Summer Escape

By Donneen Bassett

Summers love of horses sends her on a journey to catch her dreams. She travels to Kentucky, where she helps her aunt Violet run a prestigious riding stable. With a mixture of folk tales and elegant horses, they give their clients a sense of adventure. Summer doesnt realize, however, that her own adventure is about to take a few unexpected turns.

Milton works alongside his father in the horse racing industry. Their wealth provides many opportunities to help others and serve the community. Milton finds the anxiety of life interrupted when his path collides with that of an intriguing brunette. His fascination with this beauty may be the cause of more trouble than he bargained for.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Apr 9, 2012
• ISBN: 9781449739065

Donneen Bassett

Donneen Bassett lives in New Mexico with her husband and three children. She homeschools, works in the ministry, and volunteers at her local church. Reading and writing are two of her favorite pastimes, along with riding horses and spending time with friends and family.

Book preview

Summer

Escape

Donneen Bassett

logoBlackwTN.ai

Copyright © 2012 Donneen Bassett

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

WestBow Press books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

1-[phone]

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4497-3905-8 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-3904-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-3906-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012901700

WestBow Press rev. date: 4/4/2012

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

To God for his inspiration

To my husband for his encouragement,

And to my friends for the support they offered.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And do not lean on your own understanding."

Proverbs 3:5

Chapter 1

Arizona, April 28, 2010

I’m going! Summer nearly screeched with excitement, her green eyes sparkling as she shoved another bite of the cafeteria food into her mouth.

Why do you always look for the unreasonable choices in life? Can’t you just enjoy regular, everyday stuff? Lucie pleaded as she watched Summer roll her eyes and make a funny face in an attempt to lighten the mood.

Lucie, I get bored with the same old stuff. I know you like the routine, but I want more. I want adventure. I want to chase my dreams and catch them. Her animated body language reflected the excitement, as Summer flailed her arms and bounced on the bench of the picnic table. Her big, brown curls stopped jiggling as she settled down to hear Lucie’s response.

We all have dreams, but what’s the likelihood of actually catching them? Really! Most people realize their dreams are just that, dreams, Lucie said, shaking her strawberry blonde head from side to side. The rest of the world knows that dreams are meant for children. Real life is full of work and bills and doing what it takes to make it. Lucie’s down-to-earth, logic stifled Summer’s energy.

I am going. The words came out sounding a bit angry. Summer sighed and tried to explain how she felt about the situation. Nothing anyone says is going to change my mind. I know if I don’t go I’ll always wonder what I missed out on. She looked at her friend, and her soft green eyes pleaded for understanding.

"Okay, okay. I can see you’re not going to listen to my reasoning. Lucie said in a half-serious tone while pushing her glasses up on her nose. Un-able to hold her giggle any longer, Lucie gave into Summer’s silly plan to find what was missing in her life. I just want you to know I’m going to miss you." They stood as the bell rang.

The girls hurried to dump their trash into the big, blue barrel. Depositing their trays in the window, they smiled at the cafeteria lady as she took the trays to wash them. As Summer and Lucie turned to leave, they glanced at each other with mischief and raced for the door. The bar slammed and the door flung open as they laughed at nothing in particular. After fumbling with the combinations on their lockers and retrieving the books needed for their next classes, the girls parted. A few feet away, Summer turned. I’ll miss you too, Lucie, but I will write to you.

I know you will, Lucie replied as she walked backward toward her twelfth-grade English class. When are you planning to leave? she shouted while moving her books to the other arm and stumbling over the heel of her own shoe. She strained to hear Summer’s response over the sea of kids rushing around them.

Aunt Violet has asked me to come after school ends in a few weeks. Summer said through a giggle she was trying to hold in. Wanting to get to class before the tardy bell, she turned and sprinted down the hall. Summer grinned as she thought of how Lucie looked just seconds ago.

Lucie stood in the hall, walking backwards while trying to bounce on tiptoe. She had shouted two final words. That soon?

***

By the end of the day, all Summer wanted to do was get home and start planning how she would spend her time in Kentucky. She sighed as she thought about the homework she had been assigned by four of her teachers. I can’t believe we have homework two weeks before we graduate. Haven’t they crammed enough info into our heads over the last thirteen years?

