{"id":34671,"date":"2023-07-21T09:52:38","date_gmt":"2023-07-21T14:52:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/?p=34671"},"modified":"2023-07-21T09:52:38","modified_gmt":"2023-07-21T14:52:38","slug":"chapter-9-falling-for-elaine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/2023\/07\/21\/chapter-9-falling-for-elaine\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 9: Falling for Elaine"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cMr. Morrow seemed very taken with you,\u201d Strawberry said, eyes twinkling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho?\u201d asked Elaine innocently from across the table at the ice cream shop.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Morrow\u2026 with Monk Publishing,\u201d said Strawberry with a significant look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh! Yes, that kind stallion from earlier,\u201d Elaine recalled. \u201cImagine, breaking down in front of him like that! He must have been glad to get away from me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cQuite the opposite, I should think,\u201d Strawberry observed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not saying–oh, Strawberry!\u201d Elaine burst out laughing. \u201cI know you\u2019re accustomed to inserting romance into everything–and you\u2019re very skilled at it, as your book sales show–but I think you\u2019re <\/span>very <\/span><\/i>off-base on this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Strawberry shook her head, bemused. Had Elaine really missed the effect she had had on the stallion? \u201cWhy, look who it is,\u201d she said with a sly look as Alan entered the establishment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, hello! You must have some more points to discuss with Strawberry,\u201d Elaine said politely as Alan took the seat next to her. \u201cI will just get out of your way and leave you to business.\u201d She made to leave.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cActually,\u201d Alan interjected quickly, \u201cI wanted to talk to you, Elaine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally? What for?\u201d said Elaine with wide, innocent eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Strawberry tried to be unobtrusive as she watched the scene play out in front of her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI, uh, I don\u2019t have any pets,\u201d Alan stammered, \u201cbut what would you recommend for a first-time owner?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, sure!\u201d said Elaine, instantly warming to the topic. \u201cWell, you\u2019ll want to think about what temperament you\u2019d like, and what would fit in your lifestyle. Dogs and cats are popular choices, of course, but there are plenty of options! You know, rats are gaining popularity, very affectionate. And,\u201d here her expression turned very serious, \u201cyou must keep in mind that a pet is a big commitment; they need consistent care, and you might be looking at ten or twenty years or more, depending on the species.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI travel a lot. For my job,\u201d Alan said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d said Elaine. \u201cYou might consider a reptile or amphibian; there is more set-up involved, but there are slow-release food options for time away. But,\u201d she added warningly, \u201cyou have to worry about equipment failure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI may not be in the right place to take on pet ownership right now,\u201d Alan admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it\u2019s very responsible and mature of you to admit that,\u201d Elaine said, patting his hoof.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026 ah\u2026 it\u2019s a lovely evening, and I haven\u2019t had a chance to see this river walk the tourism bureau was pushing. Would you like to come with me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe?\u201d Elaine asked disbelievingly. \u201cWell, sure. If you want.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Though not the most enthusiastic of responses, it was in the affirmative, and Alan counted it as a success. \u201cIt’s a pleasant evening,\u201d he commented once they were outside. He berated himself for resorting to inane small talk, but any cohesive thoughts had abandoned him in such close proximity to this mare.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt really is lovely, you’re right,\u201d Elaine said with a heart-stoppingly sweet smile as if he had made some remarkable observation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou haven’t lived here long, have you?\u201d Alan asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust two weeks,\u201d Elaine said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought so. You’re not listed on the clinic website\u2026\u201d Alan reddened. \u201cEr… not that I was researching Strawberry or anything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Elaine giggled. \u201cWill your boss be mad that you didn’t win the contract?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing I won’t weather,\u201d said Alan glibly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you actually work with my grandfather?\u201d Elaine looked at him curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do… he’s semi-retired, but still keeps a hoof in talent recruitment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see.\u201d Elaine sank into contemplative silence.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou’re nothing like him, and I mean that as a compliment,\u201d Alan said with a sidelong look and teasing a smile from her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you from Forest Brook originally?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was born in Frostmont, but my dad took a job in Forest Brook when I was six,\u201d Alan said. \u201cIt’s a nice town, you know… If you ever have the chance to stop by.\u201d He darted a glance at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don’t think my presence would be appreciated,\u201d Elaine demurred.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThough there are some stubborn old fools in the place… not naming names… the majority of the populace doesn’t adhere to the old feud,\u201d Alan assured her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Elaine raised her brow. \u201cSo you’re saying there’s no rivalry between you and your colleagues at Fairfax Publishing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you have to expect some friction in any business setting,\u201d Alan said. \u201cBut it’s not based on family associations.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s good.\u201d Elaine smiled, and they continued their companionable walk, talking about everything from foalhood experiences, to movie and musical tastes; and even more mundane topics, like food preferences and the presence of garbage along the path. \u201cLook at that,\u201d she said, tsking. \u201cHow can ponies just leave their ice cream cup on the ground? The trash can is only three feet away.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTruly deplorable,\u201d Alan readily agreed, who ordinarily would have ignored such a detail; but in this instance, he leapt into action and discarded the trash in the nearby receptacle. Elaine looked on admiringly, and his heart swelled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, here’s the scenic lookout,\u201d she noted, gesturing ahead and to the right. \u201cDo you want to check it out?\u201d Without waiting for an answer, she headed in that direction, and Alan followed. \u201cIt’s a great view,\u201d she said, looking out over the river and the twinkling lights of the residences on the opposite bank.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed,\u201d Alan said with an admiring look not at the scenery, but at his companion. \u201cElaine, I\u2026\u201d He drew in closer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, well, look who we have here!