Sweet Whiskey Nights

A Beautiful Day

Charlotte

I’ve always wanted to ride on one of the horses from their ranch. I’ve always wanted to go see them and feed them too. But Daddy always said that they were busy working and I needed to let them do their jobs. I was so excited when T’Jay said we were going riding. We were going down a beautiful trail on their property and I realized I never knew exactly how large a piece of land they had. No wonder Mr. Stark wants it so badly. It’s so peaceful out here, I could never imagine a community here. T’Jay is pointing rabbits and different birds out to us, he’s even let us know about the deer tracks and said if we’re really quiet we might see some today. If everyday were like today I’d never want to go back to the city. Sam was watching me, I’ve caught her out my peripheral a few times today. I can tell she’s still upset about what I told them last night. And I can tell by the way she’s chewing on her bottom lip she’s debating on whether or not to say something about it. I lean forward and pet my horse Gina. I think it’s cute we got horses named Gina and Pam named after characters from the show ‘Martin’. They kinda resemble them too. One’s a light tan and the other is a deep chocolate. T’Jay’s horse is named Eddie. He told us they also had a pair named Sanford and Elizabeth, another pair named Tia and Tamara, and their final pair Will and Carlton. He went on to tell us they’re breaking a pair right now that they’ll name Smoke and Stack, they’re brothers. Said it was special to get twins from horses as they usually don’t make it. He laughed as he said his brother Marcus gets mad at him for saying “breaking” as it’s an outdated term and he wants him to say “starting”. He emphasized that they don’t use force to train their horses and his brother doesn’t want anyone getting the wrong idea. Then he told us Marcus’s horse was named Nipsey.

Before he could continue Sam cut him off, “So, he doesn’t use force with horses but he’ll use it with women? You said his name is Marcus? That’s a dumb name. It fits him- a dumb name for a dumb man. You said you would help us with revenge, but I don’t believe you. How do we know this ride into the middle of nowhere isn’t revenge for her mama yelling at you all?” I suddenly got real nervous because I didn’t think about that before I happily jumped on the horse, no questions asked. I looked between the two of them. He wasn’t phased at all, same cool demeanor as before. Yup, he’s going to serial kill us and hide our bodies out here.

“Because she didn’t yell at me. She yelled at the Uncs and told them she was going to hurt Marcus. I am the good child, obviously, so I was trotted out to be the peace offering. Duh. You can’t tell a peace offering when you see one? Should I ride by you again so you can take a good look at one?” He winked at her and I think that’s his way of flirting? Oh boy, he’s going to have to try harder than that if he’s going to flirt with Sam. “You ride pretty good for a city girl. I’d have thought you’d fallen off by now.” He chuckled at that and she sat up straighter. “I went to boarding school. They had horsemanship programs. I competed in eventing.” He gave her an impressed look before doing a slow clap towards her. I’m starting to feel like a third wheel here when I noticed his uncles were waiting for us on their own horses. I remember them from when I was little. They always used to compliment me on my dresses and boots, said I was the prettiest cowgirl they ever saw right before they would sneak me some candy.

“Ladies, we hope you’ve had a good time riding with T’Jay. Hope he hasn’t annoyed y’all too much.” They side eye T’Jay while one sucks his teeth. He doesn’t look phased by them in the least and I wonder if anything ever bothers him. He’s much different than his brother. He’s laid back while Marcus is an ass. “Yes sir, he’s been a great guide. Thank you so much for letting us ride today. I’ve always admired your horses. This was definitely a treat for me.” I can never tell the uncles apart though. One of them moves their horse a little and I notice a picnic all set up for us. “We didn’t know what y’all liked to eat so we made you a little of everything. We also brought some wine cuz you know, women love wine. T’Jay don’t just sit there collecting flies, help the ladies down so they can eat.” Sam quickly put her hand up and told him she didn’t need his help and made some comment about the city. Meanwhile, I finally noticed how high up I was on a horse and looked sheepishly at him for help. He chuckled again but kindly helped me down.

“I meant it. You want revenge, I’ll help. I’m still mad at him for dragging me back here. I don’t believe David by the way. He can suck a fart from a rat’s ass. Anyways, I can help you get the goats to headbutt him if you want.” He whispered as he smiled at me and put his arm out in the direction of the food, with a tiny bow. He’s not so bad. I pat him on the shoulder and walk to the blanket that’s laid out for us. I thank the uncles and they trot off with a tip of their hat. I’ll have to tell Mama about their good deed. Sam joins me on the blanket and immediately starts digging through the picnic basket. “You’re like a raccoon over there. Do you not get enough to eat at Mrs. DeeDee’s house?” Sam huffs as she controls herself to slow down. She hands me a container of chocolate covered strawberries and another one of grapes. I start dividing up the fruit onto three plates. Next she hands me sandwich triangles and I neatly place them on the plates. We do this with just about everything in the basket and once we’re done I look over at T’Jay to see why he hasn’t sat down yet.

“Are you not hungry? Here’s your plate, come join us.” He looks a little shocked that we would want him to eat with us and I wonder if it’s because of the cold shoulder Sam’s been giving him. I’ll have to help him with that. He’s kinda cute, definitely her type. As he sits down I hand him his plate and ask, “So T’Jay you said your brother dragged you back here? Where did he drag you from?” He smiled at us while pouring the wine for us. “The city. But I’m not getting into all that on this beautiful day. I will however tell you how to get them goats to do what you want. Miss Petunia is his favorite so if you get her to like you it’ll really bother his little ol’ heart. He raised her up from a tiny baby. You get her to love you and you’ve won, hands down. He don’t even let me near her, says I’ll corrupt her.” He rolls his eyes at that and I notice a little intrigue in Sam’s eyes as she looks him over. So far, today has been the best day I’ve had in a very long time.