Hearing her name brought her out of her thoughts. She looked around to the left for the person who had called to her. Still not seeing anyone she puzzled: Maybe I’m just hearing things. It was probably someone talking about what they are going to do this summer. She shrugged it off and continued walking. I really wish my parents had given me a different name.

Summer, wait up!

Recognizing the voice, she turned. Hey, Ben, how are you? Smiling her big smile, she waited for Ben to jog the last few steps to her. Once he caught up, they continued the trek to the parking lot with the other students. Everyone was eager to leave school for the day.

Catching his breath, Ben answered her question. Okay, I guess. Pouring on the pout and overdoing the sad, puppy-dog look, he expressed his sadness. I heard you’re planning on leaving us.

Summer smiled at his over dramatization and calmly explained. Yeah, in a few weeks I’ll be flying out to see my aunt. Ben dropped the drama and showed his real hurt for just a second, causing Summer to send a quizzical look his way. I will only be gone a year or so. No need for the drama.

"A . . . year or so . . . ! Ben stated a little too loud and stopped dead in his tracks. Surprise showed in every inch of his face, from his gaping mouth to his raised dark, eye-brows. Summer smiled sheepishly as she noted his milk chocolate eyes looked like they would pop out of his head at any moment. You aren’t serious, are you? Finding his voice, hope seeped into his expressive face. Summer?"

Shying at the thought of having to explain further, she changed the subject, You need a ride? she said as someone bumped into her shoulder, sending her books crashing to the dirt. Summer glanced at Ben while they stooped down to retrieve her books. She saw the distant look on his face. He handed her last book over and stood. Seeing the sadness in her friends eyes she started walking toward her Jeep. That was close. I hope I can keep him distracted with other things until I can find a way to ease his worry.

Yeah, I need a ride. But you aren’t out of hot water yet. Ben said, giving her the I-know-what-you’re-up-to look over the faded, rag-top roof. He shoved his hands into his pockets and looked around while he waited at the Jeep’s copper brown door.

Shoot! I thought I had stalled the endless questioning. She dipped her head as she dug in her purse for the car keys to keep Ben from seeing her disappointment at the failed distraction. She took out the keys and unlocked the doors. They both climbed in and buckled up after setting their books on the back seat.

As they drove down the highway, the only sounds were the music on the radio, the purr of the engine, and the hum of the tires on the road. Both friends seemed to know the uncomfortable silence was not to be broken. Pulling into the drive at Ben’s parents’ house, she turned to him. I won’t forget you in one year. I don’t even think I could forget you in a lifetime. Rubbing his solid shoulder, she tried again, You are one of my best friends, Ben. You have been since we were five. She shook his shoulder until the entire Jeep was rocking. Come on, you know you love me. She teased with a grin.

Seeing a smile start to crack his rigid face, she said, Let’s go in the house, and you can help me plan my summer in Kentucky. I’m sure you can find at least a few things that will be absolute torture for me. Won’t that be fun? Beaming a cheesy smile, she turned off the car and hopped out. She knew she had succeeded at her attempt to lighten Ben’s mood.

***

Kentucky, April 28th

Milton Peters was sitting at the desk in his father’s office, sorting through some papers. One of the horse farm hands clomped to a stop in the doorway. Milton looked up to see Mike Jones frowning in his direction. What’s the matter now? You look like someone tossed you in the dirt, Milton stated as he took in Mike’s muddy clothes and crumpled cowboy hat.

Someone did throw me in the mud; thanks for noticing. Mike’s clenched jaw and sarcasm made Milton wish he was still a young boy and not in charge of the men at the family farm. He placed his thumb and forefinger on his brow and squeezed to relieve the stress of the day. Sighing deeply, he told Mike to come in and deliver the bad news. Mike hesitated at the door, seemingly unsure of the idea.

Milton stood and walked around the big, maple desk and two cushioned chairs that stood between himself and Mike. As Milton approached, he asked again, Well, what is it you need to tell me?

Looking down at the mud drying on his hat, Mike mumbled, I think you’re going to want to come see for yourself. Mike rubbed his hand on his thigh and walked toward the front door. Glancing over his shoulder to see if Milton was coming, he said, It’s Jim again. At this he walked out the door, not stopping until he got to the edge of the porch where he slapped his hat on his head, mud and all. Then he trotted down the steps and across the wide drive toward the corral attached to the back of the closest stable.

