His Secret Palace

Chapter 7 - Riding Lessons

After a quick trip to the most expensive jeweler in Santa Monica, I head straight back to the Secret Palace so as not to keep Mrs. Shaw waiting.

I opted for white gold and sapphire. I’m blown away by the beauty of the pieces Mrs. Shaw will wear tonight. The deep blue of the sapphires combined with the intense brilliance of the white gold is incredibly beautiful.

That shopping trip was completely insane. The best part was the surprised faces of the employees when they saw me entering the shop after parking up my old Beetle outside. Coming in to make a purchase on a whim and walking away with jewelry worth fifty grand isn’t something that happens every day! It was pretty exciting.

On the other hand, I didn’t feel too comfortable making my way back to the hotel with a small fortune in my car. Anyway, here I am safe and sound back at the Secret Palace. Mission accomplished. I have two hours before the gala starts.

I’d have plenty of time to look for the employee register if there wasn’t a swarm of staff roaming the place! The risk of getting burned is too great. I can’t do it. But… maybe I could try horse-riding again?

I’m not sure how long it will take, so I’d better keep my dress tucked away in my purse in case I have to change in a hurry. I get going. I have a little time, but the riding school isn’t right next door so I have to move fast!

I wouldn’t want to have to finally manage to ride a horse properly and have to get off it two minutes later to run to the gala.

I can’t wait for this! It’s so exciting preparing for a role. Besides, it’ll be nice to see Butterscotch again. South’s Coffee, here I come!

Just before I reach the riding school, I see miller talking to James. Gee… this doesn’t help matters. I don’t want anyone to see me here. Especially James, who already caught me on his horse once!

I stop and freeze. I don’t take another step and start creeping backwards, trying to remain as discreet and quiet as possible.

“What the hell are you doing here again? If this is about riding, I think we already talked that, didn’t we? Don’t be so stubborn!”

I’m at fault here and I can’t think of a good excuse. I’d rather just tell jams the truth. But not the whole truth. I feel I can trust him. I’m not sure why. But… I’m not going to tell him my whole life story.

“Yes! I really want to learn to ride! But I didn’t want to bother anyone! I just wanted to get on with it quietly.”

James shakes his head and smiles. “It makes me wonder how much you value your job as a concierge. Do you know you could get fired for this?”

Watch out, Mer! You’re playing a dangerous game! Your audition isn’t as important as what you’re doing at this hotel! You can’t get fired!

James sighs a little before coming towards me with a kind smile on his face. “Why are you so desperate to ride a horse, Mer? And why here? Isn’t there a riding school near where you live?”

I can’t tell him that I don’t care about the hotel business… or reveal that I want to be an actress and that I have an audition. I have no choice! I’m going to have to lie! But I might as well tell one that’s not too big… I don’t want James to get suspicious.

“I’ve always wanted to ride a horse. It’s been a dream since I was a kid. My parents could never afford to give me lessons…”

James grins. I can’t figure out if he really believes my tall tale or not. It’s worrying. But my answer was way better than if I’d told him the truth. He wouldn’t be grinning then…

Miller, who’s waiting for James to be done with me, clears his throat to get our attention.

“Just a moment, Miller! I’m coming! I just have to finish up with Mer…” James talks to Miller without taking his eyes off me. The intensity of his gaze surprises me. He steps a little closer.

I blush. He’s so close and I feel quite unsure of myself. I feel overwhelmed by a kind of wave of heat. I’m doing my best to look composed, but I’m almost certain my face is turning bright red.

Mer get it together! Imagine you’re on stage! Keep your cool!

“How about if I teach you then? I’ve been riding since I was a kid. I can give you the basics. Besides, you’re already familiar with my horse.” He winks.

I don’t even have to think about it. It’s a yes from me! I’m smiling like a little kid. I’m so excited. I can’t wait to take these classes with James and there’s no reason to hide it! I’ll finally be prepared for mu audition!

And let’s be honest about this… it won’t exactly be with the world’s worst teacher. “I do! We’re old friends! Taking lessons with you would be gratifying!”

Gratifying? Why’d you say that, Mer?

James has a huge smile on his face. He looks just as delighted as I am. The guy could melt an ice pack with that grin! “If it means I can stop you from breaking your ankle, taking sick leave… and maybe even hurting my horse… then it’ll be my pleasure! I’m your man! But let’s just agree on one rule. It has to be on your own time, Mer.”

I nod as Butterscotch comes trotting over to me with his head held out. He obviously remembers who I am!

“It’s amazing to see him come close to you when you guys barely know each other. He doesn’t usually like a lot of people… You must have caught his eye.” James gives me an intense look. It’s almost disturbing.

I want to avert my eyes but I am not able to. I keep my eyes fixed on his. This is just a fleeting moment, but it seems to last an eternity.

Suddenly, Miller interrupts us. “James… if we’re on the same page with the choreography, maybe I’ll leave you to it? It’s not that I don’t want to chat with you, but I’ve got some work to do. Horses don’t wait!”

***

“I’ll take your purse off you. You’ll be more comfortable without it. I’ll put it at the foot of this tree if you don’t mind…” James in standing beneath me and takes my purse. I’ve managed to mount Butterscotch.

“The first thing you learn on horseback is how not to fall off. I think we both know how much you need to master this.”

Okay! He got me on that one. Considering my previous equestrian adventure with Butterscotch, I sure could do with it. I let out a hearty laugh and James seems quite pleased with himself.

