18Chapter Six
Sounds like a Broken Record
The smell of horse manure greeted my nose early the next morning. I took a deep breath; I had been coming to the palace stables forever, the smell was a natural to me as fresh air. It reminded me of my childhood when I would spend all day riding horses in an attempt to stay away from Ryan. Being the daughter of the Royal family's BFFs certain had its perks, like still being able to ride any horse that I wished to and after last night, I really need to spend the day free from people and riding a horse.
I cautiously and quietly walked around the stables; there was a rumor going around that the King and Queen had recently bought a new horse that has been deemed by the trainers untrainable. Being the curious person I was, I was dying to see the horse.
"Excuse me, Miss Kate. May I help you?" a stable hand said popping out of nowhere.
I blinked startled that he had surprised me. Not many people are able to "pop out of nowhere" around me, I always notice anyone approaching. "Uhm, yeah. Could you please tell me where the new horse is?" I asked nicely.
"She's located in the East Stables. I could take you there if you'd like," he said adjusting the bundle of hay he was carrying.
"Are you sure? I don't want to put anyone out of the way."
"Oh no miss, it's quite alright," he replied putting the hay down in the corner. "If you'll just follow me." He said turning and leading the way. "If you wish to ride her, miss, I would highly suggest rethinking that idea. Nobody's been able to ride her, or even get near her," he said as we walked.
"That's what I've heard," I said. "I've just wanted to see what she looks like, that's it. And if she decided to take a chance and like me, well...then that's an added bonus." Since I had been riding the palace horses since I was five, most of the stable hands knew me and I had free reign of the stable.
"What are you doing here?" Ryan asked as we turned around the corner.
I stopped, "I could ask you the same question," I replied coldly crossing my arms.
"I live here. So that means I can go anywhere I wish to," he said copying my stance. I rolled my eyes, "So…are you going to answer my question?" He asked.
"No," I said walking deeper into the stables. He followed behind me.
"I don't think you want me to ask you again," he demanded.
I stopped, took a deep breath and turned around sharply, "Well if you really want to know. I was going to go horseback riding, but I've changed my mind," I said glaring at him.
"Oh well then, don't let me get in your way," he said backing up.
"I'll make sure of that," I responded matching his tone. "So where's the new horse?"
"She's over there," Ryan replied motioning with his head.
"I wasn't talking to you!" I snapped. I turned to the stable hand that had been standing there watching the show, "Where is the new horse?" I asked sweetly.
"She's over there, Miss," he replied pointing towards the stall Ryan had previously motioned to it.
"Thanks," I said smiling as I walked over to the horse. I gasped; she was gorgeous. That shouldn't have surprised me because all the palace horse were stunning, but she surpassed them all. I opened the stall door and stepped in; the horse paid no attention to me as I went and sat on a stack of hay.
"Hey, I told you exactly the same thing and I didn't get a thanks," Ryan said when the stable hand left. He leaned against the door of the stall.
I let out a breath to show I was annoyed and I turned my attention to the horse. "Hey girl," I murmured holding out my hand a few inches from her face. She backed up a bit, a little cautious. I didn't move my hand back, I knew she would come once she realized I wasn't a threat.
"Look, Kate," Ryan began hesitantly. "I know that you think it's none of my business and I know you think that I am trying to control you. But I know Adam better than you and I just-"
I raised my eyebrows, "You're right; it is none of your business. Besides, we've all been going to the same school since we ere in diapers. I know him just as well as you do" I said interrupting him.
Ryan pulled over a bucket, turned it upside down and sat down. "Kate," he said pausing. "I'm trying to tell you this as a friend; be careful with Adam. I know him a tad more than you and I know his …intentions, for lack of a better word."
I rolled my eyes, "Geez, Ry. It's just one measly date. I hardly think he'd try something on the first date," I said as the horse stepped a foot closer, cautiously.
"God Kate!" He said throwing his hands up in the air. "You're not fucking listening to me! Pretend I'm Dot or Jacey and fucking listen!"
I looked at him, trying to imagine him wearing the dress Jace wore last night. The image was hilarious and before I knew it I was laughing out loud. "I'm sorry that – is just – so funny- you – in a dress!" I said between fits of laughter.
He smirked, "Imagining me in a dress, Katie? I'd rather you picture me in nothing at all."