Great, please tell me I’m not going to have to fire someone today. Don’t you think I’ve had it hard enough today? Milton thought to himself in a half prayer. The closer he got to the barn, the more he realized there was a scuffle going on just out of view. Turning the corner, he realized the fight was not between two men but a man and a horse-a very expensive horse at that.

Milton snapped from his troubled mood directly into one of anger, as he watched Jim rise from the dirt ready to hit the horse with a two-by-four. Milton slung himself over the fence and sprinted at Jim. Grabbing the wood in mid swing, he twisted it out of Jim’s hand.

Jim stumbled back with a stunned expression and dropped the lead rope. The horse bolted to the far side of the corral and stopped with the rope dangling from its chin. Milton took a step toward Jim and shouted, What’s wrong with you! My horses will not be treated with such cruelty! You’re fired! Jim threw down the heavy board with such force that it bounced. Its clattering echo added a finality to the discussion as Milton growled Leave, and don’t come back! Mike moved closer to the men standing in audience while watching Jim dig himself deeper into trouble.

I’m not leaving without my pay. Jim huffed as he slammed his fists to his hips. Then pointing a finger in Milton’s direction, he shouted, And you can’t make me!

Mike looked to Milton, not knowing what his young boss might do. He knew his boss would not let this go so easily. He was right. Milton charged the man, running full speed at the slim stable hand. Jim jumped, and his face paled all at the same time. He spun, and tore across the field toward the farm entrance, pausing only to scramble over the fence railing. Milton was fast on his tail. Ten yards or so from the road, Milton stopped and watched as Jim continued his retreat. Skidding to a halt next to his truck, Jim opened the door and jumped in. He revved the engine and sped off down the road, leaving tire marks on the paved drive.

Mike trotted up behind Milton, chuckling as he said, Did you see his face? I would’ve given anything to get a picture of that.

Well I’m not asking him back so you can, Milton said, still looking in the direction the truck had gone. Milton stood staring with his brow furrowed. Tell me why men feel the need to beat animals, especially one as splendid as a horse.

I have no idea. Maybe he thinks he never had it fair, so no one else should either. Mike slapped Milton on the back and walked back toward the house and stables. When Milton came alongside him Mike said, I don’t think we’ve seen the last of Jim. I’ll let the other hands know to keep an eye out.

Thanks, Milton said as he walked toward the house and the mound of papers he had been fighting with all morning. I can’t wait for this day to end. I hope I have enough time to get everything done by tonight. Sheesh! He thought as he stepped through the front door.

Milton, would you come here please? Sandie called from the living room just before she appeared in the entrance, with a look of ease on her face, as she rested a hand on the door jamb. She stepped aside as her son entered the room.

What did you need, Mom? Milton said, succumbing to the idea that he was not going to get anything done today. He decided to sit, just in case there was more bad news to come. Lord, help me. I don’t think I can stand anymore trouble. He pulled at his jeans to allow for sitting and flopped down on the large, brown, leather couch.

I saw you running after Jim and wondered what the problem was. He looked like a bear was after him. She let out a little half laugh, just remembering the sight. Sliding her bangs to the side and sticking them behind her ear, she sat next to her son and patted his leg. I trust your judgment, Milton. If he was being harsh with Mike again, I’ll understand.

No, Mom, that’s not it. What he did was worse than an argument. Milton explained what he had seen. His mother’s expression dropped into one of utter shock at the horrible display of animal cruelty being described. Milton knew his dad, James, would need to hear this. Mother and son both looked up at the sound of a grunt. James had apparently heard the whole thing.

***

Arizona, May 29th

The days went by in their monotony of math and English teachers droning on in last minute attempts to cram a world of knowledge into the minds of students who were too busy thinking about what they would do after graduation. More notes were passed in class the last week of school than had been all year. The teachers seemed not to notice or care. The excitement in the atmosphere continued to build as the carefree, fun-in-the-sun days of summer approached. No more teachers or bells screaming at you to get to class. No more homework all night or dreams of being late to school. It was almost over.

Summer felt a little sad, not that she would say it out loud. The high school years were coming to an end, and the dreaded real world stood mocking the students, trying to intimidate them into accepting some normal, run-of-the-mill future. Summer shook her head. Not me. I will be one of the few to chase my dreams. Pushing the sadness away, she told herself she would not miss this place or the people around her. Except for Lucie and Ben, she thought. What am I thinking? I won’t have to miss them: They’ll still be in my life. With that thought, the bell rang. She stood up and left her sixth-period art class for the last time.

