Chapter 3

Several weeks later I awoke to a large commotion in the rear of the house towards the corals. I jumped out of bed, threw on some clothes and headed for the area quickly. I wasn’t sure what help I’d be but I was willing to help in any way I could. Course I was thinking Senor Chasez was being robbed. I was in no way prepared for what met my gaze as I came around the last barn in front of Angel’s coral.

“Now Angel.” Senor Chasez was stating in a gentle tone. “He’s the best there is. You’ve got to give him a chance girl. We aren’t gonna find any better.”

The mare stood her ground in front of the black stallion and wouldn’t let him anywhere near her.

“Look at him girl. He’s magnificent. Look at those hindquarters, they’ll make your foal faster than any other on the grounds and his coloring. Just think of the colors your foal could be. Look at the fine head. His ears are perfect, just like yours, not too big and not too small. I know he’s a bit annoying but all you gotta do is mate with him and then I’ll get him out of your hair, ok?”

The mare turned and looked at her master then to me. She must have decided I was to be the deciding factor cuz she just kept staring and me for a few minutes then came over and draped her head over my shoulder.

This must have amused my host because all I could hear from all the men surrounding the coral was laughter.

I pat the neck of the beautiful horse on my shoulder then begin the strangest conversation of my life, “What? What do you want me to say? I’m no judge of horses. You’d be better off going with what Josh says. I mean, he’s the best judge here. I just build things for a living. I don’t know the first thing about horses girl.”

She dipped her head lower across my back and then brought her nose back up and against mine.

“Ok, fine. I think he’s pretty hot, well…for a horse anyway. He looks like the night and has enough energy to put the sun to shame. I don’t know how horse families work but I think he’d produce some pretty cool looking kids girl.”

She rubbed her head against my chest and walked back over to Josh. She put her head over his shoulder and turned her body in the stallion’s direction, presenting herself to him.

“That’s a good girl.” Josh stated then patted her neck, wrapped the tether around her neck and then walked out of the coral as Alex released the stallion into it. “Come let’s give them a little privacy. He walked over to me, “Chris, shall we talk for a bit.”

In the previous weeks whenever he’d come to me and asked to talk it always led us to the library and a long conversation of my past and family. This time however, he led the way towards the pool that I’d been working on.

I’d like to thank you for your help in there. I didn’t think she’d snub him like that. I mean I knew she was picky but didn’t quite believe she’d turn down a stallion of his quality. If you hadn’t shown up when you did I don’t think we’d ever have been able to get her to mate ever.”

“Yeah, well…you know me…always gotta play the hero.” I smile.

Josh looked at me for a minute then whispered, “I wouldn’t doubt it.” He made his way over to the giant hole in the middle of the area, “So tell me about your plans here.”

I went into a long description of the different types of ground fillers I planned on using so that the pool wouldn’t sink or crack. Then I began to tell him of the different structures I’d envisioned along the side of the pool that would make it blend in with the house and seem a part of it instead of an add on or afterthought.

I came out the haze I’d been in while talking to focus in on those amazing steel blue eyes and had to catch my breath. He was standing with his head turned as if attempting to envision what I was describing and his profile was made that much stronger by the mid-day sun. I stood there admiring him for a few minutes before he finally realized I’d stopped talking and turned to bestow one of his amazing smiles upon me.

“It sounds amazing. I can’t wait to see how it turns out. Should we move inside? I’ve some contracts to work on. Will you ride with me tomorrow? You haven’t taken a day off since you’ve been here. My mother worries about you, says you are way too quiet.”

“Really? That’s not what most people say about me.”

“Why’s that?”

“Well…most people consider me anything but quiet.” I state. “I’d be honored to ride with you tomorrow but you’re gonna have to give me the oldest horse you have on the plantation, cuz I don’t ride well.”

He smiles and then snickers, “I don’t think you’d want to ride Badger. He’s old but he’s still mean. I think perhaps Melody would be better suited to you. She’s sweet, you’ll love her.”

“Badger huh? Wonder where he got his name.” I mumble.

Josh snickers again and claps me on the back, “Cuz he’s meaner than one. He used to be my father’s horse and he was the only person Badger would allow on his back.”

“Your father must have been an interesting man. Too bad I didn’t get the chance to meet him.” I mused.

“He would have liked you. He was a very good judge of people.”

“Do you miss him?”

“Mmmm, more than I am allowed to show. He was a wonderful father. He wasn’t like Mr. Garcia…Harsh and cruel to those around him unless they can do something for him. My father was kind hearted. That’s why we have the best people working here. Sometimes I worry for Nick, that he works for that man. If I turn him down on courting his daughter he may take his anger out on Nick cuz he’s my friend.”