I rolled my eyes, leave it to him to make an innuendo at a moment like this, "I'd rather picture you in a dress. It's freaking hilarious! If only you could be in my mind." I said laughing even harder as the horse came closer to me. I stopped laughing, startled that the horse was curious of me. She stopped and stared at me, unsure of what to do.
Ryan shook his head, "I'm not trying to control you," he said softly. I turned my attention to him. "I just want to give you all the information."
"And I appreciate that. But Ry, you gotta realize I'm seventeen years old and I am pretty sure I can handle myself."
"Obviously not when it comes to guys," he muttered just loud enough for me to hear.
"Excuse me!" I screeched standing up, "What about you and all the sluty girls you date? Or the fact that the whole fucking school thinks you cheated on Rachael? I think I've got a better track record than you when it comes to the opposite sex!" I was pissed; how dare he question my judgment especially when his wasn't one to praise.
Something I said seemed to make him snap, "I didn't cheat on Rachael and even if the whole fucking school believes that doesn't mean it's true. I'm not a cheater!" He argued taking a deep breath, "And if you think that I only date sluts – which I don't – then you obviously don't know me at all. You know what, go and get screwed over by Adam, see if I give a damn!" He said walking off.
The horse neighed and stamped her foot at Ryan's exit. I smiled, "I know girl, I know."
I walked back to the pool house after working with the new horse. Surprisingly, she took to me and I was the only one she'd listen to and let ride. I'm the horse whisperer – hah! The stable hands claimed that they had never seen her act that way towards anyone the whole month she'd been there and I got permission to ride her whenever I wanted to.
When I entered the pool house, I noticed Ryan slumped down into the couch absentmindedly watching TV.
"You're loverboy called," he said not bothering to look in my direction but instead began to flip through the channels.
I grimaced at the lack of emotion in his voice, I'd never seen him this pissed before. "Ryan, it's just one date. I understand that you're trying to be a friend and all but I'm not going to cancel just because you think I shouldn't. Besides, it would be rude to cancel at the last minute."
Ryan began to protest, but I cut him off, "Look, I'll go on one date with him and if anything feels funny then I won't go on a second." I paused letting him think about it. "Anywho, I'm going to call him back, seeing as how it's the right thing to do," I said going into my room and closing the door. I walked over the dresser where my phone was charging. Unplugging the phone, I scrolled through the contacts list – twice. I frowned and walked back outside, "Hey, do you have Adam's number?"
Ryan scoffed, "Of course I have his number. Why do you need it or someth-" he paused and a smirk flitted across his face, "But I'm not going to give it to you."
"Why not?"
"Because if you don't have his number, then you can't call him back, which means you can't go on a date! Ha!" He said jumping up from off the couch.
"Urgh! Are you effing kidding me?" I screeched throwing my phone on the couch. "What a controlling, pompous, arrogant, ass of a prince!"
His smirk grew bigger, "My, my, Katie what a temper…"
I looked around the room seeing if his phone was nearby, if he wouldn't give it to me then I would just take it. Not seeing it, I quickly made a dash for his room. Unfortunately, Ryan saw where I was headed and jumped over the coffee table and blocked my entrance.
"Let me through!" I said trying to push him away from the door.
"Nope. Sorry Kate, if you insist on dating him, it is my responsibility to stop you," he said calmly, and not at all out of breath from me trying to push him aside.
"Ryan! You are such a butthead! If you don't let me through then I'll-" I stopped. Suddenly, I remembered that our bedrooms had connecting doors. "You know what, never mind. He'll call back so I just won't worry about it. When he calls be a dear Ry and bring me the phone," I said smiling sweetly as I turned around and walked back to my room.
I closed the door and nonchalantly walked over to my stereo, turning it up just enough so it would cover the noise the door would make when it opened but it wasn't intentionally too loud. I took off my shoes and softly walked over to the door. I grinned turning the knob. Thank God; Ryan left the door unlocked.
Opening the door, I stepped back. How in the world can a guy's room get so dirty so fast? I mean really, this was insane. We'd only been in the pool house a couple weeks max, and the maids cleaned up the place every week. So his room being this messy was crazy, I wonder what the media would think if they knew their beloved prince was a slob. I grinned, remembering this for future blackmail info.
Focus, I reminded myself, I'm here for a phone, not to diss the way Ry lives. I quietly crept around the room, trying to find his stupid phone.
