Chapter 84: you’re welcome

Chapter 84: Chapter 84: you’re welcome

The morning’s polo practice ended a little earlier than expected.

Students gradually dispersed from the grounds, some already making their way toward the dining hall while others lingered behind to finish conversations.

Damian removed one glove as he stepped onto the stone pathway leading back toward the main campus.

Later that afternoon...

Their Foundation group would be meeting once more.

Tomorrow’s community visit was already planned.

This afternoon was simply for the final arrangements.

Review the itinerary.

Confirm everyone’s assignments.

Make whatever adjustments were still necessary before Saturday.

It shouldn’t take long.

Two younger students walked past him.

"...Coach Margaret kept lady Beaumont behind."

"I heard she’s retaking her assessment."

"Really?"

"I think she got distracted during the first one."

Their voices gradually faded into the distance.

Damian slowed slightly.

Vivienne?

He glanced toward the equestrian grounds.

There was still time before lunch.

...

Come to think of it...

He had never actually seen her ride.

Polo and Equitation had always been held at the same time.

Every Friday, they occupied neighboring fields.

Yet somehow...

He had never had the opportunity to watch one of her lessons.

The thought drew the faintest hint of amusement.

Well...

Since he happened to be passing by...

He might as well satisfy his curiosity.

--

The riding arena had grown quiet.

Most of the students had already left for lunch.

Only one horse remained on the practice grounds.

Maple.

And atop her...

Vivienne.

Damian slowed to a stop beside the wooden fence.

His gaze settled naturally on the familiar figure.

...

So this...

was Vivienne on horseback.

He almost smiled.

She looked exactly as he’d imagined.

Perfectly upright.

Almost excessively so.

As though relaxing even slightly might somehow invite disaster.

Every movement was careful.

Measured.

Thought through before it was made.

She looked entirely too stiff.

Entirely too serious.

It was...

rather adorable.

The thought came so naturally that he scarcely questioned it.

Then again...

He had always found Vivienne strangely endearing.

Even as children.

She had never been very good at hiding what she was thinking.

Everything found its way onto her face eventually.

If she was annoyed...

Everyone knew.

If she was embarrassed...

Even more so.

And now...

Trying so earnestly to appear perfectly composed atop a horse she still quite obviously didn’t trust...

She was, somehow...

Even cuter than he remembered.

His gaze lingered for only a moment.

Perhaps...

That was simply what growing up did.

The years had softened the last traces of childishness from her features.

She still looked unmistakably like Vivienne.

Only...

A little older.

A little gentler.

He quietly dismissed the thought.

People changed.

That was only natural.

Coach Margaret’s voice broke the silence.

"Canter."

Damian returned his attention to the assessment.

--

Coach Margaret observed quietly for another few moments before raising a hand.

"That will do."

Vivienne gently drew Maple back to a walk before bringing her to a halt.

The arena fell silent.

Coach Margaret lowered her clipboard, her expression thoughtful as she looked at her student.

Vivienne swallowed.

"...Did I do..."

She hesitated.

"...all right?"

Coach Margaret regarded her for a brief moment before giving a small nod.

"You did."

"You rode well."

"This assessment reflects your actual ability far better than the first."

"I’ll be recording this one."

The breath Vivienne had unknowingly been holding escaped in a quiet sigh.

"...Thank goodness."

The tension left her shoulders almost immediately.

Not excitement.

Not triumph.

Simply...

Relief.

Coach Margaret’s expression softened ever so slightly.

"I told you before."

"You only needed to focus."

Vivienne laughed sheepishly.

"...Yes, Coach."

"I’ll keep practicing."

"I’m sure you will."

Coach Margaret inclined her head.

"I’ll see you next week."

"See you next week, Coach."

With that, the instructor quietly departed, leaving the arena to Vivienne and Maple.

For a moment...

Vivienne simply stood there beside the mare.

The morning breeze stirred a few loose strands of hair that had escaped beneath her riding helmet.

She reached up to remove it, shaking her hair loose before letting out another long breath.

Only then did Damian realize just how tense she’d been throughout the assessment.

...

Good.

A faint smile touched his lips.

She’d worked hard for it.

It was nice to see that effort rewarded.

Vivienne gathered Maple’s reins.

"Come on."

"Let’s get you back."

She led the mare toward the stable at an unhurried pace.

Damian remained where he was for another moment.

Lunch was still a few minutes away.

...

He should congratulate her.

With that simple thought, he stepped away from the fence and followed after them.

--

The stable had grown quiet.

Most of the horses had already been returned to their stalls.

Vivienne stopped outside Maple’s stall before carefully removing the bridle.

She moved with noticeably more confidence than she had four weeks ago.

Not because the motions had become effortless.

But because they had become familiar.

She hung the bridle neatly on its hook before turning back toward the mare.

For several long moments...

She simply looked at Maple.

As though debating something.

Finally...

She sighed.

"...Well."

"You’ve had to carry a complete beginner for four lessons."

Maple blinked at her.

"And I’ve had to get used to..."

She wrinkled her nose ever so slightly.

"...well..."

"...you."

The mare answered with a soft, unmistakable snort.

Vivienne closed her eyes.

"...I deserved that."

Damian bit back a smile.

She reached toward Maple’s neck.

Stopped halfway.

Clearly reconsidered.

Then, with the expression of someone accepting an unavoidable fate, she gave the mare two rather awkward pats.

"There."

Another pause.

"You did well."

One final pat.

"...Thank you."

For a brief moment...

Only the quiet sounds of the stable answered her.

Then, somewhere behind her...

A soft chuckle.

Low.

Warm.

Almost impossible to suppress.

Damian shook his head ever so slightly.

"I believe..."

His amusement lingered plainly in his voice.

"...Maple says you’re welcome."

Vivienne froze.

Her hand remained resting against Maple’s neck.

Slowly...

She turned.

There, a few steps behind her, Damian stood with one hand tucked casually into his pocket.

The smile tugging at the corner of his mouth was unmistakable.

He’d heard...

Every single word.

--