Chapter 89

Megan found the pony, standing in a stable, chewing on some hay.

“Hey boy!”

A soft whinny drifted towards them. The pony nuzzled her hand, his ears pricked forward as he recognized her. She handed him the lump of sugar and her greedily slurped it up with his fleshy lips .

“Jaden really spoils you with all this sugar. “

She had the other lump in her pocket. The lump Richie promised Jaden. He couldn’t make it but made sure she remembered it.

Jon came closer, his hand stroking the velvety nose of the white pony.

“He is beautiful and well looked after.”

“Jaden makes sure his pony is in tip top condition. It cost quite a bit to keep him this way but the happiness he brings to Jaden, is well worth it!”

They heard the vet’s footsteps and turned around to meet him.

Jon was surprised to see that he was about their age, not an old man as he pictured him to be. He didn’t miss the appreciative once over he gave Megan and felt his irritation rise a notch.

“Hey Megan.”

“Hello Jason!”

Now they are hugging each other?! For God sake! How well do they know each other? Broad shouldered and a friendly, handsome face. He didn’t like him.

Jealousy making you nasty Jon?

He snubbed the voice in his head.

“Will I never!? Jon Bon Jovi! How did you get to meet such a dynamic personality honey? Hi , you can call me Jason.”

Jon tried his best to keep his smile plastered on his face.

“Well he is my employer.”

Jon’s cold stare was met with an amused light in her eyes. Just your employer, and what about the nights when your thighs were wrapped around my body and you didn’t know where I started and you ended?! He shook his head slightly. Keep your cool Jonny boy.

Jason whistled disbelievingly.

“So you’re touring with Bon Jovi? Geesh girl how do you handle all those testosterone around you? Or wait let me ask you this Mr. Bonjovi, how do you survive with this hell cat as part of your crew?”

The smile was false and Megan snickered at the strange hitch in Jon’s voice. He disliked the vet immensely she could tell.

“Jon will do. As for handling her, its my work. knowing how to handle women. Megan is a little lamb compared to other’s I’ve met. I’m quite good at handling her if I may say so myself. “

The double meaning wasn’t lost to Megan’s ears and warning signs started to flicker. Now was not the time to throw around our steamy sessions. She could see it was on his lips.

“I guess you’re right, but comparing her with a lamb? What did you do with her? Where did the Megan go that I know? She is a feisty little one…..”

He winked and hugged her to his side. Feisty…in bed? Worms ate at Jon’s insides.

“You still owe me a date remember? “

“Yes I do.” She nodded.

Jon was almost steaming from his ears. Megan didn’t know if she should laugh or get concerned.

Jon stepped forward, patting the pony on the neck.

“Well lets discuss the situation with White Blaze and then I’ll leave you two lovebirds to discuss your date.”

His eyes were blazing and his jaw had that little tick.

“Oh yes..Blaze. Well, we did an x-ray. The leg is definitely broken. I had Dr. Jeanne Best from Royalton Equine Veterinary Services here to confirm my suspicion and course of treatment.”

“Oh no! Broken!? But isn’t that life threatening? I’ve heard about some horses that needed to be put down!”

“The extreme cases yes, not that Blaze isn’t. We need to operate and there is a 90% chance that Blaze would never be able to carry a rider again. I know this might seem personal but seeing as we know each other, Megan this is a hellish expensive op. Anything can go wrong and Blaze could end up limp or even worse, the leg doesn’t grow back. Then you’ve wasted all that money and the pony doesn’t survive. Now I know this vet and I can negotiate with her for a reasonable price to do this op. So I think you should think about it before you make the final decision.”

Megan started shaking. She just couldn’t let her boy or this poor creature down. She felt the warmth as Jon pulled her closer to him. She felt his strength seeping into her weary bones.

“Spare no expense. The operation will go ahead, any costs will be to my account.” The authority in his voice chased any thoughts of arguing to the side.

“I’ll let her know then. I’m going to get this ball rolling, if we’re lucky we might even do the operation tomorrow or the day after. I’ll call you with regards to our date.’ He turned to walk away. He knew when he wasn’t welcome. He sure as hell didn’t make a friend here today.              

“Jason I don’t want to be difficult but could you do the operation the day after tomorrow if its possible? Jaden is coming home tomorrow and I just want him to see Blaze if something happens…..you know? Blaze isn’t in any pain right now is he?”

“No Meg. He is a bit highly strung. He’s not used to staying in a stable for days on end but he is on strong painkillers so he feels no discomfort. I’ll set it up for the day after tomorrow then. Don’t you worry now, we’ll take good care of Blaze.”

The tender kiss on her forehead was almost Jon’s undoing. He balled his fists and forced himself to breath slowly.

“Thanks Jason. We’ll see you tomorrow then.”