“Why doesn’t Nick go to work for someone else? Why does he stay with Garcia if he’s so terrible?”

“There is no one to hire him. All the families around here are fully staffed around here and he doesn’t want to have to move from the area. His mother, brother and sisters are all in this area. It would not be good for them if he were to leave. I’m sure you understand what I’m saying.”

“Yes…I think I understand very well. But…No…I suppose that wouldn’t be a good idea. He probably wouldn’t do it anyway.”

“What?” Josh asked, curiousity obviously getting the better of him. “What are you thinking?”

“Well…I’m thinking I could use his help with this pool project. Do you think he’d mind getting his hands dirty and possibly having to tell people what to do? I’m not really good with bossing people around. I usually draw the designs and then stick around to ensure that it’s built to my standards but…”

Josh smiles broadly and states, “I don’t think he’d have a problem with that at all. Perhaps you should ask him if he’d like to join you when he comes over in a couple days. He’s riding with me in two days time.”

“Great. Now what other help can I be for you Senor?”

“I think my hero has done enough for one day. Perhaps you should take the rest of the day and relax so as to not harm yourself too badly. I don’t want my neighbors saying I don’t treat my guests well.”

“They’d never hear it from me. Never.” I state as I become aware of just how closely we were standing. I quickly reached down to the nearest table and notice a drawing for some buildings that I was pretty sure were not on the compound anywhere. I cocked my head to the side, “What are these?”

“What?” He looks away from my face, blushing for a moment before he looks at what I’m pointing at on the table. “Oh, those are some buildings I wanted to see if you’d be interesting in constructing for me. When the pool is done, of course.”

“Perhaps I could. If you’d like. I’ve nothing to go home to any time soon so…”

“You have no one at home that might be missing you?” He implored, concern in his eyes and voice.

“No, not really. The one person that I thought might have cared hasn’t replied to the letter I wrote when I got here so…No, as far as I know there is no one that really cares.”

“That really is too bad. I’m sorry your friend hasn’t responded to your letters. Perhaps they still may.” He turns before I can see the small gleam in his eyes. “Well, think I’ll turn in for siesta. Then I’ve to check on Angel and Devil before supper.” He walks out the room and down the hall before I could respond.

I stand in the room for a while looking out the room thinking of the friend I’d been speaking of and wondering just what he was doing that he hadn’t had time to write to me. I knew it took a while for letters to go from here to there and back but had figured with all the new modes of transportation that had been coming to light in America when I’d left it shouldn’t have taken this long to get a response. I kept calculating the time in my head and figured I should have gotten some kind of response in the last week but hadn’t gotten anything.

“Oh well, guess he wasn’t as good a friend as I thought he had been.” I mused and turned from the window.

“I wouldn’t judge him just yet my friend.” A deep familiar voice spoke. “He may just surprise you.”

“Lance?” I smile and strode across the room, “When? How? What?”

“Whoa there my friend. One question at a time there bud.” He meets me halfway and engulfs me in a hug. “Man it’s good to see you again.”

“It’s good to be seen. How are you?” I lead him to the lone couch in the room where we commence to catching up.

Several hours later Alex comes in, “Ummm, perhaps Senor Bass would like to change for supper Senor Kirkpatrick?”

“Ah yes, he probably would. Would you mind showing him to his rooms Alex? I should probably change as well. Aren’t the Garcia’s joining us again this evening?”

“Yes Senor, they are and you’d best be on your best behavior because the ladies of the house will be joining Senor Garcia this evening.”

“Oh so we finally get to meet the fine Senorita Garcia?” I quipped.

“Yes sire, the ‘fine’ Senorita will be here this evening along with her mother and sisters, Antoinette, Angelica, Margarita and Carolitta.”

“Wow, I wasn’t aware there were so many young ladies. This does explain why Senor Garcia is pushing so hard now doesn’t it?” I snicker, “Well, anyway. Lance I’ll see you in a few. Alex, make sure he doesn’t get lost like I did the first few times.”

“Don’t worry Senor, I’ll make sure Senor Bass gets to dinner on time. You just make sure you wear what Senorita has laid out for you this time.” He smiles at me before snickering a bit. “Come Senor Bass. Your rooms are this way.”

“Rooms?” Lance questions as he follows Alex.

I smile, remembering my first reaction to my rooms. I even considered following them down the corridor to his rooms so I could see the immense surprise in those expressive green eyes.

“Better get ready.” I grumble as I enter my room and notice the immaculate suit lying on my bed. “Where did this…”

“Senor Chasez picked it up in city. Thought you’d like it.” Theresa smiled as she milled around the room obviously waiting for me to discard my clothing so she could remove the soiled clothing from the room.

I quickly change my clothes and hand the soiled ones to her only to have her throw them on the floor and grab the tie around my neck and retie it.

