So... Is Mich having problems...? or is Horatio just being a little over-protective...
Lucy
Chapter 32
“What are you talking about Horatio?”
The expression on Mich’s face showed that she was genuinely surprised by his question, which confused Horatio even more. Slowly he explained what he had seen… The lack of interest in training, taking a break from teaching. Finishing lower than expected in the recent competition.
“It’s just not you Mich. Are you ok?”
Mich answered him softly, a shy look crossing her face. “I’ve never been better Horatio.”
“Then why the sudden change? Rejecting all the Wolf’s traits completely is going to cause problems for you.”
Mich sighed, “I have to Horatio. I have to re-build myself.”
Seeing Horatio’s confusion at her words Mich dropped her head. “When you were at the hospital, I mentioned that I needed time to think… To sort myself out.”
“When you arrived back at the barn, I found myself without anytime at all… Training, teaching, watching the kids… Trying to keep my temper, to keep my promise to you was made so much harder because of the pressure I was under with the competition due. I had to train myself, and several students.”
“After the competition, I realised that the only way that I would have time to think would be to have a short break…”
Horatio nodded his understanding, “but why didn’t you say anything? I couldn’t work it out.”
Mich gave a soft smile, “I thought you realised… I’m sorry if I’ve worried you.”
Horatio smiled back, “At first I was just curious, but then when the clients started leaving…”
Mich chuckled softly, “But you suggested it… You suggested I got rid of the hangers on. When I asked Kate to take over my lessons for a while, those three started to complain immediately.”
Horatio stared at her, “But they were big payers Mich… Big earners for you.”
“They were also the most arrogant, unappreciative and difficult clients I’ve ever had. I had to give them one-to-one lessons cause no one wanted to share with them… I was wasting at least nine hours a week just in arena time… Then all the complaints and grumbles on top.”
“With them out of the way, I now have nine hours free for new clients… For training horses, riding myself. The stress has gone down so much. The atmosphere in the barn has changed, the other clients are happier too. A couple have even booked extra training time because they know I have the space now.”
Horatio was curious, “But your other clients, aren’t they wondering what is going on?”
Mich laughed, “Not at all… You know I’ve been doing this online coaching theory course?” Horatio nodded. “I just told them that I was a little behind and needed to catch up. It’s actually the truth – now I’m a few weeks ahead. I’m going to start taking my classes back next week.”
“But you stopped training yourself too Mich and you have a competition in a couple of weeks.”
The humour in Mich’s eyes caused Horatio to hesitate as she answered softly, “I’ve withdrawn from that competition Horatio. It’s not going to affect my points for the state championship – I can drop my three lowest scores through the season. I would rather sort myself out first, try and get rid of the stress which fuels my anger. The championship is not going to run away – if I lose this year, it doesn’t matter, there’s always next year.”
Seeing the look of stunned amazement on his face, Mich shyly dropped her head. “Horatio, over the last couple of weeks I’ve had the space and time to think and I’ve realised that although the Barn is my livelihood and I need to make some sacrifices to keep it successful, it is not the most important thing in my life.”
Slowly Mich eased herself from the sitting position she had been in, lying on her side looking directly at Horatio. “I won’t say my priorities have changed, because they haven’t… Let me say they have been… adjusted. As much as I want to reach the top of my profession – and I’m willing to make sacrifices because of it, without the girls and without you… I have nothing.”
Horatio stared back at Mich not knowing what to say at first, but as he opened his mouth to speak, she placed a finger on his lips. “It will take me time to adjust and I know that sometimes I might not cope very well with it, but please believe me when I say that I really want to do this… I really want to try and find a balance between work and family… and you.”
Horatio finally found his voice and softly acknowledged Mich’s decision. “Sounds to me like you’ve taken another step Mich.” Sliding his hand through the lock of hair that had as usual escaped its band, he tucked it behind her ear giving a soft smile, “and it looks like I’m going to need some help.”
Mich gave him a startled look which became a little dismayed, “Oh?”
“I have a few things at my condo which will need to be moved into the house at the barn.”
“Why’s that?”
“Well, I don’t think I’m going to be leaving…”
As his words began to sink in, he noticed a tear sliding down Mich’s face as she realised what he meant. As she tucked herself in close he smiled as the soft words reached him. “I love you Horatio Caine.”
Leaning back with his head on the sand one eye on his daughter, arm tucked around the waist of his partner, relaxing on a beautiful beach, Horatio decided that life at that moment could not possibly get any better.