Dionysus Refined: Book 1

Dionysus Refined

Book 1

Timothy Chase

Copyright © 2022 Timothy Chase

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2022

ISBN 978-1-6624-8238-0 (pbk)

ISBN 978-1-6624-8239-7 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Horse Show and Jenny

Chapter 2

When Things Change

Chapter 3

Divorce Sucks

Chapter 4

Box of Wine

Chapter 5

The Woman in Black

Chapter 6

Spring Flowers

Chapter 7

Coffee Cup Collection

Chapter 8

Strength Within Weakness

Chapter 9

Opportunity

Chapter 10

Minotaur on a String

Chapter 11

California

Chapter 12

Hallux Obtrudes

Chapter 13

Iceland

Chapter 14

They're Not Better

Chapter 15

French Commoner Collection

Chapter 16

Riding on a Horse Named Dignity

Chapter 17

Soot

Chapter 18

A Fate Worse Than Death

Chapter 19

A Fit to Temper

Chapter 20

A Skeleton at the Feast

Chapter 21

Hawaiian Island Girl

Chapter 22

Faith Helps

Chapter 23

Hit with a Stick

Chapter 24

Oahu Stables

Chapter 25

Shark-Infested Waters

Chapter 26

Stumbling Block

Chapter 27

A Land Down Under

Chapter 28

A Mixed Bag

Chapter 29

Making Pearls of Improvement

About the Author

Chapter 1

Horse Show and Jenny

Rain poured heavily all week long. Spring was underway, but it was a disconsolate spring. The barn stalls shielded the wind currents, while gusts blew through the open halls. Drafts crept through the cracks and up the spines of those in attendance. At the fairgrounds, the horse show had begun, and the dedicated horse owners and spectators arrived. They arrived in waves, unloading their animals and tack along with decorations for their section of the grounds. It was a status-filled field; they were there for show as much as to present their riding skills and prized horses. A new show season had begun over a month ago, combining veterans with newcomers rekindling the fires of competition while introducing others toward a new environment. There were factions within the factions, and competition brought tension. There were prominent families and some were business owners. Barn banners differentiated the barns along with decorations. The regional culture shift was discernible, bringing personality and life to the fairgrounds. Some were there to establish status, while others wanted to compete. There were the long-standing feuds that lingered between rival barns that brought the weight of emotional conflict festering like an open wound. The petty gossip and personal problems from the feuds caused chatter that ate away the surface like mice within interior walls surfacing. Clinging horse hooves made a sticky, clicky sound due to the rain as the horses were walked or ridden through the halls, dropping mixed sand and mud en route to the arena ring.

Chairs surrounded the Lobbed Logs barn along with coolers and storage containers at their section of the fairgrounds that were decorated with their trademark blue, green, and gold banners, which they also covered their horse stall doors with. Often, they would partner with the Crystal Hoof horse barn to strengthen their numbers. The larger horse barns in previous years had gained some expensive horses and new horse owners and were becoming the most awarded in the country. Smaller horse barns like the Lobbed Logs barn and the Crystal Hoof were suffering loss after loss, and the show partnership helped them to combine training techniques and save on show costs among other things. New to the Lobbed Logs barn were Debbie-Sue and Reg Folues and Jenny and Craig Chaise. The wives owned a high-end local wine and candle shop in the town where the Lobbed Logs barn was located. Craig was a police officer and Reg a production lead man at a distribution company. They were considered new money and were still naïve to the horse show world. During the horse shows, they set up stands to sell their product, and it allowed them to network and profit during the shows. Jenny owned a half-Arab, half-saddle bred horse named Sassy Frass. She was a four-year-old bay mare that was slender and a stunningly pretty horse. She rode smooth and trotted with her legs high and trained well. Sassy Frass would sometimes get skittish around other horses and was the reason that Jenny didn't place in her first couple of horse shows.

Jenny had learned the basics of show riding and made minor errors every now and again but seemed a natural. Craig wanted to be involved with showing the horse as well. He preferred a Western riding approach and was looking to own a horse of his own. Until then, he was taking lessons on showing in halter classes. Like his wife, he seemed to be a natural in this class and won first and second in their first two shows, but Sassy Frass's skittishness was also a problem for him. Their business partners and friends the Folues took a different approach in their first show horse. They bought a twelve-year-old black gelding full Arabian named Southern Comfort. He was a well-trained and solid horse with the distinctive dished face and high-set tail that was particular to the Arabian horse breed. Where Jenny's horse was skittish, Debbie-Sue's was steadfast. Southern Comfort was a well-trained horse show veteran that had won many awards and placed in top ten at the nationals in his class. Debbie-Sue's problems were mechanically oriented with riding her horse. She often rode too hard or took the wrong lead losing points on the technical aspects of show horse riding. She did fare better in placements than her business partner, and she delighted in that fact. Reg wasn't like Craig and wanted to only be a spectator and was happy filming the shows while drinking beer in the stands.