\u201d The moment was shattered by this piercing exclamation. \u201cAlan Morrow, cavorting with the black sheep!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLydia!\u201d exclaimed Alan, frowning. Elaine cocked her head curiously at the mare who appeared on the scene.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, dear. I don’t believe we’ve met,\u201d said Lydia, stepping forward and offering her hoof to the mare. \u201cLydia Swanford, of Fairfax Publishing. You must be aware that you’re quite the object of curiosity, being of such… <\/span>notorious<\/span><\/i> parentage.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLydia, you\u2019ve gone too far,\u201d seethed Alan.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI mean no offense, but it is true,\u201d Lydia said sweetly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou really do all hate each other on account of that feud,\u201d Elaine said, eyes welling up with tears.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Elaine, no\u2026\u201d Alan said, desperately trying to calm her while looking in exasperation at Lydia.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another couple appeared on the scene, namely, Tabby and Thomas. \u201cElaine!\u201d said Thomas, shocked. \u201cWhat are you doing with <\/span>these ponies<\/span><\/i>!\u201d He cast a withering glance over Alan and Lydia.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust thinking about the feud,\u201d Elaine said with a sniffle. \u201cI\u2019m fine–I\u2019m just a little overcome–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby sat on the bench with Elaine and ministered to her, while Thomas took Alan and Lydia aside. \u201cDid you have instructions to harass us while you were here?\u201d he demanded harshly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cN-n-no\u2026\u201d was all Alan could muster.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not an exhibit to be studied and reported on. If they care that much, they can come in pony. Now, leave us be!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re sorry, it was misconstrued,\u201d Lydia said, bowing her head. \u201cWe\u2019ll be on our way now.\u201d She stepped back, and dragged Alan with her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alan turned to say farewell to Elaine, but Thomas blocked him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Thomas, you didn\u2019t have to be such a bear. He\u2019s a perfectly reasonable stallion,\u201d Elaine chided when she was able to talk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was working an agenda, collecting data on us for our illustrious grandparent,\u201d Thomas said, frowning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re too suspicious,\u201d said Elaine, but with an uncertain tinge.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Alan was quiet on the walk back to the hotel.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlan, I don’t understand why you’re giving me the cold shoulder,\u201d Lydia said, grasping at him as he tried to outpace her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes you don’t know when to mind your own business,\u201d Alan snapped.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was just out for a walk,\u201d Lydia pouted. \u201cI’m sorry I didn’t realize I was interrupting a <\/span>moment<\/span><\/i>, but it’s not fair to shun me over it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat may be, but you could have gone on your way instead of instigating a fight!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHer emotions are fragile; she took things too personally,\u201d Lydia said, tossing her mane. \u201cI was just making conversation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think you knew exactly what you were doing.\u201d Alan glared at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, come on!\u201d said Lydia, losing her cool. \u201cThe boss’s granddaughter, really, Alan? You don’t need to resort to that old trick to increase your prestige.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou think my interest is calculated?\u201d he hissed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI mean, I can see that she’s an easy enough mark, unlike her brother, or I might have tried the tactic myself… I’m joking!\u201d Lydia exhaled impatiently at his dark look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s enough, Lydia. Goodnight.\u201d Nodding curtly, he turned aside at a fork in the path, and Lydia continued on by herself, greatly perturbed at her friend\u2019s behavior.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Strawberry has scruples, and doesn’t wish to ally herself with someone who cuts off his own child,\u201d Alan calmly summarized his report to his boss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat!\u201d shouted Cecil, pouding a hoof on his desk. \u201cThat has nothing to do with the matter at hoof!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe seems to be attached to the siblings,\u201d Alan observed. \u201cYou know\u2026 your grandchildren.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmm\u2026\u201d Cecil frowned. \u201cShe\u2019s not in love with the boy, is she?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but–from what I gather–her best friend <\/span>is<\/span><\/i>,\u201d Alan said with a significant look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, this is a fine kettle of fish,\u201d snapped Cecil.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alan looked steadily at his boss. \u201cYou have a lovely granddaughter, sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHarrumph! Out with you! Out!\u201d huffed Cecil, sending Alan scurrying off.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Not too many days later, a bouquet of flowers arrived at the clinic, and Strawberry was all atwitter. \u201cOh, look, Elaine, at what came for you!\u201d she gushed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor me?\u201d said Elaine, bewildered, but taking the card to read. \u201cAlan? Really?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas muttered something unintelligible and stalked off.<\/span><\/p>\n

But Elaine tucked the card away; and later, when she had some down time, she dialed the number it contained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello… Alan? It’s Elaine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI recognized your voice. It’s good to hear.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for the flowers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was the least I could do, after… what Lydia said was unconscionable, I should have\u2026\u201d Alan trailed off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat could you have done about what Lydia said?\u201d Elaine said chidingly. \u201cNo, I won’t let you beat yourself up over it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I wanted to let you know I enjoyed our time together, and I’m sorry it ended in such a way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, maybe we can try it again sometime… if you find yourself in town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’d like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cMr. Morrow seemed very taken with you,\u201d Strawberry said, eyes twinkling. \u201cWho?\u201d asked Elaine innocently from across the table at the ice cream…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1071],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-34671","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-writing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34671","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34671"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34671\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34672,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34671\/revisions\/34672"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34671"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34671"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34671"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}