“Flex and I were playing a little joke on Clay, only it got out of hand.”
“I see.” Prissy picked up Ellie’s snaffle bit. “How many times a day do you clean this?”
“I was trying to work up the courage to face everyone.”
“Especially Clay?”
“I really don’t want to talk about Clay.”
“Listen to me, Ellie. Every girl on the circuit’s in love with Clay. What you’re feeling isn’t abnormal, believe me. I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“You seem immune to his charms, how do you do it?”
“Simple. I fell for Clay years ago. Slept with him and got dumped just like the others. Fortunately, I met Phil a little while later. Phil’s just the opposite of Clay. He’s loving and considerate, a one-woman man. I fell madly in love with him, and now we’re getting married.”
“You think that’s what would happen to me if I slept with Clay? He’d dump me, just like everyone else?”
Prissy paused a moment before answering. “Normally, I’d say yes without even thinking about it. But lately, Clay seems different. Maybe he’s finally growing up. Sometimes I think Clay would like to stop chasing, but his father’s got him convinced that’s unmanly. I don’t know. The safer route is definitely to keep your distance.”
“Believe me, I’m trying.”
“Then again, he treats you differently. He certainly came to your rescue last night.”
“He rescued me, all right. Then went to bed with Gabriella.”
“What can I say? That sounds like Clay. Listen, I’ve got to run. Maybe we can grab something to eat back at the hotel tonight.”
“That sounds great. Thanks, Prissy.”
Prissy left. Ellie saddled Jube and led him toward the practice ring. It was late in the afternoon. Everyone else was gone. What a relief, she thought. At least she wouldn’t have to face Clay today.
Not for the next few days either, as it turned out.
When the show started on Thursday, she saw him for the first time since Le Palace.
At the beginning of the competition, it was hard to concentrate with Clay so near. Eventually, her years of dedication took over and her desire to win pulled her through. Out of thirty-seven riders, she placed sixth behind Clay and Flex in the Grand Prix on Sunday.
Jake seemed unimpressed. He’d grown increasingly distant and oddly wary. When she asked his advice on one of the jumps, he just walked away as if he hadn’t heard her. She was beginning to worry about him. Maybe she should talk to him.
Then again, their friendship was based on their working relationship and love of the sport. They had never delved into the personal aspects of each other’s lives, and Ellie wasn’t sure she wanted to.
That night they packed up. Tomorrow they were leaving for Rotterdam. She hadn’t talked to Clay more than a time or two since the competition began. It was obvious he was avoiding her. When she’d placed second in the 140-meter class, Clay had railed at her for the four faults that had cost her the first.
They were the only words he’d spoken.
She was going to tell him the truth, she decided that afternoon after the show. Screw Flex and his crazy ideas. Of course, she’d have to wait until they arrived in Holland. Clay was long gone, she was sure.
Her mouth tightened. Probably somewhere with Linda Gibbons, celebrating his win.
Standing in the tack room, Ellie stretched and rubbed the small of her back. She’d sent Gerry to get some dinner. He’d been working since dawn, just as she had, and she needed some time alone.
“Back hurt?” Clay stood in the doorway, wide shoulders filling it, head nearly touching the top.
Embarrassment warmed her cheeks. How would she ever explain to Clay?
Ellie swallowed. “Clay, I owe you an apology. I’m sorry about what happened. I really want to thank you for what you did.”
“Don’t thank me, Ellie, thank Flex.” The bitterness in his voice was unmistakable. “From what I hear, he took care of you just fine.”