Patty Medallion was the trainer and owner of the Lobbed Logs barn; she was a rough sort. She was in her early sixties and leathery in appearance. She had fiery-red hair with very few white strands mixed in. She had a muscular frame from years of horse riding and barn life and the personality to match her frame. One of Patty's trademarks was a salty tongue and was prone to confrontation but possessed enough charm to compliment her business savvy. Nothing like putting the horse before the cart, she said to Craig as he was lugging horse tack and pulling a cart full of hay at the same time.

I was just trying save time by bringing in everything at once.

I can see that. Jenny must have fun with you. I'd give you a lesson if you ever wanted to know what a real woman is like.

Jenny heard the conversation and walked right up to them. You see, Craig, I'm not the only one that likes what you have, she said, and she smacked him on his rear, causing him to jump. Jenny had given birth to their second child the year before, and they were a happily married couple. Patty knew Jenny from years past when she was a bartender for a local bar. It was long before she met Craig and was in an abusive relationship that nearly killed her. Patty approached the owners of Dionysus Refined regarding owning a horse and taking lessons. It became a topic as she was networking her business while shopping at theirs. Patty, on the other hand, married and widowed at a young age, was standoffish toward taking second place to any man. However, there was one man that fought for her affection; his name was Jim Buck. They had a different kind of relationship that caused a lot of gossip among the horse community. Jim was a solid man working a career at Le Persil Disposal, the town dump. At times, he could be hot-tempered, and other times, he was reclusive. He was rugged, and his demeanor caused fear with those that he didn't know. He was also the horse farrier, and during horse shows, he was very busy during the events. Jim was his formal name, but most people called him Grey.

The other horse owners from the Lobbed Logs barn had arrived for the show. Craig had arrived early, setting up most of what needed to be set up for the horse show, while Patty and Jim had transported all the horses from the barn at home to the fairground five hours away. They drove separate trucks with large horse trailers attached. The Handleys followed Patty to the show; they were an older couple that owned one of the sweepstakes-nominated horses. Sweepstakes-nominated horses earned them a special designation because they earned money when they placed or won in their class. In their time, the Handleys had owned many horses and were known to post them for sale every couple of years. It allowed them to keep things fresh while making money through training and credentialing their horses. The Nickers owned a half-Arab saddle-bred mix, and the wife, Molly, was the most awarded rider in the barn. She rode in the Hunter class, whereas Jenny rode English Pleasure. The difference between the two styles is mainly in the saddle that's used and the posture and reigning of the horse. For Jenny, it meant that she didn't have to compete against one of the top riders in the barn. Molly's husband was a doctor. His busy schedule often meant that he didn't show up for many of the shows due to conflicts. He had a very dry personality, and he didn't take to the horse world. Molly dedicated a lot of time training for the horse shows, spending a lot of her free time at the barn. The Snookers were another horse owning couple who also had a sweepstakes-nominated horse. For them, horse shows were a way to keep themselves within their circle of status. While the wife, Brenda, was immersed in the horse world, her husband, Keith, put on a façade, but it was rumored that he was having an affair with Molly's husband, Gavin. There was a lot of gossip spread but never talked about or confirmed (openly). All together, the Lobbed Logs accounted for eleven horses, and the Crystal Hoof had nine horses in this particular show.

Debbie-Sue's first class was about to begin, and Reg walked to the arena ring with Craig to film and watch the next couple of rounds. They were seated while Jenny stood around the ring with a few other barn members, while Patty stood on the other side of the ring. This was strategized to best observe and give support or to yell orders. Craig carried a list of the show class scheduling with the Lobbed Logs and Crystal Hoof barns classes highlighted. At his first show, Craig learned to only yell when the horses were in the trot. While his wife's class was underway, her horse at the walk, he gave a loud "ow while standing around the ring, and the surrounding horses either started to run or got spooked, and he was frowned upon. Jenny was one of those riders passing by and nearly got bucked from her horse. He laughed about it at the barn, but his wife was embarrassed and upset with him. He and Reg were seated, and Craig took over filming the class while Reg double-fisted beers, making jokes about the riders in the class. There were seventeen people in this particular class, and a ring full of horse and riders made for a congested contest. The horses entered the ring one by one, starting off in the trot." The organ player played a medley of recognizable songs. Southern Comfort started smoothly, appearing tense while trotting around other horses.

She looks stiff, Reg, Craig commented while muffing the microphone of the video camera. The rider in front of her looks like she's having trouble keeping control of her horse. Instantly, the horse in front of Debbie-Sue bucked and swung its head, tossing the rider in a quick spin. The rider held on to the reigns and swung almost completely around before hitting the ground, bouncing hard. Southern Comfort almost stepped on the fallen rider but missed and kept going. The horse ran as soon as the rider was off.

Ya got that on video?

Yeah, that's top ten material, Reg. They both laughed.