Ben and Lucie were waiting by Summer’s Jeep. When she walked up to them, they all hugged and danced around while struggling to keep on their feet. They laughed as they let each other go and said, We’re done! It’s over! No more school! and We actually did it! all at the same time. Lucie sobered from her excitement and asked whether they were still planning to celebrate that night.

Of course we are! Do you really think I would let you two off the hook? Ben said, while he wrapped one arm around each of them and squeezed. And I’m paying.

The girls argued with him about who was going to pay until they reached Lucie’s house. Sitting in the drive, they finally agreed to let Ben pay. Lucie got out and went inside, while Ben walked up the street to his house. Summer pulled out of the driveway and backtracked to her house, a few blocks down the street from Lucie’s.

Later that night, they gathered at Lucie’s house, dressed and ready to go to dinner and a movie. As they came out of the movie, Lucie had to mention the graduation ceremony, the topic Summer most dreaded. I don’t know why the teachers feel the need to make the graduation mandatory for us to actually be able to get our diplomas, Lucie whined.

I think it’s one last chance for them to try boring us to death. I mean, who wants to sit through an entire two hours of name after name being called by Mr. Monotone? Reaching up, Ben placed his hand over his nose, pinched it between his thumb and fingers, and started saying random names in a bored, dead tone. James Lollygag, Lilly Pad, Billy Goat. Not able to keep from busting up laughing he let go of his nose and bent over with his hands on his knees, trying to hold himself up. The girls laughed at his silliness.

You always make life more fun, Lucie said, while trying to catch her breath. I hope you will make faces at me from across the gym so I won’t be so bored tomorrow. She pulled her light sweater tight as a breeze gave her a chill.

I know. When we each cross the stage, why don’t we make faces at the camera? Summer said teasingly, giving them an example silly face to laugh at.

Please, I really don’t want to be known as the only kids who don’t respect the ceremony, and I would rather not have my diploma withheld. Lucie said, seriously. In her book, these things were not to be messed with. She got in the car and waited for the others.

We were just kidding, Lucie. Don’t get upset, Summer soothed as she poked her head in the rear car door. Tomorrow will be great. The graduation is early, and we can hang out for hours before I need to leave for the airport. I’ve already packed everything. Summer cringed as she realized what she had said. I shouldn’t have said anything about leaving. Here come the boo hoo’s.

Oh, don’t remind us. We were just having fun, Ben said in a sour voice as he slid into the driver’s seat. Why did you have to schedule a flight the same day as graduation? He slapped his hands on his legs. What are we going to do all summer without Summer? He looked Lucie’s way while asking. When Lucie shrugged, Ben turned in his seat and started the car. He backed out of the parking spot and headed for the exit.

I didn’t schedule my flight, my mother did, Summer defended. Let’s go home, it’s late. You two can rib me all day tomorrow if that will make you feel any better.

Hey, we just might do that, Ben said with a chuckle.

Lucie giggled.

Summer groaned.

***

May 30th

The airport was loud with the sound of jet engines, vacationers, and intercom announcements. Summer was so excited that she could not stop smiling at her two friends, who had come to see her off. As they walked through the automatic, glass sliding doors from the parking lot, the smell of coffee and new luggage assaulted them. After sitting for over an hour, however, they no longer noticed the smells.

Summer’s phone rang as she approached the security checkpoint. She fumbled to get her phone from her front jean pocket as her friends were pulling her to the line.

Hello. Summer answered, while shoving her purse back onto her shoulder with the hand that held her half-empty soda. Aunt Violet, I’m so excited! Reaching the back of the line, she stopped. I’m in line now . . . That’s fine . . . I have money, I can catch a cab. The line shuffled forward as people handed over their tickets to be checked. Yes, they’re here with me. I should go. I’m almost at the checkpoint.

Lucie tugged her arm. Get off the phone. It’s almost your turn. You have to go, she mouthed while flailing her other arm anxiously.

I have to go. I’ll see you when I get there. Summer smiled, Bye. She hung up the phone, stuffed it back into her pocket, then handed the TSA agent her ticket and hugged her two friends, all while telling herself not to cry.

Don’t forget to call us and let us know you got there safe. Lucie gave Summer another hug, as if this was the last time they would see each other, and crushed something into Summer’s hand.

