Under the Stars

On purpose she had smudged and crumbled the letter, even done so with a little bit of dirt to make it
‘authentic’ and worn looking, and the last word just before the riddle couldn't even be read at all. The
trailer was in the parking lot at the very end, next to some of Pemberley Parks own trailers, so they
wouldn't be in the way. There were many cars still there, as well as other private owned trailers. The
trailer she going to give him was covered with a large tarp, and in one end there was a long rope.

This rope she had pulled ‘zig-zag’ between the three Pemberley Park trailers so the whole thing would
be stretched out just a little further. At the beginning of the rope Georgie had asked Jeffery to stand to
hand the rope to Justin and then tell him to follow the rope. He couldn't really understand why she
would do such a fuss over it but finally agreed to help her. Jeffery had however said that it was better if
she left the blindfold off. That might make it a little bit too much. But she had put a note on the rope,
‘pull if you dare...’ She knew he would...Justin was brave. Strong. Manly. When he pulled it, the tarp
would fall off...and he would come face to face with himself. With a mask that had been put there
digitally - but it looked real. The whole trailer had looked quite impressive. Now she just hoped he would
like it too...and the fact that a horse was included.

She had pondered where she would be standing when he came...if she would tell him he should pull to
reveal or not. It would be both exciting and scary to see the look on his face. Should she wait until he
had started to look at it closer...if he would even do that. They had done a good job despite the
rushwork, and that went for the interior too. Hopefully the tarp wouldn't get caught anywhere so the
actual reveal itself would be ruined. She hid in the trailer beside it. The doors were open and it looked
like someone was preparing to use it even if in reality it had just come back from being used. Tonya had
been out on a local show with one of her students.

As she waited, her thoughts drifted again. The things Tequila had said. Of their friendship. On how
maybe...it was better to not say anything at all. She would never dare to anyway. Yeah, that was
probably for the best...pretend she had never heard of Tequila's words at all. Or her suggestion. Then
she heard a sound of what might have been someone walking. Coming closer. She held her breath.
Georgie crossed her fingers as she closed her eyes. Please like it. Please...don't get mad. She could only
pray that he would understand that all of this...just came from a place of good... The trailer was so he
would be safe...and the horse...well...not knowing any of the names in the colt’s pedigree...she could
only go by what she had been told...and hope those that knew that their predictions would be true.


Justin read the first clue and turned it over just to check if there was anymore information. Was
this...like...a scavenger hunt? A little tickle in his tummy as the kid in him was immediately interested!
What had she hidden!? It was going to be his if he found it! He honestly didn't care what it could be!
Finding it was going to be the best part! Justin never did brag on his intelligence much since he never
completed school but he did think himself to be a little wittier than some of the other guys around him.
It made him sort of the ringleader, in his mind. He was naturally a curious boy so this was right up his
alley.

He grinned and chuckled at the first riddle. He only knew the answer to it because he had read it on the
back of a candy wrapper once. Then he tucked it away in his mind until he had a bunch of Brannons
around him and challenged them to solve it. The confused looks on their faces was priceless. He never
felt so smart in his life. When he told them the answer, only a few of them actually understood it and
got a laugh out of it. A couple pretended to understand it. Sydney didn't get it and just punched him for
it. Tequila...still didn't get it to this day.

So he was feeling pretty damn cocky about solving clue number one. Or well, he had the answer; he
didn't know what that had to do with dressage. He peeked into the arena and looked about for anything
that had to do with water, the sea, or the letter 'C'. At first, he didn't see the letters on the ground of the
small railing. Just some hoity toity people of big prancy horses hopping about in some weird prance.
They looked so stiff and uncomfortable but to each their own. And then he saw a letter. He didn't think
much of it until he saw another a little ways down from it. He glanced to the other end and yes! Another
letter! His smile brightened up as he was sure he was onto something here! He jogged around the
perimeter of the ring until he spotted the letter 'C'! That had to be it! With the bucket of water next to
it, there was no mistaking!

He peeked behind the bucket and saw the envelope! "Ah, pardon me, Miss," he gestured to the lady
near the bucket. He didn't assume she had anything to do with the hunt. He snatched up the letter,
almost did a twirl even! He put a fist on his hip, puffed out his chest, and a smile a mile long spread on
his face. He was so damn clever! Seeing the smiley face, there was no doubt he found the right clue. He
chuckled to himself and tore it open, pulling out the next clue, hunching over it to gather the next bit of
information.
...
He read it again.
...
He stared at the piece of paper as the engine in his head sputtered and coughed up a puff of smoke.
What in the world had wheels but didn't move? He immediately scratched out any sort of vehicle.
Maybe something mechanical that had wheels for parts but was stationary like a pulley system. He
couldn't think of anything around like that. He decided to start walking around the place, looking around
for anything that could possibly fit the clue. 'Call me a lot'...made him think of a phone. He looked at his
own, noting the lack of wheels. Couldn't be it. Maybe it meant 'a lot' as in many. Something with wheels
that didn't move that there was a lot of.

At one point, he just stood out in the open, completely dumbfounded while his mind stirred about. He
had gotten the first one so easily! But this second one had him stumped! He scratched his beard, making
a face at everything he looked at. He had to start somewhere. Initially, he had thought it couldn't be a
vehicle. But maybe if the vehicle was in park, it technically wasn't moving. And if it had a lot, maybe it
was a big rig 18-wheeler that could haul a dozen horses or so. That was a lot of horses and a lot of
trucks. He gave a shrug and headed to the parking lot to see if there even was such a rig around. If not
down in the park, perhaps up at the stud? But he'd start with the nearest place first.

He didn't see any big rigs parked in the lot just yet but he started walking the line of trailers just in case
there was one hidden in the back somewhere. He was starting to doubt his answer to the clue until he
came towards the end. He saw one had a tarp on it. Looked like a pretty decent sized trailer under
there. It wasn't weird to see a trailer with a tarp over it. Some leaked and needed to be covered. Some
owners just didn't like water getting into the back carriage where the horses were kept. So, he really
didn't think that much of it.
That is, until he saw a man standing there with a rope in his hand. Justin hit the brakes, just about
stumbling over his own feet. He looked at the man curiously. The rope seemed to wrap behind the
trailer like it was tied to something else. ...odd... and the man looked like he had been standing there for
a while with the bored look on his face. Like he was a part of a game but didn't get to play it. Justin
glanced at the tarped trailer a ways down again. And back to the man. He grinned as the gear in his mind
chugged forward again. This had to be it! The answer was a trailer! It had wheels! It didn't technically
move on its own unless there was a truck hitched to it! And this one was a pretty good size! With a
proud smile on his face he was handed the rope and told to follow it. He laughed at how smart he was!
And they said he'd never make it in the real world! HA!

He boldly stepped right up to the trailer, looking proud! He saw the note, 'pull if you dare'. He had no
idea Georgie was in the vicinity and still said out loud, "Oh, I dare alright. Bring it on, girlie!" He jumped
back, pulling the rope, ready to find his next clue! He was well enthralled in the hunt! The prize already
forgotten! He seeked the thrill of accomplishment! He eagerly started reading the trailer, expecting it to
say what the next clue was or that there was some hidden message in it! His eyes searched all over it,
again and again. And again. And...he took a few more steps back, turning his head side to side to really
take it all in. No way someone would go through so much trouble to make this into some kind of clue.
This had to be...'find what I've hidden'...'your very own'...

"No way..." he mumbled. He felt a little ball of energy spark somewhere in his chest, taking a step
forward. He tapped his finger on the side of the trailer, right where his own nose was. It was real! "No
way," he said a little louder. He looked around, expecting there to be someone around to hand him the
next real clue or something. Or break open the confetti cannons and tell him he was on some prank
show. But when there was none of that, he stepped back laughing excitedly, "No way!" He jogged up
and down the length of the trailer, looking it all over. He ran around it, just to see every angle of it! He
was ecstatic, astounded, in awe! He clapped his hands and did a little skip in the air! "That's me!" He
pointed at his face and name! In his excitement, he didn't know if he'd jump for joy again or run inside
of the thing! His legs got tangled up underneath him and he landed on his butt next to it. He looked up
at it again, beaming, "That's me!" He said again, just so engrossed in this fantasy! He couldn't believe
what he was seeing! But there was no mistaking it all. His eyes twinkled, staring at all of its glory. This
was the prize!? How on Earth had he won this!? Some raffle he didn't know about!? How in the world...


She had heard the fall of the tarp onto the ground with a big ‘schhh-floof’. Then there had been silence.
There was one sound but she couldn't quite hear what it was. Carefully she stepped closer to the
opening at the front of the trailer, trying not to make so much sound herself. Just as she came to the

small door she couldn't see anyone out there. Had he left? Perhaps he... Then she heard the sound of
someone running and in the next moment she saw Justin come around the trailer. He looked...happy.
Like there was a little bit of glow to him too. The only time she had seen him like that was probably
when he had goofed around with Sydney. In a way he looked as happy as a little boy getting a toy - or an
ice cream. She smiled and felt her heart beat a little extra as she saw how happy he looked. It even
made the lingering headache she had to go away.

Georgie saw that the red string still stuck out from the door leading into the living quarters so he hadn't
been in there yet. Just like with the rope leading to the trailer, the red string also led to an object, just
smaller and flatter. She hoped he would like the inside just as much as she hoped that he would like the
horse. But first things first. There had been many options to choose from when it came to the interior of
the trailers living quarters, but while she had done the first picks she had let the lead designer the
company had to have some say as well. Partly because the lead designer was a man plus the fact he too
was in the western side of the equestrian world - this in combination Georgie hoped would help to have
it be something Justin would like. She had tried to go on everything she knew about him, as well as the
searches she had done online. That had made her feel bad, almost like one of those stalkers, but...she
had done it for a reason.

Perhaps there was a tiny bit of her taste in there, but it wasn't much. At least it didn't look overly ‘girly’
on the inside. She had also placed two plushies on the bed, one bull one and then a chubby little
turquoise horse one with a plum colored mane and tail of yarn. Then there was the thing in the
cupboard. With William out of the house she had snuck down do his special section and taken a few of
the ‘medium’ bottles of whiskey. Knowing that there was a risk of the trailer being boarded by a ‘pirate’
named Sydney she hid one of the three bottles in the beds little storage area. She had put the smiley
face marked envelope just like the one at the dressage course on the table and then pulled the red
string outside. It had all the horse papers within, like the pedigree and ownership paper and at the very
top a piece of paper that told what box the horse was in.

There was a thud and as she turned her face she saw Justin sitting on his butt on the ground. What was
he doing there? But...he was still looking happy. For a moment she hesitated whether if she should
come out or wait for a better moment, like him seeing the red string...but...her feet decided it for her
and she stepped down from the trailer. She weighed a little back and forth on her feet as she looked
down at the ground, then slowly up at him. Her cheeks heating a little bit. He seemed to realize she was
there just as she spoke.

“Congratulations Caballero Travioso! You found a part of the treasure...but since you found it - this part
is rightfully yours as of now...”

She swallowed as she reached out her hand to help him up. “But I have another riddle for you...for the
next part...how long is a piece of string?”

He had heard her walking up from behind him, flipping his head back over his shoulder to see who it
was. He was brimming with excitement! How could he not be!? There was this massive, shiny new
trailer, literally with his name all over it! "Georgie! Look! It's me!" He pointed at the giant picture of his
face as if anyone could miss it. He twisted around and got to his feet, hardly needing the encouragement
to get up! "Wait, this is only one part!? Ay dios mio!" He couldn't even fathom what more there could
be! He must have hit the jackpot!

He listened closely to the riddle, leaning in. He looked immediately stumped, crossing an arm over his
chest and stroking his beard with the other like he was some wise guru contemplating the solution for
world peace. "Well...I guess it's as long as you make it...kinda like you can't have half a hole," he
chuckled. Yep, he nailed it. No trick questions were going to fly over his head today. Just then, his eye
caught the red string in the door. His smile turned smug, feeling like an ace detective. He cheered and
jogged over to the door to the trailer, touching the string and feeling confident he had found the next
clue. The fact that Georgie had given him the next clue went over his head that meant that she was
already in on the whole arrangement. He was just too excited! He jogged back over to her, put an arm
around her shoulders and practically swept her over to the trailer, "C'mon! The next clue is in there!
C'mon!"

He happily unlatched the door and hopped in, pulling Georgie in behind him. He was like a bloodhound
on a trail, following the red string. He didn't even so much as glance up at the well-crafted interior. A lot
of wood panelling to create a ranch feel, homey, warm, and inviting with granite countertops to add a
polished look. It was certainly modern in technology with a mounted flatscreen TV, appliances, and
more. But it had a bit of a western tinge to it so it didn't feel out of place either. All of it going pretty
unseen as Justin was too excited to find out the next part of the hunt. Had he been a little more aware
of his surroundings, he probably would have noticed the extra guest that had snuck into the trailer as
well. It wasn't until he saw a pair of tanned legs, hips that could support a man, and then the red string
plunging into a canyon of cleavage. Boobs? He got boobs for a second prize!? Oh my god, it really was
his lucky- he glanced up from the rack as soon as he saw the little heart tattoo.

Tequila chuckled and smiled at his dumbfounded look. "Well, hey, sugar! Took ya long enough! Ain't you
jus' the smartest!" She held out the envelope that Georgie had originally put the red string in that had
the horse's papers in. She leaned to the side of Justin, looking around to Georgie and gave her a playful
wink. Oh, not boobs. Justin took the envelope, looking it over. Was it another clue!?
"I like your new rig, baby," Tequila hooked the toes of her boots on his thighs while he looked at the
envelope. Of course, Tequila had already peeked in it.
Justin smiled, "Y'all both knew 'bout this?" He looked back and forth between them, opening the
envelope up.
"Jus' a couple of gals treatin' our big man to a lil' somethin' sweet," she said it to Justin but she was
looking at Georgie, like she was daring her. Justin pulled the papers out, expecting another clue but was
surprised to see registration papers for a horse instead. He squinted at them and read them over,
looking at it, turning it over, and flipping the pages. "Is this for real?"

Tequila played with the end of the red string, looping it over his neck and giving a little pull, "What is it,
baby? We're dyin' to know."He held out the papers for her to see, "Check this dude out! It's papers for a
stud colt!" He took a step closer to Tequila but turned to Georgie, holding the papers out for her to see
too, his smile never wavering. "Did you see these?" He looked at them again just to check that he was
still reading the papers right. Tequila flipped her legs around so she was on her knees on the counter.
She hooked her arms over his shoulders, looking down at the papers, "Woooooow, Jus, what a lil' cutie!"

"Ya think he's cute?" he asked stupidly, still admiring the thought of even owning a horse of such quality.
He smiled at Georgie again, "I got a cute horse!" He probably sounded as boyishly dumb as he looked.
Justin was usually pretty keen on picking up on a situation's mood but he had been so caught up in the
moment, he was painfully unaware of the mixed feelings going on around him being exchanged
between the two ladies. One of them looking awfully mischievous.

She had been smiling when Justin pulled her along but then...it faded just slightly...left was just the
polite smile she had been trained to wear at all times. Even if she had come in behind him she had
probably seen ‘it’ before he did. Like a bloodhound on the trail he had only followed the red string
seemingly unaware of anything else - but he hadn't not tracked it to the table and the envelope she had
thought he would...no, the string led straight into Ms Brannons cleavage and while she was a novice in
some of the more intimate areas she could see that Justin liked what he saw... Even if he got that
dumbfounded look as he seemed to realise who the cleavage belonged to. It was still clear that he liked
it. She could tell. He hadn’t even looked at the interior.

Not a single glance at the wood panelling, the countertop, or the TV...or any of the extra little things she
had made sure would be there so he would be comfortable, to make the trailer to feel like...well, a
home away from home. Then Tequila spoke, seemingly taking part credit for the trailer. Tequila looked
at her, but she didn't dare to meet that catlike gaze for too long, so she averted her eyes. Out of
nowhere came a small lump of sadness in her throat. A part of her wanted to speak up, take the rightful
claim, that the trailer was just from her, not Tequila and her...but, wouldn't that would
be...rude...selfish... Tequila had been right. This...or those... Georgie couldn't help the quick glance she
gave the other woman's mostly exposed bosom...that was what Justin liked. And then he liked...
‘relations’... The blonde had told her that. That was what he liked most...

When Tequila moved Georgie moved too, only she did it backwards, as descreetly as she could, a step or
two closer to the door. She watched as the blonde put her arms around Justin. Georgie bit her lip to get
herself to focus and...not feel sad. She wasn’t supposed to be sad, she...shouldn’t be sad. There was no
reason whatsoever for her to be sad, was there? Justin liked the trailer, didn’t he? His behavior told her
as much. And he liked the horse...on paper at least. That was the only thing that mattered. She looked
down at her hands. Perhaps he liked it because he thought it was from both of them...or that it was
from Tequila... but he wanted to get into Tequilas pants. Maybe she should have waited inside - like the
blonde had done...when had Tequila gotten here anyway? Why hadn't she...noticed it? But if...she had
waited inside...with the blond...maybe Justin would have thought...there was a slight blush to her
cheeks as she looked at the pattern on the granite countertop.

She...shouldn’t be sad...but she still was...in a way. Tequila would give Justin the thing he liked...the
most. He would be happy. And the trailer and the horse was things he would...forget? The sad lump
spread from her throat downwards. She forced her lips into a bigger smile as Justin talked to her,
nodding, putting her autopilot mode on. Smile, don't slouch, act confident, don't show weakness, be a
Darcy. "Yes, it's very...cute..Justin...." Georgie watched as Tequila’s arms came around Justin’s neck and
she quickly lowered her gaze again, feeling like a small girl that was somewhere she shouldn’t be, seeing
something she shouldnt see. She had nothing...knew nothing about how to...interact with a guy... Justin
was her friend but he...had kissed her, and Tequila had said that he only...not had ‘relations’ with those
that had broken his heart. But she didn't know how she possibly could have done such a thing. A small
sigh, it was all so confusing...and she didn't dare to ask...of his feelings...or how weird he made her feel
from time to time. It would sound so stupid. Never before had she been in such a situation that she
felt...stupid.

