Chapter Eighteen
Ella was bringingthe last of the horses to be stabled up from the pasture when she ran into Hazel. “Hi, Hazel. What brings you out here?”
“One of Marshall’s geldings is showing signs of a strained fetlock. I came to check him out and see if he needs to come over for therapy.”
“Oh, you’re talking about Leonardo?”
“Yes. Marshall seems really attached to him.”
“He is. Damaris said Marshall has had him from birth. Marshall was just a kid when he was born.”
“Leonardo seems like an odd name for a kid to pick.”
Ella laughed. “He named him after one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”
“Ah, that makes sense. I guess they were big when Marshall was young.”
“So, what’s the verdict? Does Leonardo need water therapy?”
Hazel nodded. “Marshall’s bringing him over tomorrow. I feel sure we can help him.” She fished her phone out of her pocket. “Looks like it’s dinnertime. I’ve been dying for some enchiladas, queso, and chips. Want to go to Jalisco’s with me?” she asked, naming one of the Mexican restaurants in town.
“Sure. I’ll check on a couple more things and meet you there.”
“Sounds good. I’ll get us a table.”
Half an hour later, Ella walked into the restaurant, heading for Hazel’s table when she saw her. With chips and hot sauce already on the table, they ordered queso and beer then told the waitress they’d place their main order shortly. Over the appetizers and cold beer they discussed horses, then gradually got around to men.
“Are you okay, Ella?” Hazel asked after the waitress brought them the queso and promised to be back to take the rest of their order.
“Kind of.” Sheshouldbe okay. But was she?
“I’m here if you want to talk.”
“I know you are. I appreciate that.”
“What are friends for?” They talked horses and dogs for a little while and then they both ordered enchiladas—cheese for Ella and beef for Hazel—rice and beans. A short time later, after the waitress brought their main dish, they got down to business.
“So what is it?” Hazel asked. “Chase?”
“Yes. Or more specifically, Chase and the rodeo.” She took a bite of her cheese enchilada and tried to think how to put into words what she wanted to say. “He loves it.”
“Most people do who continue doing it.”
“I don’t know if he’ll ever give it up.”
“Is that a problem for you?”
“I wish it wasn’t but I’m afraid it is. And I don’t want him to quit because I want him to. He needs to be the one who decides he’s ready. I absolutely don’t want him to decide to quit for me and then be miserable.”
“Don’t you think he’ll want to retire? Eventually, anyway.”
“Maybe. But in the meantime I’ll never see him. The rodeo is all important. I rank a poor second if I’m lucky.” She picked up her beer and drank. “I did that once, Hazel. I can’t do it again.”
“Don’t get pissed at me, but are you sure you aren’t exaggerating a little bit?”
“No, not really. Our relationship is at the most second to his career. I could deal with that if I thought it might change some day, but I don’t. I want a man who’ll be there for me and not be on the road all the time. You know as well as I do that a rodeo career entails being on the road constantly.”
“It’s hard. There’s no doubt about that. But you love him, don’t you?”
