Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 75592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
But I am getting better at multitasking and managing my day. I’ve learned how to save my administrative work for evenings at home, rather than trying to cram it into fifteen-minute chunks between lessons. I’m compacting my training sessions to work more efficiently and have even passed some of the lessons on to other instructors. I managed myself so well today, I actually had time to tackle Shadow again and we made three walking laps around the arena with no issues.
It was a job well done and now I’m here to celebrate. Tonight it’s just me and Trey, though I haven’t seen my brother since we arrived. He’s probably off getting busy with Becca Caudill and I’m sure he’ll surface at some point.
The gala raises money for local community services across multiple counties, such as volunteer fire departments, libraries and animal shelters. It’s held here at the expo center because it’s a huge event and there is an obscene amount of money within the bourbon and equine industries. Combined, they account for a $15.5 billion total economic impact with over a billion dollars generated in state and local taxes. To say that this state would flounder without these two powerhouse commercial enterprises is an understatement. The people gathered here tonight to raise money could probably support small, underdeveloped countries on their own.
It’s a formal affair and I’m nearly blinded by the glittering jewels dripping off the women. While I’m normally at home in a pair of riding jods and a T-shirt, I do like to dress up on occasion. Tonight I’m wearing a formfitting, full-length gown with a mermaid silhouette. It’s adorned with an intricate pattern of leaves in a glossy black finish against a shimmering deep pink background. The bodice is cut asymmetrically with a swath of fabric that drapes over my left shoulder and hangs down my back, which is nearly bare to my tailbone. It’s sexy, sophisticated and makes me feel like a different woman, which I don’t think is necessarily a bad thing.
I watch the horses being shown in the arena. We have a few of ours on display here, including some yearlings, but the grooms are handling that, leading them around so the folks can appreciate their fancy gaits and elegant necks with heads held high. Part of me is working as I scope out the saddlebreds from other farms coming in. My riders and I will be competing against a number of them over the summer.
After a while, I decide to hit the north wing lobby where the bourbon is displayed. A maze of tasting booths has been set up throughout, some extravagantly decorated to look like old-time speakeasies or elegant bars. The place is packed and I see several people I know in the saddlebred business.
But bourbon and thoroughbreds are king in this state, two enterprises I know very little about. I do, however, like the taste of bourbon so I meander through the booths, deciding to sample from a few smaller distilleries. I have no clue where Mardraggon Enterprises is set up, but I know I’ll stay clear of it when I spot it.
For the next half hour, I mingle, taking tiny sips of craft liquor and catching up with old friends. I see Trey and Becca walking around and note she has a piece of hay stuck in her hair, so I’m sure they got down to business in either a horse trailer or stall.
I make my way out of the lobby and down a hallway to a set of bathrooms. I’ve been diligently drinking water to dilute the alcohol and am not looking forward to wrestling this tight dress up and over my hips.
It is indeed a struggle but I manage to do my business. As I’m washing my hands, I hear the announcer over the speakers calling everyone into Freedom Hall so the final tally of money raised can be reported, followed by boring speeches from some of the richer benefactors. It’s their chance to shine and primp under their halo of wealth.
I dry my hands and check my makeup, not in any real hurry. I have no interest in going into the hall to listen to that drivel and will instead take advantage of the distinct lack of lines to try a few more sips of bourbon.
Stepping out of the restroom alcove, I pause a moment to consider where I want to go. The north wing lobby is almost empty, only a few people remaining. I imagine in about half an hour, it will be bustling again and this will turn into a party that won’t stop for hours.
“Are you purposely avoiding the Mardraggon booth or avoiding me?” My skin prickles as I recognize Gabe’s voice. He’s so close, I can feel his breath across my bare shoulder. I turn to see him for the first time tonight and it’s unfair how beautiful he is. I’m sure the custom-tailored tuxedo lends a bit of posh to his entire being, but it’s his charisma that is enthralling. His honey-colored eyes are without an ounce of shame as he lets his gaze drift down my body and back up again. “And I must say… you clean up well.”