Page 29 of More Than a Fling

“Want to shoot a game of pool?” he asked.

“Sure, let me go get my purse,” she said swinging her hips as she returned to the bar, with more than a few men lustfully watching her walk.

Score, Bradley thought to himself,that was too damn easy.He strode to the pool table to put his quarters up.

* * *

Gabe left Annie reluctantly, with her promise that she would be at his show on Friday night. He had dialed it down after a few kisses, knowing he wanted much more than a fling.

Annie was something special, not like any other woman he had ever been with. She was making him rethink his partying ways. Despite what his bandmates thought, Gabe felt lonely at times and one-night stands were as lonely as it got as far as Gabe was concerned. He had learned that a long time ago.

He was so engrossed with his thoughts that it took a moment to realize that a truck had come up behind him. Way too close. It had seemingly come out of nowhere and was now hugging his ass. Gabe went full throttle and pulled away only to have the truck gun its motor and come right back up on him again. Now he was pissed, and his adrenaline surged. Speeding up even more, he tried to outrun the truck, but it kept right on his tail. By this point he only hoped a cop would miraculously show up, because he was beginning to panic.

What the fuck! This guy must be insane, he’s trying to run me off the fucking road.Up ahead was his turn off to the farm but he was moving too fast to take it, so he passed on by. As suddenly as it had appeared, the truck backed off, braked, and sped off the way they’d come, the only evidence the red taillights disappearing into the darkness.Now what the hell was that about?Hands shaking from the rush, he pulled over for a moment to steady himself, then turned back and headed home.

Later, tossing and turning in bed, he envied Sam’s dogs, Bella and Mimi, who were already snuggled up and fast asleep… he was still way too wired to doze off, and knew he would probably hear the roosters crow before he even got a wink of sleep.

14

Today was the big day, and Gabe estimated that Midnight would arrive within the hour, as he checked his watch for the umpteenth time. Gabe had an inner buzz of excitement for this latest challenge. This was what he was born to do, it gave him a sense of purpose. Other than his music, helping horses to overcome their issues and gain self-confidence was the most satisfying life experience he knew of. It could often be the difference between life and death for these magnificent beings.

“Hope you know what yer gittin in fer,” Slim said.

“Yeah, me too,” Gabe said.

“If I was to be bettin on you or the horse, I’d put my money on you, and that’s the dern truth,” Slim said.

“I’ll be damn; I think you paid me a compliment Slim,” Gabe said.

“Now don’t git yer boots all dusty dancing the jig,” Slim replied, offering a rare smile.

“Wouldn’t think of it,” Gabe said, adding, “You know Slim, I’m going to be counting on you more than ever with me taking on this latest project, I hope you don’t mind.”

“I got ya covered,” Slim said, “I’m gonna go check on them water troughs and open the back gate, okay with you?” Slim asked.

“Sure, stick close by, I may need your help getting Midnight settled in. I thought I would turn her out in the north pasture by herself and put Whiskey in the paddock next to her. I may work in the round pen with her this afternoon. Whiskey has a way with the ladies, and I’m hoping he’ll be a good welcoming committee,” he said, grinning.

“Not a bad idear,” Slim said with grudging approval as he walked off to complete his chores.

Gabe walked out to the field where he would be turning Midnight loose and studied the area. Plenty of pasture for Midnight to let off a little steam. He would let her run and kick up her heels for a while before getting acquainted in the round pen. Whiskey was as steady as they come and seemed to be a calming influence on the whole herd. He knew she was going to need a friend.

On his way back to the tack room to get a halter and lead rope to wrangle Whiskey in, he looked down. Frowning, he stooped down to pick up a discarded cigarette butt from the barn aisle. Gabe shook his head in disgust as he slipped the butt into his shirt pocket. He knew he would have to get to the bottom of it, but he’d have to wait until later. Right now, he had a traumatized little filly arriving and he needed to prepare her new digs.

* * *

“She’s here!” Gabe called out. Cal and Slim joined Gabe in watching the luxury horse trailer make its way down the long gravel lane. As the truck got closer, they could hear kicking and stomping coming from the rear of the trailer and loud snorts followed by a screaming roar of rage. The driver parked and killed the engine. Gabe went into instant action. Walking to the back of the trailer he began talking softly to the terrified and angry horse. The driver hopped out of the truck and met Gabe at the rear of the carriage.

“Hi, I’m Gabe Hunter, must have been a long ride with all that carrying on,” he said sticking out his hand for a friendly shake.

“I’m Russ,” he said. “I don’t envy you none. I’ve had to listen to this almost the entire trip here,” Russ complained. “If they’d asked me, which they didn’t, I would have recommended the glue factory. This filly is a lost cause as far as I’m concerned,” he said.

“Every horse deserves a chance,” Gabe replied.

“Be careful, and don’t go getting yourself killed trying,” Russ cautioned.

“That’s the plan,” Gabe said. “You mind if I unload her?” Gabe asked.

“Have at it,” Russ replied. “I’ll let you go in through the side door and when you’re ready I’ll open the back-trailer gate.”

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