Off to the Races

Vaughn wakes the next morning, still exhausted, and recognizes that this cycle of poor sleep has left him more abrasive than usual. He once found his public-relations role at Gold Rush Resources invigorating, but he now finds his efforts to restore Gold Rush Ranch “downright daunting.” He feels guilty over pestering Billie so intensely that she felt the need to confide in a horse. He vows to “extend some sort of olive branch” to her (72). Although he dislikes the idea, he reasons that keeping his business running smoothly is more important than protecting his pride.

Vaughn is astonished to see Billie sitting casually near Double Diablo despite the horse’s reputation. He heads to his office, but when he once again finds himself balking at drafting the press release, he brings Billie “a cup of peace-offering coffee” (74). As the two banter about DD’s name, Billie urges Vaughn to sit, noting that his anxiety is distressing DD. 

Billie seems faintly melancholy, causing Vaughn to reflect that he finds her sarcasm easier to understand than her sincerity. They drink their coffee together, enjoying the quiet of the natural landscape—something that Vaughn hasn’t done in years.