33- I’ll Be Home for Christmas
Elizabeth Fute led her horse Lion into his stall. She had been in Georgia for almost a full month, training for the 1996 Olympics, and it was almost time to go home for the holidays. She took off Lion’s tack and then groomed him meticulously. When she was done she gave him a carrot, watching as he ate it. They had just finished a strenuous training session, and Beth couldn’t wait to take a hot shower.
“You did a good job today champ,” she whispered, patting his neck lovingly. She was the youngest member of the team, but she was also one of the best. Her horse was by far the most talented.
“Beth are you going back to the room now?” a familiar voice asked. Beth turned, smiling when she saw her friend Angela.
“Yeah. I need to start packing, and I absolutely need a shower,” she said. Angela laughed.
“Could you take my jacket up with you? I’m not going to need it while I’m mucking Peg’s stall. He also needs to get ready for shipping.”
“Are you going home for Christmas too?”
“Yeah, I miss Ohio and my family. I can’t wait to see the snow.”
“One of my friends sent me a picture of all the snow we’ve gotten. They also sent me a picture of my other horse King.”
“Who’s been exercising him?” Angela asked, going into the stall next to Lion’s.
“My boyfriend. I was teaching him how to ride before I left, and I trust him to ride King.”
“You’re lucky to have so many people at home who can ride. My daughter is the only one, and we have six horses.”
“How old is she?” Beth asked, picking Lion’s hooves.
“Twelve. She’s been riding almost as long as you have.”
“I’m going to head back up to the lodge. I’ll see you at dinner.” Angela nodded, waving as Beth walked away.
Jake picked up the phone on the second ring and Beth felt herself smiling.
“Hey, it’s Beth.” He didn’t answer for a minute, and she felt her smile fade.
“Hey, what’s up?” he asked uneasily. She took a deep breath.
“Nothing. What’s wrong? You sound weird.”
“I’m fine. Why are you calling?” he muttered.
“Just to see how you are. I’m coming home tomorrow.”
“I know. You wrote and told me. Listen Beth I’ve gotta’ go. I have a lot to do,” he said.
“Have you been exercising King?” she asked. There was another pause.
“Uh, yeah. I’ve really got to go Beth. I’ll see you tomorrow maybe.” With those last words the line went dead, and Beth knew that it was over between her and Jake.
Jason and Jess met Beth at the airport, then they all went to get Lion. Beth sat in the trailer with him, and when they arrived at the farm she led him to his stall. He munched his hay happily, glad to be home. Beth went to King’s stall and patted his neck.
“Hey big guy, how’ve you been?” she murmured, rubbing behind his ears.
“Jake’s been working him every day, sometimes over low jumps,” Jason said. Beth turned and smiled at her father.
“I think Jake and I are going to break up. I talked to him last night, and something was off.”
“That’s too bad honey. Are you going to go ride King?”
“Yeah. I thought I’d ride over to Cotey’s. I want to see Rach and Dom for a little while.”
“Be sure to be home by five. Your mother wants us to eat as a family tonight.”
“OK. I’ll be back before five.”
“Be careful sweetheart,” he said, walking down the aisle. Beth nodded, going to the tack room and getting King’s tack.
Beth led King into Cotey’s barn and unsaddled him, then went up the path to Cotey’s house. She rang the doorbell, and the door opened moments later.
“Beth you’re home!” Rachel exclaimed, throwing her arms around her. Beth laughed, hugging Rachel tightly.
“Can I come in, or do you expect me to stand outside in the freezing cold?” Beth demanded.
“Come in! Dom’s going to die when he sees you’re back. We all missed you so much.”
“Where’s Dominick?” Rachel pointed up the stairs and Beth could hear him playing his flute.
“He’s been playing that same song for two weeks. It’s beginning to drive me nuts.”
“I’m going to go up and say hi,” Beth said.
“I’ll wait here. I’m guessing this is a private thing,” Rachel said. Beth grinned.