“I’m not going to let you fall off the horse anytime soon! You have nothing to fear when I’m here with you. But first you must learn to keep your balance.”

Suddenly, James slaps Butterscotch’s rump and the horse starts moving. It’s as if he doesn’t even know or care that I’m sitting on him.

Ha! Feeling Butterscotch start to move gives me the same sensation I get when I ride a rollercoaster. We’re so high up! He’s moving everywhere! The sound of his hooves is amazing! This is a real adrenaline rush!

Robert Redford and Clint Eastwood, eat you hearts out! Here I come!

This is so exciting! I can feel I’m getting my cowgirl vibe on! Butterscotch’s ears fold down and he gallops off towards the woods next to the riding center.

On the way… there’s a major purse incident. Butterscotch tramples on it, spilling all my things all over the ground… including my dress. And even worse… my wallet!

My discount coupons, my loyalty cards and my ID cards are all spread out! He can’t see them! I’m so anxious!

I pull back hard on both of Butterscotch’s reins and manage to make him understand that he’s getting a bit too carried away for me! The horse slows down giving James a chance to catch up to us.

James asks if I’m okay. With the reins in one hand, he leads us back to my purse and bends over to retrieve the contents. He’s about to grab my ID card, but there’s no way I’m going to let him do it! The risk is far too great!

I throw myself off the horse and run to grab my ID card, almost tearing it out of his hands. I quickly stuff it back in my wallet and push it deep down into my purse.

James laughs. “Isn’t that a bit of an overreaction? Did you actually think I was going to steal your stuff?”

I know James is being flippant, but I can’t help how tense I’m feeling right now! If he’d seen my ID card, it would have all been over. “No, it’s not that! It’s not your fault. It’s nothing. It’s just that it’s not your job to put my stuff away for me.”

James looks fairly unconvinced by my super lame explanation. And I don’t say any further. I’m already embarrassed enough. I think it is better that I keep my mouth shut on this one! My improvisation skills are shoddy to say the least.

James continues to stare at me with slightly squinted eyes. He doesn’t believe a word I just said. He finally turns away and reaches out to Butterscotch. “Um… We’d better call it a day. Your purse is all rearranged now and I think I should let Butterscotch rest up before tonight’s show?”

“Sure! Let’s leave it at that. I don’t want to tire him out… I didn’t mean to… I apologize.”

James knows something’s up… and I get that. And so our lesson ends right there as James walks away.

I pick up my things and see a piece of damaged cloth sticking out of my purse… My God! My dress! There’s a big rip right in the back! The gala starts in an hour and I have nothing to wear!

I’m panicking again. I close my eyes and take deep breaths.

Okay, Mer! Don’t panic. There are always more solutions than problems! Even though you can’t think of a single one right now!

Unless, unless…. Yes! I take my phone out of my purse and make a call while crossing all my fingers and toes!

James finally turns around and asks me if everything is okay. I only just hear him as he’s quite far away. I wave at him and give him the thumbs up. I hear a “hi” at the other end of the line.

“I need you! Right now! It’s a matter of life and death! Or almost! You won’t believe this!”

“Tell me everything. But I’m not alone here… if you know what I mean…”

“I don’t care! It’s a clothing emergency, Becky! It’s a big deal! My dress for the gala is torn and there’s no way I can wear it! Are you telling me you have nothing to wear to the dance? Oh my god! We’re going to have to go into apocalypse mode.”

“Except I’m nowhere near our place… And I still haven’t installed a teleporter in my wardrobe. So… there’s nothing I can do right now.”

I try control my breath. Don’t panic Mer, don’t panic! There’s got to be a solution. Just…

I’m in control. I exhale slowly to the count of five and then take a deep breath.

“Mer… Relax! I don’t have a dress on hand, but I have my sewing kit with me! But how ripped is your dress? Would a couple of stitches do it? Or would I have to do some voodoo stuff to sort it out?”

“I’m not gonna lie to you, it was trampled by a horse. It’s almost unrecognizable. There’s a huge hole in the back. It’s a car crash! But this is your chance to show off your sewing skill, Becky! And your best friend has gotten herself into trouble again… You need to help her out!”

“Give me ten minutes! It’s Super Seamstress to the rescue! I’ll need to find my costume… because I’m naked… and I’ll have to say goodbye to someone first…”

“Ten minutes? That’s awesome! But how are you gonna do that?” I ask.

“Just let me work my magic! A Vespa… a couple of missed stop signs and red lights… and we’re good. Don’t move, I’m on my way! But just explain one thing to me. Why do you care so much about this dress thing? I thought you didn’t care about the gala?”

“Of course I don’t care! But I can’t risk getting fired! They’ve already got their eye on me in this place! So wearing a torn dress doesn’t seem like a good idea for the hotel’s biggest annual event. Would you agree? Becky? I can’t hear you! Are you still there?”

“Hold on, Mer… Hello, sweeties! Hey, how’s it going?! I know it’s late, but I just had to tell you all about this crazy mission I’m on! I have to save my best friend’s dress. She’s my BFF for life! My darling Mer! Because the girl’s got a gala tonight… and…”

“HEY! Becky! I’m still here, you know? Are you really gonna do your internet thing while I’m still on the line? Becky? Becky!”

I’m not sure it’s worth shouting into my phone. I’d better let her do her own thing. I hang up and check the time on my phone: nine minutes till Becky gets here.

 Nine minutes that will seem like an eternity. And I have to get back to work…