"Ugh! Where is it?" I complained aggravated.
"Looking for this?" Ryan asked as he turned on the light. I turned around to where he was standing by the door, holding his cellphone. He laughed and walked over closer to me, "Katie, do you think I'm stupid? Did you honestly believe that I would forget we had connecting doors?" He laughed out loud. I shot him a glare. "Aww, man. Watching you searching for my phone was priceless. Especially every time you came up empty handed you got so frustrated, it was hysterical."
"How did you know?" I asked sternly.
"Know what?" he asked confused.
"Know about my plan."
"You forget, Katie, I know you better than you think I do. You gave in too easily early, and you have a horrible poker face. I knew something was up so I went in my room and that's when I saw the connecting doors. Then I knew exactly what you were planning so I took my phone and waited next to the door, where you couldn't see me but I could see you." He said waving his phone around as he explained. I shot him an evil look; if I could keep him distracted a little bit longer than maybe I could grab the phone from him.
Ryan laughed at my glare, "You're not as fierce as you think you are, Katie. That glare does nothing, except tarnish your pretty face." He teased.
I growled and lunged for the phone. Ryan held it out of reach and laughed some more. "I am so glad I provide you such amusement," I said sarcastically trying to get to the phone. "Now give me the damn phone!" I said tackling him to the floor.
Ryan groaned at hitting the floor, "God Kate! That fucking hurt. A warning next time would be nice." I ignored him, and tried to get the phone, which he was holding over his head.
"Oh my gosh, you are so annoying! Did you know that?" He groaned still trying to keep the phone away, but he was fighting a losing battle. I was almost there, just a little more –
"Wait, was that the phone?" I asked stopping the pursuit of the phone.
"What phone?" Ryan asked. "And can you please get off of me? Not that I mind you on top of me, just not like this. Perhaps we should take -"
"Shut up and listen, dumbass," I said getting off and listening.
Riingg!
"Ah ha! I was right!" I said after hearing the muffled ring from the other room. "I bet it's Adam, so I don't need your cell phone any way, so there!" I gloated, sticking my tongue out. I made a mad dash for the door, and almost made it there when I fell. "Get your hand off my ankle!" I yelled.
"Nope, sorry. You're not allowed to answer the phone," he said getting up and heading for the door.
I tripped him with my feet, "What stupid rule is that? You just don't want me to answer the phone because it might be Adam. Seriously is it that bad if I go on one date with him?" I said getting up and running out the door.
"Yes, it would be," he said catching up behind me.
I ran to the kitchen and picked up the phone where it was sitting, "Hello."
"Aww, Kate. Hi, is my son there with you?" asked Queen Anne from the other end.
"Yes he is, would you like to speak with him?" I asked trying not to let my frustration show that it was Adam calling.
"I'd actually like to speak to both of you, can you turn on the speakerphone or something like that?" she asked nicely.
"Yeah, I can do that. Can you hold on a second?" I asked.
"Sure dear," she said as I turned to Ryan.
Ryan furrowed his eyebrows, "Who is it?" he asked quietly.
"Your mother, she wants to talk to us for some reason. Last time she said this, the outcome wasn't too good," I said covering the mouthpiece of the phone.
He frowned, "Let's she what she wants," he said going over and hitting the speakerphone button on the phone cradle. "Hey Mom, what do ya need?" he asked.
"Oh good, you're both there," she said enthusiastically. "Well, your father and I wanted to know if you would like to go out to dinner tonight with Kate's parents."
"Do we actually have a choice?" Ryan asked.
"Well, no; not really…" She said trailing off at the end.
"We'd love to go," I said interrupting the line of swear words Ryan was about to start unleashing. "Where would you like us to meet you?"
"How about meeting us in the foyer at six sharp? That's when your parents are coming, then we'll decided where to go from there," she replied.
"That sounds great, see you at six." I said keeping my voice light as I hung up. "Okay Ry, now you can swear as much as you want."
He sulked, "Why do they always butt in our lives?"
"Because that's what they do. We fight; they meddle. It's the circle of life. Look on the bright side, it's only dinner this time, thank God!"
He rolled his eyes, "Oh yeah, it's just dinner."
I smiled, and people thought I was the dramatic one. Another plan popped into my mind. Ryan was distracted, his phone was lying on the floor in his room, and I was only a few feet away from the door.