“It is. I’ll be back down soon.” She jogged up the stairs and went to Dominick’s room. He was sitting with his back to the door, playing his flute. A music stand was in front of him and his eyes were on the sheet music. His fingers were moving over the keys rapidly, and he didn’t hear her come in. She cleared her throat and he whirled. He smiled when he saw her, standing and putting his arms around her.
“How long have you been back?” he asked quietly. Beth had her arms around his neck, and she was hugging him tightly.
“A couple hours. I got off the plane, went home, then came here. You should feel flattered.” she said, never wanting to let go of him. He pulled away and looked down at her.
“I do feel flattered. The star of the USET has decided to stop by my house. I’m amazed,” he kidded.
“I wrote to you while I was in Georgia. You’re the only person I did write to.”
“Except for Jake,” he said, hoping it wasn’t true. Beth nodded slowly.
“Except for Jake. Who was he with while I was gone?” she asked. Dominick hesitated.
“It’s not my place to say,” he murmured, turning away from her. Beth put her hand on his shoulder.
“Dom, you’re my best friend. I already know he was with someone, I just want to know who. I don’t blame him really… I was gone for a long time.”
“He and Samantha Ruby have been seeing each other I guess. I’m not sure, but everyone saw them together,” he muttered.
“His loss. I better get back downstairs. I’m sure Rachel wants to gab or something.” Dominick laughed.
“She always wants to gab or something. Do you want to hang out later? Rachel has a date at six.”
“Sure. Could you come to my house? My parents want me to hang out there tonight.”
“Yeah, that works out for me. Mom and Dad make me have a specific reason to ride now. I can’t even ride cross country unless someone goes with me.”
“They’ll get over it soon. Hang in there. I’ll see you at six. Thanks for telling me what you knew about Jake.” He nodded, watching as she walked out.
After dinner Beth walked down to the barn. It was freezing out, and her heavy winter jacket was still packed. She stopped to check on Lion and King, then went to the loft. She was surprised to find Dominick already there. He smiled at her, then glanced out at the darkness. The door leading outside was open. She shivered, wrapping her arms around herself.
“Sorry I kept you waiting. Mom had this humongous dinner waiting for me. It’s been so long since I had home cooking that I couldn’t refuse a second helping,” she said, sitting down on a bale of hay. He nodded.
“It’s ok. Are you cold?” She nodded and smiled as he gave her his warm winter riding jacket.
“Thanks. Mine is still in one of my suitcases,” she said. He nodded, plopping down on a bale of hay opposite her.
“How was Georgia beside being homesick?” he asked.
“It was alright… lots of hard work. Mr. Jones busts on me constantly; we have a kind of love hate relationship. We both think highly of each other though.” Dominick nodded again, still looking at her seriously.
“Doctor Sheridan missed you. She was wondering when you’d be back.”
“Is she working through Christmas, or is she vacationing in Florida again?”
“Working. She and her husband decided to take vacations from each other this year. They’re driving each other crazy.”
“Crazy. Sometimes I wonder if I’m going crazy,” Beth muttered.
“Sometimes I’m pretty sure I am. It’s weird, going through life thinking about something that happened ten years ago.”
“Yeah. Do you want to go for a trail ride tomorrow? I want to do something relaxing. Down in Georgia we only get one day off a week.”
“You spend it riding don’t you?” he asked, a knowing smile on his handsome face.
“Yeah, but it was different. I could do what I wanted to do, not what my coach wants. It was like riding here… relaxing.”
“Do you regret making the team?” he asked. She brushed hair from her face.
“Hardly. I’ve made a lot of good friends and learned a lot of new things. I’m so glad Mr. Jones took me.”
“I still don’t think you should’ve come back up here when I got hurt. I would’ve been alright.”
“I wasn’t going to sit down there and wait for someone to call me saying you hadn’t made it.”
“Would being home have made it any easier?” he asked. She sighed and shook her head.
