Page 56 of Rival
My stomach sinks, knowing it’s going to get worse. Losing someone so young, especially in a tragic way, is absolutely heartbreaking.
“They argued, and he told her to get lost. Refused to drive her home, which honestly might have been just as disastrous since he was still wasted the next morning. Julia left, like he told her to. I think she only made it about a mile before she stumbled in front of a truck speeding down the road and was hit. The driver said he just didn’t see her, that she came out of nowhere, but he hit her straight on. She died immediately on impact.”
“Oh, Jaxon… I don’t even know what to say.” My eyes are watering, hearing the anguish in his voice. He tightens his hands on the wheel, staring straight ahead as he finishes his story.
“We confronted the guy the next morning. We just wanted to know what happened and why she was out on the road, alone, that late at night. He didn’t give a fuck about it. Practically mocked us while alcohol was still seeping from his pores. I was only seventeen at the time, but I lost it and went for him. He was so drunk he didn’t even put up a fight. The cops interviewed him, and decided that while they all made stupid decisions, he legally didn’t do anything wrong, even if morally he did.
“Now, even twenty years later, whenever I run into him, he’s a condescending prick and rubs it in my face that she died without any fallback on him. So, yeah. I ran into him and he made a point to let me know he remembers my sister andhowshe died.”
Anger laces my words when I spit out, “He’s a horrible person. I hate that there are people in existence like that.”
“Amen to that. Anyway, that’s why I was quiet. I went to my parents to unwind and get out of my head. I know you’ve already forgiven me, but again, I’m sorry for going silent on you. It really wasn’t you. It was me and my demons.”
I tug at my fingers nervously, hating that he was feeling so hurt and I didn’t even know. “Are you okay now? I mean, I know you’ll probably never be fullyokayfrom it, because how could you? But from this instance, are you in a better head space?”
Jaxon’s smile is genuine and filled with so much appreciation. I wish I could throw myself at him and give him a massive hug.
“So fucking sweet. Yeah, sweetheart. I’m in a much better place now. Just needed that time.” He stops the truck and pops it into park. “We’re here.”
I look at the front of the store, sad I have to leave. “Thanks for the ride, Jaxon.”
“Anytime, sweet girl.”
That does it for me. This time I do fall into him, wrapping my arms around his neck to give him a hug. He’s so warm and welcoming that I wish I could stay here forever. Jaxon Thorton just feels safe, like a home.
I end the hug and scramble out of his truck, whispering a quick goodbye before running into the store with Mason’s horse, Austin’s, new toy tucked against my chest.
Sneaking into the horse barn, I quietly look around to ensure I’m alone. I tried to show up earlier than normal, and it looks like there’s no sign of Mason yet.
Tiptoeing up to Austin’s pen, I step onto the gate, so my head is high enough to come face to face with his eggshell white face.
“Good morning, Austin. You’re a good boy today, aren’t you?”
He eyes me sleepily as if he’s pissed I’m disturbing his beauty rest, but I persist, wanting to gain his attention.
“Listen, I might have a friend who’s got these amazing horse toys, and he gave me one just for you. Would you like to see?”
Clicking my tongue, I hang my arm over the gate and wiggle my fingers for him to come closer. Austin huffs out a snort, then takes a tentative step toward me, keeping a space between us as he sniffs the air to see what I’ve got for him.
Pushing up on my toes, I try to reach further in. “If you let me pet you, I promise I’ll show you what I’ve got. It’s a real great toy. I’ve heard all the horses love it.” Pausing, I cock my head just as he seems to do the same. “Do you believe me?”
I know animals can’t understand us, but I swear to God, Austin does. He takes another step and pushes his nose into my hand, his nostrils flaring under my palm as he scents me, looking for his treat.
Sliding my hand around, I brush against his nose and stroke him softly. “If Mason will let me, next time I come, I’ll bring you a treat. But are you ready to see what I’ve brought you?”
He lifts his head up when I pull away to reach down next to my feet, quickly bringing up the large volley-ball sized ball with a rope strung through, a longer length on one end tied with a knot.
I cup the ball in both my hands and try to balance myself as I hold it out to him over the gate. He touches his nose to it but doesn’t take it from me. Sniffing and opening his mouth, he checks it out before backing up a step as if he smelled another animal.
“Oh, come on, boy. I know it’s not brand new. No need to be a snob about it. I’m sure if your Mason saw you playing with this, he’d be happy to know you’re enjoying it. Here,” I say, shoving it out to him again to catch his interest. “Just try it out.”
There’s a muffled noise from somewhere in the back of the barn, but when I check over my shoulder, I don’t see any movement.Maybe it was something from another barn?
Shrugging, I turn back to face Austin again. In my distraction, he’s come closer again and stretches his neck out to scent the ball once more. This time, when he opens his mouth, he bites at the rope and yanks it free from my hands.
“Oh, goodboy!See? It’s pretty awesome, right?”
I swear, I’m grinning from ear to ear when he lifts his head to swing the ball. When it flies up and smacks him in the face, he drops it heavily as if it’s a snake ready to bite, backing into the corner.
