“Mark Bradford.”

“The artist? The one who is doing your next show?”

“Yep. The one you called and told him he’d be a fool not to meet with me.”

Tina beamed.

“He would’ve been.”

Bette laughed her famous Porter laugh.

“Well, he mentioned it in one of our meetings. He is working with this equestrian center to collaborate with horses on one of his paintings.”

“Whoa? How?”

“Well, he has two trains of thought. One is to have buckets of paint on these seesaw type apparti so the when the horse steps on it, it splatters onto a huge canvas.”

“That sounds tricky. That would mean the horse would have to hit the seesaw just right.”

“Exactly. His second train of thought is to put apples on strings. Strategically placed around the canvas. And when the horse grabs the apple, the bucket pours out. Then he will use that backdrop to build upon.”

“That sounds amazing. Is he going to have it ready for his opening?”

“That’s the hope. Anyway, the equestrian center mentioned they would be expanding their services to Malibu beach once they get approval from the City. And they have been given permission to test out a few rides. I was able to get us one of the spots.”

Tina put her hand on her heart. And the tears began to flow. 

“Bette…this is…thank you.”

“Are you ready? I kind of had it planned so that we could watch the sunset as we galloped up the beach.” 

“I am so ready. Let’s go.”

Tina started to run. Bette laughed and ran after her. They slowed down the closer they got to the horses. They were magnificent specimens. One white. One a beautiful reddish brown. 

“Miss Porter?” the handler asked in her British accent.

“I’m Bette Porter. And this is Tina Kennard.”

“Hello. I am Susi. We are so happy to have you join us today. Have you ridden before?”

They both shook their heads yes.

“Excellent. What would you say your comfort level is? Beginner or Expert.”

“Expert,” they both said.

“Nice. Well, this is going to be fun for all of us. First I’d like for you to come meet Bandit (she pointed to the white horse) and Cash (she pointed to the red horse).”