Chapter 22
April 23rd
The next day, as her father promised, Nicole was spending time with Mr Walker. She was glad of this because it felt lick such a long time since they had spent some time with each other and go horse riding.
Nicole and her father were in the paddock saddling their horses and they were both excited to get out on the trail. Nicole gave Lightning a pat on his neck before she smiled at her father. She was so happy that she was going to be able to spend some time with him.
"Where do you want to go?" asked Nicole.
"Anywhere. You lead the way," Mr Walker smiled.
Then Nicole and Mr Walker exited the paddock, after Nicole waved goodbye to Riley as he watched from his place in his car. Nicole and Mr Walker then headed to Nicole's favourite trail. This trail was a long one and it was one of the reasons why Nicole loved it so much. The length would give Nicole and her father enough time with each other to make up for all the times they had missed.
Nicole and her father rode next to one another on the trail and Nicole couldn't help but smile. This was a beautiful afternoon and there was no better way to spend time with her father. Nicole decided that it was now time to talk about Riley because this appeared to be the best chance she would get.
"What do you think of Riley now?" asked Nicole.
"I am getting used to him," replied Mr Walker, "why do you ask?"
"Because he lives with us. I want the both of you to get along."
"We do get along."
"No, dad, you don't. It is always awkward between you two and Riley has told me that it is like walking on egg shells around you."
"I am sorry, honey, but I don't think I am ever going to like him. I accept that he is your boyfriend and you love him, but I don't. But I will try and be more civil around him if that will make you feel better."
"Thank you."
Finally, Nicole could feel better about Riley living in her father's house. Nicole loved Riley and she didn't want him to move out because she loved him being with her. Nicole now knew that this ride was a good idea.
"It is clear as soon as we get to the meadow," said Nicole, "do you want to canter?"
"Sounds good," replied Mr Walker as he kicked Blue into a trot.
Nicole also kicked Lightning into a trot and she followed her father to the end of the trail. Then they stopped at the edge of the meadow before they cantered around it. The horses threw their heads back and whinnied in pleasure. It was clear that they were both happy to be out on a ride and it was clear that they were happy the father and daughter were spending time with each other.
...
When Nicole and Mr Walker got back, Nicole smiled when she saw Riley waiting for them. She looked at her father and he just nodded a hello.
So much for being civil.
Nicole and Mr Walker then dismounted their horses and walked them into the paddock so they could unsaddle them.
"How was your ride, babe?" asked Riley as he came over and gave Nicole a kiss. He then scratched Blue on the muzzle, not making eye contact with Mr Walker as he did.
"It was good," replied Nicole before she went to take Lightning's saddle to the shed and get the grooming kits. Riley stood awkwardly next to Lightning. It was clear that he had no idea of whether or not to say something to Mr Walker.
