Josh had tears running down his face. I think the fucker even snorted.
“Huh? Jeff, Why is my little brother saying a bad word?”
Josh and I both looked at Ari, and instantly stopped laughing. Matt smiled at Ari as she walked up to him.
“Hey, buddy! Do you like sitting up there on Rose? You want to go for a ride with me, sweets?” Ari asked.
Matt nodded his head, and I held my breath because I knew what was coming next.
“Assmole!” Matt yelled again.
Ari was so good with Matt. Instead of laughing, she just went on about her business.
She started to pull out a saddle and harness while she talked to Matt.
“Matt, we’re going to ride Rose for a little bit while Josh and Jeff talk about using the proper language because swearing is not nice.
“Ah, that’s the pot calling the kettle black, Ari. ” Josh said with a laugh. Ari turned and shot Josh a go-to-hell look.
“Where is Ari’s horse, Jeff?” Matt asked again.
“She’s not here buddy. Remember I told you a little bit ago that she wasn’t here. ”
Ari turned to me. “Be specific Jeff, he needs a real answer, babe. ”
Oh shit! I always forget that. I’m just so use to him repeating his questions to me. Damn.
“She’s down at another stable, buddy, and then she’s going to come live on our property at our stable,” I explained.
“Oh…cool,” Matt said.
And that was it. Question was answered, and he was satisfied.
Damn. Where was Ari twenty-five minutes ago when he first asked me that question?
“You want me to go riding with y’all?” I asked while I helped Ari saddle up Rose.
Something was off with her today. Last night had been so perfect, but this morning it was like she woke up with the world on her damn shoulders.
Rebecca.
“No, I’d rather be alone with Matt if you don’t mind. I think you need to make a phone call. Don’t you?” Ari said with sarcasm dripping from her mouth.
“Um, yeah I guess so, but, I was kind of hoping to take care of it tomorrow when we’re back in Austin. ”
Josh lifted Matt and put him in the saddle while I helped Ari get seated behind the saddle on Rose.
“Can you hand me that helmet for Matt, Josh. ” Ari asked.
Then she turned and looked at me. The look in her eyes as they filled with tears about gutted me.
“No. Take care of it now. ”
She put the helmet on Matt and started to ride off.
“Ari, what about your helmet?” I asked.
She just rode off without an answer and never looked back at me.