One of the good things about filming often-eventless contests was that unplanned things happened. The contest went on. At the ring, Patty was yelling orders, not looking happy with the way that Debbie-Sue was riding her horse. On the other side was Jenny, along with Meg, who was one of the other horse owners. They were more of up-close observers and gave moral support. Meg was also one of the veterinarians of this event, staying close to the rink during the classes. Debbie-Sue had difficulty with the rein handling of Southern Comfort while riding. She took a wrong lead on a vertical and was hoping that one of the judges didn't see her do that. Patty saw it, and her face was as red as her hair. The horses lined up in order and walked forward and backward before standing for placement order. For this class, Debbie-Sue came in fourth and was disappointed with her performance.

That's all right, Deb. Next time you'll do better, Craig offered in support as he walked with Reg back to the barn.

You have that on video, right? she asked, wanting to see herself perform to understand what she did wrong.

I have the rider that fell off of the horse too. It's top ten material.

The Lobbed Logs barn made their way back to their barn area as they were done competing for the first day. Patty walked the horse into the stall, clipping the horse to the harness, and taking off the saddle and leg wrappings while giving Debbie-Sue instructions as to where she had gone wrong and what to she needed to improve in preparation to the next competitive class. During the horse shows, there weren't many public displays of affection, and most of the riders were focused on performing. While the horses were all fed and being taken care of for the night, most of the barn folk were seated in their area, drinking beers and other drinks and socializing. The Chaises and Folues were talking with the Snookers. The Hoggins interrupted their conversation, and Keith Snooker gave a mean look to Bony Hoggins. The Hoggins were a rough couple that were one of the few that weren't focused on status and keeping a good surface.

We're about to go out for tacos and margaritas and twirling senoritas, ha ha. Bony rubbed his handlebar mustache and grabbed his overfull stomach. Reg took a liking to Bony and Leona Hoggins along with Reg's pet, his potbelly pig, Boo-Boo.

I like that idea. It sounds like fun.

I appreciate your gracious offer, Mr. Hoggins, but my wife, Brenda, and I have already made plans. Bony gave Keith a confused look; he usually made faces or hand gestures when Keith spoke.

We are supposed to have dinner with the Nickers tonight. Brenda picked up from there. We are going to be drinking the bottle of Château Pétrus that we bought from your store.

Jenny was happy to be given a compliment, suggesting what appetizer would best be served with the wine. I look forward to telling you how much we enjoyed it, Brenda responded.

Patty approached the group. I need some help putting the coats on the horses and then cleaning up for the night. Craig got up and volunteered to help, and so did Jenny and Debbie-Sue. During the shows, they wanted to learn as much and be as helpful as possible.

Reg stayed seated and started to joke with Bony Hoggins. He put on an old goat-horned beer hat that he had made with goat horns that he had gotten from a hunting trip in the past. That's quite a hat, Reginald, Bony said.

I like it myself, thanks, he responded.

I coulda used a hat like that at the Asian massage parlor that I went to last week, Bony joked, slapping himself on the stomach. I believe that Brenda and I are going to call it a night.

Brenda and Keith gave their farewells for the night. Then it was just Leona, Bony, and Reg. I wonder what's up his ass? Bony said.

Reg gave Bony a weird look, thinking the obvious, saying nothing.

Bony, is it true what they say about fat guys?

What's that? he asked.

Their willys don't get wet in the shower!

Bony laughed. It does but only a trickle! It's like a waterfall. I call my stomach ‘the Great Barrier Reef.' They laughed. He grabbed his hulking bulge of an abdomen, jiggling the overflapping mass.

It's true, Leona commented. The Hoggins had hit the lottery a few years before, winning several million dollars. They never had much money before winning the lottery, making a living vending at flea markets and festivals. The Hoggins didn't care to refine themselves; they liked living a salty lifestyle. They both got along well with Reg.

So what do you think about these horse shows? Leona asked Reg.

Debbie Sue likes being here, and I don't mind the break from the town. It doesn't mean that I like the people.

They're not all that bad. Most of them are just trying to fit in and compete with each other, Leona, explaining her thoughts, said to Reg.

Fuck 'em all. I like being here just because I can. I like the horses enough, but people like Keith and Gavin made me realize that people like us are needed to even out their class warfare style of living, Bony said, motioning to Reg. That's what it is, you know. They're not better, but they want you to believe that they are. Notice how they look at you when they find out what you do for a living. They give you that cocksucker grin and think of ways to ruin your marriage or take your money from you. Meanwhile, they'll stab each other in the back and live a loveless life and live a life of denial.

Molly's all right! Reg quipped.

Molly is running from herself—why do you think that she's here so much? Bony kept talking; Leona was half-listening, not agreeing to everything that Bony was saying. Sometimes he ran off at the mouth, but he was in his preaching role.

I just figured that she liked the horse shows.

Wrong, Reg. She likes the horse shows because there's something missing from her life. Between you and me, you know about Molly and Brenda's husbands. You know that it's true.