I walked nonchalantly back to my room and went through the connecting door. This time I knew exactly where the phone was and wasted no time searching for it. I grabbed the phone and walked outside holding up my trophy.
"See this is exactly how my plan was supposed to work out," I said triumphantly. "Now I am going to make a phone call and I will see you at dinner." I walked back to room and locked both doors. Just in case anyone wants to know; I always win!
"Look, I know that we are still pissed at each other, but let's just chill for tonight so we don't have our parents down our backs, okay?" I said as Ryan and I walked to the main house together.
"Fine," he muttered. "But now that you have your 'precious' number can I have my phone back?" he asked.
I rolled my eyes, "Of course."
"So when are you two going on a date?" he asked taking his cell phone and putting it into his coat pocket.
"Friday at six o'clock," I replied as we walked into the foyer, where we meeting our parents. Tonight was a normal night, strictly two family friends going out to dinner, no ulterior motives and no match-making.
"There you are!" the Queen said noticing us walk in.
"Sorry," I frowned, "it took me a little longer to get ready than I thought." Ryan scoffed and I shot him a glare. Truth be told, the only thing that took a little longer was my phone call with Adam. He was really fun to talk to, and he was freakin' hilarious. I didn't want to hang up at all.
"Can we go now? I'm starved!" my dad muttered from the side.
"Where are we going?" Ryan asked. I prayed that this time they didn't go to a seafood place, like last time. The whole night I only had garlic bread and a soda because this seafood place didn't even serve chicken. It was fish, shellfish or nothing.
"That new Italian restaurant; the one that just opened," replied King James. "It's supposed to be good."
"I hope so," my dad replied. "I could eat a horse!"
We all laughed at my dad's child-like behavior. My dad was notoriously known for his appetite.
"Well if Todd's that hungry, I guess we'd better get going," Queen Anne replied as she motioned us outside to get into the palace limo, just one of the many perks of being the royal family's friend.
The ride was filled with laughter and reminiscing and surprisingly Ryan and I joined along in the "feel-good family time."
"Welcome, your majesties," the hostess said as we walked through the door. "If you'll follow me your table is ready."
"Thank you," Queen Anne said as we did what the hostess said.
We arrived at the tables and our fathers pulled out their wife's chair for them. I turned around to look at Ryan and noticed he pulled out my chair. I was a little shocked, Ryan was hardly the gentlemen to me (usually because I met his chivalry with sarcasm), but tonight he was pulling out my chair, I figured it was just because he was the following the examples of our parents.
"Thanks," I muttered taking my seat.
"No problem," he replied sincerely pushing the chair up and taking his own.
"Your wait will be with you momentarily," the hostess said as everyone else took their seats.
"This place is gorgeous," my mom said looking around.
"I know, I love the walls. It's so original," Queen Anne replied.
Our fathers looked at each other and started talking about the economy. I opened my menu, which as fate would have it was in Italian and had no descriptions. I looked around, having no idea what to order.
Ryan leaned over, "What are you getting ?" he asked.
"I have no idea. I'm thinking of doing eeiny meeny miney moe and hoping whatever it was it has no seafood in it," I said. "Can you read the menu at all?"
He laughed, "No, I'm just going to order the special of the night and suck it up."
"Why can't we just go to a simple restaurant. One where the food has names in English, with descriptions or at least pictures," I complained.
"Amen to that," Ryan replied as the waiter came to the table.
"Welcome to Il Coraggioso Amore, my name is John and I'll be your waiter tonight," he said confidently as though he waited on the royal family all the time. Hopefully his confidence meant he wouldn't spill anything on anybody tonight. He started rambling off the specials, as our parents listened and asking questions when they wanted to know more.
The parents ordered their food and the waiter turned to me, "What can I get you beautiful?" he flirted.
"What would you recommend?" I said smiling.
He rattled off the Italian name of some dish. I looked at him blankly, "Is that seafood?" I asked.
"No, it's a type of honey marinated chicken that is sweet and tangy," He described. "Perfect for a sweetheart like you."
I heard Ryan scoff next to me, "Sounds perfect," I smiled.
"What would you like on the side? Mashed potatoes, baked potato, seasoned vegetables or a salad perhaps?"
"Whatever you think is perfect," I replied.
"Seasoned vegetables it is," he replied writing my order down.
The waiter turned to Ryan, "What can I get for you, sir?"