So far Tequila hadn't taken credit for the horse but that would surely come too. Georgie didn't need to
look at the papers to know what type of horse it was, she already knew what she had given him. It was a
paint colt, perhaps it was something with how the colt had looked at her, how it felt like as they had
shown him to her, like this would be a horse that matched Justin as a person. A horse that would grow
with him and would be as great as she pictured the man himself to become. William always mocked her
for speaking about horses - or any type of animal - like that. For him they were simply that - animals.
They did not have any human emotions and they reacted only as nature had designed them to react
according to William Darcy. Animals never housed a vendetta against someone. They reacted for a
reason, there was a cause behind the behavior, like a buck. It was from being frisky due to being
overfed, pain or injury or simply not being schooled properly. There was simply a matter of man ruling
over the simple animal, more than two creatures of different species fitting together like puzzle pieces.

Perhaps she should just go, leaving them to...’it’. She shifted, took another small step backwards closer
to the door, but then she stopped. No, she couldn't leave. Didn’t she promise him before not to ‘run
away’ again? The sting in her chest seemed to burn as it went lower to her stomach, causing her to
wince just slightly. It stung in such a way, she had to rub her own tummy just slightly. Her mood to tell
him another riddle, to show him the way to the barn and the horse, had dwindled down to nothing. It
didn't really matter anymore anyway. The paper in the envelope with the big numbers on would tell him
what box in the stable the horse was in. And Justin knew where the barn was...he wasn't...stupid. Not
like her.

A deep breath. This was another...failed thing from her side. Either she hurt his feelings by offering
economical support if he would ever need it, and it made her feel like an idiot that she hadn't been able
to say it the right way...or that she let someone else get credit for her trailer and horse gift...just
because she didn't dare to say anything about it. She couldn't even meet new people the right way for
crying out loud. And because of her promise not to ‘run’ from him again, she had to stay here, no matter
what they did. She kept her promises, always. Carefully and silently she sat herself down at the table,
avoiding as best she could to look up at the couple. If there was an award for real stupidity...she had

already won it... She let her fingertips gently touch the surface as she traced the shallow intents of the
design along the edge, she noted it was soft, almost as soft as his hair.


Justin might have kept looking over the papers, but Tequila was keeping an eye on Georgie and her body
language. Dominance asserted without a question. Good. She didn't think it was going to be any trouble.
Not based off their encounter in the bathroom. Georgie was one of those damsel in distress girls that
played on mens' desires to protect. It wasn't a bad angle to play, Tequila would give her that. It made
her easy prey to knock out of the way around a guy that favored the bold. But she had to play her cards
right around guys like Justin. Couldn't be "mean" to his little friends or his white knight syndrome
wouldn't like that. But she didn't have to be mean if there wasn't a challenge anymore.

She poked Justin's cheeks to get his attention, "Juuuus, your friend's bein' a party pooper."
Justin picked his head up out of the papers, looking around until he saw Georgie sitting down looking
rather sullen. He glanced down at the arms around his neck. Oh. Oh shit. She got him. Tequila had
snared him in her trap that easily. Damn, she was good at it too! How did she do it every time!? He had
been so cautious before! Now he was beginning to wonder just how much of this Tequila had actually
been a part of.

Oh christ, how was he supposed to whittle his way out of this one and not look like a massive jackass?
He knew Tequila had a bad habit of playing people. Hell, he had been played by her like a harp countless
times. She didn't do it to be malicious, most of the time. It was just as natural as breathing to her. Why
Georgie, he wasn't sure. She was probably just being territorial like girls were good at. Which...was kind
of hot but-
Focus, Justin.

Tequila giggled in his ear, leaning on his shoulders. She could tell Justin didn't have a damn clue what to
do. He was boxed in like a helpless little puppy. It was cute how he wanted to make sure everyone was
okay, that no one was wronged. What a straight-laced kind of guy. But it made him easy to manipulate
too. He'd never be enough man for a lady like Tequila. There were few that ever would be. She smiled
and swatted him on the butt, "Don't be such a rude boy, tell her what you think of the trailer."

Justin finally remembered that this was all new and somehow his! He had been so caught up in the
moment and then realized he had been trapped, he completely forgot. Not to mention, it was so surreal
to think something like this was actually his and not just another display model to drool over with envy.
He nodded, looking at all the clean surfaces and shiny new things. Most he never imagined having to
himself! He gave a whistle, "It's pretty darn fancy in here. A fella could live in here, couldn't he? This
really...this ain't a dream right? And this horse?"

"Why don't we go see your new stud, huh, big boy? Georgie's been wanting to show you this all day and
here you are gawkin' at his papers. Silly boy," she giggled and patted his head.

That may or may not be true. Was she saying that to spin something her way or was that the honest
truth? Damn, she was good at this. The clues to this point were definitely Georgie's doing, without a
doubt. No way Tequila was clever enough to make those up. The red string to a pair of boobs, definitely
Tequila. So who was the mastermind now? The longer he was out of commission, the more of a tool he
felt like. "Uh...hell yea!" Yes, just be enthusiastic all around! If it was Georgie's idea, she'd like to hear
the excitement. If Tequila's, he was being inclusive. "Where's he at?" He asked to the open air, not sure
who to direct the question to.

Tequila gave his shoulders a little massage, resting her shin on his shoulder, "Mmm, I dunno, sugar.
We're gonna have to ask lil' sis. She's been hidin' him from me too!" Justin looked to Georgie with a
modest smile, questions in his eyes. They must have prepared this when they had been in the bathroom
together. Maybe they weren't the best team but he should move forward with honest feelings and
exuberance just in case this really was the plan. Couple of cuties showering him with gifts? What wasn't
to enjoy!? "Do I get another riddle? I'm pretty good at solvin' 'em," he chuckled, boasting his abilities (of
mostly just getting lucky but he didn't know any better).

Georgie had been in the middle of scolding herself. Justin seemed to like it, the trailer...the horse - at
least on paper. What did it matter who got the ‘credit’? Then she became aware of his voice sounding
like it was asking a question and she looked up. Tequila was half wrapped around him still. She nodded.
“Yeah...for longer stays I guess you would need to hook it up to something with more of a secure source
of both water and electricity though. I mean...there is a bit of water storage on the roof if I remember
the layout prints correctly, and there is a special battery or something for the appliances like the fridge
and the little ministove. Georgie pointed at the tiniest of stoves, it had two cookplates and a tiny little
oven. You couldn't make a big meal but...at least a small one. Then of course there was a microwave just
above it, built in the cupboard.
The fridge was just as minor but could hold some of the more important wares. For what it was it was
functional with as much storage space one could possibly fit in. Georgie was sure Justin would find his
way around eventually.

“There is a small bathroom back there...with a shower...” She nodded to a small door beyond the two.
Small but functional but she doubted it would be comfortable for someone like Sydney. Then it was
good this was Justin's trailer. “You will also find hay storage, on the roof...” Now she glance over her
shoulder to were the beds were. Two big bunk beds. She had made sure both of them would be big
enough, if not for Justin - for someone in Sydney's size. She wouldn't need to explain those... Similar to
the red string that had led Justin into the trailer she had put a string leading to that extra bottle. Just a
tiny, tiny stump of the string showed... Around the neck of the bottle was a little note. ‘For you Romeo...
“G-juliet”’ She glanced between the two beds. Some might call it overkill perhaps but...

While she didn't know the big giant of a texan, the brother of the bombshell blonde...she wanted to be
sure that Justin wouldn't end up with a ‘spare bunk’ that was too small. The bottle was hidden in the top
bunks extra storage. She doubted Sydney would venture up there since it was ‘harder’ to get to. She
halted herself. Justin hadn't asked for facts about the trailer. Now it perhaps sounded like she bragged.

A big inhale and she looked at her hands for a moment. She looked up again when he mentioned the
riddles. He had liked them? It made her smile, a real smile this time. She thought for a moment before
looking at him with a bit of a sly smile. A quick shift of her gaze between the two before letting her hazel
eyes rest in those wonderful blue ones.

“Caballero Travioso, you find the horse you looking for, where horses are accommodated one by one -
but to find where exactly within, you need to add ten to something that has a head, a tail, is brown, but
has no legs...”

Of course, it would be just as easy to go to the barn and you would see where the horse was. Not
perhaps for the horse itself but for the fact that she had decorated the doorway of the box where the
horse was. On top was the Texas star and here and there she had added in the colors and symbols of
Mexico. Weather he would notice it or not didn't really matter. On one side, but out of the way for the
horse to get to it, she had hung the ‘mask’ similar to the one the ‘Lone Ranger’ wore together, and on
the other end the play holster and water pistols that was really meant for kids. Perhaps a silly detail but
it had made her smile still. Perhaps it was too difficult...but even if some of the words was difficult...

Justin was smarter than he probably knew. She knew he was worth all that she invested in the trailer...in
the horse, she believed in all that he was. Perhaps blindly so. Georgie glanced at Tequila again. Would
the woman get the riddle? Her eyes wandered back to Justin. Would he get it after thinking about it
some? Afterall, he had found and solved the other riddles. She leaned back as she waited for the reply.
She had done a little clue on the envelope. A symbolic ‘house’ with a horseshoe...and within it...the
number eleven. If he saw that...he might make the connection...maybe…



Another good one! He leaned his elbows back on the counter top, looking up to the ceiling while he
thought on it. "Aight, so in the stable, of course…" that much was easy. The rest of it, he needed to think
on. Tequila wasn't so keen on solving riddles. She hung over Justin's shoulders, looking bored with the
idea. "I don't get it. Why we gotta do math to go see a horse?"
"Cuz' it's an adventure," Justin explained. "Like solvin' a mystery. Ya know, Scooby Doo style."
Tequila giggled a little at the idea of the cartoon Justin on the case. "Since when were you smart? You
didn't even finish school, naughty boy. Even I graduated." She left out the many favors she did to cheat
on her tests and homework and still didn't finish with flying colors or high scores...

"Shoot, ain't nothin' I needed from what they teach in school. Don't need all that math and science and
stuff out in the real world," he defended himself. Tequila patted his cheeks, "Well, sounds like you're
wrong. She's done gone and gave you a math problem. Genius." Not often did Tequila outwit Justin but
every once in a while her down to Earth style of thinking was like a warm slap across his pride. He
snorted and chuckled. "Well...you got me there." No sense in denying that.

"Let me at her, Jus, I can get her to talk," Tequila chuckled, looking over to Georgie. She had many ideas
at her disposal that she could think of. Most harmless pokes, enough to make her give in willingly.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, I said we're playin' detective. Not good cop, bad cop interrogation," he laughed.
"Oooo, good idea, let's cuff her." That got a dirty smile and giggle from Tequila.
Justin's smile stayed even though he felt a little bad for it. Hell, he would normally be cracking them
right along with Tequila left and right. "Ain't nobody goin' to jail, lil' lady," he looked back at Tequila with
a smirk.

She stuck out her tongue at him. White knight Justin was no fun. Though, she was impressed that he
was telling her off. Maybe not such a dumb puppy after all. "Then you better get good at math,
sweetheart." Justin nodded, repeating the riddle, "Head, tail, brown, no legs…" what kind of animal...
"Like a snake," Tequila said matter of factly. "That…" Justin thought it over. It did have all of those
aspects. She wasn't wrong. Did she suddenly grow a brain? Was it in the water? Was this even the same
woman? "But what's that got to do with numbers?" Tequila shrugged, "I dunno. It's just one snake,
right? So one plus ten."
"How does it equal one?"
"She said it was just one."
"Huh? When?"
Tequila held out a hand, gesturing in front of him, "A head, a tail. Not heads and tails… "
The two sat in silence, staring at each other. Maybe Tequila's simplicity was rubbing off on Justin. He
honestly couldn't find a flaw in her logic. It was kind of scary she actually said something that made
sense. "Ten plus one snake. Eleven. Stall number eleven?”
Both of the simple-minded Texans looked to Georgie: one set of eager curious eyes, the other still no
smarter after the fact…


As she watched their playful bickering it was clear to her how well they did know eachother. She had
never had that type of relationship with anyone... To be able to playfully tease someone. What was that
like? To be comfy with someone... Her more recent attempts to joke...had not gone well. Sydney had
looked furious - and she had gotten scared. She glanced through the strands of hair that hung in front of
her eyes. It all seemed so easy to them... She had watched and tried to learn, to get the hang of it but it
was like watching a beginner trying to learn a new language...then hearing them speak. How when a
beginner pronounced the words could sometimes make you smirk just a little bit just because it sounded
funny. But...they could learn to speak correctly... Practice makes perfect...reading, studying...that paid
off... but this... She had read books with jokes, she had tried to watch interaction with the people in the
stables but...when faced with the situation she just froze...and she became quiet...stiff...boring.

Tequila Brannon got the right answer. Or right...It wasn't ‘right’ per say since the answer was supposed
to be ‘a penny’.. But it was correct in the end. There was no way Georgie could deny it so she simply
gave a nod. This was supposed to be something with just her and Justin. The sharp pinch was felt in her
chest again. It was her fault though...she had told Tequila at breakfast. It was all on her. She looked
down at her hands for a moment before she got up... “Yeah...he is in the barn...good job solving the

riddles, Caballero Travioso...let’s go see your steed...” How she hated how deflated she felt and she
fought with not showing any of her feelings on the outside. It felt sudden in a way...something she
wasn't used to and she wasn't sure how to act around herself. Since she was closest to the door, she
went first, and she took the lead.

It was easier to walk with normal shoes than with those high heels. Why had she said something to
Tequila? Now everything felt...strange. Awkward almost. To her at least. She heard the steps of the
others behind her and picked up her pace without really thinking. She hadn't even waited to see if Justin
closed the door. Was she running away again? Why was she running? Justin was...her friend. Her
heartbroken friend. The man who could get any woman surely...he couldn't be... Justin should get
someone better than her anyway.... If it was true. It couldn't be true. He didn't look the least sad...or
heartbroken...however you looked like then. Ms Brannon...suddenly it felt better just to call her by her
last name...she was wrong...even if she had known Justin all her life. Justin wanted into Ms Brannons
pants. The way Justin had looked where the red string went was evidence enough. Then there was the
matter of Ms Brannon herself saying as much. Ugh! Why couldn't she just stop thinking about it!

Her feet found their way to the barn as her mind scurried off elsewhere and when she finally stopped
she was outside the decorated stall. Georgie fought the urge to just tear every decoration down. It
wasn't halloween! Suddenly every little detail she had added looked stupid, it looked so...childish... She
was...a child compared to them! A silly little girl. Why had she wasted time on this?! But it had been
fun...at the time...that was why... She had wanted to make...Justin...happy. To
remember...this...Pemberley...and maybe her...just a little bit. When he was out there on the road, all
alone. To have a sort of home instead of all those...sometimes shabby hotel rooms. Not that she had
ever been in a shabby hotel room. She got the images in her head... Them at the pond... His laughter
that always made her smile, how being with him made her feel so free, like she could do anything she
wanted. She took a deep breath and tried to make those images in her head to go away. She should
have just...given him both the trailer and ownership papers of the horse just like that...without any
riddles to have him run around. He would have been ok with that too, she was sure of it...instead of
doing all of this. That had been the proper, adult thing to do... not...this...

The horse had now turned around and with a similar glint in his eyes that sometimes could be found in
the eyes of the man coming up beside her. The stud pricked his ears towards the other two humans.
After a moment of nothing really happening the paint began to wiggle his upperlip to see if that could at
least give enough reaction to earn him a little scratch from the human that had stopped by first. He was
right and as she petted him between the ears, it made his eyes become half closed in what seemed to
be bliss like the horse had been a dog instead. Ah, those weird front hooves of the twoleggeds always
found the right spot.

“Justin...so...here is your new horse...” Even if she did a good job hiding all her confused feelings inside,
it was hard to completely hide them in the depths of her eyes. “...I hope you will like him...” She wasn't
like William Darcy who hardly showed any emotion in his eyes...She wasn't like him, not yet, but with
her feelings on her sleeve, she would probably never get there... Many times William Darcy’s opponents

had been so sure they had the game in the bag, that they would walk away as the elated winner...only
to be struck down where they had least expected it, stricken where it had hurt the most and had it
become a heart wrenching loss instead. Not always with a loss in money however...but rather about
losing face and reputation. Like a spider William Darcy knew how to lay his web...and like fire he burned
anything in his path - if he was in that mood.

The paint had stretched his neck to nose Georgie’s other hand that wasn't scratching him. He sort of
knew this person by smell, she had brushed him a few times. Now he turned his head, like he would
have understood human speech, separating one word as a name and knowing it who the name
belonged to. Now he looked directly at the man with a rather confident dualcolored stare. Then there
was a small hint of a twitch in the horses lips showing some of his teeth, like he was trying to make the
horse version of a grin.


Justin got a smile from the decorations, looking over at Georgie. That was undoubtedly her idea.
Though, Justin took it much more lightheartedly than anything serious. Homage to his mother's side of
the family.

Tequila didn't understand the reference in the same way. Knowing Justin as long as she did, it was just a
part of who he was and didn't mean much more than that. So she didn't understand why there suddenly
was Mexican looking decorations on the stall and didn't ask. Instead she bounced up to peek in the stall,
"Awwww, Jus, your horse is so cute!" Tequila cooed over him, holding a hand out to the young stud. She
rubbed his nose with a knuckle, looking him over. She was a collector of flashy horses, herself, so he was
looking pretty tasty to her with all his flashy spots. "He's gonna be a big boy, I can tell."

