“Yeah he’s in here, I’ll show you.”
I loved the stables, the smells, well most of them, the sounds and the calmness I always felt when I was in there. As I walked in now the sweet smell of the hay hit me, and I inhaled deeply. There were rows of stalls on either side, each with a horse inside. Savannah walked past me and down to the other end of the stable, stopping at the last but one stall.
“Hello boy.” She said to Marley, scratching his nose. “You remember Libby, don’t you?” She asked the horse. “She’s back to stay with us for a while.”
Marley seemed to respond to Savannah by snorting and rubbing his nose into her hand. She laughed and reached into her pocket pulling out a couple of sugar cubes which she offered to him. I patted Marley on the neck as he ate his treat. Savannah walked me up and down the stable telling me the names of all the horses and which were the new ones.
“We can go riding tomorrow if you like?” She asked me.
It had been four years since I’d been on a horse, but I was eager to get back on one. “I’d love that, if you’re sure you’ve got time,” I told her. I didn’t want to take up her time if she wanted to see her friends. I was pretty sure she didn’t have a boyfriend. She didn’t the last time we spoke properly, but that would have been before the accident. “If you want to see your friends, or your boyfriend, I can find something to do on my own. I don’t mind.”
“I can see my friends anytime Lib, and there is no boyfriend.” She paused, then I heard her mutter. “Not for want of trying!”
I started to ask her what she meant, but Brody suddenly appeared at the stable door.
“Dinner’s ready you two, come on.”
I looked over to Savannah, and she quickly shook her head, her eyes pleading with me to not say anything in front of Brody. I gave her a reassuring smile, and linked my arm through hers as we followed Brody back to the house. I would speak to her about it when we were alone, maybe tomorrow if we took the horses out.
Aunt Claire’s Fritos pie was as incredible as I remembered. I didn’t realise how hungry I was until I started eating. Sitting at the dining table with everyone brought back memories of the last time I was here, and how much fun I’d had with Jack, Savannah, and Brody. We’d spent hours swimming in the lake, and exploring every inch of the ranch on horseback. I’d barely seen my parents during that holiday, as soon as the sun was up we were out and didn’t return until we were hungry. Being away for a few years the memories had faded, but they were flooding back now, and I could only hope that I could enjoy this visit as much as the last one.
We all chatted easily over dinner with Aunt Claire and Uncle Ryan asking after my parents and Jack. I mentioned that Jack was looking into getting a flight to Austin to meet up with me, but I was waiting to hear back from him. Everyone seemed excited that he was going to be visiting.
“So girls, what are the plans for tomorrow?” Uncle Ryan asked, smiling at Savannah and me.
“We're going to go riding in the morning. I thought I’d take Lib down to the river and show her around the new log cabins.” Savannah replied excitedly. “Then tomorrow night we’re going out with the girls.”
This was news to me. I looked at Savannah. “I don’t have to come, Savannah, if you want to go out with your friends,” I said repeating my comments from earlier.
“I want you to come. Some of those dresses you’ve brought with you are perfect for the bars in town. We just need to get you some cowboy boots tomorrow afternoon, and you’ll be all set for a night of dancing.” She smiled at me.
I frowned. I hadn’t been out dancing since the night of the accident. “I’m not sure Savannah, it’s been a while…” I hesitated.
She reached across the table and took my hand. “Even more of a reason for you to come.” She said quietly. “I know you’ve been through a really tough time, but this is a fresh start. Please come Lib everyone is dying to meet you.”
I took a deep breath. I did want this to be a fresh start, I wanted to start living again, be happy again. I closed my eyes “Okay.” I whispered. “I don’t drink though, so please don’t make me,” I begged. I hadn’t wanted to drink since Mia had died. It didn’t hold the same appeal as it did before.
“You’re not old enough to drink here honey, neither is Savannah. Isn’t that right Savannah?” Aunt Claire said, raising her eyebrows at Savannah.
“No, no drinking,” Savannah smirked at her Mum. “They check your ID at the door Libby, if you’re under 21 you get your hand stamped then they know at the bar not to serve you alcohol.” She paused. “So, you’ll come?”
“Yes, I’ll come...but I’m not sure about cowboy boots,” I replied with a smile. “What’s wrong with my flip flops?”
“You’re in Texas now Lib, youhaveto have cowboy boots, isn’t that right Daddy?” I looked over to Uncle Ryan who rolled his eyes at Savannah.
“Well you would know sweetheart; you have about twenty pairs.” He told her laughing.
Brody burst out laughing, along with Aunt Claire.
“I do not have twenty pairs; I’ve got like, six.” She pouted. “And what are you laughing at Brody! You have more pairs than me!”
“Mine are working boots Sav. I actually wear them to work in, they aren’t a fashion accessory.” Brody replied.
Savannah stuck her tongue out at Brody across the table. I laughed “Okay, okay, I’ll get some cowboy boots.” I turned to Aunt Claire. “I’m going to turn in. I’m whacked. Thanks for dinner, it was amazing.” I gushed.
“No problem. I’ll make it again next week, maybe when Jack gets here.” She suggested. “Sleep well, honey. If you need anything, you know where we are.” She smiled reassuringly at me.
“Thank you. Night everyone.” I made my way upstairs as everyone said goodnight. I hoped that my nightmares wouldn’t make an appearance tonight, I was too tired to deal with them.
I had a quick shower before crawling into bed, falling asleep almost immediately, my head barely hitting the pillow.