“No. Let’s not talk about this, you’re not dead,” she muttered.
“Nope, I’m not. Are you still playing the piano?” he asked. She nodded, looking at her hands.
“Of course. There’s a piano at the lodge in Georgia. I play almost every night. Did you think I’d drop it just because I’m going to be famous?” she kidded. Dominick shrugged, watching as she got up and walked to the door. She stared out at the darkness for a long time, her face blank.
“I wasn’t sure what you’d be like. I’m still not sure.”
“I’m eighteen years old and I’m still afraid of the dark,” she whispered, turning to look at him with big blue eyes.
“Me too,” he said. He went to her side, putting an arm around her shoulders.
“If it wasn’t for the dark it wouldn’t’ have happened. We could have seen where we were going.” Dominick shook his head, hugging her tightly.
“I doubt it. Don’t think about that… think about being in the Olympics. Think about winning the gold medal for the United States.” She nodded, feeling tears slide down her cheeks.
“I was so scared down there Dominick. Nobody there knows what to do with me. They all must’ve thought I was nuts… especially Angela. She’s my roommate, and I must have woken her up about a billion times. I feel so stupid sometimes.” Dominick grasped her chin gently, forcing her to look up at him.
“You’re not crazy ok? Neither one of us is. We’ll figure out a way to get past it all.” She nodded, sniffing. He brushed tears from her cheeks and then kissed her forehead.
“Thanks Dom, for being such a good friend. I must drive you nuts sometimes.”
“Not really. Come on, let’s sit and watch the stars.” She sat down next to him, letting her head rest on his broad shoulder.
“I missed you a lot Dominick,” she whispered. He nodded, but said nothing.
Two days before Christmas Beth and Rachel went to the mall to finish up their Christmas shopping.
“Do you think Dom will like the new book of flute solos?” Beth asked.
“Not more than he’d have liked that new saddle, but he’ll like the book too.” They both laughed. They were sitting in the food court, eating Taco Bell. Beth had some nachos and Rachel had a soft taco.
“Well he can tell Santa about the new saddle, because I don’t have enough money.”
“What’s been going on in Georgia. Any cute guys?” Rachel asked after several moments of silence. Beth laughed and shook her head.
“A few. You have a boyfriend don’t you?” Rachel nodded.
“Yeah, but I need something to fall back on,” she explained, as if it were the most logical thing in the world. Beth smiled.
“Let’s get going. We’ll have to split up now, because I’m getting your present. I’ll meet you by the GAP in an hour.” Rachel nodded, waiting until Beth was gone to go in her own direction.
Beth sighed with relief, glad she was finally done wrapping presents. There was a knock on her door and Beth glanced up saying, “Come in!” The door opened and her mother’s head popped in.
“Honey Dominick is downstairs and he wants to talk to you. He looks upset.”
“Tell him I’ll be right there.” She put all of the presents in a big plastic bag and then put it in the closet before jogging downstairs. “What’s up?” she asked Dominick. He put his hand on her arm and led her outside onto the deck.
“Jake is telling everyone that we slept together to get back at him,” he said quietly. Her eyes grew wide.
“Why would he say something like that? We went out for almost a year! He’s the one who went behind my back. Who did he say this to?”
“A bunch of guys that I hang out with, and some people you know pretty well.”
“Where is he?” she demanded. Dominick put his hands on her shoulders.
“Beth what do you think you’re going to do? All we can do is tell people the truth, but they’ll think what they want.”
“Nobody is going to believe us. Look how much time we spend together! I’m going to kill him,” she muttered.
“He’s at his house, but I’m going with you,” he said. She shrugged, going back into her house quickly.
“I’m going out, be back in an hour. If I’m not back by nine, I’m at Jake’s!” she called to her parents, turning and jogging from the house. Dominick followed her to her car, and they sped off toward Jake’s house.
Jake answered the door, wearing only a pair of stonewashed jeans. His eyes grew wide when he saw Beth and Dominick.