"Yea?" Justin leaned on the door, looking in the stall. He patted the horse on the forehead, also
examining him. He did look pretty stout for his age already. Big bones, sturdy build, deep chest, clean
withers. Nice looking young colt. "Is a pretty nice lookin' guy. Y'all...sure? Y'all ain't pullin' my leg, right?"
One glance at Tequila's confused look made Justin direct his eyes back over to Georgie who he had
figured out by now had more of the answers to whatever all of this was. "It ain't even my birthday and I
didn't place all that great in my classes. How the hell did I end up with all this?" He asked in an
astonishing way, not wanting to deny his gifts, just shocked to receive so much in such a short amount
of time for no noticeable reason.

"'Cuz you're a special boy," Tequila giggled, poking his nose lightly.
Justin snorted and shook his head, "Aw, shucks, my mama always did say..." He turned around, facing
the girls, "But seriously, how did I..."
Tequila side stepped to Georgie, bumping her hip into her, "Go on, lil sis, tell him what you told me. How
he's a special boy," she smiled sweetly.

Ms Brannons move took her off guard, not just the hip bump that made her fall into the stall door but
also the fact that she gave away what she had said about Justin McBride. Well, almost anyway. In an
instant her cheeks blushed red like a field of blooming poppies as she picked herself up from the wall
and she wasn't sure where to look. There was a bit of incoherent stutter at first, but then Georgie took a
deep breath and looked up straight into the blue pools. Once more her insecurity made her worry. He
seemed happy when it had looked to have been from ms Brannon...and maybe her...together. But he
had acted almost...not quite insulted but...like she would give just anybody her support when it came to
funds alone. He probably didn't understand the ‘bonus’ he had gotten at the rodeo...where the source
of it came from. And now... Her eyes observed every detail of his face. A little speck of something, was
that an itty bitty piece of straw stuck to his hat? And...the bruise...had it begun to change colors now?

He had seemed happy...acted excited. An internal battle. She wasn't ‘scared’ of him. Nothing of what
she knew of him could make her scared of him...to her he was...all that was good, all that she wished
she could be...funny, secure, someone people wanted to be with...because she was her...not
because...she was who she was by name.

Her eyes shifted to the horse, and then after taking small detours...came back to his eyes. “I--um, I
said...that..you...special...ah, um I mean that...I wanted you to be...safe...out there. And, um...be sure to
have a good place to sleep...no more hunting for...a room...unless you want to of course...but now you
have the option to...just pull over anywhere...” Her courage deserted her and her eyes skedaddled to
the horse again. “You can check on the horses on the tv in the trailer...or even your cell phone as you
drive...and this...guy...” She petted the colt on the nose “Reiner is a good boy...but...” Now she forced
herself to look at Justin again “I might be a nobody in your world, and in my own...but I know talent
when I see it...I might never be able to reach the stars...but I can help others on their journey... You are a
star, Justin...weather...you allow me to help or not...but you can help him become a star...you can be
stars together... When I saw him...I...knew you two would fit together and-” Gosh...now she heard how
silly she sounded...like it would be some silly...scene from a cheesy movie...the one you knew didn't
really have a story, but you looked anyway because you were bored and you knew it would be all ‘aww’
and cute ending.

She wanted to go - or at least hide. But she had promised. No more running from him. Only thing she
could do was to lower her gaze and look at the toes of his boots, avoiding his eyes all together. “You
don't have to keep any of it...if you don't want too” she mumbled towards his toes “...it's ok...but both
are yours...so...whatever you sell them for...is yours to keep...although the trailer probably need to be
repainted if so...but I can give you the card to the company...they...will give you a good price...and they
also have some deals with garages a little all over the country...I managed to get you on their VIP list...if
you ever run into car trouble...they will help you out...whatever or whenever it will be...at a very good
discount...”

Now she rambled. Just...stop...talking...rubbish! Both of them were looking at her, she felt it and her
cheeks kept blaring like failing stop signs. She rubbed her hip that had gotten bumped into the stall wall.

It hadn't been ms Brannons intention but it felt like it had been straight on one of those hooks where
you could tie your horse too if needed. She rubbed the spot just a little.

Out of nowhere she came to think of one of the jokes she had read. It just blurted out of her “What do
you call a dinosaur at the rodeo?....” There was no reply from either of them and she could only guess
they - or at least Justin wasn't sure what to say to what she just said. “A Bronc-osaurus” It was
bad...but...still. Boys...men...who had been boys usually liked dinosaurs a little...at least enough to know
some of the names. Even her brothers. Charles even had some genuine dinosaur fossils on display in his
and Janes living room.


"Ain't she cute," Tequila asked in a chipper tone. She had stepped behind her, throwing her arms over
Georgie's shoulders, much like she had been doing to Justin earlier. She poked Georgie's cheeks and
then patted her head gently, "My mama says the dinosaurs never existed. Ya don't never see any around
do ya?" Just as Justin thought he was going to say something in return, Tequila goes and says that. His
mouth just kind of hung open, a smile still present but certainly stuck in motion. And then he looked a
little smug, "Well ya don't see air, but we breathe it all the time." Tequila shook her head, "That's 'cuz
air's see-through." Alright. She won. Her airhead responses got the best of him. He had to let loose and
laugh, double over a little and rubbing his eyes before he started crying. From a somewhat serious
conversation about a horse and trailer to dinosaurs not existing, he couldn't keep up and just had to
laugh it off instead.

"Heeeeey, don't laugh at us," Tequila mock-whined but she was giggling too. She didn't know what was
so funny but she wanted to be a part of it too. She swung her arms back and down, hugging Georgie's
ribs while resting her chin on her shoulder, "Ya know, I said we shoulda surprised ya in the trailer with
just us ladies lookin' to christen the new rig."
Justin briefly glanced up from his giggle-fit and did a double take. He laughed again, "Wait, what?"
"Myyyeeaa," Tequila pouted, "But Georgie didn't wanna have no fun with you."
Justin paused again like he had earlier at Tequila's remarks on the dinosaurs. That shocked confusion...
Uh? His mind was shifting all the pieces around and filling in the blanks. Tequila wanted to bang in the
trailer with Georgie present too? UH!? Normally feelings came one at a time instead of just a dynamite
explosion all at once. A threesome with two chicks, hot! Banging Georgie, uh, no he wasn't supposed to
do that! Tequila wanted to bang him!? It had been so long! He had been pining on her for so long he had
given up! Not a chance in hell! Georgie could watch- the fuck is wrong with you, Justin? Who was going
to be in what position? NO! There wasn't going to be a threesome! OH!

Justin snapped back as quickly as a couple blinks, "Ah, well, that ain't no problem! I'll have all the fun to
myself!" He smiled brightly, putting his hands on his hips, "Maybe this lil guy and I will make a no girls
allowed sign for our new digs!" He reached over and snatched a water pistol from its holster and shot at
the girls, laughing. He didn't think it was actually "loaded" but a little stream cascaded out of the gun
and streaked across Georgie's chest as if she had been shot in the heart.

Tequila squealed and laughed, ducking behind Georgie as he shot at her next! She used Georgie as a
shield even though it just sailed over her shoulder where Tequila's face had been. "Justin! You suck!
We're bein' nice!" She laughed and peeked around Georgie's hip.
"Aha, but that's where y'all went wrong! I am none other than El Caballero Travieso, I can't be trusted to
do no good." He gave a sinister laugh, holding the gun pointing up, pretending to blow smoke from its
barrel.


She wasn’t sure what Ms Brannon was up to when she walked behind her but then she felt the other
woman press herself up against her back. Two soft but firm things in particular was pressing against her
shoulderblades. It didn’t matter that Georgie had two of her own, this was a first time experience for
her. She wasn’t sure how to respond to it so she kept herself still and silent. Just look straight ahead,
perhaps Ms Brannon would get the hint. Georgie pretended like she wasn't aware of what she felt. Then
Justin started to laugh. Georgie had been aware that Ms Brannon and Justin had talked
about...something that went from dinosaurs to something with the air you breathe...was see-through.
She shifted and felt the woman's arms over her shoulders, keeping her in place firmly. There was no way
she would be able to squirm out of the blonde’s hold.

When Ms Brannon removed her arms - and Georgie thought it was her chance to move - the thought
came too slow and in the next second she instead felt those arms wrap themselves around her ribcage.
The grip was almost hard, and now Ms Brannons face was very close to her own, almost cheek to cheek.
Some of the blondes stray hair tickled her ear some. It wasn't really...bad per say, it was just...the fact
she wasn't used to being this close to people. However that type of sudden closeness, being held into
place and the tickle of hair had nothing on what came next. Perhaps her blush had started to go down a
little bit, but the words that came made her freeze - and in the next second all of her became hot again.
While Ms Brannon didn’t exactly use the naughty words but it was crystal clear - to Georgie anyway.
And Justin must know what Ms Brannon was referring about! Just like that, Ms Brannon told Justin
about her own idea, the very same that she had given Georgie as a suggestion in the bathroom and
there wasn't even hesitation in her voice.

Her own eyes became wide in shock - and perhaps a little bit due to horror too. Then she registered the
look in Justin's eyes. It was of course impossible for her to tell what exactly went through his mind but
she had spent much of her time watching others, animals mostly. She knew that learning about the
actions of an animal meant it was easier to predict them later. Could it be about the unmentionable
things. If she went by the look in his eyes as he looked at Ms Brannon as well as the faintest trace of a
smile at the corners of his mouth, it very well could be but of course she couldn't be sure. Her cheeks
was already hot, and now her ears felt hot too. Justin wanted into Ms Brannons pants for a long
time...and now Ms Brannon admitted that she would be ok with it...and Justin...what did he think of her
now? Did he think she came with the suggestion? Did he think she would...join them? No, Ms Brannon
had said she wouldn't ... but still! With all her might she finally got herself to do some sort of motion to
get loose from Ms Brannons grip only it didn’t quite became the nice flight away from the blonde's
almost vicelike grip that she had wished for.

Instead it was like she rubbed herself against the blonde just slightly as she tried to wiggle lose, even if it
was just for a moment or two before she gave up the attempt. The grip was stronger than she had
thought and it felt like it grew tighter when she moved about like she was in the grasp of an anaconda.
In the next something wet splattered her across the chest and Ms Brannons arms went away - and
Georgie was ‘left’ with only the other woman's squeal ringing in her ear. As she looked down, she saw a
wet splatter across her chest, with most of the wet ‘stain’ just where her heart was. The colt didn't seem
to be too upset with them as they made a fuss just outside his box. He stood with his ears perked as he
looked at the odd twoleggeds antics like it was more of something amusing than anything else. Georgie
saw that Justin had one of the plastic guns in his hand, blowing on it like if it had been out of an old
western movie.

There had been so many things that had gone over her head and Ms Brannon...oh, heavens... She had to
shift the topic somehow...divert it to something else...what could she...do? The dinosaur joke hadn't
really helped. Her eyes hopped around until...they landed on the other toy gun. She grabbed it without
thinking. Oh, how she wished she had thought through what she would do with it. Instead she just took
it and just...aimed it at Justin. She didn’t even look where she aimed it - she just pressed the trigger. It
wasn't until she saw the stain of water grow larger and darker on Justin's crotch she realised where she
had aimed it... She should have aimed higher! Why hadn't she aimed higher!?! The gun in her hand had
been the larger one she noted, it held slightly more water than the one Justin had taken. Oh no! She
hadn’t made the situation any better...only worse, much worse. Why did things like this happen to her?!
She felt Ms Brannons hands lightly on her hips. Something with that touch tickled her memory even at
this bad timing. Justin. And...the bed of a black truck. His truck? The glimpses of twinkling stars between
dark clouds. His voice, singing. About Romeo...and Juliet? His hand on her hip. She dropped the plastic
gun and it landed on the floor, causing it to splutter some of its last remaining water content.

In a way it seemed like the look on Justin’s had changed, to something that almost looked like surprise,
as her eyes got caught in his as they always seemed to get. Of course, who wouldn't be surprised after
getting partly hosed down by a water gun. Especially ‘there’. Her eyes begged him for forgiveness, and
the fact that she had talked to the blonde but deeper down was also her confused feelings continuing to
run amok like headless chickens. The feelings she had felt at the pond...she wasn’t sure if they were
real...they couldn't be! He was her friend and then again, what Tequila had said about Justin's
feelings...about her... It was so new to her. New and confusing. And she had no idea how to deal with
them. She should not say a word!

Suddenly she heard herself speak anyway "You might be El Caballero Travieso...pero yo soy La Reina de
los Bandidos (but I'm the Bandit Queen)..."



Tequila peeked from behind Georgie and snickered, "Jus, you blowin' your load early again?"
Justin glanced down at his pants, "Shoot, and I had been practicin' so hard."

"Yea, with yourself," Tequila giggled. "How we supposed to have any fun if you're already spent?" She
egged him on, poking at his manhood. He chuckled, tipping his gun back, "Ladies, please, there's plenty
of me to go around." He gave them a cheesy grin and a wink. In a quick move, he aimed at Tequila and
gave her a squirt, followed by another quick squirt at Georgie's neck.
Tequila squealed, turning her head and taking the shot to the side of her head. "Justiiiiin!" she whined as
she ducked down. Down near the ground, she saw the other squirt gun and snatch it up. She was taking
things into her own hands! She lunged out from behind Georgie and jogged over to Justin. That was
enough to make Justin stop and lean back, not completely sure what she was doing! She grinned and
stuffed the barrel of the little gun up his nose and gave it a good squeeze. "Naughty boy! Bad!"

Justin gave a little yelp, staggering sideways and covering his nose, tossing his gun away to protect his
face! He pulled his shirt to cover his poor drowned nose, trying to wipe it dry. Tequila simply bent down,
picked up the other gun and held both of them up like a dual-wielding sharp shooting dixie woman. She
popped a hip out, holding her chin up high and proud, looking down at him hunched over. She looked
back at Georgie, "Don't worry, he won't be causin' us no problems anymore. Will ya, Jus?" Justin
laughed a little, nervously, "No ma'am, I-I'm just a humble boy. Ain't no trouble here." Tequila nodded
her head, a smug grin on her face.



She wasn't sure at first with if she understood what Tequila had meant with what she said, but during
the word exchange she thought she got the gist of it. Georgie wasn't sure what to say or do next to
make it less awkward. But Justin didn't seem to be so bothered. Perhaps it wasn't so bad? The next
moment she felt a squirt of water on her neck. Tequila quickly took the command over the situation and
grabbed the squirt gun Georgie had dropped. The blonde used it in a way Georgie knew she wouldn't
have dared to do. Still, she felt bad for Justin even if she knew it was just water.

After the blonde had disarmed Justin she slowly went up to where Tequila stood and looked down at
Justin. It was almost like she had been the big villain in a movie that had gotten her henchmen to do the
actual fighting for her, and she only entered the scene when the opponent was held down and
conquered. She gave him a smile though before she gently put her hand on his shoulder like she had
been a real queen ‘pardoning’ someone. Through the fabric of his shirt she could feel his warmth but for
once she didn't feel bad for the touch. It wasn't like the blonde had hurt him either - just as little as she
had - even if it had been embarrassing on the location on where the water had ended up. Georgie
swallowed as she tried not to think of it. Those things were still a little bit...awkward.

“Justin isn't a troublemaker...” she said softly and removed her hand from his shoulder “Not a bad one
anyway...you just need to know how to...handle him. He is more like Puck, that clever, mischievous
sprite from Shakespeare's ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream’.” Georgie didn't have to look at the two to
know they most likely didn't know what play or what character she was talking about. Would Justin ever
enjoy watching a play like that? Maybe not. She gave a small shrug at the thought, she had to keep it
short then but she still wanted to tell them. It was one of Shakespeare's plays she had found quite

interesting on more than one level even if the main theme was love as well as love’s free choice. Maybe
something would stick if she just said something about it, not that she knew what use they could have of
this information in their daily life. Still, one could never know. “Puck was a playful trickster in that play
and was delighted to take part in pranks and practical jokes...” A soft smile directed towards Justin and
she felt herself fighting the urge to stroke his soft hair again and to feel it between her fingers. What
was it with her and his hair? UGH! It was dumb of her to want that, and instead she closed her hand into
a fist. Poor Justin wasn't an animal she could pet. “I think that is something that sounds just like you
Justin... Perhaps you are a modern day Puck...and...it was said, since that character is based on real old
myths, that if you left this little creature a gift...he would help you in return...around the farm... But you
had to be nice, otherwise he would take it right back and make a mess...”

Georgie looked down at her hands, tried to not think of the fact that Tequila stood right there. Or the
fact that Justin surely just wanted to do the thing with Tequila in the trailer, the blonde that he had
wanted to get into the pants too for a long time, instead of just standing here with her. A deep breath
and then she tossed her heart in front of herself, just like she had done the first time she had jumped
really high despite being scared. “I hope...I really hope you like the trailer. Perhaps it's... a bit too gaudy,
over the top with the prints and all but...now you have a good and safe place to sleep and I don't have to
worry...that you are stuck out there on the roads, sleeping in the car...”

The last was said a bit inaudible. He was older than her, he was a grown man, he had taken care of
himself from an early age, he certainly didn't need...someone like her to make it safely. He didn't need
an ‘overseer’ or ‘protector’ of any sort. He was a real cowboy for crying out loud! Yet, she wanted her
friend to be safe...and so, she would do anything for him...anything he asked. Even if he told her to take
the trailer - or take the horse back. She really hoped he wouldn't because she had put her whole heart
on to it...at least the trailer...just to let him know how much he meant to her. The colt was to boost his
career...she just hoped that giving him the promising youngster wouldn't hurt his pride.


Tequila only just stifled her laugh. "Oh sugar, if you don't think Justin is a troublemaker, you don't know
him well enough. Ain't that right, Jus?" She tipped his chin up with the barrel of one of the little guns.
"Naughty, naughty boy."
Oh, mother of God, please have mercy on Justin's soul. Now, of all times, she wants to flirt with him?
This wasn't fair. She was just supposed to ignore him like she usually did. Tease him and leave him in the
dirt before he even realized what had happened. Not give him those smoky eyes and a catty grin. How
many had come before him already? Some dude at Georgie's house last night, Santos this morning, who
knew how many more? And yet that didn't stave him off one bit. Goddamn, he was a fool. And he was
painfully aware of it.