I never thought about their life. I just figured that show horse riding was a good hobby for her.

Wrong again. These people aren't like you or me. I look at Jenny and Craig and I think they like the horse shows. Your friend ain't nothing but gung ho. He wants to get along with everyone, but he is more intent on being involved, and Jenny ain't no different. And might I add she's a nice piece of ass too.

It's true, Leona added.

Yeah, before she had those kids, she had nice knockers. Craig worked with me while he was in college. He was always a good worker.

I can tell that. He's not like most of these people here. If someone like Gavin or Keith start their bull like they've tried with me, I hope that he don't break them. He's from a different stock than them and he's as bright, but his bull ain't cut from the same cattle. Jenny is a good girl, and I think she's lucky to have Craig—he stabilizes her. And I'm sure that her knockers are still nice. Debbie-Sue is a nice piece too, but you better keep her close. You're not involved like Craig, and the vultures shit has seeds in them. We all become family, but remember that family fights. Reg took off his hat and looked to Bony.

I hear you, I've thought some similar things. Patty rubs me the wrong way. For some reason she never took a liking to me, and I ain't gonna kiss her ass to fit in.

Patty is a rough woman, and it's tough to get in with her, but once you're in, you're in, and she won't work the same shit that these others will. She took Molly under her wing, you know. That's why Molly holds strong. He gave a look to them working down the hall.

Patty does seem to like Craig. He might be naïve or just don't give a damn, but she'll always use his muscle work and have him do favors for her. That's just her way, and she'll benefit from that.

Craig's not dumb, but he's more concerned in making sure that Jenny fits in and does good. Reg was getting a bit agitated, but Bony continued to give his philosophies. He ain't the type to fuck anyone's wives either, and you know that these ladies look at him too.

Well, he got a little one.

Reg looked to the side; Bony Hoggins laughed out loud and replied, So do I. It don't matter! Honey, what would you do with a guy like Craig?

I'd suck the meat off of his bones, take him home, and make him a real man. He'd think twice before having a pretty little bitch like Jenny give him love again. The three of them laughed and looked down the hall while the others saw them fall over themselves.

Craig walked back over to them and asked them if they were about ready to have dinner, and when he turned around, Leona gave him a pat on his rear from which he jumped up, and she gave him a look, and they laughed. Craig laughed too not, knowing what they were talking about but having a notion. Jenny saw what was going on and, knowing how Leona was, laughed at the dirty old woman. Soon after, they finished with preparing the horse stalls and covering the horses for the night. They went out for Mexican food and margaritas shortly after leaving the fairgrounds, and they had a good time. At the table to the side of them was the Lobbed Logs's rival barn, All Around Stables. They were from a different state, but Pat had a long-standing feud with the barn owner, Mike Uthier. The feud resulted between them during several horse shows and one in which Mike had all her horses drugged up and then called the officials and made an allegation in which her horses tested positive. There was a lot of talk, and Patty received hefty fines, but she knew who did it, and he denied it. Meanwhile, his boyfriend, Charlie, almost got into a fistfight with Pat over it until Jim Buck got involved. He might have been a quiet most of the time and slow with his judgment, but he was a power person, and his intensity always gave credibility to his decisions. Mike and Charlie did apologize while keeping their distance. However, they denied being involved in drugging the horses. Their group kept looking over to the Lobbed Logs's side, and they were making motions indicating that they were gossiping. Pat was getting angry and wanted to approach the other table, but Reg got up first and surprisingly took the initiative. He held a full beer glass in his hand and walked over to the other table. Craig smiled widely, knowing that Reg wasn't the most eloquent with conflict resolution. He crouched down on the side of Mike and Charlie. Cut the shit. I'm trying to enjoy myself over there, but I can't because your table won't stop being fucking assholes. I'd appreciate it if you mind your goddamned business. Thank you kindly!

He went back to his table and finished his beer, and the other table was angry and looking meanly and got louder. Leona and Bony Hoggins began to get loud themselves, and Reg followed. Debbie-Sue was embarrassed and angry at Reg, but Jenny held her arm under the table to calm her down. Craig enjoyed himself but knew that his wife, Debbie-Sue, and Patty were more than rattled. He got up next and walked over empty-handed. Mike, Charlie, my name is Craig, and I am new to the horse show area. I don't know what Reg came over to say to the both of you, but I'd like to simmer down whatever is happening here.

He came over telling us to shut our shit-talking mouths. All we were doing was having a good time, and we didn't need to be insulted by some redneck caveman, Mike said, and Craig felt like he was getting checked out but maintained his composure. There was a big, burly man at the table, who was quiet and looking meanly at Craig. He met eye to eye with their muscle; Craig knew that he wouldn't like this individual.

I was gonna hurt your friend. It's good that you came over here. Craig ignored him. All I'm asking is to be nice. I'm here with my wife and we want to have fun. None of you seem like your bad people and neither are we. He walked back over and sat down, and there was still back and forth at the neighboring table, but things simmered down.