“What are you guys doing here?” he demanded. Beth pushed him hard, and he stumbled backward. “What the hell is your problem?”
“You told everyone that I slept with Dominick and you don’t know what my problem is?” she asked incredulously. Jake looked at Dominick
“You told her?” he demanded. Dominick put his hands on Beth’s shoulders.
“She’s my best friend, of course I told her. I’m not going to let everyone go around thinking we did something we didn’t do.”
“But you wouldn’t mind if it were true, would you?” Jake said. Beth looked at Dominick, but he was still looking at Jake with wide eyes.
“Jake you don’t know what you’re talking about. Dom and I are just friends he doesn’t want to…” she trailed off when Dominick turned to look at her, and she suddenly realized that Jake was right.
“Beth?” he murmured. She shook her head, turning and starting for the door.
“Let’s go. I’ve said all I want to say to this slime bucket, and so have you. Come on Dom,” she ordered. He followed quietly, not sure of what else to do. When they got to the car Beth didn’t start it, just put her head on the steering wheel. Dominick sighed, reaching out and touching her shoulder. She pulled away.
“Beth look at me,” he said. She shook her head, sitting up and starting the truck.
“No. You’re almost as bad as he is. The only difference is that you didn’t say it to everyone else. You didn’t say it to me, and that’s what matters. I’ll drop you off home,” she said quietly. He nodded.
“Alright,” he murmured. Beth pulled onto the road and went toward his house, trying not to cry.
Beth’s parents walked up the stairs the next afternoon, worried about Beth. She hadn’t gotten up to help feed, or to work with King and Lion. Jason knocked quietly but didn’t get an answer. They opened the door and smiled when they saw that she was still asleep.
“Let her sleep awhile longer. She’s been running herself ragged lately.” Jason nodded, following her out of the room. Almost as soon as the door was closed Beth sat up and went to her desk. She hugged a ragged stuffed bear, one that Dominick had given her when she broke her arm when she was seven. It was missing one of its eyes, and his arms and head had been re-sewn many times. With a sigh she stared out the window, thinking about the night before.
“Why does he have to do this? He knows we could never be more than friends,” she muttered. She stood, pulling on a pair of breeches, a turtle neck, and a heavy sweatshirt. She tossed the bear on her bed and then went out of the room.
Beth rode through a pasture, careful not to let King step on any ice. It was the day before Christmas, and that night there was the annual party at Cotey and Sam’s house. When she was done in the pasture she went to the house to get ready. She put on a flowered skirt, black pantyhose, and a matching top. She piled her hair on top of her head and went downstairs. Her father whistled and her mother smiled.
“You look beautiful,” Jess said. Beth blushed, ducking her head.
“Thanks Mom, but I don’t look that great,” she muttered.
“You look gorgeous,” her father said, kissing her forehead.
“Thanks Daddy.”
“Are we ready to go?” Jason asked. Everyone nodded and they all walked from the house.
Cotey smiled and gave Beth a tight hug. Beth hugged her godmother back.
“So are they treating you alright down there?” Cotey asked. Beth nodded and smiled broadly.
“Everything is great. I’ve made a lot of good friends. I’m just glad for the break now.”
“Why don’t you go sit in the living room? Rachel’s in there waiting for Jim to get here, driving herself crazy worrying.” Beth nodded and went into the living room. Rachel gave her a hug.
“I’m so glad you’re here! Jim’s not here yet, and he’s hardly ever late. Do you think something happened to him?” she asked. Beth shook her head, refusing to look at Dominick.
“Nope. Isn’t he the one who came late last Christmas?” she asked.
“You’re right! Oh thanks Beth, you’re the greatest!” Rachel exclaimed. Beth smiled and sat down on the arm of a chair.
“I won’t argue with that. Let’s go see if your Mom needs help in the kitchen,” she said. Rachel nodded and followed Beth into the kitchen.