He had no choice but to concede to Tequila, bowing his head a little, holding his hands up in surrender,
"Ey, I told her I ain't no good." Seeing Tequila squint her eyes a little made Justin a little nervous.
Hopefully, she wasn't going to go spewing out too much dirt on him. He knew she could. They ran into
each other on the rodeo circuit all the time. She knew exactly the kind of things he got up to and with

what kind of people. But she decided to holster her guns in her back pockets, raising a brow at him first
and then carrying it over to Georgie when she went off explaining some weird summer dream.

Justin was thankful more for it being a distraction that confused Tequila. Not that he had much more of
an idea about whoever Puck was. Better than being compared to an ogre or something, he supposed!
He grinned a little, being pictured as some prankster. He supposed the only difference being, he didn’t
expect gifts to help out around the farm. It was work that needed to be done without questions or
griping about it. Though, he wouldn’t complain about a present here or there either!

“Oh, hell yea, it’s a nice ass trailer! Ain’t had somethin’ that nice before,” he nodded. “Should look
pretty damn nice behind me too,” he smiled. “Shoot, I might actually have to brush my horses off before
loadin’ ‘em now! Man, I sure got lucky! I didn’t know there was some raffle goin’ on.”
“Aw, this was a raffle?” Tequila asked. She stuck her bottom lip out in a pout, “I didn’t know there was a
raffle either.” She could have done with a shiny new trailer for herself too. Well, this was no fair.
“Oh, did we just get entered for showin’ up then?” Justin had a sneaking suspicion the answer was a
little more personal.
“I just thought Georgie was bein’ silly…” Tequila muttered, hanging her arms over the stall door, looking
at the horse but really just pouting for losing out on nice prizes.

Aha, and the truth comes out. He should have known. The girl had done nothing but throw her heart at
him. He could feel the guilt start to solidify in his gut now. He hadn’t been completely innocent of
leading her on. He looked over to her softly. He couldn’t be mad at her. There was nothing to be mad
about. It was no different from getting a kind of birthday present from someone. They had good
intentions. Only, his birthday presents tended to be in the form of cheap cards or a six pack of beer. Not
a fully decked out horse trailer and well-bred stud colt.
“Goddamn, Georgie,” he said softly. He knew if he came down on her hard, he’d just break the girl in
half with how many times she told him he could just take it back, return it, forget it ever existed, etc. He
couldn’t possibly do any of those things. All he was trying to do was avoid the worst case scenario of
breaking a poor girl’s heart. What harm could it do to keep a nice trailer and horse anyway? Other than
chip at his pride a little for not earning it by his own hands. He’d rather have a chip in his armor than
bring a girl sadness.

He chuckled a little, “Normally we get each other keychains with our names on them the first go around.
Ya done went and bought the life-sized versions instead.” He laughed and shook his head. How the hell
was he going to explain this to the guys. His smile grew a little more, finding humor in it, honestly. Roll
with the punches, that’s what he was good at doing.



Turning slightly Georgie looked at Tequila and then as the woman showed her power over the man. The
blonde made it look so easy and it seemed that Justin had done Tequilas bidding so willingly. Like a
puppy on a leash. The blonde was right, she didn't know the cowboy like she did. Georgie felt her cheeks

getting just a little bit flushed again. It was probably very unfair of her to think that way. Justin liked
Tequila. Then it was the fact that they fitted together well, understood eachother... She tried to fit in, to
adapt to where she was but no, she failed most social things it seemed... She had begun to smile as
Justin seemed happy about the trailer. It made her feel like she had done something good. At least a
little bit. Then the two started to speak of raffles and Georgie wasn’t sure what to say but she couldn’t
help but to feel a bit stupid again. What raffle did they mean? Usually she had no problem getting the
hang of things, when it came to learning and studying, but now it was different. This was more difficult.
A strange feeling. She seemed to make everything wrong whatever it was she was trying to do. Even
small things like making sure a friend had someone to turn to if needed... Sure the trailer and perhaps
the horse especially wasn’t just something little you...gave away willy nilly but she had done it with the
best of intentions.

But there were many things that had been done with the best of intentions, and things had derailed
badly. And speaking about intentions...did Justin regret that he had kissed her? That he had done it
several times? There was a sinking feeling inside her. Had it been dumb of her to return them? Perhaps
it was her fault that Justin, as Tequila said, was brokenhearted? No, it had to be regret he felt, not
heartbreak. The kisses he had given must have been some sort of test and she had made a mistake. She
had been given multiple chances to say something and...she had failed them all. Wouldn’t it just be
typical of her... She hung her head just a little. A part of her wished she could go and just hide in shame
somewhere...but she couldn't do that either. She had to face this. Never before had any guy paid the
slightest interest in her the way Justin had done. At least not those she had wanted to get to know. They
all had backed away from her like she was...toxic. But was that a proper excuse? Sure, her head had
been way up in the clouds, she had been daydreaming...but...if she had to choose...a real friend was
possibly what she wanted the most. Love was not something real thing anyway, it was just something in
the books and movies...to give silly girls like herself something to dream about. A man like Justin
wouldn't pick someone like her anyway, he went with girls more like the blonde... Perhaps she had let
herself be blinded by the picture perfect life in her books for a moment.

Justin’s soft voice interrupted her self pity thoughts and she lifted her head and looked up at him. His
eyes on her...was it the regret she suspected he felt that she could detect there in the depths of his
ocean blues? She wasn't sure, maybe? Her spirits sank. What if...he didn't want to be her friend
anymore because of that? Because of her mistakes. And she had been too stupid to get what he meant
with his tests. She blinked a few times before looking down at her feet again as she tried to regain her
composure. Hadn't his voice carried a sort of disappointment in the tone? Like...he had expected more
from her... Sort of in the way William spoke to her most of the time when he disapproved of her, even if
she had done her best. Then Justin chuckled and the sound made her look up but she didn't dare to look
into his eyes again, worried what she would see in them. Instead she looked at the speck of dirt on his
shirt, a few dark spots of water on his shoulder, his left earlobe, down to the toe of his right boot,
everywhere but his eyes. She was still listening to what he said.

A keychain? What did he mean with a go-around? When she had started to think about giving him the
trailer, it had been because of one thing only, practicality. Especially since she had thought a practical

gift would have been the best thing she could give him. Something he could use for several years, to
save money by sleeping in the trailer instead of a hotel room. And the horse was something he could
work with too...and if the colt turned out good after a few years, he could make money on it as a stud.
To build up his own stock, maybe even getting his very own place eventually. A place where he could
create his future. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. teach a man to fish and he will eat for a
lifetime... But again, who was she to teach Justin how to ‘fish’? He had ‘fished’ all his life. She was just a
‘silly’ little girl, wasn't she? That was what most seemed to think of her. Even the callname they seemed
to have given her ‘lil Sis’ gave a similar ring. Someone small that didn't get it. Acting like she could make
a difference. His laughter sounded happy...so it still gave her a little nudge of courage and she slowly
raised her gaze higher. The smile on his lips was in his eyes too, she noted. It was genuine. It almost
looked like he was thinking of something funny at the same time, like a joke. Like her? Maybe they could
still be friends if...if she just had the courage to...say something.

She couldn't let him know that she knew that he regretted it all. That maybe he didn't want to be her
friend... Just act normal Georgie - if possible. Try and fix it! Do whatever it took so she wouldn't...lose
him. She closed her both of her hands into fists, feeling her nails digging in hard at the palm of her hand.
The faint pain worked to distract her from melting into a sad puddle. Her brothers would be able to just
sweep any emotions under the rug but it was hard for her not to feel anything. But she had to try when
it was just the two of them.

Georgie glanced towards Tequila and then she suddenly remembered something. Why she came to
think of it now she wasn't sure. Was it perhaps for the jealousy she had felt coming from the blonde a
moment ago? Hadn't Tequila gotten a big gift too? Had the blonde forgotten all about that? The sparkly
dress, the shoes and the jewelry. While not sure what label they were, she knew William. He would
never buy anything considered ‘cheap’, and cheap to William was anything under a figure with three
zeros. She nibbled her bottom lip. She also remembered catching a glance of William’s possessive look
yesterday. Plus the fact that Tequila had been dressed that way this morning. The sounds from the room
next to hers. Did that mean.... Her eyes grew a little, a heat in her cheeks and the trailer/horse ‘fiasco’
was partly forgotten - for now. Oh...

Then she heard herself speak, and she wasn't sure from where the words came from and she hadn't
intended for the words to be actually spoken “Justin may have gotten himself a new trailer and a horse
but...You did get a big prize out of Pemberley too, didn't you, Tequila? From William himself? Not the
foundation...” It almost sounded like she was the jealous one now... Maybe a little. So far she had never
dared to dress ‘revealing’ but that was perhaps also due to the fact that they have never let her. The
realisation hit her. For a man, William especially had been very adamant on what she should be dressed
in as she represented the family properly, not showing off too much so she would make a scandal and
she therefore she had to do it in an almost conservative way. But the dress Tequila had gotten, there
had been no restrictions it seemed and the jewelry on top of that... She wasn't sure if Tequila truly knew
the price tag on those. If the blonde did, would she really pout?

Justin got a curious look at Tequila, wondering what she got if he had a trailer and a horse. William was
her...brother, the asshole, if he remembered right. Or, the one that was way too particular and
controlling from what Justin had gathered thus far. When the hell did Tequila have anything to do with...
he squinted his eyes a little, also remembering the distinct sounds he knew came from her lips
yesterday. Was that who was on the other end of her unmentionables?
Tequila threw a glance over her shoulder, hearing her name. She still looked sullen and pouty for a brief
moment. Then she just looked confused. She turned around, leaning on the stall front, hooking her
thumbs in her tiny pockets, "William? Who's that? He's got a prize for me too?"
It wasn't uncommon Tequila didn't even know the first name of the dude she was banging. Honestly,
sometimes it was an honor if she did remember one. "I think she's referrin' to yer lil' personal one on
one bondin' time you and her brother were gettin' up to, miss," Justin grinned, also leaning on the stall
front, crossing his arms, facing her. He looked like he was telling a dirty little secret he had known about.

It did take Tequila quite some time to catch up to who and what they were talking about. She looked at
Georgie blankly, "Your brother...Darcy...?" She looked at Justin, "One on one time..." It was like watching
a gerbil learn to count. But when it clicked, it clicked! "Ooooh! His name is William? I had no idea! He
never told me," she giggled. "He's a secret agent so he don't go 'round givin' his name out."
Justin's brows lowered down, looking skeptical. "What kind of secret agent goes 'round tellin' someone
he's a secret agent? Ain't very secretive..."
Tequila shoved his shoulder a little, "It's still a secret."
"Ain't neither," Justin shook his head. "Ya jus' told us all. That's the exact opposite of a secret."
"Well, she's his sister, she already knew, I bet ya. And you...jus' forget ya heard and it's still a secret."

Justin tipped his head down, fighting the urge to laugh out loud and just chuckling on the inside.
Tequila stuck her tongue out at him, seeing him shake from holding his laughter in. "Yer jus' jealous his
prize is bigger than yours." Justin looked up again, wiping the little tear from his eye. "How so? Georgie
done wagered a trailer and a horse. What? He buy you a house or somethin'?"
Tequila shook her head, a dirty grin on her lips. "Aw naw. Somethin' you can't never give me."
Now Justin was looking a little offended, but in a sarcastic sense. He had his beautiful face plastered on a
shiny new trailer and what the hell did she have that was so much better?
Tequila grinned like a cat. She held up two fingers like she was measuring the distance between. She
moved her fingers further and further apart until she found her desired length. She looked between her
fingers at Justin and blew a kiss.

Now it was Justin trying to put it together... How was several inches bigger than any trailer-oh. His
shoulders slumped and his grin turned pathetic. He melted against the stall front, buckling at the knees a
little. "Goddamn, that ain't fair. Hit a man where it hurts the most. That's her brother! Put that thing
away," he begged more for his own pride. He couldn't even bluff in front of Tequila. She knew just how
much William had him beat. There was no changing that fact. It was quite permanently attached to him.

Tequila gave a triumphant laugh over Justin's defeat, suddenly feeling she had the better deal now. She
looked at Georgie, still having her fingers spread apart, "What? I see my brothers naked all the time.

Ain't no secret." Justin slumped a little more, "Tequila, that ain't the best thing...to say...after..." Why
was he having to explain this? Tequila shrugged, "I ain't fuckin' my brothers. I'm fuckin' her brother.
Dummy." And she thought she was the dumb one.


Georgie just looked at Tequila at first, doing her best not to look too shocked. It wasn't just the fact that
the woman talked so openly about it, but Justin did too. Once more she had made a blunder it seemed.
Oh goodness! Now they talked about her brother and Tequila doing...what Justin wanted to do with
Tequila. And then she was reminded that Justin had heard those sounds too. Her ears felt warm, close to
burning but she did her best to pretend she wasn't affected, but she wasn't sure how well she
succeeded. Her gaze flickered from one place to the next, not staying long on each person's face for long
once she looked in their direction. She tried to divert the topic. “A secret...agent? No, no William is not a
secret agent... He...is a businessman...” A quick glance towards Justin, then towards Tequila “Actually he
is an investor of sorts... He sees something of value, like a company, or a person, horse, something
worth getting his money into - or out of. It has to make a profit however or else his support is removed -
and he always makes sure to get what he invested back one way or the other. Sometimes he can shred a
company if the only value are the pieces. He always makes sure to have his all of his investments or
interests protected, always make sure something is gained...” Then was the fact how much William saw
to keeping the family name...proper. His ‘pack’ of lawyers saw to that, everything was over looked in
both text and image.

It didn't seem like neither was picking up what she said, instead they spoke about the size of their gifts.
Suddenly it all turned a bit private, way too...private. Georgie’s eyes grew as she looked at Tequilas
hands. Justin’s reaction. What she said. What he said. They could only refer to one thing given what they
had described - Tequila visually so. She was not sure what to say in response. She wanted to defend
Justin but she couldn't defend that part. Or well...Georgie swallowed, only because...reasons. Tequila
looked happy however. Why on earth did Tequila speak of her own brothers unmentionables? She
certainly did NOT even want to think about Williams private parts. Not even for a second and certainly
not now after...hearing...them having relations. Her mouth opened and closed a few times. Her eyes
went to Justin again. He looked sad, and a small worried frown appeared on her forehead.

What had Tequila said to make him sad? Size? There had to be something she could say to...make it a
little better - hopefully..maybe. She swallowed, and she didn't dare to look at him as she spoke. Size
always seemed to be so important. “You know, Justin...it's not the size of the dog in the fight that
counts, it's the size of the fight in the dog...” She raised her head. Hopefully Justin wouldn't take it the
wrong way. There was no way she could be a judge in this matter. But she doubted Justin would have
something to feel ‘less’ about. Her cheeks heated as she tried to form the words. It felt so awkward.
“I've...uh...just been with you on one rodeo...but there was plenty of women there that wanted
to...’know’ you...and at the bar too...” she swallowed and looked down at her feet, it felt so weird to
speak of it but, Justin deserved nothing but good things. There had probably been many of them that
had wondered why Justin had been with someone like her. She had to say something...that hopefully
made him happy. “I might be... silly...but I'm not blind...those women wanted to...uh...know you for a

reason, Justin...and if you think about it, I'm sure you can think of other times when...women have
wanted your attention...maybe even more than once?”

She gave Tequila a glance. William usually lost interest in things pretty fast...there was always something
new on the horizon. However, was it the same with...women? She didn't know. To be honest she had
never really seen William with a woman, not more than as a part of the ‘charade’ at parties anyway. She
wasn't sure if she should tell the blonde that...but on the other hand...given what she had seen at
breakfast, perhaps Tequila was the same way.



Justin put a hand over his heart, moping about his pitiful defeat. He had heard every line out there,
trying to encourage his rather average-sized brethren that it didn't matter. But truth be told, if there
was a yard with a chompy chihuahua in it and the next yard over had a ferocious Doberman in it, odds
were the little dog was punted out of the way without a second thought. Eh, at least he still had Jarin
beat? Well, that wasn't a comforting thought either, really. Wasn't much bragging right there... Georgie
got a little hopeless smile from Justin. He was really just playing the part. He wasn't honestly destroyed
over something like dick size. Not in this circumstance, anyway. It wasn't like he had an actual shot at
Tequila and Georgie was off the books anyway. But he liked the attention he got for being the sad little
boy. Little...dammit. Sad average boy.

Tequila patted his shoulder, "Yea, Jus. You don't fuck so bad. Not like...my top ten or nothin' but
probably top twenty!" She had said it so genuine like she thought it was an actual compliment.
Not exactly the conversation to be had in front of Georgie. But...if she was going to truly be his friend...it
was time she got used to the shit he and his "buddies" talked about on the regular anyway. He'd be a
hypocrite for shaming her family for sheltering her if he was just doing the same. He sighed a little, "Ya
hear that, Georgie? I ain't so bad."

"Naaah, you're sweet Justin," Tequila added. "Ya know, I hear some girls don't mind. Like them little frail
things? Can't take the big ones. Tears 'em up. I swear!" She gestured to Georgie, "Georgie! You're a lil'
thing. What do you prefer? You probably like 'em a lil' more manageable right?" She tapped Justin's arm,
"See?" Justin shook his head. He could tell Georgie had been thrown to the deep ocean blue way too
soon on this one. Tequila was a savage and didn't know a bad conversation topic if it smacked her in the
nose. Justin could turn this around before Georgie drowned at sea. He snorted, "Nah, she's more of an
ass kind of girl."