Ben rubbed Summer’s back, then pulled Lucie to the side. Lucie, we’re holding up the line. He smiled sheepishly at Summer and waved as she went toward the security scanners.

***

Coming off the plane, Summer looked around for her aunt, having forgotten the earlier phone call for just a moment. Shaking her head at her own forgetfulness, she started walking toward the other end of the airport, where she knew taxis would be. Her aunt had called to say she would not be able to come pick Summer up from the airport. One of her horses had injured a leg, and she needed to wait for the vet to arrive.

Summer stopped and looked around for a sign to reaffirm she was heading toward the exit. Seeing one a short distance away, she moved in the direction it indicated. Suddenly she found herself slammed to the ground. That hurt! she grunted, while trying to push a man’s muscular chest out of her face. Could you . . . . please . . . . get off . . . . of me. The words came out strained due to the pressure on her lungs. I can’t breathe.

Are you okay? I wasn’t watching where I was going, Milton said as he lifted himself onto his hands and knees and rolled to a sitting position beside her. He dusted off the knees of his tan slacks and apologized as he got to his feet. Then he reached his hand out as an offering to help her up.

I think neither of us were watching where we were going, Summer said. Looking around, she realized they had an audience. Blushing, she grabbed Milton’s hand and pulled herself up quickly. Whoa! Summer tightened her hold on the man’s hand and felt the lump starting to form on the back of her head. She winced and sucked in air through her perfectly straight teeth.

Are you alright? Milton questioned, with concern. Here, let’s sit for a minute. Milton led his collision victim to a seat and turned to one of the people still staring. Would you mind getting her some water? At the lady’s nod, he slid his wallet from his pocket and handed a five dollar bill to her. As she walked the short distance to the beverage vendor, he turned to the woman sitting beside him. I’m really sorry for running you over and trying to flatten you, he said with a hint of a smile forming at the edges of his mouth.

It’s okay, but I hit my head on the floor. Summer frowned in pain as she rubbed the tender knot. I saw everyone staring and stood up too fast. She smiled, humiliation showing clearly on her face, as she looked around to see who was still watching. I got light headed. She caught sight of the lady returning with a bottle of water.

As she approached, she held the bottle of water out to Summer with concern in her eyes. Handing over the bottle, she turned to Milton and asked how the poor girl was doing. Summer blushed again at being the center of attention.

Milton came to the rescue. I think she has a good sized egg beneath that beautiful hair of hers. He stood up with Summer’s left hand still securely clutched in his own as if he were going to assist her into a carriage from ages long past. She might need medical attention for her head injury, he thought. Bringing the conversation to a close, he stated, I need to get her home. He wrapped his other arm around her waist for support and assisted her to her feet. Do you think you can walk on your own? he asked.

Summer smiled a reassuring smile. I think I can. Thank you. Grabbing her purse and carryon bag, she started walking in the direction she had been before she crashed into the handsome man. I can’t believe that just happened. I wish I were invisible. Why did he have to be so good looking? That makes it worse. His eyes are beautiful, and his smile. She glanced back without thinking. Her eyes locked with his for a split second before she whipped her head back around.

Why did I look back? She questioned herself. He’s still watching! In the midst of her thoughts, she managed to trip over her shoe and stumble. Oh, great! Now I look like a complete idiot, falling all over myself like I never learned to walk. Lord, what is wrong with me? Don’t answer that. I really don’t need to know any more of my flaws. I think I’ve had enough embarrassment for today.

Summer shook her head ever so slightly in an attempt to shake off the thoughts, which was a bad idea because it only caused more dizziness. She reached up to stabilize her head in hopes that it would stop the spinning. After a few seconds, the dizziness subsided, and she started walking again. She kept her eyes down, looking at the floor a few yards in front of her, to keep the spinning at bay. In mid stride, something caught her arm and brought her to a standstill with her right leg suspended in midair. Surprised, she turned to see the same, handsome man looking down into her eyes.

I think I should see you out to a cab, Milton insisted as they walked toward the industrial-sized, glass doors, still holding her elbow firmly secured in his grasp.

Have mercy on me, Lord. Does this guy think I want to live in continued embarrassment? She glanced up at him. Just let him disappear, or better yet let me drop through the floor. I could die, Summer thought as she gave the guy an unsure frown. Why is he still holding my arm? She looked around, trying to think how she might get away from her captor. I