'The Horse Farm' - Part Eleven

Rail fencing lined expansive pastures on both sides of the driveway. A valet collected their keys and pointed them toward a large stone house. Tables were arranged under white tents on a manicured green lawn.

"I guess this is the place," Jo said with a sense of awe in her voice.

The buffet was impressive: shrimp, oysters, crab legs and caviar at one table, cheese, crackers, salads, and corn on the cob at another. A third table featured fruit, nuts, grapes, melon, and an enormous chocolate fondue. The bar was stocked with a variety of wines and two brands of expensive champagne. White-gloved wait staff served trays of hot hors d'oeuvres.

"I feel like I just stepped into 'The Great Gatsby'," said Walter.

"This is a horse farm, Walter," Terri noted. "You might step in all sorts of things."

"Oh, funny girl!" Walter jabbed back.

"You did NOT just call me a girl!"

"Okay, you two," Louise interrupted. "Let's not kill each other before we've sampled the champagne."

Louise spotted Frank across the lawn. He was having a cordial but lively conversation with a middle-aged couple and an older gentleman with a young woman at his side. 'Grand-daughter or trophy wife?' Louise wondered to herself.

"Look at that car!" Walter wandered toward a brilliant red Ferrari. The others followed.

"I just had the suspension tuned," a confident baritone bellowed from behind them. Frank had reached his hand out toward Walter. "Francisco Mela."

They shook hands. "Walt Anderson."

"You would like to drive?"

"Oh, no!" Walter exclaimed while taking a step back away from the car.

"Please, I insist," said Francisco. "I have not had a chance yet to break in the new suspension. You would be doing me a great service."

"I..."

"Please!" Francisco handed Walter the keys. "You know how to drive a stick."

It was more of a statement than a question.

"Yes, I do." Walter began to gain confidence.

"Okay. It is like any other stick that you have driven, but go easy on the gas. She is very powerful."

"Okay." Walter took the driver's seat and strapped himself in.

"Ah, but you'll need a co-pilot," said Francisco. "Young lady, please." He motioned to Jo.

"Oh, I..." Jo gasped.

"Please!" Francisco insisted. "We never want to keep a Ferrari waiting! It is bad for the engine."

He gestured toward Jo again.

"Okay!" she said while stepping forward.

Jo jumped into the passenger seat. Walter started the car and revved the engine several times savoring the potent roar trumpeting from the exhaust pipes.

"Just have her back before midnight," Francisco said jokingly.

Walter smiled, and they sped off down the driveway.

"Now, there's something that you don't see every day!" Terri whispered as Louise shook her head.

Francisco motioned to another gentleman who was taller, younger, and if possible even better looking. "This is my good friend, Riccardo," Francisco said, making the introductions. "And this is Louise."

"Charmed!" said Riccardo in a delightful accent. Riccardo somehow managed to remain sweat-free despite standing in direct sunlight while wearing a navy blue jacket.

"Pleased to meet you," Louise responded with a natural smile.

"And..." Francisco continued.

"Terri."

"Molto bella!" commented Riccardo.

"Thank you!" Terri squeaked like a nervous schoolgirl.

"Riccardo, perhaps a tour for Signorina Terri?" Francisco suggested politely. To Terri he said, "You MUST see the swimming pool. We just had it redone."

Riccardo offered his arm. He and Terri strolled away as Terri glanced back at Louise.

"Wow! That was impressive," exclaimed Louise. "It took you less than five minutes to get me all to yourself."

'The Horse Farm'

Copyright © 2013 Daniel R. South

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