stuff. Just walk. Let me figure this out.” I squeezed the reins and tried again.

  He tugged at the bridle. I closed my eyes, wiggling my foot, testing its position. Quick as lightning, Windsong sprang backward. Adrenaline speared through my stomach, and I pulled on the reins as my eyes flew open. As Windsong surged back, his momentum tossed me forward in the saddle. I grabbed the pommel, loosened the reins, and thumped him with my leg. He lurched forward a stride before settling back down.

  Taking a steadying breath, I looked around for the monster that scared Windsong. Jeb sat on his pony in a cloud of dust outside the gate. He waved. “Hi, Jane. Sorry! I didn’t mean to freak your horse. I just wanted to say hi.”

  I stopped Windsong next to the gate. “It’s okay, Jeb. Windsong can be jumpy when we are riding outside anyway. What’s up?”

  Behind the white pony, Cory was walking down the path. You couldn’t mistake him for anything but the cowboy he was. Faded jeans over dusty boots, tight t-shirt outlining lean, hard muscles, half his face hidden under his hat brim, he walked like he had all the time in the world. He stopped opposite me and put one boot on the bottom rail of the fence. “You okay? He came tearing down here before I could stop him.”

  I laughed. “I had my eyes closed. I was trying to work something out. No biggie.”

  Cory nodded and turned to Jeb. “Go put your horse away. And brush him good. I’m gonna check him when I come up.” He gave the pony a light pat on the rump as they headed up the hill. He turned back to me and pul
led himself up onto the fence. “You know, a couple months ago, that would have turned into a big shenanigans. Windsong rearing, you screaming, me running to the rescue.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Give me a break.”

  “I used to like the rescue part. Now, you’re too good. I can’t even get you scared, even when I send a nutty kid down to rattle your horse.”

  “You rescue me in every other way.” I rubbed Windsong’s neck. “I’ve got something to tell you.”

  “That you love me and can’t live one moment without me?” He climbed the fence higher, balanced against the top rail, and grabbed Windsong’s bridle, pulling him closer. Windsong gave him a shove with his head, nearly knocking Cory off. “I’m warning you, if we fight over her, Windsong, I’m gonna win.” Cory pushed the shiny black face away. He tugged my arm, pulling me sideways for a kiss.

  “Don’t you want to know what I was going to tell you?”

  “Yep.” He kissed me again, threw his legs over and sat on the top rail of the fence. “Tell me everything.”

  Unable to contain myself, I screeched, “Erica Flame called me!”

  “Excellent. Why?” Cory asked calmly.

  “Aren’t you amazed that she remembered my name and kept my number? Erica Flame!”

  “She is human, Jane.”

  “Superhuman. She asked me to go to her fundraiser for EMA. It’s a dinner and Chinese auction.”

  “Oh boy, that sounds really fun.” His voice dripped with sarcasm.

  “I would be helping, not there just for fun. And I want you to come too. We are trying to raise money for rescued horses.”

  “We? She sure knew a sucker when she saw one.”

  “I want to help, she didn’t sucker me in. Plus, there will be other well-known trainers, and prizes, and food.”

  “Oh goodie! Maybe you’ll win a basket full of candles. I’m pretty sure I’m busy that night.”

  “Oh, come on. It’s for the horses. Just think, free food, drinks, famous people. I really want you to come.”

  He rolled his eyes, giving me that look he had any time I mentioned celebrities. Cory was hard to impress, but this time I thought he’d be amazed at how well known and liked Erica was. And that she called me.

  “Please, come with me.” I stuck my lip out and fluttered my eyelashes.

  Scrunching up his face like he just bit into something nasty, he threw his head back and sighed. “Alright, but if Erica was sitting there asking me, I would say no. For some reason, I can’t say no to you.”

  I squealed, leaned over, and kissed him. “You’ll see, I’ll introduce you to Erica. It will be really awesome.”

  “Right.” He slid one leg over Windsong behind the saddle and shifted onto the horse’s back. His arms wrapped around me and his lips pressed into my neck. I yipped when his teeth nipped my skin.

  “What I’m willing to suffer for you still amazes even me,” Cory whispered.

  #

  Chapter Eleven

  We arrived early, like I promised Erica we would. Cory’s dented, aged truck seemed a little out of place as he guided it slowly around the curves of the long driveway. Tall, majestic maple trees marched down the road, perfectly spaced. Between the trunks, flashes of rolling golf greens stretched to the distant woods. We rounded one last turn and I sighed when I saw the soaring pillars outlining massive wooden double doors. The red brick front and white shuttered windows formed an imposing image. Just for a second I was glad we were parking in the back of the building and hoped that no one saw us get out of the battered blue truck. There were ten or eleven cars lined up so far. I was quivering with excitement and couldn’t stop smiling. I jumped down before Cory had shoved the truck into park.

  “Come on, Cory.” I grabbed his hand and dragged him forward. We walked around to the front of the clubhouse. A couple in formal attire was entering the building. I looked down at my jeans and cotton blouse. Erica hadn’t told me how I should dress. I hesitated.

  “What?” Now Cory was the one in front pulling on my hand.

  “What if we aren’t dressed up enough? Why didn’t I think to borrow something from Megan?” I put a hand up to my ponytail and dragged the tie out of it. At least I had put make-up on.

  “You look fine. She would have told you if you had to dress a certain way.” Cory kept walking.