“Thank you.” I smile.

“You’re welcome Senor.” She quickly grabs up the soiled clothes and then leaves the room. “You must hurry Senor, the guests have already begun to arrive.”

I make my way down the corridors heading for the main dining room only to be deterred by Senora Chasez once again, “Ah, Senor Kirkpatrick. Would you be so kind?” She asks as she laces her arm through mine. “We are meeting in the library before dinner.”

“Thank you. I don’t think I’ll ever figure out where I’m supposed to go for these things. Seems every time I figure it out, it gets changed on me.”

“Perhaps one day my son will find the time to explain the intricacies of the fine art of entertaining in our country. Until then let’s pretend you were just waiting for me this evening.”

“You are too kind Senora.”

“My son likes you Senor. You just have to give him a chance to do something about it. He’s a little slow in that department.”

With that said we entered the room full of people so I could not even begin to try asking what she had meant by her comments. I walked with her over to Senor Chasez whose gaze seemed to be on me more than his mother but I just figured that was because he was seeing whether his purchase fit well or not.

Senora Chasez stepped up to him and tugged on his arm to get his attention, whispering something into his ear. When his gaze met mine he blushed slightly before turning his attention back to his mother.

Lance and Alex made their way into the room just before the entire Garcia family arrived. I watched Senor Chasez’ reaction as the family members made their entrance and Senora Chasez whispered each name into my ear. When she whispered Penelope’s name I saw two distinct responses in my friends. Josh’s reaction was a slight tremor from head to two of repulsion, but Lance’s reaction gained my attention immediately because he straightened his posture as if he were interested in the young lady. When I finally looked up to see the young lady I understood exactly why Lance was interested but couldn’t figure out why Josh and Senora Chasez had said she wasn’t pretty.

Lance seemed drawn to her and Josh noticed this too. I’m not sure what the expression in his eyes was but it looked a great deal like relief. Lance moved to Josh’s side and asked if he could be introduced to the Senor.

The two men made their way over to where the Garcia’s were standing and Josh graciously or greatfully introduced Lance to them. Senor Garcia seemed impressed when Josh finished with the introductions and quietly made his way back to his mother and me.

“What? You just gonna feed him to the wolves and run for cover?” I quipped, knowing full well Lance was in his element with them.

“He didn’t seem to notice I even left. Even Senor Garcia seemed intrigued by your friend.”

“Well, I probably should have warned you that Lance is a ‘southern gentleman’. I’m not sure how well you are aquainted with our cultures but lets just say Lance will be more than comfortable with your neighbors. He may just be able to help you with your problem with Senor Garcia the way it seems.”

“That would make me more than happy, but I don’t think Senor Bass would be willing to stay here in the country and that may cause a problem with Senor Garcia.”

“I wouldn’t worry about that. Senor Bass is pretty well off. If his wife were to wish to come home and her home happened to be Spain. He could well afford it. I’m quite certain you did not foot his bill to come over here as you did mine, did you?”

“Umm…no, you are correct. He wouldn’t hear of it.” Senor Chasez smiled. “Was actually almost insulted by my offer.”

“Quit talking of such things boys. This is not the time or place. We should be enjoying ourselves not talking business.” Senora Chasez admonished.

“Sorry mother.”

“Sorry Senora.”

“Come boys, it’s time for supper. Josh.”

“Yes mother. Senor, dinner is ready. If you’ll please follow me?”

“Of course.” Senor Garcia states. “Why did you not tell me of this young fellow’s visit?”

“It was a surprise for my guest. He is a friend of Senor Kirkpatrick’s.”

“Really? That’s a surprise. I wouldn’t think Senor Bass would associate with the likes of Senor Kirkpatrick.” Senor Garcia snipped.

“And just what is that supposed to mean Senor? You know nothing about Senor Kirkpatrick, how can you make such a comment?”

“I just mean that they seem of two different classes. If they were from here they would not travel in the same circles.” Garcia explained.

“Well, fortunately for them both, they are not from here. They do things differently in America and it is not our place to judge them.” Josh stated.

“You are correct and I apologize. I should not have said that.”

“It is forgotten, just don’t speak that way of my guests again.”

Obviously Senor Garcia was a little surprised by Josh’s outburst but figured if the tables were turned and someone had been speaking of his guests in such a manner he would have defended them as well. That did not deter him from sitting as far away from his host as he possibly could at the dinner table.

The evening went without further incident and when the Garcia’s left Lance made sure to ask for permission to court Senorita Penelope to much to her father’s joy.

As soon as I had gotten changed into my bedclothes there was light tapping on my door. When I opened the door I was quite surprised to see Josh standing on the other side looking a bit disheveled.