halfamoon | Day 3 - Fic - Desert Hearts

Title: A Change of Pace
Fandom: Desert Hearts
Female Character: Vivian Bell
Rating: G
Word Count: 225
Summary: At the ranch, Vivian learns to take a break

Vivian hadn't realized until she came to Reno how little time she'd spent relaxing. Outside eyes might see her as a well-off woman who had plenty of leisure time but she'd been so wrapped up with her career that she hadn't taken much time for herself. The engagements that she and her husband had gone to- the dinners, the cocktail parties, the lectures- they all served to widen her professional circle. She'd smile politely and work on saying just the right thing. She hated those meetings but they were a necessary evil and staying home wasn't an option. On the train, she alternated between making sure that all of the documentation for the lawyer was there and beginning to plan lessons for the next semester.

And then she met Cay, who made her a cup of tea, took her shopping, gambling, and horseback riding. She could finally begin to relax. She found herself going for walks on the trails around the ranch, or just sitting on a rocking chair on the porch drinking an iced tea and talking to Frances. Vivian felt at home. She didn't feel the drive to go through her lesson plan over and over again. She was just going to enjoy the time she had here. She was able to let her guard down.

And that was when the trouble began.