Tequila's brows raised, "Ooooh? Like a lil' booty on your boys?"
"Nah, I mean she has a donkey she rides-"
"You have a donkey!? Where!?" Tequila asked, grabbing Georgie's wrists. "I want to see!"
Well, that wasn't exactly where he had tried to steer out of the penis-measuring conversation but...this
couldn't be a bad alternative. Maybe? He thought for sure Tequila would be bored of them soon

enough. He didn't know she had any interest in a donkey. Not with the shiny, flashy, fancy horses she
hoarded anyway.



It went from bad to worse it seemed. She didn’t even dare to look at either of them after Tequila’s
comment asking after her own preferences. How on or what on earth could she reply to that? For a split
second and an avalanche of regret the moment after, as she made the mistake to think about the
measurement the blonde had shown with her hands - and then of William. It almost looked like Tequila
was giving the visual size of a ruler or something. That was not a combination of images she wanted to
have. There was not heavy layers of snow that surrounded her now, more like blush and awkward
feelings. She couldn’t help it.

With the word 'ass' in this context she understood how it was a sort of a double edged word and she
hung her head a little as she fought with not melting into a blushing puddle. Tequila’s grasp on her
wrists startled her a little since she hadnt really seen the motion coming. Her eyes looked a little
spooked as she looked up pulling backwards just a little, almost like she expected Tequila to drag her to
her secret lair to devour. “Yeeah? I do...he...he is in one of the paddocks...a-and sure we can go and see
him...” An unsure look was given towards Justin who didn't seemed to object to the idea. She took that
as a cue and led the other two out of the barn and towards Asthor’s paddock. In silence and with her
head down.

Asthor was relaxing, his right hindleg cocked and his tail swishing slowly back and forth. His horse
paddock partner had now been put into the paddock next to him, leaving him the paddock and stall all
to himself. Perhaps it due to the fact that some of the participating horses in the event had gone home
so there was no ‘risk’ of it needing to be used. The door to the stall was now open so he could go in and
out as he wished. He had investigated the stall the mare had been in as soon as the twoleggeds had
taken her out of the paddock, and while her smell was different than a female of his own kind he had
still marked the place with his own scent. Also ‘remarked’ the corner of the small paddock. Now he was
dozing slightly outside, ears splayed slightly out sideways, eyes half closed and a droopy bottom lip was
just a few of the things that was relaxed. Being a herd animal he liked being with others of his kind, but
sometimes a donkey just had to be by himself, chilling. He still had his memories of the island that was
his place of birth and how he used roamed around. It was different now being fenced in like this, but on
the other hoof he didn't have to worry the slightest about meateaters - and he got food served to him
with not much effort on his part. The mare in the paddock next to him whinnied and the donkey lifted
his head. Ah. Incoming twoleggeds. His nostrils flared and he took in the scent of his own twolegged. He
knew the scent of one of the other two as well and the donkey pricked his ears. But there was also a
new one. Asthor brayed his greeting as he walked closer to the fence.

“I've...just started a little bit of western on him...that’s actually how I...bumped into Justin...” She gave
Justin a smile before she turned to greet the donkey that had walked up towards the fence.

The donkey gave Georgie his normal snuffle greetings before he moved on to doing the same with
Justin, stretching his nose towards the man's ear and then the brim of the ‘soft bucket’ that one always
had on his head. He gave the later a nudge with his lips before he moved on to the last of the
twoleggeds, the unknown one, for a meet and greet. Nobody could at least say he wasn't a polite
donkey. A few sniffs and he could tell it was a female twolegged, and she was different from his own.
Smelled almost like the soft bucket head guy. The hands that now touched his skin seemed to give him
scratches almost in the same way his own twolegged could and that pleased strangled cat sound gave
from him. He sniffled the other female twoleggeds neck just like he had sniffed the males and then even
gave a part of her exposed skin a big lick. It was strange that the twoleggeds sometimes tasted salt,
almost like that salt block he had near the water bucket. He had just enjoyed his second lick when he
heard his name spoken by his twolegged in that special tone she used when he did something she didn't
really like him doing. He turned his head and looked at her. What? The tip of his tongue still sticking out
of his mouth.

Just when Georgie thought they could move away from awkward and embarrassing things she saw as
Asthor licked on Tequila like she had been a lollipop. It felt like the headache was coming back. It was
starting to become too much. And she still had to talk to Justin. She wasn't sure if she would dare to...
but...she had to. “I'm really sorry, Tequila...” she hurried herself to say “He...is special...” Justin already
knew some of the donkeys quirks so she didn't have to tell him. “Usually he is a good boy...”


Justin was definitely staying with the two girls for many reasons and a new added reason was to make
sure Tequila didn't cause her to implode. Never knew what was going to come flying out of that pretty
mouth. Tequila was definitely the more animated of the group, helping herself right up to Asthor,
holding a hand out to him, "Awwwww, look at him! He's sooooo cute! Hiiii," she greeted him like he was
a little puppy, scratching his cheeks.

Justin leaned on the stall, nodding to Georgie, "Yea, he did pretty damn good! Maybe not a roper but I
hear ya been workin' him pretty good. She can also jump the sucker too!" he informed Tequila. She
knew about as much about jumping as the rest of her family. But she'd probably be more impressed. It
didn't take much to impress the blonde. Not much at all. What was a few inches? Justin's eye twitched
slightly for the return of the previous conversation to his thoughts.
"Jumpin'? Why would you wanna-" she giggled as the donkey licked her neck. She gave him a gentle
nudge but he got her again. She laughed a little more and pushed his nose away, "Oh, is someone being
a naughty boy?" She leaned in and scratched his face again. She hopped back as soon as that tongue
was coming for her again. She waggled a finger at him, teasing him that he was just out of reach and he
was being "bad" but she honestly didn't see the harm.

If she even met one of Tequila's horses, she'd know her lot of horses had their own special quirks about
them too. And some of them not near as harmless. She gave his nose another pat, resting a hand on her
hip, looking over to Georgie, "So if you and your brother are like loaded rich, why do you ride a donkey?

Ain't you got other horses?" Tequila was a collector of horses. She saw something pretty, she bought it.
Although, she thought the donkey was cute, he'd never find a place in Tequila's string of sparkly horses.


For some reason she felt herself not being able to look Tequila in the eye and she wrapped her arms
around herself. “I don't know...” she said softly “...he understands me like nobody else have... I had
some horses before but they were never really mine... William picked them out or removed them as he
chose. I really just remember that first pony clearly but...then she wasn't good enough and was sold. I
recently got another of Williams horses to ride, one he say will take me places if I'm...silly...enough to
pursue my goal to have a future in show jumping. He is not happy about it. But he gave me a promise
and a Darcy never goes back on their word once given.” Slowly she had created a circle with her toe in
the gravel path outside the donkey’s paddock. “Technically I bought Asthor from the stud, he was meant
to be gelded and made into a companion to one of the stallions...but then William sold the horse he was
supposed to be the companion for and that was around the time of...the car accident...with
Charles...and myself.” She took a deep breath.
“William didn't like that either, that I found out about Asthor - and that I bought him...but he can't really
do anything about it. Asthor helped me heal after the accident, in more ways than one. He was
practically wild, actually...not sure why the stud bought him but I guess it was in some deal William
couldn't resist...or if it was a bet of some kind.” Georgie glanced up, and smiled at her longeared friend
who had left the blonde to go to her instead. Now the donkey very gently stroke her cheek with his lips,
like the donkey version of a soft little kiss, and she petted his cheek in return. “Thank you, I love you too,
baby...” She closed her eyes as she placed a little kiss between his nostrils. The donkey then moved his
head so his chin came to rest on her shoulder, allowing her to scratch his neck a little. Another deep
breath as she took a step away.

She had partially told Justin about the accident, not really any details about any of it, but the man was
more positive on things than she was. More used to handle himself. Georgie knew he was right in what
he had said, but it was still a little hard for her. “For some time he was my only friend...” She heard how
pathetic she sounded and tried to smile “...poor little rich girl, right... just having an ass for a friend...”

Asthor moved slightly to sniff snuffle on the man some, first his face, then his chest and then his waist -
also making sure to investigate the man's hands. Nope rope...check. He licked the man's hands once.
Good human.


Georgie's explanation didn't seem to clear up any of Tequila's confusion. If anything, it only got muddier.
She didn't come from a family or upbringing that treated animals as such. They weren't friends and
certainly not family. To Tequila they were more like shiny belt buckles to show off her fortune and to
catch the attention of others. They were her money makers. A good pair of fancy boots. They had to
serve their purpose and needed to look damn good while doing it. She didn't care if they liked her or
not; it wasn't part of the equation. She shook her head, "Girl...you need to get out of the house more
often."

"Ey, she got me now. I ain't no ass," Justin chimed in. He was the special friend!
"Ain't got no ass either," she giggled, swatting Justin on the butt.
Justin chuckled, "Bull ridin' does that to a fella."
"Especially when they wear you as a horn ornament."
Justin cringed, rubbing his butt cheek, "Yeeeaaa…." It gave him goosebumps to think about. It had been
quite some time since but the scar and gouge was still there after getting on the wrong side of one
pissed off bull. It was a part of his body that still itched right before he climbed onto another one ton
behemoth.

She took a step forward and bumped into Justin, "Hey, maybe later, show me the rest of that trailer of
yours, m'kay? See ya 'round, sis."
Justin raised a brow, watching her head out, "Where you off to?"
Tequila glanced over her shoulder with a grin and a finger to her lips, "A lady never tells."
Justin crossed his arms, looking skeptic of her being a 'lady', fully aware of the activities she got up to.
But all he got back was a playful wink. He shook his head. Pity wasn't the right word. Nor was jealousy.
Maybe a little… but it was more like protectiveness. The same he felt with most girls. He knew the girl
landed herself with some pretty shitty guys. And it was like she just didn't care. And that bothered Justin
a lot. Not that he was a good choice either. But he already beat his head into a wall over that. Kind of
like the one still stood in front of him.

He smiled at Georgie, relaxing his arms to his sides, "Hey thanks again for that trailer and that horse.
Now, just let me say this because it's policy I do and don't go makin' it anything more. Ya didn't have to
go doin' none of that for me to have me as a friend, mkay? Makes me feel like I haven't been pullin' my
weight. Ah-now," he held up a finger before she could speak. "I know you wanna say you don't expect
nothin' in return. And thank God cuz' I ain't never gonna be able to afford nothin' like that," he chuckled.
"But I just don't want ya thinkin' ya gotta get me things like this to make me happy, aight? Your smile's
worth a hell of a lot more than any ol' piece of metal or a purdy horse, aight?" He gave it just a second to
sink in.

"Now...you ain't gonna go twistin' what I said into anything more, are ya? Cuz' if you are, you tell me
right now and we'll get it cleared up." He smiled, "Cuz' I'm damn happy to have a nice trailer and horse
but if there's any more worries goin' on in that noggin' of yours, tell me, aight? Friends ain't gotta keep
secrets from each other, okay?" He reached forward and ruffled her hair a little. Justin was not a bottler.
If there was a problem, he didn't let it simmer or boil over into something it wasn't. He'd rather get it all
out at once the moment he thought there was a misunderstanding, get it sorted, and carry on. And he
had gathered Georgie was the type that snowballed things her mind until they formed this false reality
and believed it as truth.

"Step one of bein' my friend; talk to me." His tone was reassuring and inviting. He hoped she'd feel
comfortable enough to understand he wasn't mad or upset about anything. He really wasn't even

talking about the trailer and horse anyway. Just in general. The girl was anxiety manifested into a human
shape but he had seen her relax when they were having fun earlier. Not all this worry and doubt.


Tequilas comment made her look down for a second. She was well aware of how sheltered she had been
as she grew up, more and more in fact as she had begun to make her attempts on getting to stand on
her own two legs. Georgie smiled a little at Justin's word and she wished she could have done something
to let him know that she appreciated it, but Tequila spoke before she could. So instead she listened as
the two talked. She made a small face as she put two and two together, the words and Justin's actions.
Had he been wounded...there...by a bulls horns? How terrible! It had to have hurt a lot! She still couldn't
understand how he dared to do what he did. As she thought of it she did remember the mechanical
bull...and how close to her he had been then. A small shiver went through her body but not because she
felt cold.

In the next moment, without really preparing them for her departure, Tequila left the group. Georgie
said her goodbyes softly as she lifted her hand and waved, hoping it wasn't because of her. She stayed a
second at the thought of what the blonde had said previously. '...show the rest of that trailer...' Perhaps
Tequila would do as she had suggested later, and that it was a hint towards the cowboy at her side. A
sigh escaped her. That would...probably...make Justin quite happy, she guessed. Her hands came up to
her hair, twisting a strand around her finger. Now there was just the two of them...now she...had to tell
him.

She had been partly turned away from him, trying to brave herself to speak, so when Justin spoke again,
she had to shift slightly to be able to look him in the eye again. Her eyes partly closed as she felt his
hand in her hair, and a small smile started to pull in the corners of her mouth as he ruffled it. William
would never do such a thing. She had just a vague, faint memory of him holding her when she was
perhaps five. Justin was so...so much different from her family. More hands on, more open... There was
no...games. No roles played. What was said was real facts. No underlying threats in kind words. A deep
breath. Exhale. It was almost like the time with Asthor in the ring and the rope Justin had begun to use
around the donkey. The last big sigh and licking of the lips as he finally let Justin's rope touch him all
over. While the donkey was mostly ok with it now, Georgie could relate to how Asthor had felt.

Her gaze lowered, and she shook her head a little. "You really don't...want to have a peek inside my
head, Justin..." Another deep breath. Ok, here goes. She had to force herself to look up. Force herself to
meet his gaze. His blue eyes gave her a little bit of courage - at the same time she...got lost in them
again. "I...I don't want to break your heart Justin..." She felt her neck feeling warm, a sure sign her
cheeks was just waiting to catch fire. "I...You...you deserve something so much
more...better...than...me. Tequila told me something...this morning. The reason why you, um... Why you
hadn’t, um, or wanted to..." She gave up...a deep intake of air, she felt her courage dwindling, the heat
and red color on her cheeks rising.

Slowly her gaze started to slip down towards the toes of his boots as she tried to speak again, taking her
time to form the words properly "Justin...your kisses, they made me feel...things I've never felt before,
but that is perhaps more because...nobody have ever kissed me before...unless you count some those
old geezers from Europe that William did some business with. They do that cheek kiss greeting thing and
sometimes they told me how much I looked like their granddaughter and then proceed in pulling me
way too close to them than what's appropriate..." She winced, too much information Georgie, he
doesn't want to listen to 'poor little rich girl problems', she needed to get back to the topic "Perhaps I
enjoyed your kisses too much, Justin. More than I should have. I shouldn’t have...let it go on, to let you
on but... I couldn't help myself. You make me feel...free. Like I matter. I'm...not used to be that close to
another human. The last person I remember I was close to was my nanny. But anyway...that's why I said
no to Tequila's suggestion. She said that was...the thing that would have made you really happy. But I
rather have you as my friend...than to lose you..."

A small shake of her head and she hurried to continue before he said something "I care about you so
much Justin, even if we haven't known each other that long. That's why I wanted to give you something
nice. It's not because...something else. Besides, there is no such thing as real life romance and love
anyway. It’s only in books, believe me...I've read a few... Perhaps I did get a bit... too inspired...but it's
not everyday you walk into...someone like you..like straight out from my books..." Georgie tried to
smile, but it became a little bit lopsided. "...In this world I live in at least it's a rare commodity...it's really
just about business deals, or the chance of possible deals..." It was a strange feeling inside of her now,
after letting so much out things out that she had kept inside of her. Relief, but at the same time she felt
a bit lightheaded so she took a hold on the fence line with her right hand as she tried to find her
balance. Never had she just let things out like this. Her therapist would be proud if they knew. She felt
her eyes burn a little, but she didn't allow herself to let anything out. Had she even thought about
breathing. “I wanted you to have the trailer...and Mark because you deserve to...get a little boost. You
would have gotten both of them soon enough on your own, I'm sure...but friends help each other...”


Justin stayed quiet for the most part. He did get an immature snort out of gross old geezers. But he
behaved himself and let the girl talk. For the first time since he had met her, it was like she was just
talking and not panicking about every sound that came out of her mouth or rethinking every word. He
stayed relaxed, giving off a warm atmosphere. This is how it was supposed to be between any kind of
relationship. Open and safe.

Although, his eyes did drift to the ground for a moment as she talked about his behavior. He wasn't
completely guilt free there either. He definitely owed her an apology for pulling her strings.
He looked back up at her with a warm smile, "That's the most honest you've been with yourself since
I've met you, Georgie. I appreciate the hell out of that. Like you've already done gone and grown up on
me," he sniffles and wiped a fake tear from his cheek.

"I guess…" he shifted his weight to his other foot and tucking his thumbs in his pockets, a thoughtful
look on his face, "...I should come clean if you're gonna go droppin' truth down on me. I better take my

own medicine." Normally, he never had to stop and think on his reactions, he just rolled right along. But
he hadn't had this kind of talk with someone other than Sydney so it was actually weird to think of
where he should start. But if she could stand there and fess up to him, goddamn, so could he.

"I, uh, I know I keep sayin' I ain't the best guy out there. I definitely out any Romeo in yer books. They
probably have a hell of a lot cleaner life than I do. I've done shit I ain't even told my buds 'bout. Probably
never will," he shook his head, dropping his eyes down and away. He picked them up again, choosing to
look at Asthor instead. "But I can't bring myself to hurt any woman. Ya ain't breakin' no heart of mine,
Georgie. I ain't exactly innocent of leadin' you on, neither. That's jus' the kind of guy I am. I'm just a hook
up, hang out, hit the road kind of guy. Don't lend well to any of your books, I reckon," he chuckled a
little.