I don't know what you said, but they were all staring and smiling when you walked back over here, Jim Buck (Grey) said quietly to Craig. The rival barns were now introduced to a few of the newcomers at the Lobbed Logs barn. They didn't like Reg, but Mike and Charlie were checking out Craig as he walked about.

I would.

Me too, they said to each other. After the incident, each table minded their business, and the Lobbed Logs table had a good time.

When they got up to leave, Bony Hoggins paid the bill as he often did when he offered to go out to dinner. Jenny and Craig crossed paths with Charlie and Mike as they were walking out of the restaurant. I appreciate that you approached us after your friend was so rude, Mike said to Craig, and Charlie was giving him a longing, intense gaze. Jenny caught on and bit her lip to catch herself. They weren't unfamiliar with the gay crowd, but Jenny enjoyed watching how her manly husband handled himself in his security. She might be able to sell these two some of her products, she thought to herself. Craig was civil and walked away after their brief conversation.

She's a cute little bitch, Charlie said to Mike. I bet he does her hard They laughed, walking to their car.

Later that night, Jenny and Craig were in their room laying on the hotel bed talking. He was tickling her softly, admiring her still tight body. They had a candlelit with glasses of wine. You made friends tonight, she said.

I'm afraid of what kind of friends they'd want to be. He laughed.

I bet that I could gain some business from them. So don't you laugh.

I think that they are your target customer, but understand that Patty has a long history with them and it's not good.

Jenny put a hand on Craig's chest. I know, but my business comes before the horse shows.

Craig decided to change the subject, focusing on her. You're a hot woman! That's part of the reason that I love you.

What's the other part?

That I get to stare at you naked and make you have my babies.

You sound like a redneck.

It's the dang town creeping in.

It was quiet for a few moments, and then Craig spoke. Jennifer.

What?

I just got an idea.

What kind of idea?

For a candle line, we can call it the Moments of Life collection, starting with intimate times and be filled with scented pheromones in liquefied bubbles that melt and evaporate, emitting the scent. The next can be ‘Summer Picnic'—have a candle with mixed grass and pine or other wood-scented bubbles. The next one can be ‘Mother's Love,' which can have a soft soap and baby scent.

What made you think of candles like that?

Watching you fills me with thoughts and it just came to me. The trick is coming up with the bubbles that melt or evaporate with the candle burning.

Jenny started to go along with the new product idea. I would have to work with developing scents and creating the liquid or whatever to make the bubbles to evaporate with the candle. It could work, though it's just going to take research and development.

What about the concepts?

The pheromone idea I really like. But I might want to sit down with Debbie-Sue and talk about it.

Craig was quiet for a couple of minutes.

What's wrong?

I was hoping that you would like it better.

I do like it. I think that if I can create a candle like that, it will create a whole new candle type and product line. I'll patent the name and product like I did with the previous line to protect our brand. I'll be able to market aromatherapy, and that's beneficial as well as marketable. However, I was just hoping to not be filled with work thoughts tonight.

I'll write it down and talk to Debbie-Sue about it. He got up and poured himself a glass of box of wine.

What are you doing?

Having a glass of chillable red box of wine.

Pour me a glass. They sat at the hotel room counter, and he jotted down his ideas for the new product line so that it didn't go to waste. How bad are we, owning a fine wine store and drinking wine from a box? He looked to her and held out his glass.

Isn't that the way of a small business owner, the best for the customer and the cheap stuff for themselves? It was an ironic truth. She reached over for her cell phone and called up Tammy-Lynn, who was watching the children.

Who are you calling?

I'm calling to see how Elvis and Marilyn are doing. Craig wanted to talk to his son and daughter, knowing that they were too young to know whom they were talking to. It was a quick phone call and it was later in the night, but they were all up knowing that Tammy-Lynn stayed up late and kept the kids up so they would sleep all night. Craig's idea broke the mood, he was hoping for some needed relief; it was weeks since they had had alone time.

She lay on the bed, and he shut off the lights and relit the candle. Your skin is soft, he told her as he rubbed her sides giving her goose bumps.

Would you be disappointed if I were to get pregnant again?

He looked into her eyes. You miss the kids, don't you?

Well, I'm used to tucking them in every night.

Jennifer, I love you. Elvis and Marilyn are everything that I've wanted. We make beautiful babies, and we are building a good life. Would you be mad if I got you pregnant again?

Well, I have two beautiful children and a business, and I like my body and I'm afraid to ruin it.

I wouldn't fear that—you're active, and look at you after two children. You're not the kind of woman that will lose whatever you have. And if you do, I'll have lost what I have as well.

You should have been born a woman.

My mother always said that after having two boys, she wanted a girl. He never talked of his dead mother or brothers, and it surprised her.

