Olivia sucked in a deep breath and slowly let it out. “Shall we get to planning the parties now?”
For the next hour, we talked about both parties. I made notes and wrote down ideas. I got the feeling that poor Justin was just going along with this to please Olivia. She seemed to have a hidden agenda behind this party, but I just couldn’t put my finger on what it was.
I needed to make a trip into Austin—that was for sure. I’d been dying to go to Austin ever since Court and I had moved here. When I mentioned heading into Austin later to look for some items for Olivia’s engagement party, I saw Court’s eyes light up.
Olivia stood and smiled. “So, now that business is out of the way, I see you girls are dressed perfectly for pleasure. ”
Courtney and I glanced at each other.
I looked back at Olivia and gave her a weak smile. “What did you have in mind?”
Her fake-ass smile grew bigger. “Horseback riding, of course. You girls do know how to ride, right? I mean, I know y’all are from New York and all, but riding is so easy. Anyone can do it. I use to barrel race in high school. ”
I saw Courtney sit up straight, and I quickly looked at her and winked. I turned back to Olivia.
What a royal bitch! If she wants to play that way…well then, have at it, honey.
“Oh, well, you know, I’ve been around a horse or two in my life. We could certainly give it a try. ”
The Cheshire Cat smile spreading across Olivia’s face just about had me gagging.
“Well then, let’s go, ladies. Justin, Mimi, will you excuse us for some girl time?”
They both nodded.
“Girls, now, be careful and have fun,” Mimi called out.
I asked Olivia, “Do you mind if I run to Courtney’s truck to put my things away and grab my sunglasses?”
“Of course not. Do you remember how to get to the barn? I’ve already called down to the stables and had them saddle up some horses, so y’all don’t have to worry about trying to do something you’re not familiar with,” she said with a shit-eating grin.
As Court and I walked to the truck, I was getting angrier by the second.
“Oh. My. God. Who in the hell does she think she is?” I balled my fists.
“How long are you planning on playing the we-are-stupid-city-folk role? ’Cause I really want to kick her in the teeth right about now. ” Courtney turned and looked over her shoulder.
I shook my head. “What a damn bitch. What in the hell did Layton ever see in her?”
“Beats me. Maybe the blonde hair, big tits, and blue eyes? Probably rocked his world in bed, too. ”
I stopped and just looked at her. “Really?”
“What? You asked, and I gave you my thoughts. If you don’t want to hear my thoughts, don’t ask me the question, bitch. ”
The whole way from the truck to the barn, I couldn’t shake the image of Layton and Olivia together.
We rode for about forty-five minutes, and even though I was pretty sure we were heading toward Layton’s property, I couldn’t be certain. I wasn’t so great with directions. Courtney was playing the whole city-girl act to a tee.
“How are you girls doing?” Olivia asked with a smile as she looked over her shoulder at us.
“Doing great!” I called back.
Then, I heard male voices.
“Oh, wow! Looks like Layton is out riding with some friends,” Olivia said with a slight smile.
She took off so fast that I had to hold my horse back from wanting to run right along with her horse.