At around eleven Beth disappeared to the barn. She always brought Christmas treats for Cotey’s horses, knowing that she had ridden almost every one of them at least once.
“Here ya’ go Miami, eat up. Candy canes only come once a year,” she crooned to the large warmblood. He lipped it up and chomped it gratefully. Beth moved down the aisle slowly, stopping at every stall. When she was done she went into the loft, staring out at the clear winter night. A noise made her turn, and she wasn’t surprised to find Dominick.
“Playing Santa?” he asked. She nodded and turned back toward the night.
“Yup. What do you want?” she asked. He shrugged, moving to stand beside her.
“I want to talk to you,” he said simply. She faced him for a brief moment.
“There’s nothing to say,” she murmured.
“You know, you can’t pretend you don’t want it too. Everyone knows that you do,” he said, quiet anger in his voice. She didn’t look at him.
“What do I want Dominick?” He grabbed her shoulders, turning her to face him.
“This,” he said quietly, leaning down and kissing her. She started to push him away, but was soon curling her fingers around the material of his jacket. Beth’s mind was reeling. Dominick kissed a little harder, and she kissed back.
“Guys, Mom wants you to…” Rachel trailed off when she saw them kissing. With a small smile she turned and left the barn. When she got back to the house they all looked at her expectantly.
“So where are they? We’re about to make the toast,” Sam said.
“They’re at the barn and they’re busy. They’ll be up soon,” Rachel replied.
“What exactly is so important that they’re going to miss the toast?” Cotey demanded.
“They’re kissing Mom,” Rachel said exasperatedly. Cotey, Sam, Jason, and Jess stared at her incredulously.
“They were kissing?” Jason demanded.
“When did they start kissing?” Sam asked. Rachel shrugged, glancing out the window.
“I don’t know, but here they come. Nobody say anything.”
“You don’t want us to say anything?” Jason and Sam demanded in one voice. Rachel nodded quickly, glancing up as the door opened.
“We didn’t miss the toast did we?” Beth asked. Cotey and Jess shook their heads.
“Nope. Find a seat and join us,” Cotey said, smiling at Sam.
“I’d like to toast friendship,” Rachel said. Everyone clinked their glasses together. They went around the room, and Beth went last. She thought for a long moment.
“I’d like to toast Dominick… for being such a great friend,” she said quietly. Dominick didn’t smile, just watched as she stood and hurried from the house. Jess got up and jogged after her.
“Beth wait!” she called. Beth turned, looking at her mother with tear-filled eyes.
“It’s his fault you know… he shouldn’t have said anything. He should have just left it alone,” she said.
“Maybe… but he didn’t. It isn’t going to help anything if you go home. He’s just going to follow you there.”
“Let him follow me. I don’t care anymore,” she muttered, turning and disappearing into the woods. Dominick jogged out of the house moments later and followed her. Jess sighed, glancing toward the house. Everyone was standing on the porch looking at her.
“Who knows?” she muttered, throwing her hands in the air. They all sighed and went back into the house.
Dominick caught up with her when she was halfway home. She was already freezing, but didn’t really care.
“Beth wait!” he called. She kept walking she he jogged until he caught up. “Here, you’re probably freezing,” he said, giving her his jacket. She handed it back.
“I’m perfectly fine, don’t worry about it,’ she muttered. They reached the stable yard and Beth went to her house. Dominick followed her, holding the door so she couldn’t slam it in his face.
“Don’t be like this. It isn’t all my fault you know,” he said quietly. She looked at him finally, her eyes sad.
“Then whose fault is it?” she asked.
“Nobody’s. It just happened, and there’s nothing wrong with it.”
“Yes there is! You can’t go around kissing your best friend.” They were quiet for a moment and she suddenly said, “I need to practice.” She went to the piano and began to play ‘I’ll be Home for Christmas.’ Dominick stood behind her, but suddenly slammed his hands down on the keys. She stared up at him angrily.
“What the hell is your problem?” he demanded.