  I looked at my watch. Too late to do anything about it now.

  For a trailer park kid, Cory never seemed intimidated by fancy places or fancy people. I was overawed into silence as we walked through the lobby. Shiny marble floors, glittering crystal chandeliers, ornate golden furnishings, this place was a far cry from the barn. I winced at every step as Cory’s cowboy boots clumped across the floor. Maybe I shouldn’t have dragged him into this. He wasn’t a dress-up kind of guy.

  We passed through another set of double doors into a huge room. Round tables draped with white tablecloths were arranged around the back half of the room. The dance floor was bordered by long, narrow tables covered in huge and varied baskets. A few people were busy working around the baskets.

  “Can I help you?” a cultured voice addressed us. At a table set just inside the door, a woman was setting name cards in neat rows. She was wearing an evening gown. A stylish up-do and polished nails completed the image of class.

  I glanced at Cory and said in a rush, “I talked to Erica Flame. I’m here to help. I didn’t know I was supposed to dress formal. You look wonderful.”

  “Thank you.” She inspected our attire and pressed her lips together. “What was your name again?”

  I squeezed Cory’s arm. Would she send us in the kitchen to wash dishes? “I’m Jane Mitchell and this is Cory Banks,” I admitted.

  She checked her clipboard, flipped to the next page, and frowned. Panic seized me, and I bit my lip. “Really, Erica called me.” Her head came up and she eyed Cory again. My shoulders drooped; it sounded unreal to me too. Was this where she sent us out the door?

  “I see Jane on the list of volunteers, but I don’t see Cory.”

  Cory’s arm went rigid. I tightened my hold on it. “I brought him. To help? He wants to help too.” My face heated, and I glanced at Cory. He was studying the door. Planning his escape?

  Michelle stepped up to the table. “Gladys?” she addressed the woman.

  Sighing in relief, “Michelle,” I gasped, tapping her shoulder. “Remember me? Jane. We met at the horse show last week?”

  She studied me for what felt like five minutes. “Sure, hi.”

  I let out the breath I was holding. She looked expectantly at Cory, her eyes sweeping up and down, stopping at his cowboy hat, a smile forming on her lips.

  He tugged his hat brim with a nod of greeting.

  “This is my boyfriend, Cory.” I waved a hand in front of myself. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know how we were supposed to dress.”

  Without taking her eyes off Cory, “I feel like I know you, have we met?” She took a step closer, touching his arm with her fingertips.

  Cory’s eyes cut to me, and I covered a grin with my hand. “Maybe at a show somewhere. Nice to see you.” This actually happened a lot when Cory and I went out. Girls stopped him all the time, claiming to already know him or trying to get to know him. I used to worry about it, but now it amused me. He hated it. I am sure he used to love it, but when it happened in front of me, he practically tripped himself trying to run away from them.

  “Jane, you’re here!” Mandy’s squeal had me swallowing in relief. I turned just in time to catch her before she rammed into me. I smiled at Erica who was walking behind her.

  Erica, her shiny chestnut hair smoothed into a chic bun, held her hand out to me, fingers glittering with diamonds and emeralds. “Thank you very much for coming.” Her classic black sheath, black pumps, and pearls had me looking down nervously at my jeans and sneakers, again. She leaned in to hug me.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t think. I should have called, you know, and made sure.” I stuttered into her shoulder. Erica F
lame’s shoulder was touching my cheek. I had to bite my tongue to keep from squealing in delight.

  “I’m glad you made it, Jane. I appreciate you coming.” She smiled, but her eyes swept down my outfit.

  I wilted. “Of course, I really want to help. I’m so sorry I didn’t dress up.” I fidgeted, curling my arms around my ribs. Erica Flame placed her bejeweled, elegant hand on my shoulder. “No worries. You’ll do.”

  Before her approval registered in my spinning brain, Mandy pointed her finger at Cory’s hat. “Can I try it on?” He took it off and offered it to her. “Can I keep it?” She smashed it onto her head. “Do I look good?”

  He squatted down in front of her with a smile and adjusted it. “You can’t keep it. But it does look good on you.”

  ”You look like a real cowgirl, Mandy. I’m Erica Flame.” She held her hand out to Cory as he straightened up but was looking at him like she was trying to solve a puzzle.

  Cory shook her hand. “Cory Banks, ma’am.”

  Her face lighted with recognition. “Cory Banks, gold medal reining team. Of course. Jane, you didn’t mention you were bringing your own celebrity.”

  “Oh no, this is my boyfriend. I thought he could help me.” At her look of horror, I backpedaled, “Or I can buy him a ticket, but he doesn’t need to sit at a table.” My face was burning. Two strikes: bad clothes and bringing an uninvited guest. One more and there goes my friendship with Erica Flame.

  “Buy a ticket! Get out! Cory Banks doesn’t need a ticket,” she chortled, still holding his hand in both of hers. “Would you help out? Be one of our celebrities? You just have to greet people and sign programs or pictures. We get them to donate for the signatures as a fundraiser. Please? I’ll feed you and take care of drinks. You’d be helping abused and abandoned horses. For me?”

  My mouth dropped open. Cory reached up to adjust a hat that wasn’t there and ran a hand through his hair instead. He pierced me with a glare over Erica’s shoulder. His jaw worked, and he started to open his mouth. Before he could say no, I crossed my hands over my heart and mouthed “Please! For me.”