A Date for the Derby (The Dating 5) - Page 3

While Maximus eats, I make sure to fix his stall up for him. Fresh hay, which I brought from his ranch, his turnout sheet in case the air conditioner becomes too much for him, and a stack of treats, which he’ll greedily take from me whether I think he’s earned them or not. I step out of his stall and watch him for a minute. In a few short months, he won’t be mine anymore, and I’ll move onto another horse, one ready to start their competition journey. I’ll take my next couple of horses to competitions to see how they fare. I always do my best to train the next winner.

After the Derby, Maximus, Kendrick, and I will head to Baltimore and prepare for the Preakness, hopefully as the Derby winner. And, if not the winner, a contender, to make sure no one else wins the Triple Crown this year.

Back in the room, I change into a pair of sleep shorts, turn the fan on, and lay on my bed. Daylight will come in just a few hours, which means more training. It also means the start of the Kentucky Derby Festival, and I already have a list of events to attend. None of which I want to be at because running into my parents and the Armstrong’s is not how I want to spend my time. Unfortunately, events are necessary, especially for trainers. If Maximus wins, I’ll be sought after. Owners will come to me with their colts and geldings, paying me to train them. I need to be on top of my social game, no matter how much it pains me.

I reach for my book and flip to my dog-eared page. The novel is about the filly, Winning Colors. She won the Derby in 1988. One of three female horses to ever win. This book was a gift from Brielle Armstrong, daughter of Butch, and the one woman I thought I would marry. I’m not sure why I kept the book or continue to read about the gambling ring and Mexican cartel surrounding Winning Colors, but I do. I read a chapter before getting up and turning off the light. It’s hot, and there isn’t a need for a blanket, so I lay there, in the darkness, listening to the sounds of the horses below me.

Everything will be different when I wake. The stable will busy with trainers arriving, and Brielle is sure to be there, with some sort of media in tow. She is, by all accounts, royalty around here.

2

Brielle

I don’t know why I’m nervous, but I am. For the next couple of weeks, it’ll be endless parties, nonstop smiles, beautiful hats and gowns, and cameras flashing all around. It’s something I’ve been accustomed to my entire life. My father built his famous empire by winning. Our horses have always been the best. When I was younger, I used to revel in the attention. Now that I’m older, it’s not the same. There are times when I wish things were different.

Tonight, my family is hosting the first ever Armstrong gala. We’ve been a part of the derby events for years, but this time, my father wanted to make a statement. He left me in charge of planning it, and it wasn’t an easy task. It has to be the biggest and best event of the season. Every reporter covering the derby will be downstairs. I didn’t hold back at all. My father told me to go all out and I did. Even all the celebrities attending the derby have accepted their invitation to come.

“Why are you frowning? That’s not allowed right now.”

William’s voice catches me off guard. I was so lost in my thoughts I didn’t hear him enter the room. It feels strange being in my old bedroom again. With all the party planning and making sure everything is perfect, I haven’t been able to leave. My dad has enjoyed having me at the main house the past couple of days, especially since it’s our first big event without my mother. All I know is that I’m exhausted already and there are still numerous events to attend before the derby.

I look over at William and smile. I’ve only known him for a year, but he’s the closest friend I have. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve never been in short supply of friends, especially with who my family is, but I’ve come to the realization that most of them aren’t genuine. They always want something from me. It didn’t bother me when I was younger, but now that I’m in my thirties, my outlook on life has changed.

“I’m not frowning,” I say, taking the garment bag from him. Inside is one of the many dresses he’s designed for me. I can’t wait to see it. “I’m thinking. There’s a lot riding on this party tonight. My father wants it to be the best.”

Tags: Heidi McLaughlin The Dating Romance
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