You're a man. For a long time, I thought that all men were like Shooter. Jennifer reached a point where she could be honest with herself.

Craig rolled on top of her, kissing her on the lips. Shooter wasn't a man—he was a monster. She was quiet and got cold shivers thinking about her past. I'm here Jennifer, you're mine and you're mine forever. She clung to him, and though he was hoping for more, they slept.

The next morning, they woke up early, and a sliver of sunlight entered through a space in the curtain. Jenny had to be at the Fairgrounds early in the morning to prepare to the busy horse show schedule. They stopped by a local donut shop and bought a couple dozen donuts and a box of hot coffee and made it to the Lobbed Logs area. For the first time in a week, the sun had shined and it was warmer than it had been in several weeks. Jenny and Craig took this morning as a good omen for them. They walked into the barn area full of energy and positivity.

Good morning, everyone. We brought donuts and coffee.

Jennifer declared, Did you bring a gun?

Patty Medallion asked angrily, No, why?

Jennifer replied, Because I want to shoot Reg for being a prick last night.

I talked to Mike and Charlie before Jennifer and I left last night, they seemed to like us, Craig informed her. Oh, I'm sure that they loved you alright. She gave Craig a wink.

I'm not talking about what happened at the restaurant. I'm talking about Reg getting physical with Debbie-Sue in their trailer.

In an instant, Craig went into work mode, Patty noticed the change in posture. Debbie's in her horse stall if you want to talk to her.

Jenny was about to go and talk to her, but Craig put up a hand saying that he would take care of it. She was braiding her horse's tail for her upcoming show classes.

Hey, Deb, how are you?

Im fine why? She said, looking down not picking up her chin.

What happened last night?

Nothing! Deb said. She turned her back to Craig, trying to avoid further conversation.

Patty told me. Now Deb knew that Craig was a cop and that he would not let up until she told him.

Reg and I went out to dinner then we went back to the trailer, and here I am. She looked up to him, and he knew that wasn't it and she had a slightly black eye.

Look at me, Deb. She looked up. Did Reg hit you last night?

She tried to avoid him, but Craig got up close and steadied her.

What happened? Jenny walked into the conversation. She stood on the side of her husband.

Reg drank a lot last night, and we were arguing about a lot of things, when I went to leave he accidentally hit me in the face.

Craig was serious, but Jenny talked first. I don't think that he accidentally did anything. Jenny knew more of what was happening between the both of them.

Deb, I'd like you to stay with us for the rest of the horse show, Jennifer said. She did not want problems, but Craig did.

Is Reg at the trailer?

Yes, but don't hurt him. I know that he didn't mean to do anything.

Is Francis here or with Reg?

He's with the Snookers.

Craig left the area toward where their trailer was parked. He knocked on the trailer door, Reg answered, looking severely hung over. Reg, you know why I'm here.

Reg kicked open the trailer door. He barged down the stairs. He kicked an empty beer can that was half-full with beer. Why don't you mind your own fucking business?

That surprised Craig, but he was ready to pick a fight. You hit your wife, and she wants to stay with us for the rest of the horse show! Reg chicken-winged his right arm with his hand behind his head. He rubbed the back of his head upward, roughly and repeatedly.

Whatever, dude. Don't try your cop shit with me—you don't even know what happened.

Craig was motionless. I'm not trying anything. I'm stating fact. You drank too much, were a jerk. She tried to leave, and you hit her. Reg was quiet; instead of admitting he was wrong, he put a fight.

Craig knew guilt. Listen to me carefully, Reg. We've been friends for a long time, and I know that you remember Shooter. We both don't like him, and I don't like people that do those kinds of things to women, never mind to a wife that you're supposed to love. I'm asking you to let me get your wife and Francis's belongings and then drive home, she will be there when the show is done.

Reg didn't like it. Craig, you can go fuck yourself. Who do you think you are?

Craig was quick in response. I think that I'm an employee of Debbie-Sue's father that will bring a world of hell on you like you never thought possible if I tell him what you've done.

Reg had no response; finally, he had quieted. In a minute, he opened up the door to the trailer. He walked up the stairs and let Craig in. He grabbed her clothes and her son's then left the trailer, Reg started up the engine. I didn't mean to hit her. I just lost control.

The natural cadence of admission brought to consciousness Reg's actions. That's why I'm asking you to take a break and think about what you've done and who you are.

Thanks, Dad!

Better Dad than enemy.

Craig left the trailer and loaded up the bags into his vehicle and brought them to the hotel room. He unpacked the clothes that were thrown together, and he neatly folded them to show some sort of respect. He arrived back at the Fairgrounds, and Debbie-Sue was waiting to talk to him. Where did Reg go?

Craig answered, I have you and your son's belongings at the hotel, Reg is driving home. I told him that you will be home when the show is done.

Whose idea was it for him to leave? Deb felt that she wasn't in control of her own life.