Ryan opened his menu and chose a dish abruptly.
"I'll be right out with your appetizers," the waiter said writing Ryan's order down and walking off.
"What did you order?" I asked curiously.
"I don't know I just picked out," he snapped crossing his arms.
"What's your problem?" I muttered.
"I don't have a problem," he bit back. I turned away from him and took some bread. "Why were you flirting with him?
"Uh because he was flirting with me," I replied. "It's not like I'm taken or anything."
"Well you are going on a date with my friend," he replied.
I bit my tongue, "Exactly, a date. It's not even official or anything. Besides, last time I checked you didn't even want me to date Adam anyway." I leaned back in my chair. "I'm keeping my options open."
"Well…he's too old for you," Ryan said searching for a reason.
I laughed, "Too old? I didn't see that he had one foot in the grave. He's only like twenty-two, maybe. That's only a five year's difference, way not enough to make me Anna Nicole Smith."
"Older guys expect things," Ryan said omnisciently.
"What the hell are you trying to imply?" I asked lowering my voice.
Ryan smirked, "You know exactly what I'm trying to imply."
"You are un-freakin-believable!" I whispered angrily. "You are obviously delusional if you think you are my father and can decide who I date!"
"I am a guy, I know how guy's think. Sorry to keep the from hurting you!" he snapped.
"Look, I'm through discussing my love life with you. The chances of me and that waiter getting together are slimmer than you and I getting together. SO chill out; it's harmless flirting," I lectured.
"Fine," Ryan huffed crossing his arms. "So much for a quiet family dinner!"
I rolled my eyes as the waiter came over with our appetizers.
"Be careful," the waiter replied sitting a plate down in front of me, "It's as hot as you," he said winking.
I bit back a laugh and looked at Ryan, who shot me a look that clearly said he didn't understand what I saw in him. The waiter left us to our mal and I turned to Ryan smiling. "Was that just me or was that the lamest line ever?"
Ryan laughed, "No, I think it was." I joined him in laughter.
"This plate is as hot as you," I mocked. "Like, really, could ya get any lamer?"
"Actually, one of my friends (I'm not going to say who) but one of my friends went up to a girl. And I quote, said I think you have one of my ribs, baby. Trying to refer to that whole Adam and Eve thing. Sad thing is, the girl that he was trying to seduce had never sat foot in a church," he told.
I laughed, "Oh my gosh. How awkward would that be. I would have loved to see that girl's face!"
"Hey, what are you two laughing at?" My mom asked as our parents turned their attention to us.
"Oh nothing," I said trying to stop laughing.
My dad shrugged, "Well as long as they're getting along. I'm not going to complain."
They all murmured in agreement.
Ryan and I got back to the poolhouse and crashed on the couch. We spent the whole dinner making fun of the waiter and his attempts at wooing me. The sad thing was that he kept getting worse as the night went on.
"What time is it?" I asked kicking off my heels.
"Almost ten," Ryan replied glancing at the clock.
"Let's do something," I said sitting up in my seat.
"Like what?"
"I don't know, something fun."
"Oh well that helps," He replied sarcastically.
I rolled my eyes, "Very funny, Ry."
"Hey you're the one who said you wanted to do something fun. I'm content playing Guitar Hero all night long," He said taking off his coat and tie and throwing them on a nearby chair.
"Oh really? Ten bucks I can beat you!" I bet.
He looked at me incredulously, "Are you kidding me; I'm the reigning king at Guitar Hero. Ask anyone," he stated crossing his arms smugly.
"Every king has to be dethroned at some point," I replied.
"I'm sure my dad would love to hear you say that," Ryan replied.
"You're scared aren't you?" I replied smiling. "You are afraid that I'm going to beat you!"
"Psh, whatever. I could play all those songs with my hands behind my back," he replied.
"Let's see about that," I said taking a guitar. "Let the games begin."
Authors Note: Chapter six, hot off the presses (mistakes included).
FYI if you click on my authors name and go to my homepage you will find some things about the story that you may wish to read. Another FYI all reviews are appreciated; they can be as short as "Loved the story," the end. or "Hated the story" the end. I don't care, i would just like some feedback please.
Another thing, I know there are some holes and those will be fixed throughout; but if you wanted me to go back and fix everything it would take forever (because i'm a horrible procrastinator)
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Sarah Moody