Page 49 of Don't Trust the Cowboy

“Exactly. That’s one of the reasons why I took it. I just didn’t say anything because I figured you’d all laugh at me.”

“Why would anyone laugh at you, Jade? Gosh, you’ve always had some kind of entrepreneurial flare. You’re the only one I know that makes your own makeup.”

“That’s because I couldn’t afford to buy it.”

“Doesn’t matter. You did it.”

“Yeah, and I’m using the same recipe for my products.”

“Exactly. Good for you. I’m proud of you.”

She smiles. “Thanks. My granddaddy used to make everything, and mama kept all the recipes, so I had a head start. We should get down to it, though. I’ve got a lot of work to do before I get out of here today.”

“And I’ve got a lot of studying to do. Let me know what else I can do to help you out, okay?”

She nods. “Sure.”

We’re silent for a while, as she cleans happily, with her own products, and I study and tie up a few loose ends on an assignment. Before I know it, I’m knee deep in studying, and she salutes me goodbye. “I’ll see you next week, if not sooner.”

“Sounds good. Smells great in here.” I say honestly. It’s a combination of lemon and some subtle spices.

“Thanks. Tell Billy I’ll give him some tips on how to spruce this place up once I give it a thorough deep cleaning.”

“Perfect. He’ll love it.” I smile and wink.

It’s another hour before I realize that I should go out to see my Aunt Kay. I promised her I’d come soon and soon is here. Billy comes in the door. Sweat pours down his brows and temples and it’s stained down his sides and chest, on his t-shirt. “Wow, this place looks great. I saw Jade leaving. Sorry I couldn’t get in to say hello.”

“Oh, that’s okay.” I wave, as he comes over and gives me a kiss on the mouth. “We’re both knee deep in studying.”

“Yeah, it looks like it. The stable is really coming along. You should come see it.”

“I will, but I have to go see my aunt right after.”

“Sounds good to me, darlin’. I’d offer to come with you, but I’ve got to get this stable up. Reggie’s coming tomorrow with the new horse.”

“No kidding? Oh, you must be so excited.”

He smiles. “I am. But if I don’t have him separated from Mazy and Sprout, there’s bound to be trouble.”

“Oh, are you afraid that they won’t get along?”

“Well, it’s just the opposite, love. It’s a male horse coming. A stud horse. And he’s going to be right raring to go after Mazy. So, we’ve got the stable separated into two pens for safety.”

“Are you going to breed them?”

“Sure am. If Sprout turns out to be half as much of a beaut as Mazy. But we won’t know for sure until I break him.”

I can’t help but chuckle. “But if you break him, won’t that defeat the whole process?”

He smiles and gives me a kiss. “You’re lucky you’re beautiful, sugar. I’ll see you later?” The promise in his eyes is palpable.

“You bet.”

“Piper? That you, darlin’?” Aunt Kay asks, but she always says that, even though she knows it’s me. The woman doesn’t need her sight since she’s got hearing akin to a hawk’s. She can tell who you are just by your gait, and by scent, too.

“It’s me.” I announce, walking into her open arms, giving her a hug.

“How’s school, baby?”

---