“You’re saying I should go with the flow. Just because I can do that when I’m working with a horse doesn’t mean I’m comfortable taking that approach to my life.”
“Are you comfortable trying to control all the aspects of this visit?”
“Of course not, but?—”
“Then what have you got to lose?”
She knew the answer to that one.
Myself.
Chapter Eleven
Luis had never been so glad that Monty had decided to become a vet. His brother’s calm, capable handling of Fudge’s issue soothed the horse and Jordan.
The abscess was draining. Fudge had a massive bandage on his right foreleg which he kept eyeing with suspicion. But he was no longer grunting in pain and was extremely interested in his hay flake and a bucket of oats.
Jordan was all smiles, and wasn’t that great to see? Monty was happy, too. He lived for moments like this.
The barn was quiet. After the parade, they’d filled the slow feeder in the pasture and turned all the horses out to enjoy themselves. This time of year was perfect grazing weather.
Now that the emergency was handled, he was hungrier than a grizzly coming out of hibernation. “Who’s ready to eat?”
“Not me.” Monty leaned against the side of the stall watching Fudge nose through the bucket of oats. “I filled up on barbeque before I left town.”
Jordan laughed. “I wasn’t hungry until you mentioned barbeque. Now I’m starving.”
“You two go find some grub in Luis’s kitchen.” Monty made a shooing motion with his hand. “I’ll keep an eye on our patient.”
She frowned. “I hate to leave. Hey, Luis, could we throw something together and bring it back over here?”
“Sure. I’ll do it. You don’t have to go. I’ll fetch us a couple of sandwiches.”
Monty shook his head. “I really don’t think you need to worry. Fudge is enjoying his meal. You go enjoy yours. Luis might even have some of Auntie Ezzie’s tamales in his fridge.”
“I do, and they’re calling my name.” He glanced at Jordan. “Are you a fan?”
“Homemade tamales? Are you kidding? I’m in. But I’d still like to bring my plate?—”
“I don’t want to stop you,” Monty said, “But I predict by the time you get here your horse will be taking a nap. He had a rough night and he’s exhausted. I guess you could eat and watch him sleep, but those tamales deserve a sit-down lunch.”
Was Monty deliberately creating a chance for them to be alone in the casita? Luis wouldn’t put it past him. He’d made his opinion known this morning.
“Well…” Jordan walked over to Fudge and gave him a scratch under his mane. “Hey, sweet boy. I’m gonna grab some chow. You take it easy, okay?”
Fudge lifted his head briefly, gave her a look and went back to his oats, which made her chuckle. “I think you’re right, Monty. He doesn’t need me hovering over him.”
“Take your phone,” Monty said. “If I have any concerns I’ll call you.”
Luis’s jaw tightened. Monty couldn’t know the significance of that innocent statement. Sure did underline the issue and add several exclamation marks, though, didn’t it?
“Thanks. I’ll grab it on the way over.” She left the barn and he followed her around to the side where she’d parked her truck and trailer.
She opened the driver’s door. “This must chap your hide.”
“What?” Maybe she’d believe he was unfazed.
“You know what.” She grabbed her backpack from behind the seat. “This is starting to feel stupid.”
