Liebesgeschäfte

Jamie and I were alone in the stable, grooming our horses. It seemed like the perfect moment to bring up a certain topic.

Gillian: “Jamie… I wanted to ask you something. What exactly is this between us?”

Jamie: “How… between us? What do you mean?”

Gillian: “You know… between us.”

Jamie: “Ah, now I get it. You mean you and me? Well, that’s complicated. I work myself to the bone here from morning till night — and my nagging boss still pushes me around.”

Grrr… I went out for a ride. Jamie knew exactly what I meant. He just had to talk to Rowan.

Rowan: “What’s so important that we had to meet immediately?”

Jamie: “Rowan, you’re my oldest and best friend. I need your help. It’s about Gillian… I thought we were just good friends… she’s sad because her parents are so far away… we have fun together… that fear in the cave… same interests… she’s kind and understanding… she brought Snap back… and today she straight-up asked me what this is between us!”

Jamie talked and talked. When he finally got to the point, Rowan wanted to know the same thing — what was this between us? Jamie admitted he didn’t really know. All he knew was that it felt good. Rowan laughed and told his oldest and best friend that he was head over heels in love — and that he should tell me. But for Jamie, it wasn’t that simple. He didn’t know how I felt. He was afraid that a “confession” might destroy whatever it was we had. Meanwhile, I was disappointed. Offended. Angry. What was that stupid remark in the stable supposed to mean?! And what was wrong with me? Was I some kind of man-repellent? When I wanted to confess my feelings to Josh, he left and never contacted me again. And Jamie… just when I was ready to open up, he started talking about work. He didn’t even consider that I meant something completely different. It was obvious. Jamie wasn’t interested in more. Maybe I should just stay out of love altogether.

Gillian: “Hey! To all the men in this world — I’m officially out of the love business!!!”

A male voice answered:

Voice: “Well, as long as you’re not quitting the horse business, we’re fine!!!”

I turned toward the sound. Oops. There stood Rowan Allaway with his entire team — and they had heard everything.

Rowan Allaway: “Hello, Gillian!”

Ranger 1: “That’s really a shame!” Ranger 2: “Hi, Gillian!”

Gillian: “Ha ha, Rowan Allaway! What are you doing here?”

I rode with them back to their camp.

Rowan Allaway: “We’re running an exercise out here. Air — the Knabstrupper — is with us. He must’ve broken loose during the night. We’re searching for him. But what’s this about your love business?”

Gillian: “Oh Rowan… that’s a long and complicated story. Right now, Air comes first. I’ll help. I’ll ride back to the ranch and get more people.”

On the way back, Pixel suddenly grew restless. Then he stopped completely and refused to move. And then I saw him. Air was standing beneath a tree. He wasn’t putting weight on one of his front legs.

Gillian: “Good job picking up his scent, Pixel. He seems injured. Hey Air… good boy. We’ll help you. Jamie will come with the trailer.”

Jamie brought Air back to the ranch and called the vet. Rowan arrived shortly after.

Vet: “Looks like he’s only strained his leg. A few days of stall rest and he’ll be fine.”

Rowan Allaway: “Thank you, Doc. Then I’ll leave him here for a few days.”

Jamie brought Air food and water into the stall.

Rowan Allaway: “So… what’s going on with Gillian? We saw her in the forest today shouting something about quitting the love business. Does that have anything to do with Josh?”

Jamie froze.

Jamie: “With Josh?!”