Page 22 of Undone

“All of that is helpful, but it’s really all about getting those photos to complete the site.” She paused and looked me in the eyes. “Horse photos. Close-ups that I couldn’t get with the drone because I was spooking them.”

“Ah, okay. Got it.”

And there was the reason for her stalling. Her fear of horses was running right into her drive to make everything perfect. I thought the trail ride had put a dent in that anxiety, but clearly the fear ran deeper than she had shared.

“I blew it when I went out to the far field to take photos, and to be honest, I’ve been putting off trying again because…well, you know why.” She hung her head and looked sheepish.

“Even after riding Indigo, Zo? Still? You did such a great job that day.”

“That was different,” she replied quickly. “You were right there with me. You made me feel…safe.”

I smiled at the thought of her pressed up against me.

“Could I take the photos for you?” I asked.

Zoe shook her head. “Not unless you know how to use a DSLR camera. It would be obvious if you took cell phone photos for the horse ones and all of the other pictures on the site were professional grade. That consistency is important.” She stared at the screen for a minute. “I guess we could use a few stock photos of horses that look like yours for now and then down the line you could hire someone to come take good ones of your herd.”

“But…you said you’re using our site for your marquee piece when you apply for the grad program. Using stock photos doesn’t sound to me like the vision you had in mind, Zo.”

She picked at her nails for a few seconds, avoiding meeting my eyes, and I knew I was right.

“What if I told you I had a way to help you get over your fear of horses?” I asked, leaning forward so she had no choice but to look at me.

“I’d say I never knew you were a psychologist.”

I chuckled. “Give me some credit, Zo. I’ve spent my life around horses and horse-riding students. You’re not the first person to feel nervous around them. I mean, they weigh upwards of six hundred pounds!”

Zoe shrank down in her seat.

“Stop, stop, stop,” I said gently. I wanted to reach out and grab her hand to help ease her fears, but I held myself back. “They’re gentle giants, I promise. So, are you in to do a little exposure therapy with me?”

“Do you promise to not do anything like shutting me in a barn filled with horses and leaving me there for hours?”

“I wouldnever,” I said. “You know I’ll always look out for you. I’m on your side, Zo.”

She finally smiled. “I know that. Thank you. And yeah, let’s try whatever scheme you have in mind.”

“Well, all right then. It’s a date. You and me at the barn, today at…can you make four-ish happen?”

Zoe went wide-eyed for a split second and I wondered what I’d said to set her off again.

Agatha was the sweetest foal in the barn, but sometimes she got a little devil in her and joyfully kicked her way around the paddock the way youngsters did. I hoped she’d be on her best behavior for Zoe’s first intro as I put a halter on the month-old baby.

I led the chestnut beauty out of the barn to where Zoe was standing, twisted up like a pretzel with her legs folded around each other and arms crossed tightly over her chest. I stifled a laugh at her serious face. She looked like she was getting ready to meet a demon, not a sweet little horse!

Her expression softened when she saw me with Agatha.

“Oh my goodness,” she cooed as we got closer. “This is the first step of my therapy? I think I’m cured!”

“Zo, meet Agatha. She’s one-month-old and all sass, just like her momma.”

I watched her take in the skinny brown foal. Zoe’s posture relaxed but her arms stayed crossed.

“Do you want to touch her? She’s really soft,” I said. I’d stopped about five feet away from Zoe so she wouldn’t get overwhelmed.

“Um…okay.” Zoe was still frozen in place. “She doesn’t bite, does she?”

I smiled at her. “Nope, you’re safe.”

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