The Game of Denial by Brenda Adcock Read Free Book Online

Tully asked.
    "Yeah, but it might take a while." Evey turned and slogged out of the water. "Let's get him back to the stable."
    "Will he be able to compete?" Joan asked as she reached out to steady Evey on the muddy embankment.
    "Every course has three or four water obstacles, but usually only one downhill obstacle. Could be worse. Damn I feel old."
    "I predict you'll feel sore tomorrow. Between my walking funny and you favoring your back, I'm sure we'll both have to endure more than a few "˜old people' jokes."
    Tully guided Jericho around the obstacle and held the reins out to his mother. "Leg up?" he asked.
    "Looks like they've already begun," Evey smirked as she approached her son.
    "There's blood on your shirt," Joan gasped.
    "The rocks in that stream weren't very soft," Evelyn said. "I'll clean up when we get back to the house."
    "Can I suggest a more leisurely pace on the way back?" Joan asked. "You need it for sure and my butt would love you for it."
    "Promise?" Evey asked with a wink. She watched as Joan's cheeks reddened slightly.
     
     
    "FALL AGAIN?" BETH asked as Evey entered her home through the back door.
    "Well, duh," Evey answered. "Is that what our money to the nursing school is paying for? Smart-ass remarks about the obvious?"
    Joan came through the back door a moment later. "Let's get you out of those wet clothes so I can check the damage to your back." She turned to Beth. "Do you have a first aid kit?"
    "I'll bring it up," Beth said as Joan guided Evey toward the stairs.
    "I'm going to shower first, so give me a few minutes," Evey called back over her shoulder.
    At the foot of the stairs, Evey paused to draw in a deep breath, grimacing as her back muscles and ribs objected to expanding. Joan placed an arm around Evey's waist and helped her slowly up the stairs. "Thanks," Evey said.
    "No problem. Do you always provide such exciting entertainment for your guests?"
    "Not usually," Evey said. "Is Tully all right?"
    "He's fine, but worried to death about you."
    "His father died in a similar fall."
    "I'm sorry. I didn't know that. Should I check on your son while you shower? To let him know you're okay."
    "He's seen me fall many times before. He knows Les died in a fall, but I've never told him which obstacle."
    "When did it happen?"
    "I was pregnant with Tully when Les was killed. His horse balked and he didn't let go of the reins. He broke his neck because he was too damned competitive. One minute he was in the lead and the next he was dead."
    "I'm so sorry," Joan said.
    Evey looked up at Joan and forced a smile. "He died doing what he wanted. Not a terrible way to go, I guess."
    "He left you alone to care for three children and a farm," Joan snapped.
    Evey stopped and looked at her house guest. "It wasn't something he planned," she said.
    Joan cleared her throat. "I'm sorry. So Tully never knew his father."
    "None of the kids really did. Brad's the oldest and he was only six. Beth was two."
    "And you've been alone all this time?"
    "I wasn't alone. I had three little people who depended on me."
    "Except for Meg, ours were almost grown when we lost Martine. I suppose that makes me slightly more fortunate than you."
    "You're never fortunate when you lose someone you care for, no matter when or how it happens." Evey could feel the warmth of Joan's arm encircling her waist. Suddenly she felt uncomfortable about liking the feeling, but fought it off.
    Evey unbuttoned her shirt and shrugged it off her shoulders. "How bad is it?" she asked. "My dress for the wedding will hopefully cover it."
    "There are a couple of cuts. Not too bad, but your back will be an interesting blend of not-so-lovely colors for a few days. Take your shower. I'll check back in a little bit and tend to these cuts."
    "Could you unfasten my bra before you leave?" Evey asked. "I can already feel my muscles tightening up."
    Joan cleared her throat before stepping closer to Evey. "Of course," she said.
    Evey held the bra as it was unfastened. She