"But…" he stuffed a hand under his hat to scratch his head, ruffling his hair and pulling his hat back
down, "I ain't gonna do that to a lady like you. It ain't in me. Just like you said, you deserve someone
better...than me." He finally had the courage to look her in the eye again. No faked smile, just a moment
of serious understanding. A silent beat and he did ease up, a little smile, leaning on the stall, chin in
hand, "But I do want you to find that feller that'll dress up for you, take ya out to a nice dinner, tell ya
how pretty yer hair looks, not tell ya yer makeup was smeared a lil' but reach over and fix it for you, and
tell you that yer the most beautiful woman to ever fill his eyes. And I don't think you should ever have to
settle for less because that's what would break my heart." He genuinely felt that, so it was good to let
her hear it. Heart to heart was Justin's comfort zone. He always joked to Sydney that's why his muscles
were so huge, it was where he was storing all of his repressed emotions, like damn stubborn ass.

Justin's other comfort zone, a dash of humor to top off a serious conversation. "But I don't blame ya for
likin' these lips." He made a kissy face, "I've been trainin' these babies for years." He broke into a laugh
and sputter as Asthor had crept over to him and decided Justin was asking for a smooch as well. He
staggered, wiping his lips off and laughing. "Mi hermano! Familia! (My brother! Family!)" He shook his
head at the donkey's tricks, totally not expecting it!


The look in her eyes shifted, from insecure, to warmth and then something that could have been
affection. She was almost about to put her hand on his when he moved. She actually had the courage to
wait for him to look at her again. She felt her ears grow hot when he called her a lady. The heat in her
ears grew stronger as he made his joke about his lips, but she did giggle as Asthor wiggled himself into
the mix - in his usual way.

“Asthor...” she chided softly, the calling of his name made the donkey look at her. Georgie glanced at
Justin, nibbled her lip and then as she petted the soft fur between Asthors nostrils she glanced at the
cowboy beside her. “Are you showing that cowboy how it's supposed to be done, sweetie? Do you really
think he needs that much help? Yeah, perhaps you are right... He might have a thing or two that he can
learn from you since I bet you had a load of ladies in the wild...” She wasn't good at these kind of jokes...
Now she took his hand after giving him a glance, asking with a silent permission to do so. She flipped it

over so the palm of his hand faced up as it rested in her own hand. With the tip of her index finger she
traced the lines in his hand. She had done that once before. She liked the way his hand felt, the wear
and tear, the shape of it. A hand could tell so much about the person it belonged to. She didn't know
how to read palms. It wasn't even believed to be a real science. But she still found it interesting. Her
own hand was much more dainty as she compared them.

“You might say you are all those things...a ‘hook up and hit the road’ kind of guy... but... Justin... You,
you aren't like that...not really. Sure, I'm just...a inexperienced...little rich girl...who don't know anything
about anything...but I'm not blind. And...I've read about guys like that...” She hesitated “I know men like
that.. You are nothing like them, at all. Those men don't care who they step on if they want to get
something. Don't care if they hurt anyone. You said that yourself... that you couldn't...” Another pause,
and she couldn't help that she blushed - again. “...do that...with me... How many like you do you think
there is out there? That think like you did? Why do you think girls...women dream of that...’Prince
Charming’...and all the different shapes he can take?” She let go of his hand, smiled as he rubbed it
against his leg just like he had done last time. He was kind enough to let her take it in the first place,
perhaps to humor her follies. “Some have real princes, others have military men in uniform,
businessmen in their suits, and others...have that lonesome, rugged cowboy...”

Georgie shifted. Too much...girl talk...maybe...if this was like girl talk...talking about dreamy guys. “The
girl...woman that fit you as a puzzlepiece is out there...that’s probably why you are searching the way
you do... She will take you as you are...and while she might worry about you, she would never trap you,
and hold you from what you love to do.” She had to smile at his concern regarding what type of man she
deserved. “There is no need to dress up for me...for anyone...I've been dressed up all my life you
know...it's not as ‘fun’ as some say it is...” A slight frown came to her forehead. “Especially when others
tell you what to wear...” William for example wouldn't let her wear anything that would be considered
‘risky’ the times he asked her attend things. Sometimes it felt like he dressed her like she would have
been an old lady instead of the age that she was.

She exhaled, letting the last of her tension out “You know...I've gone about ten years seeing a
therapist...but I don't think...I've talked to her, like I talk to you...and yes, I told you there was more to
me than meets the eye...” Georgie tried to smile “...I'm messed up...” Her hand went to the little charm
that was around her neck, felt the familiar wings of the butterfly. “Have you ever felt..lost... that you are
on unstable ground, feeling out of balance, without a sense of direction, that something inside you is
just...gone...even if you never really knew you was missing something from the beginning?”


Ah, but he didn't have the heart to tell her that she'd have to put the books down to understand the
complexity of emotions of a physical human being. No book could ever fully explain the drives and
feelings of anyone. Sure, he was absolutely aware he wasn't a user. He hated that kind of guy. It was
always on mutual terms and understood by the other. He had his types that he could go to where they
saw eye to eye.

But the thought of being committed to one person. Forever. That's where he shied away from thoughts
of marriage and family. It came and went in spells. Usually when he stayed in one place too long. Usually
just a few days and the itch would surface. He'd get bizarre thoughts like taking a girl on a date or
wanting to see if she wanted to hit the road with him. And then the unsettling unease came next. If he
was making a rash decision. And the answer was always yes. He'd get on the road and about three or
four miles down the road, he'd feel a sense of relief that he didn't just make a huge mistake.

He smiled and shook his head, simply responding with, "Well, I ain't growin' up jus' yet. 'Fraid I ain't
lookin' for her jus' yet. My truck would get jealous and break down on me," he chuckled. It was just too
complicated to explain or even understand. It just came with the years. And as the years rolled on, he
felt there was no reason to change just because others around him were married with kids and even
younger than him. That just wasn't his life.

And then it took a turn for the deeper. This was unfamiliar territory to Justin. From the culture he grew
up with, there was no such thing as seeking professional help unless the bleeding hadn't stopped in a
half hour. Therapy was way out of his range of understanding. People went there when they were sad?
Or something? Or shouted at bats? Oh boy, he was out of his realm now.
He chuckled a little, turning over, looking into the paddock area, leaning on his elbows. He quieted his
chuckle down, it was probably not a good time for one. But what else was he supposed to do?

"I, uh, can't say I have...think I still got all my organs where they belong. Maybe jostled around a lil'..."
probably not appropriate to be cracking jokes either. He ran his hand under his hat again. "I'd definitely
be listenin' to your therapist a lot closer than any shit I got to say. They're all smart and know what the
hell they're talkin' 'bout, I'm sure. Unless you wanna know how to castrate a bull. I got loads of pointers
there…" what was he even saying?

Georgie mimicked his move and turned to look at the donkey who was now investigating his ‘toy’, a
huge ball, that she had put in there. Inside was little treats that if Asthor turned it right would fall out of
one of the holes that was in it. Asthor was ‘tame’ now but that didn't take away the fact he was born
wild and used to always be on the move, always looking for things to eat. He couldn't get exactly the
same feed as all the more ‘wellbred’ horses. Then he could get sick.

“Noo..wouldn't like your truck to get jealous now would we...” she smiled “Hopefully she will get along
with Mr Trailer tagging along with you...Perhaps it's you that will be the jealous one?” She didn't say the
words, but it still felt like she hinted towards the thing Tequila had spoken more openly about.

Her fingers continued to play with the butterfly around her neck. “I don't think she really cared to be
honest, my therapist... She always asked that typical ‘...and how does it make you feel?’ question the
few times I had said...something. But never have I felt that she has...done anything special, didn't
listen...more than being a nice person. After awhile I stopped...talking about...stuff. Just said...plain
things. I accidently saw her pad once... it was a lot of scribbles and a lot of ‘Hawaii’ and other tropical
places written all over, palm trees,... I get it though, I mean who want to sit day in and day out listening

to...people like me?” One hand kept touching the pendant while her fingers on her other hand began to
trace the fibre lines of the wooden fence. “You know why I started to go to a therapist?” It was more of
a hypothetical question so she didn't wait for his reply. “...it was because of my invisible friend that I
claimed I had... It wasn't like I talked to him only when I was alone, no...I could do it everywhere... and
that is apparently a no no...and it wasn't like I was little then... Think I was perhaps four when I started
talking about my friend...and then...up til I started at the therapist, when I was nine...and they got him
to go away...made me...behave in a more proper way...”

She took a deep breath, a soft sigh “My parents didn't want to have a weird daughter I guess... It wasn't
like...it was a random fantasy figure either...like a unicorn or...a dinosaur or some other imaginary
creature...just a boy my age. Normally I guess little girls have imaginary friends that are girls but...not
me. I don't know where I got it from but I still remember having this feeling...that we were something
real... Now after I...think I know who he was...or if it's still just a wish...that he would still be here...my
twin brother. He...died at birth...they say the cord was wrapped around his neck...He got stuck...and by
the time he was delivered...it was too late. It was close that they lost me too...I was born before him...”

A glance in his direction. Did he regret saying that friends should be able to talk? She couldn't really tell.
She looked down at the fence again. Watched as a little ant came walking back, carrying what looked
like a piece of another insect. “They named him George...that's why I call myself Georgie by the
way...and yes I know...my parents didn't have much imagination there...Georgiana and George...I don't
think my parents even expected to be parents again...after having Charles and William...I mean...” Her
hand left the pendant and went for a strand of her hair instead, twisting it between her fingers. “I think
he would have been much braver than I am...and better. I bet he would have loved to be your friend
too...” She didn't say anything about the feeling she had after the accident. That he had been right there
beside her, how it had felt like he had talked to her. Telling her things would be ok. Then for sure Justin
would think she was crazy.


Justin had kept his eyes on the donkey. Or...where the donkey had been. His mind was wandering off
somewhere else but his eyes stayed put. He was used to typical bro-talk: cheating girlfriends, accidental
pregnancies, crazy exes, truck problems, things he could get on level with. This...was way out of his
realm. Dead imaginary ghost children. That...was...something. Rather than having any way of responding
to that, he figured he'd better start finding anything he could respond to that didn't just sound like
confused garble. Friends, Justin. Pretend this was...Will speaking, okay maybe not Will. Maybe one of his
less shitty friends.

"Georgie..." Justin held his hands out like twin knives, "I gotta be honest here, one friend to another."
His eyes still hadn't moved from the void. "That is spooky as fuck." He couldn't stop the full body shiver
and rubbed his arms. He had a feeling he was probably supposed to be a little more supportive and
understanding but he just kept getting the 'I see dead people' vibe and it gave him the heebie jeebies.
Especially after the talk about the dead guy in the painting. He was leaving this place haunted. There

was no way he wasn't going to be haunted now. It was times like this, he was grateful for the cross he
had tattooed on his body.

"One friend to another, on a different note, your therapist sounds like shit." He shook his head, finally
stepping out of the dark void and horrors of being doomed to wetting his bed later that evening. He
turned so he leaned on one elbow, looking unimpressed. "Pretty sure if your therapist ain't even doin'
their job, it ain't you. You just need to find someone who actually does their fuckin' job. Ya know, what
their paid to do. Not some deadbeat doodlin' palm trees and cruise liners." He rolled his eyes, visibly
annoyed by the thought of someone pissing off their job rather than actually performing the tasks they
were meant to. As an honest working man, it was bullshit for one person to pretend to provide a service
and actually get rewarded for it. "Why don't you find someone who actually gives a damn rather than a
wall with no ears? Don't keep fillin' her pockets if she ain't worth a damn. Ya ain't stupid, Georgie. You
know that as much as I do." And he was serious. He didn't have a damn clue about therapy but he was
certain that they were the people that were supposed to actually give a damn about feelings and brain
things and such.


There was a tinge of regret in the silence before she heard a change of breathing and his reply came.
‘Spooky as fuck’... Did he think of her as ‘weird as fuck’ now? The man beside her rubbed his arms like
she could do when she saw the things she didn't like. The wellknown pinch in her stomach. She
shouldn’t have said anything. Yet, he had said friends were to be honest with each other... Was there
such a thing as ‘too’ honest, a line that not even friends crossed? She suppressed a sigh. Way to go
Georgie. So smooth as always. Note to self - if you ever get close to getting a friend again don't...just
don't be weird. Don't show how weird your thoughts are. The first time she had spoken to her imaginary
friend out in the open, causing people of their ‘crowd’ to look at her, it had been her parents that had
talked to her ‘firmly’ about how very bad and naughty she had behaved. That it was so very wrong! But
all the other times it had been William lecturing her until she eventually stopped speaking to her ‘friend’
when they were out. Then she stopped at home too, only when she knew she was alone she sporadically
did it. Perhaps it had been so, she had thought later, that like with other things in the family business,
her father had given William the task to help her be ‘proper’. He was the one who had to get the
weirdness out of her since he didn't have the top position like Charles due to being the second born,
instead he was given other things to do. Like being stuck with babysitting her...because she didn't know
any better.

But William had been the one to give her the purple butterfly pendant, saying that she could direct her
thoughts about her ‘invisible friend’ into that instead. Nobody could see your thoughts or hear them. Be
who they want you to be on the outside, be yourself on the inside - and never speak about it with
anyone. It had been many confusing thoughts for a little girl who didn't really understand why her family
had been so upset about it all. It was like it was more incorrect than taking the wrong set of silverware
at dinner. Of forgetting someone importants proper title. She had learned though. At least for the most
part.

“I don't go to her anymore....” she said quietly “...I haven't gone since...I got Asthor...not since the
accident. I don't want to go to any other either... I just talk to Asthor...” In her mind she continued, ‘...he
doesn't judge me for my thoughts...’ The next second that sense of panic came over her. Her grip on the
fence became a little harder for a few brief seconds as she tried to concentrate on her breathing, her
heart, her thoughts, her composure. Sometimes it worked fine, other times it was like she just shut off.
She knew she was just being silly. A small shiver along her spine. Perhaps she was stupid. Talking to a
donkey. Who did that? Crazy people, that's what! Sometimes it did feel like he understood her. It wasn't
always that she had a ‘real’ problem she talked to him about... just the fact to talk about her worries, or
that she could brush him just for the sake of brushing, hug him, just to lean up against him and feeling
his warmth and the feeling of his heart beating under her ear. Smiling at his antics. To be herself.

Why had she said anything? She regained some control of herself and Georgie pushed off slightly from
the fence. Beyond the trees was the creek and if you followed it you eventually came to the pond they
had been yesterday. As she thought about it she closed her eyes and smiled to herself. It was a nice
happy memory. He had taken her in his arms, carried her... his arms holding her like she was weighing
nothing. How Justin had looked like with pond water running down his face. The smile grew a little. How
the water had made his shirt stick to him like a second skin. She swallowed as she remembered what
came next. No. There she went again. She pushed the scene away with a bit of a frown on her forehead.
No. Just...no.

Without looking at him she opened her mouth “Do...you want to investigate your new trailer some
or...will you do it with...together with Tequila later...I did hide something else there...” A soft but faint
smile as she tried not to think about other ‘inappropriate’ things too much. “Or hid...there is some in the
cupboard...but Sydney might find that so I figured you would get your own secret stash place too...and
that you just take out the contents when you are alone...or if you want to hide other things there...you
can lock it too...not a very advanced lock, but enough I guess...”


Justin could nod to that, "At least Asthor gives a damn, ain't that right, buddy?" He held his hand out to
the donkey. Justin wasn't one to hang out with his horses in a sense of friendship. But they were
certainly partners and had their personalities. Sydney would have looked at them both like they were
made of vomit for even considering a horse (or donkey) as a "friend".

He was just relieved the topic moved. He probably scored a D- on his friend report card on the last topic.
Which...was still a passing grade? He could redeem himself later if she ever asked for guy advice. He'd
just have to hope for extra curricular. Ah well, he wasn't a perfect guy with perfect answers. But what
did pique his interest again was the talk of more goodies back in the trailer?
He perked up, "There's more? Syd ain't allowed inside either," he chuckled. "No girls and no smelly
giants." He gave her a wink. "Whatchu got for me? Is it cake?" His eyes twinkled. "Or...if it's somethin' to
enjoy in my alone time..." He snickered, looking like he was up to no good. His thoughts were up to no
good anyway. "Is it somethin' for my eyes only?" He raised his eyebrows, leaning on his elbow, a sly

smirk across his face. He highly doubted it was anything erotic but he could play it up anyway. It was
Justin after all...the mind of a twelve year old boy.


“What?” A short pause and hesitation, then she realised that he was joking. Of course. Justin McBride
isn't as wishy washy in the head as you, silly. “Oh, eh, yes...I guess it is a ‘for your eyes only’ kind of
thing...I just wanted you to have a safe storage spot - in case you have something of value you don't
want others to find when you have to leave the trailer.”

Asthor didn't even look their way as she turned and began to walk back. He had noticed that there were
people there on the bank of the creek. What were they up to? This patch around his paddock and the
area around it (as far as he could see anyway) was his ‘territory’ and as soon as someone or something
moved inside those borders...they were kept under strict donkey watch. The donkey flared his nostrils as
he tried to pick up their scent. He brayed to let them know he knew they were there.

“I've actually never ever baked a cake...” She was silent for a few steps before glancing at him again
“Perhaps we could try that together sometime? ...There are those ready made mixes you can buy right?
You just add eggs and water I think...there is a little tiny oven in the trailer...” Georgie halted her words,
her smile becoming more genuine as she pictured the mess that most likely would be...if they...if she
ever would be let into a kitchen...or...a place where you could create anything edible. No matter how
much she wished for it, there hadn't really been any chance for her to practice that skill. William
wouldn't allow it, her parents would have their opinion and Charles...well he would tell her to listen to
the others. Charles never really...told her what to do, it was more like it was only suggestions. Charles
was very unlike his younger brother. Much more mild mannered. She glanced at her watch. Justin would
probably have to leave ‘soon’. It made her sad to think about and her smile faded, her shoulders sloping
slightly.

