36
Dylan was busy entering Phoenix for his next race. He’d chosen to do so when Flora was out of the office, knowing full well the repercussions that would follow. Whilst they were blissfully living together, Dylan was still very aware of what had become the elephant in the room. Neither had spoken about Phoenix racing again and who would be riding him, but both knew it had to be addressed. Dylan was prepared to put his foot down as the owner of the yard, yet was reluctant to do this, knowing the impact it would have on Flora. He’d much prefer to persuade Flora not to race again, but truly couldn’t see how, knowing how geared up she was.
It was as if they both knew this could be a real problem in their relationship, professionally and emotionally. Yet still it seemed neither would budge. Flora was out there now, flying through the air, hurtling Phoenix over the fences, whilst Dylan was registering Joshua as the jockey for Phoenix’s next race – and this time he wouldn’t move until the email came through confirming receipt of his entry.
He had to admire her tenacity though; if nothing else it proved her grit and courage. She reminded him of himself when he had first started out on the circuit; but this was different, this was Flora. The very thought of her being injured, especially as a result of his racing yard, turned his blood cold. Then an idea came to him. The more he thought about it, the more appealing it became, so much so, he cursed himself for not having thought it before. Feeling rather pleased with himself, he picked up his mobile and scrolled for his favourite restaurant.
‘Hello, could I book a table for two this evening?’ Well, he thought smiling widely, if a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing properly. Yes, he’d wine and dine Flora, get her in the mood, then give the performance of his life in the bedroom, then, when she had fully succumbed to him and was at her most obliging, he would coax her with his suggestion of having a baby. He’d long wanted to start a family with Flora and had hinted at it too. Flora had warmed to the idea, but nothing concrete had been decided. Well, nowwasthe time. They’d be a happy family – he knew that. Plus, Flora wouldn’t want to race if she was pregnant. Everyone was a winner, surely?
Flora had been too tired to stay long with Phoenix, which was most unlike her. Needing a rest and a hot drink, she walked the horse back to his stable and made her way to the office. Dylan had just completed registering Phoenix and Joshua for the next race when she entered. Excellent timing, thought Dylan.
‘Fancy a coffee?’ he asked, as casually as he could.
‘Thanks.’ Flora sat down with a thud and put her head back.
Dylan eyed her whilst making them both a drink. ‘You OK? You look a little pale.’ He handed her a cup.
‘Just tired, thanks.’ She took a sip and screwed up her face in revulsion. ‘Ergh, what’s in this?’
‘Nothing, just the usual coffee.’ Dylan frowned. Flora put it down then leant her head back against the sofa again and closed her eyes. ‘I’ve booked a table at Angelo’s tonight,’ he told her.
‘Oh, Dylan, I don’t think I’m up to it.’ She looked at him regretfully. ‘Do you mind? I’m exhausted.’
‘No, course not. I’ll cook dinner, shall I?’ He could see his romantic plans for the evening slowly slipping away.
‘To be honest, I don’t feel like eating anything.’ It was true. A sickly sensation had suddenly gripped her.
‘You sure you’re all right, Flora?’ Dylan sounded concerned, then not waiting for her to answer, he said, ‘Come on, we’re going home.’
Flora sank into a hot bubble bath and relaxed, though that nauseated feeling refused to budge. Then it dawned on her, whilst stretching out amongst the glittering bubbles – her period was late. She sat up abruptly. Taking a deep breath, she tried to clear her panicked brain and calculated when her last one had been. A week before the point-to-point. Flora remembered throwing up a few times in the run-up to the race with nerves and tension, such was the state she’d been in. She had obviously flushed the contraceptive pill out of her system.
Oh God. Making herself stay calm she wisely decided to buy a pregnancy testing kit to be absolutely certain, before dropping the bombshell on Dylan.