“You are! I was trying to play and you had no right to do that!”
“Would you just stop thinking about the piano and the horses and everything else? Would you just stop thinking so damn much?” he yelled back.
“Stop talking to me like I’m some kind of baby,” she said, moving to leave the room. He caught her arm, but she shrugged him away.
“You’re acting like one,” he said. She whirled on him, hands on her hips.
“I’m acting like a baby? What about you? Aren’t you acting like a baby? A big selfish baby?” she demanded.
“Selfish? I’m not being selfish, you are. You wanted that kiss in the barn Beth, and don’t tell me you didn’t. I’ve kissed plenty of girls and I know the difference.”
“I’m thrilled for you, but your radar is a little rusty,” she said, going into the kitchen.
“You shouldn’t have kissed back,” he muttered. She turned to face him.
“You’re right, I shouldn’t have. I’ll probably regret that for the rest of my life.”
“What is so wrong with us dating?” he demanded.
“Everything. It’s just too weird Dominick.”
“You didn’t seem to think it was weird in the barn,” he said, turning and starting for the front door.
“That was cheap Dominick!” she called. He shrugged, turning and walking backwards. He dropped a present under the tree so she couldn’t see it.
“Yeah, but a lot of this is cheap,” he said. He turned again and walked out.
Beth sat on the floor in front of the tree the next morning, waiting for her parents to arrive. She had decided not to put on her prosthetic right away that morning. Her parents came into the room and Beth began handing out presents. She grabbed a gift that was to her and opened it. She gasped when she found a new jumping saddle.
“You guys shouldn’t have done this,” she said, smiling up at them.
“We’re glad you like it,” Jess said. Beth smiled, handing her mother a present. Jess opened it and grinned when she saw the new down jacket for trail riding.
“Thanks Jas, this is great,” she said. Beth handed out all the presents and soon reached the last one. It was to her, but it didn’t say who it was from. She opened it and found a beautiful necklace that had a gold treble clef charm.
“This is beautiful,” she said, smiling at them. Her parents glanced at one another.
“We didn’t get that for you,” Jess said. Beth stared down at it.
“Then who did?” she asked, not remembering the necklace from the Christmas before when Dominick had tried to give it to her. Both parents shrugged and stood up. Beth slid to the couch and pushed herself up onto it. Once there she grabbed her crutches and followed them to the kitchen.
“Where’s your leg?” her father asked. Beth smiled, motioning to the stairs.
“Didn’t feel like it this morning,” she said, sitting down in her usual seat. Her mother put the French toast on the table.
“It isn’t bothering you is it?” Jess asked. Beth shook her head and cut up the toast.
“Nope. I’ll put it on when I get dressed for Cotey and Sam and everyone when they come over,” she said.
“Well they’re going to be here in twenty minutes. You might want to think about getting ready,” Jason said.
“It’s not like they don’t know I’m missing a leg. If they can’t handle seeing me like this, that’s their problem. Dom and Rachel could care less.”
“I know honey.” They finished eating just as a knock came on the door. Beth got up and answered it, smiling when she saw Rachel.
“Hey Beth, where’s the leg?” she asked, a smile on her pretty face.
“I have no idea! Maybe that guy on the bus wasn’t looking for spare change,” she muttered. Rachel laughed and walked in. Dominick, Cotey and Sam followed. Dominick gave her a quick look but she ignored it. She closed the door and started upstairs.
“I’m going to go get dressed. I’ll be down in a minute,” she said. They all nodded. Beth got to her room and got dressed, putting on a new pair of stonewashed jeans and a bright red sweater. She went back downstairs, letting her hair hang loose. Beth heard Dominick playing his flute, and a smile touched her lips. She went into the living room and they all turned.
“Are you going to play for us too, or are we going to be deprived?” Jason asked. She grinned and sat down at the piano, taking out her old book of Christmas songs. She glanced at Dominick.
