“Dillon. Slow down. Where is she right now?”
“She’s in the shower. I can’t talk long.”
“Was she abused?”
“Not sexually. She said no. Her mother was physical though and she saw things. She saw this guy do things to her mother. She’s messed up Laney. I’ve been sick to my stomach thinking about it. The night she got here, she had a nightmare, more like a night terror. I’ve never seen anything like it. It scared the shit out of me. Then again last night. She fell asleep on the couch and I heard her whimpering. She let me hold her, but I don’t think she slept. I’m barely getting sleep myself and I’m not able to focus on the ranch. I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t know how to help her.”
“Dillon, do you remember when Mom left for New York and I was completely distraught? I was ten and you were only six. Do you remember how you held me when I cried? You were the only one that could calm me down.”
“That’s so different Laney.”
“Do you remember when Eddie Fremore broke up with me? You wiped my tears and told me how beautiful I was and how he didn’t deserve me. That I was better off without him and that someday my prince would come and sweep me off of my feet and that I should accept no less because I’m a princess and deserve a prince. You gave me so much confidence that I was able to go back to school the next day without shedding a tear, even though he made out with Sharon Westing right in front of me.”
“Some guy didn’t break up with her Laney.”
“I’m just saying that if there is one person in this world that can comfort a broken girl and help her heal, it’s you. Just be yourself Dillon. Just be there for her, that’s all you can do.”
“I was hoping maybe you could take her out. Do girl shit. Take her mind off things. Get her off of this ranch for a little while. She needs clothes and stuff.”
“I can do that. I’d love to. I can come out next weekend. I can take her shopping. Caiden can take some time off to be with Daisy. He’s due for some daddy/daughter time. In the meantime, just take it slow with her. Just listen and be there. You’re a good guy Dillon.”
“Thanks. Thanks for taking the time. I think that will be good for her. She’s been in your room, using some of your stuff. I didn’t think you’d mind. Oh, and shit Laney, she’s reading that crap you have stashed all over the place. What the hell kind of books are those?”
She laughs. “Ah Dillon, it’s all good. I have to go. Daisy’s up from her nap. I’ll see you Friday.”
“See you.”
After hanging up with Laney, I feel a little better. I end up working all day long out on the ranch. I get a lot done, but I can’t stop thinking about Amy. I miss her and I wish I could spend more time with her, but I keep getting behind on all of my work. By the time I head back to the house, the sun is already setting and I’m exhausted. I grab some cold water and sink into the couch. I must sit there for an hour just thinking about Amy and how she must be feeling and what else I might be able to do to help her. Then it hits me from out of nowhere. I slap my forehead. Why the hell didn’t I think about this sooner?
I read about equine therapy when I was researching ways to expand the business. I’m no therapist, but I did read a lot about it. Studies have shown that troubled youth can benefit from working with horses. Endorphins are released, reducing stress causing chemicals. They say that since the size of horses can be intimidating, working with them also helps develop trust. My mind is spinning. Not only will she benefit from helping me with the horses, but I will too. I’ll get to spend more time with her.
CHAPTER 9
Amy
I can’t sleep even though I’m mentally and physically exhausted. I sit down on Laney’s bed with my legs crossed under me and scatter a bunch of books all around me. I read the summary on each one and choose the one with a shirtless man on the cover. He is all muscle, like Dillon. The character’s personality in the book even reminds me of Dillon. He’s rugged and outdoorsy, but sweet and caring. The girl’s character is confident and aggressive. She takes charge and he likes it. It makes me wonder if Dillon likes that. I’m not sure I can be that confident. By the time I finish reading the last page, the sun is already rising. I’m so tired but I’m also hot and irritated now. Just as I start to pick up another book, Dillon knocks and pokes his head in.
“Can I come in?”
“Sure.” I glance around at the seven books surrounding me. They all have topless people intertwined together. I suddenly feel embarrassed. I can feel my face heat up.