Chapter Five

Los Angeles, May 2012.

Oliver had been training with Lynn for two weeks now. He was slowly becoming accustomed to saddles and even the weight of a rider on his back. Ava had been a great help in guiding him as Jocelynn sat on his back before handing her the reins and strolling around with the Quarter. Today was Saturday and Lynn had told Ava that she was going to ride him for the first time. Richie was less than amused as Ava told him this at dinner the day before but he trusted Lynn’s opinion so he didn’t say anything of it.

Lynn called Jack earlier to tell him about the progress they made with Oliver. He’d been one of the most gentle horses she’d met and it seemed like everything was fun to him.  Stepping out of the guesthouse in loose jeans and a tight black tee shirt, Jocelynn it was hard not to notice the shouting come from the main house as she passed it.

She couldn’t make out any words but it was definitely Richie and a female. A very angry female it seemed. Swearing loudly she cussed at the rocker and Richie’s deep voice raised as hers did. Jocelynn shook her head and continued walking towards the stables. It was a short walk and when arriving she noticed Ava, as usual, had been there to feed Olly. Though she was nowhere to be seen right now Lynn took the horse from his stable and grabbed some brushes from the tack room.

Richie had saved no expense in tack and gotten nothing but the best for his little girl. Ava had picked out a beautiful V brow headstall, finished with silver buckles and concho’s. Though Olly was being taught to ride without a bit it wouldn’t be long before she would use that one with a gentle snaffle bit. Also there was a tree-less saddle to fit the horse’s still growing back and an assortment of different colored pads and leg protection. Picking out the black wraps and brown Navajo print pad she got the horse ready for another training.

Stepping into the corral she carefully placed her camera bag on the outside and mounted the horse. After about ten minutes she saw Ava approaching with both of her parents. Olly’s ears turned towards the movement and Jocelynn slowed their pace to a walk instead of a jog.

“You ready Ava?” Jocelynn asked as her feet hit the ground. Ava nodded happily and Richie smiled with pride. “Go grab your head protection just to be safe.” The woman instructed and Ava disappeared into the barn.

Richie cleared his throat. “Jocelynn, this is Heather. Ava’s mom.” Pointed at the blonde woman next to him, Jocelynn definitely saw where Ava got her eyes from. “Heather, this is Jocelynn, she’s been training Ava’s horse for the past two weeks...according to Ava she’s doing a really got job.” He shrugged and smiled at Lynn.

Walking towards the edge of the corral she climbed up a bit, keeping the reins in her left hand, and extended her right for Heather to shake. The woman looked at her skeptically but shook her hand none the less. “It’s nice to meet you Heather. Ava will love it that you’re both here to see her ride Olly for the first time.”

Heather frowned. “I hope you know what you’re doing lady, if my daughter falls you will be responsible.”

Jocelynn wasn’t taken back by the comment. That was something she’d heard plenty times before. “I am aware but as you will see, Oliver is a real gentle horse with a cool head. And she has been on his back before, but with a leadrope. He behaved perfectly so now she will ride solo. I have complete faith in both of them.”

Oliver had come closer to the edge of the corral and poked his nose through. Richie grinned and stroked the soft flesh. Tucking his hand in the back pocket of his jeans he pulled out a treat for the horse, who appreciatively chewed it up after carefully using his lips to take it from the man’s hands.

“I’m ready Lynn. Let’s get to work!” Ava pumped her fist in the air and Jocelynn could swear she heard Richie chuckle behind her.

“Alrighty then. Hop on and just walk around a bit, using the reins for neck roping and keeping your legs fairly still. Just subtly push if steering.” Jocelynn explained as Ava mounted effortlessly.

Walking over to the outside of the corral she took the Canon from her bag and positioned herself on the top of the fence. Ava was calm as ever and Oliver behaved better than usual with her, it seemed as if he could sense how important this particular meeting was. When a few rounds were done in a walking pace Jocelynn motioned for Ava to try a slow jog. Moving her hands forward slightly Olly had more room with the reins and Ava clicking her tongue did the trick. The teen let out a quiet squeal of delight and rode a few rounds. Every now and then making him stop and then go on, first in a walk, then jog. Soon enough she clicked extra after a gently stop and Olly was off in a jog.

Jocelynn was clicking away on the camera, capturing the looks of joy on Ava’s face. The last one captured her parents too, in the background. Heather looking bored with a frown on her face, Richie grinning with pride. Such different people, how the two of them ever had a happy marriage Jocelynn wondered. Quickly scolding herself for the thought. Not your business!

“You can let him cool down now Ava. Olly’s done a wonderful job today so this is enough for him.” Jocelynn spoke.

Ava nodded. “Easy.” She said as she sat more firmly in the saddle. Oliver slowed his pace and Ava loosened the reins even more. “You got some good shots?”

The woman behind the camera nodded. “Sure did. I’ll send ‘em to your laptop later today.” Tucking the black device away she walked over to where Richie was leaning on the fence and Heather pushing the screen of her phone. “So rockstar, when are you gonna get up?” Lynn asked with a daring smile.

Richie laughed and even Heather looked up from the phone. “Dunno darlin. Ya gonna teach me a thing or two?” He grinned at her and Jocelynn placed her hands on her hips.

“I don’t see why not! At least then Ava will be thoroughly amused. Although I don’t think your band will be too pleased if you’ve cracked your ribs, broken a leg and have a concussion.” She winked and strolled over to the side of the barn where she got everything ready for Ava to hose down the young horse. She had seen her come off as she walked away and after a quick chat with her parents guided the horse to the side and took off the bit-less headstall and swing on a halter. Securing him carefully she reached for the hose.

Both parents followed her and after a kiss on the cheek Heather said she was heading back home and, without another word to either Richie or Jocelynn, she left. Jocelynn watched her go and quietly asked Ava for the hose. Knowing what was on her mind Ava complied. Lynn and her dad have been going at it with pranks and silly jokes since that first night in the pool.

Reaching over the horse she turned the switch on the hose to it became more direct and aimed at the brown haired guitar player. Swearing he ducked but it was too late. He was drenched in cold water. Lynn handled the hose from another angle now and kept spraying. Olly was done anyway and Ava was busying herself on getting the excess water off him. Grinning she turned around just in time to see her dad launch himself over to the woman and battle her for the hose. She wouldn’t give up without a fight so Richie had to dodge more loads of water coming his way.

The teen took the horse by the rope and led him inside the barn and towards his stable. Opening up the outside door too Olly was able to reach his paddock and run around on his own to blow of some steam after a serious training.

Jocelynn shrieked as Richie got a hold of the hose, his big and strong hands covering hers. Staring her dead in the eyes she met his soft brown ones. He offered an apologetic smile before turning their grip so the water was directed at her face and shirt. Seconds later, she too, was soaked to the bone. The water flow stopped soon which indicated Ava was cleaning up the tack and turned off the water supply.

Standing rooted to the ground Jocelynn was incapable of looking away now. Richie’s lips looked so soft and inviting. Keep it together Jocelynn. He’s your boss. That’s it. Backing away quickly, she made a muttered excuse about checking on Ava and finshing cleaning up the barn before turning and quickly walking back towards the barn, leaving a very confused Richie in her wake.