We walk out the door to his Mercedes and he opens the passenger side door for me. “I love your house, by the way. It reminds me of a cottage you’d see on the English countryside.”
This makes me smile. “That’s exactly the look I wanted. My parents had it built for me as a surprise when I graduated college.”
William chuckles and gets in on the driver’s side. “When I graduated college, I lived in a cramped apartment in Brooklyn with two other guys.”
“But look at you now,” I say, winking. “You have the means to get anything you want.”
“Exactly.”
It doesn’t take long to drive to the stables. The parking lot is full of news vans and camera crews. William parks and comes around to help me out of the car. Flashes erupt all around us. I wave and smile like I’ve always done since I was a little girl. Once inside the stables, I can see Colby with Maximus, but I don’t let my gaze linger for too long. There are too many eyes around. My dad is standing by Voltaire’s stall, dressed almost exactly like William in khaki pants, a navy-blue blazer and a light pink button-down shirt underneath, while our groomer, Derek Andrews, combs through Voltaire’s chocolate-colored mane.
Leaning close to William, I whisper in his ear. “Did you pick out his clothes?”
A smirk spreads across his lips. “The man asked for my opinion and I gave it. He’s derby royalty and your father. I had to make sure he looked good.” My father always dressed to impress for the derby events. The fact that he asked for William’s opinion meant he thinks very highly of him. If only he could be that way with Colby. I still haven’t told my father that I know the true reasons why Colby left us. I want to because I’m disappointed with what my father did, but I can’t. At least, not yet. Not until the time is right to tell him. I don’t want to ruin anything for Colby before the big race.
“I see you two have been spending a lot of time together,” I tease him.
His brows lift. “Yeah, so you can sneak off with your boyfriend. I’ve had to keep him occupied.”
I kiss his cheek. “And I love you for it. Thank you for everything.”
“There you two are,” my dad calls out. He holds out his arms and I let go of William so I can hug him.
“Hey, Dad.”
“Hey, Pumpkin. You look beautiful this morning. We have a busy day today.”
More like a busy two weeks. Today we have the press event, a luncheon, and then another cocktail party tonight. “I know,” I say. “I’m ready.”
I let him go and he shakes William’s hand. “Thanks for coming, Will.”
William moves closer to me. “Happy to be here.”
The camera crews and reporters start to file in and set up their equipment. Once Derek is done with Voltaire, I take the reins. “Hey, buddy,” I say low, rubbing a hand down his muzzle. “I’m sorry I haven’t seen you in a while. You’re looking mighty dapper if I do say so myself.”
Voltaire huffs but then nudges me with his nose. I know he forgives me. I used to visit the horses all the time with my mother. Since I lost her, I haven’t been able to bring myself to do some of the things we used to do together.
My eyes start to water but I blink back the tears. There are too many cameras around. The reporters all focus on my father and I plaster on a smile. It’s showtime. All I have to do is stand here and look pretty while my father answers all their questions. The crowd loves him and always has. However, when I hear Colby’s name whispered between two male reporters, I freeze. They mumble back and forth to each other, smiling mischievously, and I hope to God they don’t bring Colby up. Then again, most of what the media wants is drama. I recognize the two reporters as being ones that like to start controversy. Danny Moskowitz and Chris Fowler. I’ve seen them on the news plenty of times. Unfortunately, this is the first time they’ve attended any of the derby events.
“Mr. Armstrong,” Danny announces. There’s a glint in his eyes and I dread the next words that’s about to leave his mouth. My hand clenches and I sigh. This isn’t going to be good.
My father lifts his brows and acknowledges him. “Yes.”
Danny smiles over at Chris and then back to my father. “As of right now, your prized horse is expected to win, but from what I’ve heard, a lot of people are rooting for Maximus with Lucky Seven Ranch. Your former horse trainer, Colby Hensley, is the one who trained him. What do you think about your ex-employee turning into your biggest rival?”