Craig had momentum, and if he was being controlling, it was because of his vocation. I tried talking to him, and he was offensive from the start and didn't take credit for hitting you and then finally did. We talked about Shooter and how he was and that I don't like people like that. I suggested that he go home and think about what he did and about the kind of person that he wants to be because you deserve better. He swore at me for a while and called me Dad, but I said better than being an enemy and have your father find out.

Debbie-Sue agreed with that part but looked angry at Craig. I can handle my problems myself.

Are you mad at me? he asked.

I don't know. Reg has been a different person lately. His drinking is out of control. Some days I don't even think that he's aware how much he drinks and he needs a good whack. I'd rather tell him to fuck off than you, but I know that you're protecting me.

Craig nodded. So you and your son are staying with us. We rented an apartment-style room anyway, and there's an extra room.

Am I a prisoner? Deb asked.

I folded your clothes and put them in the bureau. Craig avoided her question.

Jenny has you trained. Did you touch my underwear and bras?

Maybe.

She smacked him on the back. Sicko!

I'm glad that you're not sad, Deb.

I was, but Jenny knows the right things to say. They both walked inside the fairgrounds together, and he set up a Dionysus Refined table near the entrance of the arena ring. He set up wines, candles, and chocolates. Debbie-Sue and Jenny planned on selling their goods and networking their store. Jenny had put make up over Debbie-Sue's eyes, hiding the bruise.

After that, Craig went back to the Lobbed Logs area, his wife was getting ready for her first class, and Patty had the horse ready for the class. Patty approached Craig before they went out to the arena ring. Did you talk to Reg?

I did.

What he say?

He swore a lot, and I told him to let me get Deb and her son's belongings and for him to go home.

That's good, what'd he do?

What could he do? I grabbed their clothes, and he left. They're staying with us in our hotel apartment.

Good man!

They walked to the arena together, Craig sat in the stands while Patty positioned herself to best observe and shout orders. That particular class had twenty-three horses and was set up into two different rounds. Jenny was nervous, she was hoping that she would do well. Sassy Frass looked good in the trot, Jenny held the reigns right and entered in the first group. It was well underway, and she was showing well as they switched directions. Sassy Frass looked fluid and had great movement in the round. Then they got in line and exited the ring. They had to wait for the next round to be completed for the winners to be announced. Jenny was happy with her performance, it was not normal to have to wait so long for placements to be announced. The next round began and was halted for several minutes when a rider was thrown from the horse and trampled by a following horse. Luckily, the thrown rider wasn't seriously injured. Then the class continued, and eventually, they were called in line, and the previous class was reintroduced and walked in line as well. The top five were introduced in reverse order. Fifth went to one horse and rider of the Crystal Hoof; fourth and third went to two other barns. Second place went to All-Around Stables and first place, the Lobbed Logs barn with Jennifer Chaise as the winner. It was Jenny's first time ever winning a contest, and it was the biggest class that she'd ever been in. She was in tears and overjoyed, and she got in line to take a photo with the head judge. Craig got up from the stands and walked down to the ring. He cheered and clapped; he was covered with goosebumps, overjoyed for his wife. She looked at him full of tears and tipped her English riding hat to him before making her victory lap.

Craig started walking back to the barn area with Patty Medallion, and they were very happy with her performance and outcome. When they got back to the barn, she had her trophy and ribbons and had to pick up her check because her horse was sweepstakes-nominated. She took off her hat and gave her husband a big hug and a kiss, and she was still in tears over her win.

A little while after her class, she went to the association office and picked up her check, and it was enough to pay for the horse show fees. Owning a horse, paying full board that included hay and grain and then training fees could be expensive; winning in a sweepstakes-nominated class was helpful. She went to her business table to place her trophy and to sell some of her goods. Her being there brought more people around because it was the largest class of the day and she had won first place. Debbie-Sue congratulated her, and they networked and sold a considerable amount of product, mostly candles. While there, she showed her the product idea that Craig had come up with the night earlier. The problem was going to be with creating the liquid material that would melt and aromatize with the candle.

A big, round man with a large cowboy hat and belt buckle walked up to the table and looked at their wines and then their candles. I've never seen these candles before. Whom did you purchase them from? He looked into Jenny's eyes and had big, blue, wet eyes and looked like he had mascara on.

We create, manufacture, and market all of our candles ourselves, she said, ending with a smile.

Are you serious?

Yes.

Your candles look like they are good quality, and I like the marketing. Do you know who I am?

I have no clue, sir.

He reached out a hand. I'm Rick Conchrin, and I own the Orange County Stables among other things. One of those other things is a small chain of high-end bath and boutiques. Here's my business card. Give me a call next week, and if we can agree on some details, I might be interested in your candles.

That sounds great, Jenny said and smiled.

You know, if you didn't win in your class, I wouldn't have approached your table. Good job today.

Thank you, Mr. Conchrin.

It's Rick, and you're welcome. She gave him a sample of each candle to test the quality and marketing of the Melted in the Wax collection. They were both overjoyed with that meeting.

