The Lucky Five - By Arow Jones Page 0,25
have a lot of work to do until then!” I take one last sip of my coffee before getting a warm up and grabbing a banana. “Meet you at the barn?”
“Yup.” The smile on Kenny’s face looks forced. Working with horses is therapeutic. Whenever I get down or need some time to think you will find me on the back of a horse or in the barn doing manual labor. Barn therapy. It can be the worst job but the best therapy. Looks like we’re both putting in some extra therapy today. No matter what horse I’m working with I always take time to be with Five. She’s a reprieve. My equine soul mate.
By the end of the day, my muscles are ache. I smell and I’m drenched in sweat. The work out is a good feeling but I’m more than ready for a shower. When I get inside the house I check my phone for messages. I’ve had all of the office call forwarding to my cell phone making me reachable wherever I am. Of course, that requires me to keep my cell phone with me at all times. I had it with me during the first half of the day but I had forgotten to plug it into the charger last night. When I came in for a quick lunch I left it on the charger.
There are a few texts from Skye. A message from Kip and an unknown number. No text messages or calls from JT. Hmm. A few days apart won’t hurt. We’re both busy with work. I think he told me something about working from his home office and taking over The Double Diamond as his own. Instead of dwelling on not hearing from JT I check my messages. Kip wants to know if Poker Night is still on. Of course it is! I reply via text. I know he’ll get my text, even if he doesn’t reply.
I check the second message. The voice of the caller sounds familiar. When he says his name he confirms his identity. “Ms. James, this is Nicholas Parker, of Tanner & Tanner. I have an urgent matter to discuss with you, in person. Please call me immediately…” I write down the phone number. I thought JT was going to talk to me about this? My throat is dry and my eyes burn with unshed tears. I know this discussion is in regards to the James Estate. Suck it up, Lil’. I sigh and decide to call him back. At least I can schedule for us to meet. I’ll be better prepared. In control of my emotions.
After two rings Nick picks up. “Nicholas Parker.” His voice is formal, almost curt.
“Hi, Mr. Parker. This is Lily James returning your call.”
“Oh, yes.” Suddenly his voice turns sweet, sickly sweet. “I’m sorry about the yesterday. A pretty little thing like you shouldn’t be all alone. One an empty road. With no man to help you out.”
“I’m sure I would have been fine.” No man? This is the twenty first century!
“Sure, darlin’. Listen, you got some free time to discuss The Lucky Five? How about tomorrow evening? I can come by your place.”
“Yes. I guess we better get this over with.” I don’t really want to be alone with him, especially how Chase reacted towards him. Something tells me Nick is a rattler in disguise. “How about at the diner?”
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea. Being that this is a sensitive nature and all.” We spoke yesterday. I must have missed his drawl. He’s laying it on thick. “Besides, I don’t know how long this will take and I want you to have all the time you need.”
“Okay, what time?”
“Six o’clock. You have a nice day, darlin’.” He disconnects before giving me a chance to argue. I look at the clock and realize it’s already six pm. I have twenty four hours to prepare for this meeting. Hopefully, it’s just a formality to discuss the Estate and provisions entailing The Lucky Five.
Kenny walks in, looking as disheveled as I am. We decide on chicken salads for dinner. Sitting with Kenny brings back the memory of last night. JT left without trying to let me explain. It’s not like we’re dating or anything but I can’t help but feel like I owe him an explanation. He’s the one who should apologize for his rude behavior. I don’t think I’m going to be able to let this go.
After dinner I made a decision. I’m