Way Down We Go

A journey of discovery part 1

He had told her not to come to work until late. After all they were leaving on her day off.
But excitement got the better of her, and at 7:15am she found herself sashaying around the yard to the beat of her headphones.

There was something peaceful about the stables at that hour of the morning, the horses blinking dolefully, placing their breakfast orders with soft whickers and whinnies.
She fed, and mucked out the stables, rolling her hair into a messy bun, groaning as she caught sight of herself in the mirror in the bathrooms upstairs.

"Couldn't sleep Iz?"
"Jesus H Christ!" She jumped as she walked out of the bathrooms and straight into the broad chest of Ethan.
He was grinning down at her. Blue eyes on hers and a dark eyebrow cocked.

"Eh no-" she laughed at herself "- no I couldn't sleep."
He nodded knowingly and leaned in towards her "Me neither."

Was he looking at her differently or was she imagining things? Christ knew she had an over active imagination!

"I've mucked out and fed, and I've started packing the Lorry." She blurred out, both trying to make conversation and a though she would never admit it - she was vying for his approval.

There was something different about a compliment from Ethan.
His wife - her other boss and close friend often told her how loved she was by both of them.
Izzie appreciated it, she knew she was valued and loved and it helped get her through her darker days. Yet - when Ethan complimented her - there was more too it. It was more important to her.

Both of Ethan's eyebrows shot upwards.
"Well done. Right Iz. Let's get on then."

The spent the next two hours making small talk as they loaded the Lorry.
Tack, feed, clothes and more.

Izzie's excitement mounted as the last pieces of luggage and tack where stowed away.

A large warm had on her shoulder made her jump.
"Quick shower before we hit the road Iz? Meet you back here in 30mins?"
"Sure!"

Her shower was blissfully cool in the June heat. 
And as the cool water washed over her skin she thought about the coming days.
She was lying if she said she wasn't a little unsure about the coming days. She and Ethan would be spending a tremendous about of time alone.
More than they had ever spent together.
For the next five days, they would spend almost every waking moment, and most of their sleeping moments together.

She worried about little things - falling asleep in the passenger seat and snoring, drooling or having more chins than anyone needed to see.
She worried about her messy hair, and smelling sweaty in the heatwave.
She worried about eating too much or not enough.

Izzie was a born worrier.

She packed the last of her essentials, toiletries and make up, kissed her silly dog good bye and hurried down the stairs of her little annex to the back of the stables.

She paused and blushed as she rounded the corner to the Lorry.
Ethan was there, shorts, trainers and shades, embracing Louise - his beautiful wife and Izzie's boss/friend.

"Oh Izzie!" Louise called out cheerfully upon spotting her.
"Hey Lou!" Izzie grinned, shuffling her bag on her shoulder and making her way over towards them.
Ethan stepped away from them and made himself busy with the last checks for oil.

"Excited?" Louise smiled at her.
Izzie felt a pang of guilt. She couldn't quite explain it.
She guessed it just felt odd to be leaving with someone's husband for a week in another country. It just felt a little odd to her.
"Uh yeah! Oh I can't wait!" Izzie grinned, chucking her backpack into the cab.
"Keep me updated and have fun!" Louise hugged her tightly and Izzie felt the warmth of the affection she felt for her boss.

"I will!" Izzie promised, but as she made to turn away, Louise took her hand.
"You know he's a stress! Don't get upset with him won't you?"

Izzie laughed, "I know - and I won't Lou. I'll call you before we board the ferry."

"Ready Iz?!" Ethan called from the cab of the enormous- slightly pretentious - golden Lorry.
"Coming!" Izzie bid her boss goodbye and clambered - a lot less gracefully than she would have liked - into the Lorry beside Ethan.

He peered at her over the top of his shades, blue eyes looking dangerously mischievous.
"Ready Iz?" He repeated, his voice a little lower as the vibration of the Lorry thrummed through her.

"Ready when you are!" She grinned.