Animal Lover
THIS TRAIL RIDE WASN'T going to be my first time on a horse. I used to ride as a kid. Exposure to animals like horses, as well as our family dogs and cats, made me become the passionate animal lover that I am. I was so happy to have the opportunity to be around horses and animals all summer.
Before we left, Janine took me on a tour of a few buildings on the property and I met some of my fellow staff. One of the wranglers, Hector Torres, was young, slim, and shorter than me, with a gentle smile and an immediately-apparent sweet disposition.
Jimmy Johnson, another wrangler, had to be older than my dad and he'd been at Headlands since before I was born. He had weather-beaten, wrinkled skin, eyes that seemed like they were permanently squinting, and wore jeans and boots like he never took them off. I immediately pegged him to be the one who knew everything there was to know about the ranch—and perhaps life—and I really wanted to drink a beer with him.
Stephanie Wright, the therapeutic animal specialist, was my other roommate. Brown haired, plain, and a little plump, she moved with a grace and confidence that belied her ordinary exterior. She seemed like she could become a real friend, and had a caring and therapeutic demeanor.
Janine assigned me to a horse named Happy, who was a big draft horse, kind of slow. I gave him a carrot in a blatant attempt to bribe him into being my friend.
Once I got on the horse in the corral, my excitement for this job increased. I'd forgotten how much I loved horseback riding. As we started off, riding past the corral and barn to the trail, I turned to Janine, "I'm going to be sore tomorrow. It's been years since I've been on a long, hard ride. This is going to exercise muscles that haven't been used in a while."
I heard a low, male chuckle, and saw Will, standing by the tack room, cover his mouth with his hand, having overheard me.
Dirty motherfucker. Guess I said that too loud.
Still, perhaps he had a sense of humor?
Dirty humor plus attractive body equaled way more interesting in my way of doing math. I wasn’t sure those things made up for the fact that he was Republican, however. I mean, hooking up with a conservative? That crossed a line. A party line.
Our horses walked along the hilly trail and Janine told me that the program started because Will's mother needed rehabilitation after a car accident. Will's father had brought in a specialist to teach her how to ride horses as a way of exercising. With facilities in place, they decided to form a nonprofit for disabled kids. Then they expanded to take care of kids who lived in urban environments. Janine ran the day-to-day operations of the nonprofit, while Will oversaw the ranch.
When we got to the top of the hill we stopped, still astride the horses. The wind picked up and blew my hair around. I took in the panoramic view of the Pacific, brown hills to the back of us, and appreciated the beauty of the land around me.
I imagined what it would be like for a kid from Los Angeles or another big city to see this, nothing but wild nature next to the vast blue-green ocean. Then, I remembered that my first group were visually impaired kids. So I thought about how I could help them to experience what it felt like to ride a horse, guided by a wrangler holding a rope. Besides the movement of the animal, they’d feel the tang of the wind on their cheeks and smell the dry, sagey native plants.
We headed back after an hour or so on the trail, then put away the horses and tack, ensured that all animals had enough food and water, closed up for the evening, and went to the chow hall for dinner.
Now, since I had been a vegan for years, I was used to all the issues that came up about eating differently than everyone else. I didn't push my choices on anyone, but I also didn't want to be force-fed meat or dairy. Normally, wherever I went, there was nothing for me to eat, so I came to Headlands prepared to take care of myself, stocked with canned tofu chili, soups, crackers, cereals, soy milk, and almond milk. I planned on cooking my own meals.
But this first night, I wanted to at least make an appearance in the chow hall. Janine walked me into the large, industrial kitchen and introduced me to Jaime Gonzales, the ranch cook, nicknamed "Cookie." A wide and tall man, with forearms like hams, he grinned and his huge smile showcased gold teeth.
"Any allergies?" he asked.
"Well, I'm vegan," I replied.
He blanched.
"So, no meat? Shit. What do you eat, girl? No wonder you're so skinny." His brows furrowed and he looked concerned.
I smiled. "Don't worry, I can take care of myself. I brought my own food."
Cookie breathed a sigh of relief. "We'll always have peanut butter and jelly sandwiches."
"Good to know," I said.
I went out to the dining room and surveyed the lines of tables and benches, clearly set up for feeding a crowd. Because it was just the staff, everyone gathered at one table, passing bowls of food, family style. Even Will was there. I picked up dishes and silverware and joined the table, sitting at an empty seat on the bench right next to Will. My jean-clad leg brushed his and he flinched. I intentionally ignored him.
Cookie had made pinto beans, Mexican rice, and salsa that were all safe for me, in addition to chicken and cheese for the others to make tacos. I filled up a bowl and looked around.
"Hi, everyone!" I chirped.
"So, what's this about you not eating meat?" asked Jimmy. "You some sort of hippie?"
"Veee-gan!" I sang. "I just don't want to eat animals. I think they should have rights."
The table stared at me, all except Stephanie, who smiled.
"Fucking liberal," I heard Will mutter under his breath. Such an asshole. A tan, handsome, muscular asshole.
If he was going to be this way the whole time, I wasn't sure how I'd make it through the summer. I needed this internship for my program. So, I reminded myself to be polite to the boss, even if he was rude.
I let out a breath. "I understand that you might not want to make my choices," I said, as calmly and diplomatically as I could, "but they are mine to make." Then I couldn't help myself and hissed, lower, "And, seriously? What is your problem?"
Will just stared at me. But I saw something flash in his eyes, perhaps a thrill at egging me on?
Motherfucker. He is not fucking this job up for me. "I'm so excited for this first group of kids to come," I gushed to the rest of the table, ignoring him and his surliness.
After dinner, in the bunkhouse, I picked up my phone, thinking about the day. Only I could have two naked (or almost naked) run-ins with my hot boss within a matter of minutes. I laughed to myself and checked my messages.
How was your first day of work?
This was Amelia, texting me.
I rode a horse. I saw my sexy but right-wing asshole boss naked. And he saw me topless in a thong.
I thought this was summer camp not a nudist colony.
You don't seem surprised by my misadventures.
I know you. Let me know how he is in bed.
Girlfriend . . .
Legally, you'll need to sign a love contract before you sleep with your boss.
No need for legal advice yet.
Well, it's only your first day.