“I could see that working. It would certainly be better for everyone if we got the horses who are neglected before their condition deteriorates like we’ve seen with some of the newcomers.”
“That’s what I was thinking.”
“Maybe Poppy and Penny could help? They have enough land to be able to make an anonymous drop off spot somewhere?” I asked, knowing the sisters owned a farm.
“Hell, even Seb has space at his, but it might be hard for people to go drop an animal at a vet’s place,” Theo mused.
“Either way, we can put a pin on this and figure it out later. Just let it percolate.” Lake smiled. “I’ll ask Sierra to look into setting up that fund though. Maybe have Seb’s clinic as a partner?”
“Sure. He should be by in a couple of hours for the foal; you can ask him about it then.”
Theo accepted the plate I’d made him and then practically inhaled it and a glass of orange juice.
“Did you even have your smoothie today?” I asked knowingly.
He winced. “I’ve been up and napping in the stall with the foal.”
“Well eat, and get yourself some toast if you still feel hungry after that. I’m going to go get groceries.”
“Do you have the rescue’s card?” Lake asked.
“Yup, I had it in my room so I put it back into my wallet.”
“Awesome. And anything you need, you have my complete trust, so just get it as you would’ve in the past,” he said firmly.
“Great, thanks!” I went to put on my boots. It had felt surprisingly good to get Lake’s validation like that, and I hadn’t thought I needed it.
“The truck keys are in the ignition,” Theo called after me, and I waved over my shoulder.
* * * *
Grocery shopping was relaxing for me, when I went at a time when there weren’t people everywhere. Somehow, this was clearly the wrong time today. There were seniors with their mobility scooters and harried moms with various kids with many too loud voices.
I gritted my teeth and got my massive amount of food, because there’d been so damn many things I had to get for the cupboards, too. I’d need to do another trip in a couple of days, but for now I’d stock up on the nonperishables we were out of and the everyday stuff for a couple of days.
When I went past the candy aisle, I braved the cranky kids to grab a couple of different sour candies. I’d remembered the chips, and I’d gotten a few different kinds for the pantry too, including two extra bags of plain ones.
By the time I was done shopping, the truck bed was filled with bags and I did my best not to wince at the amount of money I’d sank into this endeavor.
I knew the rescue was doing fine now. Apparently, a friend of River and Lake’s named Anderson had come in to visit, and then he and his other rich friends from Manhattan had donated enough money for a whole new stable to be built and many other improvements in addition to just keeping the place going for another year. They’d signed up for yearly donations, too, which meant that unless they changed their minds, Twin Star was set for the time being.
As I drove back, I could picture Ruth in my head, looking happy and sad at the same time. She’d love the security the donations would bring, especially after what had happened right after her passing with a former major donor withdrawing for reasons mainly to do with queerphobic asshattery, but she’d also be sad for not being able to be there for this.
* * * *
When I got back, I started to prep a decent, filling lunch for everyone. I texted Theo to tell him that Seb was expected for lunch around midday, and that I wouldn’t take no for an answer.
When Rey came downstairs, I was chopping things I was going to sauté to make a nice pureed soup. It was amazing how much nutrients you could pack into a simple, filling, and comforting pureed soup. I had a few options for protein to add on top, so everyone could fix theirs how they liked. Of course, I’d also make garlic bread because who wouldn’t love that.
As I made the blueberry pancakes for Rey, he called me Jack to get my attention. I nearly whiplashed myself, then felt sheepish when he said I wasn’t in trouble.
It felt odd but in a good way. Suddenly an echo of a memory from last night, him calling me Jack then too, flitted through my brain. That reminded me…
I grabbed the two bags of candy off the counter and walked closer to the couches. “Hey, catch.” I tossed one to him, then the other.
At his stunned look, I grinned. “Thanks for the help last night. There’s also plain chips in the pantry.”
He blushed again, having already done that once as I talked about him cleaning my feet for me.