“Do you have the music to Silent Night?” she asked. He nodded and flipped to the right page.
“Yup.” They began playing, and soon Rachel and Beth began to sing. They played several songs, and finally Beth turned to O’ Holy Night. She glanced at Cotey.
“Would you mind playing this one? I’m supposed to be doing a duet later tonight, and this is what we’re singing.” Everyone clapped and Cotey blushed.
“I might be a little rusty,” she muttered, taking Beth’s place on the bench. Beth looked at Rachel and smiled.
“Sing alto for me?” she asked. Rachel nodded and stood up. The song began and Beth began to sing. All eyes were on her as she let her voice float over the notes. Rachel sang with her, their voices blending together. Everyone held their breath as Beth sang, “Fall on your knees, oh hear the angel voices. Oh night divine, oh night, when Christ was born. Oh night, oh night, oh night divine.” When the song ended the all clapped and Beth blushed.
“That was beautiful,” Jason said. She shook her head.
“It was ok,” she mumbled. Rachel put a hand on her shoulder.
“It was great and you know it,” she said. Beth shrugged, glancing at Dominick. He was looking at her hard, his eyes more truthful than anything either one of them had said had been.
“Would anyone mind if I went down to the barn for a little while? I want to wish the horses a merry Christmas,” she said. Nobody objected so she grabbed her new leather jacket and walked out the door.
She sat in the corner of Lion’s stall, crying softly. Dominick sighed, unlatching the stall door. Lion blocked his path, ears pinned back. He sighed, reaching out and grabbing Beth’s arm. Surprisingly she came up and followed him from the stall. He led her to the loft, going up the ladder. She followed him silently, and when they finally stopped she just looked at him.
“Will you just talk to me about this?” he said.
“What do you want me to say?”
“I don’t have any suggestions. I just know I can’t pretend like I don’t like you and care about you,” he said.
“Then don’t. You’re just going to end up hurt in the end. I can’t feel that way about you,” she said.
“Why not?” he demanded. She shook her head.
“Because,” she said. He sighed.
“That’s a stupid reason. At least I know that you’re a good kisser… at least I’ll have something good to remember all this by.” His eyes held a deep pain now. She sighed and swallowed hard.
“Why do you do that to me? You look at me and it’s like you want me to feel exactly what you are right now.”
“I do. I want you to hurt just as much as I’m hurting.”
“Well I do. I hurt when you look at me that way, or when I have to say no. That kills me,” she whispered, turning away quickly. He caught her shoulders, letting his fingers squeeze gently.
“That’s because you like me too, but you just don’t want to admit it.”
“Maybe… I don’t know. I just know that it hurts when you do this to me.”
“Then stop pretending, because it’s not going to work. I’m not stupid.” She still had her back to him, unsure of what to do.
“Dominick I can’t deal with this right now,” she said, trying to pull away. His grip tightened and he stepped closer.
“You’re going to have to. I’m not putting this on hold again Beth.” She looked down at her hands; they were shaking, just like the rest of her. She turned around slowly and looked up at him with sad eyes.
“What do you want me for?” she asked suddenly, catching him off guard.
“Because you’re you. I don’t know Beth. If it was a conscious choice, I’d change it. You obviously don’t like it.”
“It’s not about that… me not liking it. I do… the part of me that isn’t freaked out does anyway.” He nodded, leaning toward her slowly. Beth wrapped her arms around him and let him kiss her.
The call came three days later, and Beth answered the phone.
“Hello?” she said, tugging on her jacket with one hand. There was a brief pause.
“Miss Fute this is Michael Jones. We need you to come back as soon as possible. One of our team members got hurt and I need you to start working with Theresa.”
“When do you want me there?” she asked.
“I’ve expressed a plane ticket to you. The flight leaves tomorrow afternoon. Can you be ready by then?” She sighed.
“Yes. I’ll see you tomorrow night.” She hung up and then walked out the door. She saddled King and rode over to Cotey’s.
