“Sure, he’s waiting to talk to you.”Coltheard her pass the phone to Sandy.
“Son, how are things?Got any goodhorses?”
Colt smiled.“Dad, I may have a businessbrewing.I’ve got several appointments around California and Nevadato work with problem horses.I’m going to travel for a while andsee how it goes.What do you think?”His father’s opinion wasimportant to him for lots of reasons.Mostly, his father was anastute businessman, as well as rancher.
“Do it, son.Get all the experience you can.When you’re ready, we can talk about giving you some acreage tostart your own business here at our ranch.When you’re tired oftraveling, people can bring their horses to you.”
“Wow.Thanks—I hadn’t thought of that angle,but it sounds great.”Colt spoke to his mother again and promisedto visit them as soon as he could.He knew it would be a while,though, before he could get back.Finishing the call, he stuck thephone in a pocket and looked over at his grandfather.
“Sam, got any beer?”He brushed the dust offhis chaps and kicked the mud off his boots before entering thehouse.
* * *
Amanda had been working with a young boy forabout two weeks now.They had been talking quietly, when suddenlyhe started shrieking and running around her office.Her job as campcounselor seemed fraught with peril, as she worked through problemswith various kids.She kept quiet and watched him for a while.Amanda knew he wasn’t physically hurt, so she held out her hands tokeep him from bumping into furniture.The boy finally ploppedexhausted into one of her comfortable chairs.Like one of Colt’shorses, she had to give him time to get used to her and begin totrust her.Patience was the key to where she wanted to go with thisboy.
His breathing became normal again, signalinghe was calm.Amanda quietly suggested that they go for a walk.Walking around and around her building, the boy let Amanda hold hishand.While walking, he finally told her a few of his fears—fatherbeatings, mother abandonment, drug use in the home.
It never failed to amaze her how many badparents were out there and continuing to have children.The campwas trying to straighten out damaged children after their parentshad put the kinks there.They talked a while longer and then shetold him when they could meet again.
Taking him back to the recreation area, shewalked over to the lunchroom to grab a bite.Going into thebathroom to wash her hands, she glanced at her reflection in themirror.A different Amanda looked back at her.Sure, her eyes werestill green and her hair a pretty auburn color, but it was someonemore confident—happier…An improved version of the old Amanda.Sheliked what she saw.
Her new friend, another counselor named Kim,called to her, “Over here, Amanda.”Kim was a petite blonde whoused a lot of physical therapy with her clients.You couldgenerally find her in the pool with a child or two.She sat downwith Kim and waited for the onslaught.It wasn’t long incoming.
“So how about that movie tonight?It’s thenew Johnny Depp one where he plays Tonto.I know the critics hatedit, but what do they know?Have they ever tried to make a movie?No, so we won’t listen to the critics.”She seldom paused forbreath.
“Kim...”
“Or, I know… there’s a cool new bar inTruckee I’ve been dying to try.How about it?Maybe we’ll meet somecute cowboys.”
“My turn to talk, Kim.Take a bite of yoursandwich.”Amanda winked at her.Kim happily began to eat.
“I wouldn’t mind going to Truckee some time,but not after work today.I want to try out that new horse at thestable in town.”
“That’s all you do anymore, Amanda.You’vebeen here a month and must be an expert horsewoman by now.Or is itequestrian-person?What is the politically correct termanyway?”
“I guess ‘cowgirl’ would do.”
“That doesn’t sound politicallycorrect.”
“Horses and this camp are changing me, Kim.I feel so much better getting out of the polluted city air.”
“You can’t take a horse to bed, Amanda.Isuppose you could, but I never figured you for a Catherine theGreat type of person.”Kim laughed.
“I’ve read Russian history and I thinkCatherine’s reputation has been tarnished by that lie.Don’tperpetrate it…” Amanda gently closed Kim’s mouth when it droppedopen.
“What were we talking about?”
“I’m going riding after work today, but Ipromise to come out with you Friday.How would that be?”
“You’re a boring woman, Amanda, preferring ahorse to a guy.”
“I know I’m hopeless.Finish your sandwich,Kim.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jeanne Harrell lives in Nevada with herhusband.They have two boys—grown up and on their own…sometimes.They are both long time Nevadans mired in the Old West spirit.Traveling to different places in the country, especially theWestern states, give Jeanne ideas for her books.
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