She knew she would miss him terribly, and more than likely more than he would ever ‘miss’ her... During
their walk she couldn't help it, what would have happened...if she had said yes to Tequila’s suggestion. It
was clear that neither of them was...novices... not like her. Just brushing at the thought made it feel like
her cheeks was getting warmer. There was no way she couldn't pretend either. Memories of the pond
came again. Glistening water drops on naked skin. Georgie swallowed and looked away from him. She
was getting herself in trouble if she didn't watch herself. Then out of the blue came the memory of the
sound. The grin on Justin's lips. Now when she thought of it...she knew that he knew that type of sound.
Question was if he knew the other details.

She was lost in her thoughts she didn't see the wheelchair until she practically stumbled over it and
landed belly first in the person's lap. Thankfully it was one of the more modern looks and the armrests
wasn't too dominating. She still got one at her ribs, almost under her armpit as well as her hip. She
heard the chuckle. It was like just because she had thought of him, he emerged. She felt his hand on her
arm as he tried to help her up the best he could. Charles never complained even if his life had changed
so drastically. In the next moment she felt the hands of a woman helping her as well to find her feet.

“Oh darling, are you alright? Goodness gracious, Georgiana! One would think a place like this would be
more neatly kept to stop people from stumbling like that.” Georgie found both of her cheeks getting
kissed the next moment with a loud ‘mwah-smack’ in each ear as she was held in a firm grip. Jane of
course, Charles wife, looking as pristine as ever. Long, blonde and slender and never a strand of hair out
of order in her shoulder length cut. Never a speck on her clothes. Today she was wearing some classic
cut green dress that complimented her hair and eyecolor. The woman had pale grey eyes and
sometimes it felt like there was no color in them at all, making her look almost ghostlike. It was really
just that dark outer ring that saved them from being too creepy.

When she had found her feet she noted that both Charles and Jane was looking first at her and then
towards Justin expectantly. There was nothing of William’s judging in their eyes, just curiosity. “Oh,
um...Justin...this is Charles...Darcy...and his wife Jane. Charles, Jane - this is Justin McBride, a very
talented western rider. He has placed well in many rodeos...” Jane stepped forward and without much
ado proceeded in giving Justin the same type of cheek kisses Georgie had gotten. Charles simply gave
Justin a firm handshake after his wife had given him some room.

“Western? Wow, that's not every day you see that here at Pemberley. But then again, times change eh.
I'm sure there have been more of that here back in the day, before ol’ gran’ pappy wanted to play with
the runners. You have any interest in racehorses mr McBride? Have you seen the stud yet? You want to
see them? Georgiana, have you shown Mr McBride around? Shown him the horses? Or did William stick
you on doing office chores again? That man...he simply don't seem to be able to relax and trust his
employees. He really needs to relax...sit down once in a while...” Charles glanced down at his legs “Well,
guess I do the sitting for both of us now...” He gave Justin a wink and a grin. Charles had accepted the
whole thing easier than herself. She wasn't sure what William thought. Jane had placed one hand on her
husbands shoulder, and one on Georgianas.

“No...I just...showed the new cross country trail...or a part of it...the pond...” she began before she got
interrupted “Ah yes, that...it needed an update...” Jane gave a warm inviting smile to the cowboy as
well. He was very dapper in appearance and Jane Darcy liked what she saw. She respected her husband
but she wasn't afraid to enjoy looking at a handsome man. Charles trusted her, and she trusted him.
Both knew neither would do anything to risk the happiness of their marriage. There might not be a
‘great love’ but there was mutual respect and they cared greatly about each other. “Mr. McBride,” she
began, shifting and before Georgie had realized the blonde woman had traded places with her, so the
blonde now stood beside the cowboy. Like she had done it many times before she placed her hand
gently and lightly on his arm, urging him to walk with her. Charles took that as a cue to turn his wheels
around and Georgie followed, mostly out of habit. Even if it didn't really come off like it, Jane had an
aura many followed, and happily so. She had something that captured people, perhaps due to her
‘unworldliness’. “Do tell me more about this western thing you do, please will you Mr. McBride? I don't
know much about it, you see, not more than...you move cows around from one place to another, is that
correct?”

Georgie and Charles ‘walked’ behind them, Georgie trying not to look so much at Justin's back. “You and
Jane came home early?” Charles looked at her, an eyebrow raised just slightly like he had seen
something amusing “Mhm? Oh yes...we figured that we could perhaps see some of the last classes here
instead, before we went home to our place... it was nice to bump into you here, though. I thought you
would be in New York by now?” She replied at the same time she tried to keep an ear on what the other
two talked about.



Justin had been looking more at the sights, rather than ahead as well. He heard the little crash, made a
motion to catch Georgie but it seemed he wasn't needed anyway. A quick scan of the two people and
they didn't seem immediately harmful so he stayed relaxed. He could tell they weren't any of the
equestrians competing just by their garb. And they knew Georgie. Ah, a nod of vague recognition once
he had their names. He leaned down for Jane and returned a firm handshake to Charles. He slipped in a
"Howdy," and a tip of his hat to show his respect. He smiled politely, hearing Jane out, nodding,
"Yess'm." And a sympathetic nod to Charles, stuck in a wheelchair. He knew it couldn't be a glorious life,
but it was what it was.

A quick glance between Georgie and Charles, both, before he let Jane take his arm. No one seemed up in
arms about it, so he let the lady take him. Justin was among their beliefs of he wouldn't intentionally do
anything to come between a married couple, but damn, if Jane made herself available, he wouldn't mind
being playing cowboy with her. He liked her style - not her clothing per say but how she presented
herself. He always did seem to gravitate to the girls who kept him in line; it made him feel like a dumb
little boy back in school, flirting with the teachers much older than him. He might have flexed his arm a
little more than necessary under her hand.

He gave her the signature charming grin, "Yes, ma'am. Some days I'm movin' cattle back down in Texas.
Work on my buddy's ranch. We ride out for miles and miles to round up cow, shift them to new pastures
or collect 'em up to sell for the year's profit. Sometimes I'm out ropin'," He made a motion like he was
twirling a rope above his head and throwing it at an invisible calf in front of them. "Gotta brand 'em or
check their health. And then sometimes I think I'm invincible and I'll crawl on one of them big ol' bullies.
They do take me for a ride, miss, I'll tell ya that. Puts the hair on my chest. Ain't the lifestyle for the
weak-hearted, that's for sure. Think I already gave Miss Georgie a scare or two. Y'all brought in some
nice stock for this show, lemme be the first to say." He chuckled. He had only just gotten by with second
place. His bull hadn’t made it easy.


“Oh goodness gracious, Mr McBride!” Jane’s pale eyes were slightly widened, her plump lips open in
slight shock. Her well manicured hand that wasn't resting on his arm came to his chest as she half turned
towards him as a response to the grin, giving it a small ‘innocent’ circular rub. “So brave! So talented!
Aren't you scared?!” Jane then turned her head over her shoulder giving Georgie a smile before turning
back to the cowboy at her side. “So she has seen you riding the bulls? That must have been so exciting.

Georgiana is trying to be a showjumper now. Have you seen her jump? I like horses but I think they are
mostly pretty to look at. And what it comes to cattle...just no. They smell even more than horses! So - I
can't take credit for the cows here...but let me tell you - it's not William's idea...he doesn't like cows. Did
you know he even calls the spotted horses for cows...he is not happy that Mr Durant made him buy one.
Mr Durant saw more at the pedigree and not the look of the horse.” Jane gave the man a knowing smile
like she assumed that he already knew who it really was. “Me and Charles got such a good laugh out of it
however...like it matters what color the horses have. It's just a horse!”

Charles chuckled at her and Georgie felt her cheeks getting warm - again. “So you bought the man a
trailer...and a horse... Oh Georgiana...you and your ideas...” He looked at the man in front of them, he
could tell Jane was doing her best to make the cowboy relaxed and at ease. Just like always. “Don't you
think of how it feels like for him...he is probably well aware of what things like that cost...you can't
just...do things like that, even if you mean well...” Georgie didn't say anything. It didn't matter what
Charles said...she had talked to Justin about it. She didn't need Charles thoughts about the matter.

Jane laughed at something and she couldn't help but wonder if it was something about her. It was silly,
but she couldn't help it, they usually didn't mean anything with it but they also didn't know how it felt
like for her. At least they didn't nag on her like William. A part of her wanted to ask him not to tell
William, but then it would be questions on why...and she didn't feel like explaining herself.

“So, Mr McBride...how have things gone for you this weekend? Did you win any nice prizes? Made some
new friends perhaps? How did you like the accommodations? I know William has spared no expense
when it comes to the lodging for the guests. He does like to show people though...”


Jane could have walked them off a cliff and Justin would have probably followed. She had a way of
keeping one's attention, especially for a social butterfly like Justin who could yammer away for just as
long about nothing at all. He was nodding along, chuckling at the cow horses, mentally picturing the
similarities. He knew a few that shared the same personalities of an old stubborn heifer too. He was kind
of thankful they didn't come with horns too. Her opinion of cows and horses didn't bother him a bit.
They weren't for everyone. And she wasn't wrong - they had a stench that came with the trade, no
escaping that fact. And Justin kept "pretty" horses in his show string for that very reason. They caught
the attention of the judges in the ring and the pocket books of breeders. A horse like Mark would do
well at stud even if he never set foot in the show ring. Whereas Leroy, even though he was so much
more well-trained, seasoned, showed, proven, he'd never be worth as much without the flashy colors.

"Oh, I've been havin' a mighty fine weekend here, Miss. I didn't know what to expect when I rolled up.
It's an awfully purdy place for a cowboy like me. I even made sure to brush mah boots off 'fore gettin'
outta my truck. Staff here took real good care of me, miss, Georgie included. Didn't see much of the
main man, though. A girl I know 'round here told me plenty 'bout him though." He glanced over his
shoulder at Georgie, a cheeky smile. Georgie told him plenty about William, but how could they forget
Tequila telling them WAY too much about him just a bit ago? Crushing at the moment, but now it was

kind of funny to have some rather...personal facts on the big man of the talk. "I hope us western folk
didn't stir up the lands too much 'round here. We're good folk. Wouldn't mind seein' the place again
some time in the future if we're welcomed back."


Jane laughed softly again. At first she had wondered who the ‘Georgie-person’ he had talked about was
but as the man looked back at Georgiana she understood. She remembered now. It was the name
Georgiana liked to call herself at times. Jane had never been someone who understood the concept of
nicknames. Perhaps because her own name was so short and there was no real need for one. Her smile
that followed her laughter was warm and inviting. “Oh, William enjoys seeing a lot of people coming
here, that's for sure, but he does not really enjoy their actual company of people...not all of them
anyway. My brother in law can be quite...selective when it comes to the people he socialize with.
Despite that quirk of his, he is quite successful in what he does.” It was not a lie. William Darcy didn't
waste time on people he saw as below him, or unworthy of his time. It went for animals too. If they
didn't perform the way he wished, they were sold.

“Oh, I doubt there was much of a problem having you and your kin here, and if you liked it so much Mr.
McBride, I will see if I can work my magic on dear William to make it happen. I'm sure you are aware of
the power of the female persuasion?” She leaned in a little closer, like she had known Justin forever and
not just for a few minutes, to stroke his biceps. “So...What sort of things would you like?” Jane giggled
again “Although, perhaps you should talk to some of the staff instead, let them write it down, just so it
said the right way. Then they can leave the paper to me. I wouldn't know what you are talking about
anyway. It's all the same to me. Charles isn't that interested in the horses either I'm afraid. That's why I
told Charles when we got married that it's much better for us to live in the townhouse than here. It also
suits William so much better to be Pemberley's only master and even if he never told me I think he is
happy being where he is behind that dark behemoth of a desk in his office. Have you seen it? It's
absolutely gastly! I sure wouldn't like to be the one to move that beast.”

The woman put a thick strand of blond hair behind her ear, and looked without fear into the man's
ocean blue eyes with her own pale grey ones “I usually just host charity events.” Now the woman
reached for her matching little purse to take out a little compact along with a lipstick. A quick look at her
makeup got the ok, but her lips got a new coat of red color. She made a small ‘smack’ sound as she
made sure it was even on her lips before she put both items back. “The one I am working on now is for
children in, let's say, less fortunate areas. It's so sad the women do what they can for their children
but...they can't do everything, even if they do their best, not alone and without a family to help them.
So, there is where we, in my foundation, step in... We are funding youth centers so the older kids have a
place to be and not get into trouble on the streets, we also help with daycare for the younger ones that
don't cost a fortune, etc. We also organize a summer camp for a very reasonable price for the single
mothers. By all means - we do have some single fathers too as well as the standard families. Do you
have children, Mr McBride?” Jane had an innocent smile on her lips. She hadn't seen any golden band
on the man's hand, but that didn't mean that he was on his own - since these days kids came with or
without that. She was also aware that just because someone had kids, didn't mean they still were with

the other parent. However - it meant that he had a history with someone. A child was tying people
together for a lifetime whether you liked it or not, if you stayed with the person or not. An innocent
question could give her an answer to so many other questions in one swoop, albeit without further
details, but still something.

Georgie didn't say anything, just absently listening as Charles talked about the trip he and Jane had
done. It had partly been to see what new equipment he could get to make himself stronger and fit,
despite not being able to use his legs properly. There had been a slim chance of him being able to walk
again, but all the tests so far hadn't been so hopeful. They still kept up with the training however. There
was a reason why both Charles and William liked to have Jane with them at dinners, especially when
there was new associates there. Jane always made them feel good. She smirked. Well, if it had been
Sydney instead of Justin...then it wouldn't have worked. But Jane would probably would have altered
her approach just fine. Sydney or not...Jane was a people person. Not like her that was more cautious,
making mistakes as much as possible.

She strained to hear what the two in front was talking about when she caught a glimpse of Justin’s
smile. What had he said? She had actually heard it partially ‘..a girl I knew 'round here...’ ? Was it her?
What had she done now? Was that why Jane had laughed? The pinch in her stomach came back.
Everybody was so secure of what they did and what they said. She was always second guessing herself.
Only time she felt free, at peace and when she knew she was doing was on the back of a horse...or
Asthor. Justin had also made her feel like...she was a person. Not just...little Georgiana who always did
silly things - like stumbling over nothing. It almost looked like Justin hung at Jane's every word, grinning
at her touches. Georgie glanced at Charles but he didn't seem to mind. If it had been William she
wondered if it had been the same. She had only seem glimpses of William’s jealousy but what she had
seen was enough.



"Sounds like a mighty fine cause, if I do say so myself, ma'am." Justin nodded. Of course, he could relate,
being one of those kids. Not that he ever had the chance to go to any clubs or foundations or camps. His
childhood hadn't been filled with fun summer camps or shooting hoops at youth centers. More like
blistering his hands over tilling fields, butchering chickens for supper, bucking bales for neighbors far
and wide, learning to dodge their dairy cow's side kicks when she had enough of his milking, getting his
ass whipped if he thought life was unfair at any given moment.

Of course, he had to admit, he didn't get into any trouble on the streets that way. He was always busy
doing something then, as he was now. Constantly going somewhere for something.
"No ma'am," Justin said with a smooth smile. "No kids to my name. I'm somewhat of a ramblin' man.
Ain't settled down, ain't fixin' to any time soon, I'm 'fraid. What I do for a livin' comes with the high risk
of somethin' goin' wrong. Last thing I'd want is to leave a kid without their daddy or break a woman's
heart cuz' I got on the wrong bull." He shook his head, "No ma'am, I won't be havin' none of that." .

He recovered with a charming smile again, "I guess in a way, I'm bad business for your foundation, huh?"
He chuckled, absolutely enjoying the company on his arm. Two peas in a pod with their comfort levels of
seemingly no personal space to speak of. Certainly looked like they had at least known each other for
some time to anyone that didn't know them personally.

“Then, Mr McBride, let’s pray you won't get on any of the wrong bulls...with or without someone in your
life.” Jane then simply waved off his last comment like it had been a fly. She left the topic at that. At
least she knew there was nobody in his life that might hinder the plan she had been thinking about
lately. His words had rekindled the idea and now her brain was connecting what she had previously into
one solid plan. Was it possible to even combine the two? Yes. Of course. One plan was to make it fun for
the kids - the other to bring in more funds for the charity. Of course it would work. The later would
probably been scratched if the man would have had a woman in his life. A single man on the other hand
made it so much easier.

“If and when you have the time perhaps I could contact you for a little something... You see, I bet the
kids would love to meet a real cowboy and get to know how it's like. You know with doing what you do.
Perhaps even get to meet your horse? There are still kids out there that play cowboy and dream of that
sort of life aside from being an astronaut. There is another thing too, but...” Jane wasn't sure if it was
hesitation she saw forming. Of course Mr McBride was a hardworking man, but she wouldn't let him get
away so easily. He did what he did for money - just like everybody else. This would be an offer to make
the same - if not more money - with less danger. “You don’t have to worry too much about losing
income either Mr McBride! You would of course be greatly rewarded for your service since it takes time
out of your schedule. Just name your normal fee, Mr McBride, and don't be shy about it, I will double it
whatever it is just to make it worth your while. You see, the money I spend on this cause are of no issue
for me - it's for the kids in the end. All and all I would say it's a six hour job total, perhaps eight
depending. Also, I have a feeling the other ladies in the charity would really like you!”

Jane smiled wide, leaning up against the man slightly. It was close enough for him to smell that exclusive
perfume of hers - and she to scent his...whatever it was. To be honest he smelled more like horse. She
shifted just slightly, but not enough for him to know why she did it. Oh yes, the ‘girls’ in her team would
for sure like Justin McBride, probably eat him up if they got the chance. Especially ‘BeeBee’ Gunn. The
thought made her laugh softly. “Are you available today perhaps? The ladies and I are actually having a
little meeting a little later...” Jane glanced at her watch “In an hour in fact...oh goodness gracious!” She
turned her eyes back at the man, still smiling but with a face that didn't seem to think there would be a
problem with her request. Jane took his hand, giving it a light tug like she would have been a child
herself wanting to show an adult something she had made. She smiled as she registered the difference
between his more rough one and Charles more smooth hand. “You don't want to upset a lady now
would you Mr McBride...” She let her bottomlip pout slightly, adding some sad eyes and added “Please
Justin? Pretty please?” Using a man’s first name usually did the trick. Usually.

