Flying Change

Chapter 10

“Lexi, come on,” Jake whined as I threw my last bag into the lorry and turned to take Cabby’s lead. He’d been whining all morning and the closer we got to departure the worse it got. I think he’d thought it was all one big joke until we’d begun packing, then the panic had set in.

I ignored him and walked Cabby up the ramp, slotting him in, settling him in front of his hay net and sliding in the partition.

“Lexi, you don’t have to go, come on, this is silly,” He gave a nervous laugh and an imploring look.

“Nope Jake,” I sighed, watching as Valentine walked up the ramp like an old hand. “This is best, for everyone.”

“But, I need you,” he whined, he really was sounding pathetic.

“You’ll be fine, besides you have your…” I trailed off, still not able to wrap my head around the whole ‘fiancé’ concept, “well, her.” I could have sworn I heard a hiss from Kristina who was loitering in the shadows of the barn.

“But…” he started again.

“Look Jake,” I turned on him, “This is happening, it makes sense to do it now, both logistically and in the interests of inter staff relations, so get on board ok?”  

“Inter staff relations?” He asked wryly, his face morphing into some strange grimace.

“You know what I mean.” I said, giving him a look.

“Alexandra…” He started but I cut him off.

“No Jake, not even using my full name is going to work. We had a deal, now, be a man and stick to it.” I gave him a hard look which he returned. The seconds ticked past and I saw him waver.  He was a softie.

“Fine,” he sighed, looking defeated. “But I don’t have to stay here and watch.” With a last lingering glance he turned on his heel and stalked away. I stood and watched him go, wrestling with the pricks of guilt and the fact that I knew I was doing the right thing.

“Lex, we’re ready,” Val’s voice snapped me out of my reverie.

“Yeah,” I shouted back, turning and walking towards the cab of the truck. I jumped in and gunned the engine, watching Gus do the same in the other truck, carrying the dressage horses. I rolled my window down.

“See you at the port?” He yelled and I nodded, watching him pull out of the drive ahead of me and as Val clambered into the passenger seat.

“You ready?” She asked, already knowing the answer.

“Yep, would’ve been nice if Jake had at least said cheers,” It came out darker than I intended it to.

“Don’t worry, he knows the plan,” She said, “And what did you expect him to do, wave you off and say bon voyage? He didn’t want you to go in the first place.” She gave me a look and then turned on the radio.