Dominick took her hand when she walked out of the stall.
“What’s wrong?” he asked. She sighed, shaking her head.
“I’m going back tomorrow. Mr. Jones needs me to train someone, so I have to go.” Dominick sighed too.
“That’s not fair. You were supposed to have a couple more weeks.”
“I know. This is the way it works though. I’ve gotta get home and pack, and then get Lion ready for the trip. Do you want to come help?” He nodded, going into the tack room.
“Let me get Miami saddled,” he said, sauntering off toward the stall. She went back to the stall King was in and got him ready.
“One more time and then you’re done for the day,” she told the big horse. He nudged her shoulder, then stood quietly.
Beth walked up the stairs slowly, carrying her suitcase. Dominick was behind her carrying a larger matching one. She sighed and tossed hers on to the bed. He did the same with the one he had been carrying, then glanced around the room.
“It looks worse than when we started,” he murmured. She nodded, picking up a pair of breeches. She folded them and tossed them into the suitcase.
“Yeah, but it’ll be ok soon. I have lots of clothes to bring with me.” Dominick picked up a T-shirt and handed it to her. She folded it and put it in a suitcase. They worked at it for nearly an hour, but finally finished.
“You have way too many clothes,” he said, plopping down on the bed beside her.
“There’re still more in the closet. That reminds me, I’m going to need a swimsuit and a dress of some kind.” She went to the closet and took out the items she wanted, tossing them to Dominick. “Make yourself useful,” she ordered. He nodded, taking them off hangers, folding them, and putting them in the suitcase. Beth searched her drawers for a bathing suit, and finally found two. She tossed them into the suitcase and closed it carefully.
“Is that it?” he asked, putting an arm around her. She nodded, leaning against his shoulder.
“Yeah, but I’ve still gotta’ pack all my tack. I need to get Lion ready for shipping. My parents don’t even know I’m going yet.” He kissed her forehead gently, standing and pulling her to her feet.
“Come on, let’s go get everything set so we can relax for awhile. I’m in the mood for a movie and popcorn,” he said. She laughed, following him from the house.
Jason and Jess came home at around five thirty, carrying a Chinese carry out box. Beth smiled up at them, still on the couch with Dominick.
“Chinese, my favorite. By the way, I’m going back to Georgia tomorrow,” she said. Both parents did a double take.
“Why are you going back so soon?” Jason demanded.
“Mr. Jones needs me to work with the reserve rider. He sent the tickets and they should be here tomorrow morning.”
“Well if you’ve gotta’ go, you’ve gotta’ go,” Jess said, pulling Jason toward the kitchen.
“Are you two going to eat?” Jason called. Beth stood up, tugging Dominick behind her.
“You, come on Dom, lets’ go,” she said. He smiled, standing up and following her to the kitchen.
The next day Beth stood in the airport with her family and Dominick’s. Rachel gave her a tight hug, and then everyone followed her lead. When she had said goodbye to everyone, she and Dominick walked outside. She reached over and squeezed his hand gently.
“I look stupid wearing shorts in the middle of winter,” she muttered. Dominick shook his head, putting his hands on her shoulders.
“You don’t look stupid, you look cold,” he said. She smiled up at him.
“I’ll call you… and I’ll write,” she promised.
“I know… not the same as having you here though. I’ll be down for the games in August,” he said.
“I’ll miss you,” she whispered. He smiled down at her, noticing the treble clef necklace on her neck.
“You’re wearing my necklace,” he murmured. Beth glanced down.
“It was under our tree on Christmas. I opened it, but I didn’t know it was from you.”
“I tried to give it to you last Christmas, but you wouldn’t take it.” She nodded slowly, touching the necklace with her index finger.
“I should have taken it then,” she muttered. He pulled her into a tight hug, then a long kiss.
“Have a safe trip. I’ll talk to you soon,” he said, watching as she disappeared onto the plane. With a sigh he turned, going back into the airport to go home.