He looked interested in you too, Jenny. They laughed and were excited for the business potential.

Mike and Charlie walked up to their table from All-Around Stables and were looking at their wines and candles. I just saw bigwig Rick Conchrin talk to you. He don't just walk up and talk to anyone. He must have took notice with your win.

Jenny smiled and didn't speak, not wanting to give any details. Charlie and Mike looked around at their goods. This is really nice, Charlie said.

Thank you, Debbie-Sue replied.

That was a nice win a little while ago, though I think that my rider should have won.

Jenny put her hands on the table, squeezing her breasts between the both of her arms. I'll take that as a half-compliment. It was my first win, and I am more than happy.

Charlie looked away, and Mike smiled. You have a good horse. Keep on training, and you will win a lot.

Mike pointed almost directly at her groin, though there were candles in front of her. Where did you get these candles from? I've never seen the Melted in the Wax collection before, he asked. The silent innuendo continued.

We make our own candles and came up with the concept ourselves.

That's clever. Mike flicked his nose. Why don't you have your husband sell these here too?

He's back at the barn, Jenny replied quickly.

You treat him good. You straight girls never know how to treat their men. Tell him this: If you don't treat him good, I'll always put out, Mike said, and Jenny and Debbie-Sue laughed loudly before Jenny stared at him seriously. Charley bought a bottle of Pinot Blanc and a Rings of Roses candle.

When the people from All-Around Stables left the Dionysus Refined table, Patty walked up to their table. What'd they say?

They congratulated me on winning my class but said that their rider deserved to come in first.

Yeah, and the guy Mike said that if Jenny don't treat Craig right, he will always put out, Debbie-Sue said.

That's disgusting! Patty said, shaking her head. Does Craig know what he said?

I haven't had the chance to tell him yet, Jenny said. I know that you and the All-Around Stable people have a bad history, but we just wanted to sell him our products.

Don't get too close to him. He's a snake, you're an egg, and snakes eat eggs.

Then I'm a weasel, Debbie-Sue said.

You'd like to be, but I think that Craig unfortunately is the snake charmer. They laughed.

That's too funny. I can't wait to tell him, Jenny joked.

Rick Conchrin from Orange County Stables came up to our table, Debbie-Sue said, changing the subject.

Really? He's a high brow. He must have thought that you two were a cute piece of ass, Patty Medallion, in her own brazen fashion, gave her opinion, but Jenny wanted her insight because she knew the important people in the world of horse shows.

He said that he wouldn't have come up to our table if I didn't win my class but liked our products.

He owns a chain of stores in addition to their barn, Patty informed them.

He told us. I gave him samples, and we're going to discuss him potentially buying some of our products for his business.

Patty looked impressed. I don't know if you realize how big a deal that is. I hope that you know how to negotiate. Jenny listened and didn't respond. Patty left their table with Debbie-Sue to get ready for her upcoming show classes.

A short while later, Debbie-Sue was in two classes and won second and third in them. She was happy with placing but knew that she had made mistakes during her routine.

The rest of the horse show day went quickly between the Crystal Hoof barn and the Lobbed Logs; there was a lot of back and forth excitement. They didn't go out and spent the night at the hotel. Craig had a couple of halter classes the next day and had his suit prepared for the show.

That night, Debbie-Sue went out shopping using Craig's car and arrived with a couple of bags filled with clothes. She also held a bag with a bottle of vodka and cranberry juice. She didn't look happy when she got back at the hotel room. Patty had dropped off the Chaises at the hotel minutes prior to Debbie-Sue arriving. What's this for? Jenny pointed to the bottle of vodka and cranberry juice.

I need to drink. She grabbed a glass and filled it up with vodka and a little bit of cranberry.

I'll have one too, Jenny said and sat on the side of Debbie-Sue. Today was a long day. Jenny held her trophy.

That was a good win today. Craig, did Jenny tell you that the All-Around Stable boys said that if Jenny don't make you happy, they will always put out?

Craig turned his head like he had drunk a bitter tonic; he laughed, holding his nose. Ooh, no good!

If we need you to, you're going to sell our products to them and their friends, Jenny commanded, and he looked at her helplessly.

Don't give me that look. You better put my feelings and business before your pride.

Sons of bitches! he said, imitating Bony Hoggins's favorite saying. The Rick Conchrin contact is the best thing to happen to you today, Jen, above winning your class.

One helped the other. If I didn't win, then he wouldn't have come up to our table.

Then today was your day. He took off his shirt and went to the shower. Jenny and Debbie-Sue drank, and the liquor hit them quick and they were laughing.

You know your husband is buffed.

He's been working out hard to tone up.

Do you mind if I go and take a peek?

Sure, let's see what he does, Debbie-Sue said and crept into the bathroom. She peeked through the open bathroom curtain and looked at him for a second, and it turned her on a little to do something so