Georgie could tell Jane was up to...something, taking Justin's hand like that. She narrowed her eyes. Jane
was more than kind, liked by all and that but...she also knew you ended up doing things for her, things

you were not sure you had agreed to do...but you didn't want to be the mean one...so you did what she
asked of you anyway. Nobody ever got upset with her either...because all she ever did was for the good
things. One year it had been helping victims from a natural disaster getting their houses back together
again, another year it had been to help returning soldiers coming back to what would be a normal life
despite all what they had experienced while on tour.

If it wasn't Tequila...it was Jane. Georgie wrapped her arms around herself and sighed. On one side she
wanted to be alone with Justin - on the other she knew she wouldn't know what to say really if they
were. They had their talk, but it was still that...weird feeling inside her whenever she looked at her. It
must be her silly imagination again.


Well, Justin certainly hadn't planned on being offered a business deal during his stay. He didn't see any
harm in at least hearing it out. Justin had filled the role of many things throughout his life and during
some downtime while he picked up odd jobs. He was used to just being a cowboy, not so much posing
as one. And certainly not for kids. He scratched his neck, thinking it over. He guessed it would be a lot
like his family reunions where there were hoards of kids running around, throwing firecrackers at each
other, boys chasing girls with bugs, girls chasing boys with lipstick, sticky hands with their ice cream.
Although, that meant he'd really have to make sure he didn't swear or crack any filthy jokes. He pulled a
face, not sure if he'd be a suitable candidate if that was the case.

Justin halted and faced Jane, "Aw, I ain't too worried if it's for the kids.” The job and pay wasn’t a
problem, he didn’t think. And she seemed nice. Family of Georgie’s in a way so maybe he’d be helping
out a friend in a sense. But, he wasn’t out to make an impression for himself. His smile softened, “But
about not makin' a lady upset, well, there's jus' a lil' problem with that already. See, Miss Georgie's
already rented me out for the weekend." He smiled and gestured to Georgie with his thumb. "I didn't
know the cowboy rental industry was boomin'," he chuckled, looking over at Georgie, including her in
the joke.


An eyebrow raised Jane turned her head and looked at her, piercing her with those pale eyes. “Oh really,
well now... I'm sure Georgiana won't mind, don't you honey...you always tell me that you wish to help
out more, to be of some use, what was your plans? Can't they be rescheduled?” At first Georgie wasn't
sure what to say and looked down, she knew it would be a chance for Justin to get some extra
income...to do something that involved Jane’s own foundation. That was certainly more giving than
most. She had no right to be selfish... a small sigh. “Nothing overly important, Jane...” her eyes shifted
towards Justin for a second “...it was just...the trailer... He have already met his new hor-” She was
interrupted by Jane’s excited clapping with her dainty well manicured hands. “Oh! Excellent! Thank you
dear Georgiana! You are such a sweet little doll! Now, come my dear Justin...” Just like that she
discarded the title and called him by his first name. He was now considered to be one of ‘hers’ that she
kept under her wing. Georgie wondered if Justin even realised that he had stepped into the spider's
web. Perhaps she should have...warned him? Jane was a nice ‘spider’ sure, but nevertheless...

“Perhaps...I can come too? I mean...if you need help?” she began, only to get a mixed, perhaps slightly
worried expression from Jane “I promise I won't try and help and serve anything...again.” she hurried
herself to say. “Oh...well then...I guess that's fine....” Jane turned to Justin “Last time you see, dear
Georgiana offered to help serving me and the girls and well...she took a little tumble and managed to
get both coffee, the entire cake and cookies all over herself. Luckily we were fine though. Please don't
ask how she stumbled, I just don't... - it was quite a mess actually...” Jane shook her head, placing two
fingers at her temple like it all had been a major strain on her and her sanity “...and it took a little while
to get a new serving of coffee, cookies and all that. The ladies were not happy, quite upset actually... I'm
really happy that everything went alright in the end though... and can you believe it - there was no stains
whatsoever on the white rug - even if it was both chocolate and jam on the plate! Georgiana's dress suit
however wasn't as lucky...was a pity - she looked quite decent in it too. It almost looked like one of
those art pieces by Pollock you know...”

Georgie had blushed just a tiny bit even if Justin already knew that...she had a bit of a history of
stumbling. She could only guess that Justin didn't know who Jane was talking about. “Pollock was a
painter in the 1940-50ies that basically poured or splashed liquid household paint onto a horizontal
surface... He belongs to what is to be considered the abstract expressionist movement in american art.
You can say it's a form of ‘action painting’. In short...it's more of a feeling when creating the painting
than an actual likeness of something.” She wasn't sure if her ‘short’ explanation made him any wiser.
She gave him a smile “...art has a lot of -isms... and some are more strange than others...I usually prefer
the art that actually looks like something...many of the others just like a controlled spill of color to me...”

“Oh, you are being silly, Georgiana...of course Justin already know...oh, never mind...so...come on we
need to go. Justin dear, you perhaps need to freshen up some before we leave? Me and Charles will wait
at the handicap parking lot, ok?” They were just outside one of the public bathrooms where Jane had
stopped. “They are actually quite nice...” she added. Georgie said she might need to go, so she went to
the female section. She knew the question hadn't really been directed at her. Maybe there would be
time after the meeting to show Justin the trailer. After she was finished she went outside.



Justin's smile really wasn't a true smile anymore. It was just there by muscle memory. Truthfully, he was
more annoyed than anything else. Jane went from being such a nice lady he actually found quite a
refreshing breath of air to most unfortunately, a harpy. He had really hoped for better. She sealed her
case by poking at Georgie's obvious weaknesses. Anyone with eyes already knew the girl didn't know
how to use the two legs she was born with. Jane was too obvious about her intentions to knock her
down and humiliate her to gain a step over her. Not like Tequila. She was a well-trained monstress.
Justin still couldn't catch half of her conniving plans. Made her one terrifying woman. Jane...was pretty
see-through at this point; a little too happy to steal him away without an actual confirmation from
Georgie.

"Think I'll leave the smell, ma'am," Justin smiled. "More authentic that way. But I'll hang back for Miss
Georgie." He gave a little wave to the both of them, waiting for Georgie outside of the bathroom.

He was leaned on the wall, arms crossed, not looking particularly cheery. "Georgie..." he said like she
ought to know exactly what he was going to say. He turned his head over to her, "Remember what I said
'bout we don't have to be so concealin' right? You really have any interest in givin' up an hour for this?
Or you jus' lettin' Jane call the shots for you? We only have this weekend. Don't know when I'll even be
in the area next. Yer goin' off to New York for how long? God only knows where I'll be draggin' myself to.
We only ran into each other again by luck this time. And before you go thinkin' this is for the benefit of
the kids...you know even better than I do, if I decline, I guarantee there's hundreds more people she can
pay to fill the spot." He chuckled, "If you're willin' to pick me out a trailer and horse as a pickmeup, no
tellin' who she could actually rent out for her foundation. Hell, she was probably getting a bargain on me
even if she tripled what I'd expect." He shook his head, still smiling over the thought. The discount
cowboy even at triple prices.

He calmed himself, continuing softly, "I already said I'm yours for the weekend, Georgie. Jane doesn't
tell me what I gotta do, aight? Be honest with me..." He tipped his head down, looking awfully gentle
and docile. "You won't even have to explain anything to her. Let me handle it. If it's what you want..."



The tone of his voice first made her feel dread, like a cascade of ice water from the arctic came down
over her. She must have done something bad again but she had no clue on what could be and she
bowed her head. She had just been in the bathroom? The look on his face before she dipped her head
down, was a look that to her looked like disappointment, she couldn't keep her eyes on the target. She
bit her lip. What had happened now? She had never been called in to the principal for doing anything
bad, but William had always been quick to correct her...and sometimes, especially when she was
younger, it had felt like there were spies everywhere.

There was a bit of a surge in her stomach as he said the words. He was right, it was just by luck they had
met again... If not Mr Garcia hadn't backed out...if Justin hadn't seen the showad, if he hadn't decided to
come, if she hadn't been here... many if’s to line up just right. He brought up the trailer and horse again
and she felt the blush forming on her cheeks. Did he compare her with Jane? Her eyes were fixed at the
tip of the toes of her shoes. Slightly dusty, she noted. She wasn't like Jane, and while Jane wasn't as
‘brutal’ as William, she was definitely more savvy in business than Charles. Many said they were always
kind and generous, however, and people loved them. Despite Jane’s ways to do things...most of the time
all that Jane did was coming from a good place. She was kind and bossy at the same time.

Since she had seen some of Jane’s plans for upcoming fundraisers she could only guess what had
popped into Jane’s head when she saw Justin. While she didn't know what Justin's future dreams was,
she could only guess that money would be needed in some form. She also knew of his pride, even after
this short period of her knowing him, that he wanted to earn it by himself... And that he might not let

her help him with money unless it was really needed...maybe. That was just fine... But with the trailer
and the horse...it was objects that could help him along the way. What he did with them was up to
Justin. The thing she guessed Jane would suggest...wasn't an object. It was money for a service. Was that
why he was annoyed? She wrapped her arms around her. Perhaps this was why she didn't have friends?
Was it wrong to...’give away’ an hour of rare time if it meant a friend could get a good chunk of money
to help fund a possible dream? Was it wrong to feel jealous?

His voice changed. Kinder and softer. Now he asked what she wanted. The answer was simple, really. Of
course, she didn't really want to give that hour up. Not when she didn't know when she would see him
again. She felt quite sad over the fact and she had really tried not to think about it. Instead, she had
focused on how he would react when he saw it. That however had been sort of disrupted by Tequila -
with no real error on the blonde’s part. Georgie shouldn’t have said anything. Maybe... But should she
tell him that? The worry came hard and suddenly. What if he thought she had tried to buy his
friendship? What if he thought she was ‘selling’ him on to Jane like...he had been a partly used up, partly
broken down horse? Like just an object that wasn't anything special, besides the scrap pieces. But Justin
was special. Perhaps more special to her than he realised. Sadness rolled over her and she bit her lip
again. William hated when she got emotional.

Her nails dug into her hands as she forced herself to look up. She fought the promise not to run. The
promise to talk to him. About everything. Because that was friends did. Even if he had clearly
been...weirded out but what she had told him before. She had promised. Besides, she would probably
stumble over herself if she tried to leave in a haste and make the mess even greater anyway. She did
start to weave back and forth like a horse with a bad habit. His face, his eyes looked as gentle as his
voice had sounded.

Her voice shivered slightly “...to be selfish is a bad trait... Many are though...especially those that make
money or have a lot of something. They want it all to themselves. But there are things with greater value
than any currency...it’s friendship. But friendship can't always...help to fund futures, dreams...or
safety...” Her eyes shifted to a speck on his chest, she needed a temporary break from those wonderful
blue pools that always, somehow, seemed to fill her entire being with a tingly feeling. “Last year...Jane
and her crew made a ‘bachelor & bachelorette auction’ where they auctioned off ‘dates’ with different
good looking men and women. But, people high up get tired with the ‘same’, so this year...if I remember
the notes right...I had to write it all down last time... They planned for a calendar...aimed for women this
year. I think the theme of it was ‘childhood heroes’.
I know you love what you do Justin and doing...something like that is probably beneath you...and...I-”

Georgie stopped herself there. Hesitating. Shifting her stance. She wasn't sure if what she said made any
sense, or if it would just make Justin more annoyed with her. Annoyed or...angry. If she continued she
would probably make it worse. Justin had probably never even considered being in a calendar - and
especially not one like Jane and her lady friends had suggested to her. But he didn't know that. They had
been inspired by a movie on ladies who had done that. Georgie wasn't even sure why she felt upset. All
she wanted was to help him the best she could, doing her best to respect his pride to handle himself.

But she just...made a mess of it all. As always. Perhaps that was why. It was no wonder people sighed,
smiled and shook their heads at her...like she was a little clueless girl. Perhaps, she was all those things
that they sometimes told her she was. Only thing that was missing was that pat on her head. No matter
how much she tried to help or do good things something always seemed to...make it all wrong.

A deep sigh. Her eyes shifted again. The promise pushed her over the edge and she fell...tumbling down.
She said it in one breath. “...if I'm to be honest...I...don't...want to share you...with Jane, despite the
good cause. Especially not when...when I don't know when I get to...be with you again, Justin. Jane
means...well...but she has many, many friends and people she can ask for favors. But then, her offer
it's...it would give you a good pay... And she is a good connection to have...” How pathetic didn't she
sound now? A deep intake of air. So much for trying to be a grownup. Instead she probably came off as
needy and clingy to him, two traits she had read men despised more than anything.


Justin gave her the stage to speak. She had to learn there wasn't always clear cut right or wrong in
among friends. But it was only fair one side listen to the other and consider their feelings. And he did
agree that his loyalties weren't as simple as buying out for money. At a certain point in his life, he
strayed from that value and it was still stuck on his back as a deep regret. And thankfully, no one got
hurt over it, at least not substantially. And since then, he had made tremendous efforts to remain a loyal
friend even when it was hard, for instance, someone like Sydney. He was the toughest man to
understand and yet so simple at the same time. But Justin chose to stick by him and scold him
relentlessly when he needed a good ass chewing because in that case, that's what a good friend needed
to provide for him. Even if it did earn him a broken rib after a heated tussle. He never did get an
apology. Justin wasn't sure he had ever heard the man even say the word 'sorry' in a sober state. But he
showed his apology in other terms such as covering his lunch fee one afternoon. Broken rib...free
lunch...maybe not equal in terms of repayment but he was a work in progress.

It was kind of a relief to know he probably wasn't going to have to wrestle Georgie in the same regards.
Especially since it seemed she was coming to terms with being honest about the ordeal rather than
trying to bottle things up. Though...he did get an eyebrow raise over the little plan Jane had schemed
up. He traced his beard, rubbing his chin and thinking about it. Aimed for women, huh? He hid his grin
behind a hand, appearing much more serious than he was letting on.
He knew Georgie was going to be okay when she finally spoke her mind truthfully, rather than just what
others wanted to hear. And while she was sinking in her hole, Justin stepped closer to her, opened his
arms up around her and enveloped her in a big bear hug. "Atta girl," he said softly. "That's all ya had to
say. Believe me, if I thought I was so strapped for cash I had to go back on my word, we'd be havin' a
different conversation. I ain't a rich man, but I ain't poor enough to froth at the mouth for quick cash
neither. You know us fellas. Our inflated egos an all that. We can't help it. Forgive us," he chuckled and
rubbed her tense shoulder blades, resting his chin on her head for a moment, pondering...

He smiled and stepped back from her, hands still on her shoulders, "Although...hear me out..." He
definitely had a look in his eye like he was up to no good. Georgie should be quite familiar with the little

twinkle he got in his eyes when he was feeling particularly childish. "Ya know...we can keep our hour to
ourselves, ya don't have to share me with no one, and we can still help miss Jane out with her lil'
foundation. Ya see..." He took another step back, puffing out his chest, swiping a thumb under his nose
and resting his fists on his hips, "Yer lookin' at a supermodel. Voted RidgeRunner's most sexy Santa last
winter. You could say, I'm almost a professional model right in your clutches." He gave a cocky laugh,
holding his chin up to match his ego. "If Jane wants a calendar...why don't we just go ahead make it
ourselves!? You and me! Wouldn't that be a hell of a lot more fun than watchin' me pose like an idiot for
people I don't know? We don't have to have to lose any time we have, we still help out Jane and the
foundation, and I can prove to RidgeRunner I should be sexy Santa for this winter as well," he winked at
her. He was absolutely giddy about the idea. He thought it was the best of both worlds. Not to mention,
he was just eating up the chance at being in the spotlight. He held out his hand to her, "What do you
think, partner? I ain't in it unless yer backin' me up. Mano y mano, mi amiga. (Hand and hand, my
friend)."



The hug came out of nowhere, and she stood still in his arms unsure if...if she should hug him back.
Could she? Her chin was leaning lightly on his chest. It was warm, the scent almost earthy, smelled of
horse and man, with a soft linger of his cologne. The feeling she had felt before returned. She then felt
him rest his chin on the top of her head. For a splitsecond she relaxed. The sound of his voice was
almost a low rumble in her ear closest to his chest. Her arms just hung along her sides. Just as she
figured out that if he hugged her, it would mean it was ok for her to hug him back, and she began to lift
her arms, Justin backed up. Georgie hurried to lower her arms again. Awkward! Hopefully he didn't see
that.

His hands were still resting on her shoulders and even if her gaze darted a little she tried to look him in
the eye. His hands felt big and heavy like oven mitts, probably just as warm too. How strong was he? A
lot stronger than her anyway. He had lifted her before like she had weighed...nothing. He had to be that
strong given what he did. Yet she knew Justin was gentle. She was not used to this much physical
contact but she...kind of liked it at the same time. Not that she had much experience. The problem was
really...how to respond to it all. She almost felt like one of the pets in the funny movieclips, where you
put some sort of clothing or shoes on let's say a small dog, and then made them walk. It was hard not to
smile at the funny walks they could do. Lifting their feet really high or just plopping to their sides in
silent protest. There was also the third option - not moving at all - and that was probably the option she
mostly went with. He didn't sound annoyed anymore.

Her gaze tried to settle in his, wait...what...what was that look in his eyes? It was like the look he had
when he had acted like a little boy up to no good together with Sydney. Her eyes went from wondering
to...just a ‘bit’ surprised over Justin’s next statement. What in the world? Sexy...Santa? What sort
of...barn was that? But Justin looked quite excited over the thought so...was that something he enjoyed?
Her ears felt a little heated. By now he had stepped away from her completely and had struck a pose
that if it was to be called anything it was probably ‘cocky’.