Page 21 of Storm Warning
“How the fuck can you do that, but not a cartwheel?” By Sawyer’s tone and the baffled look on his face, he and I both know he’s more than likely getting an “I” next.
I used to backflip off shit all the time but stopped because I was afraid of a freak accident preventing me from riding. Funny how the accident came from the very thing I protected myself for. I coolly walk over to the fence and climb up. With adeep exhale, I let my eyelids fall closed. There’s no way I’m getting a letter. I’m too competitive for that. I lasso the bull dummy the same way he did.
“I’ll just take the letter. I don’t want to break my neck.” Sawyer bows out, always the responsible one. There’s gotta be one of us who is. God knows it sure ain’t me.
An old barrel next to the barn draws my eye. I jog toward it, knocking it over. Dust billows up around it as it crashes onto its side. Moving it closer, I mount the barrel and propel it forward with my feet while winding the rope. Circling the dummy, I take my shot and capture it no problem. It feels much closer to the roping I’m used to on the back of a horse, just with a bit more concentration so my feet don’t miss the barrel.
Sawyer has a look of dismay. “You would both do shit that would land me on my ass. I’ll just take the loss here.”
“Git is,” I laugh, “Get your shit shovelin’ boots on, buddy.”
“Well, this makes my day easier,” Billy says.
“Got any big plans this evenin’ Billy?” I prob, trying to gauge if he would find interest in going out tonight or if that’s just not his scene.
“I’m gonna go home so I can get some more done for my dad today. See y’all later.” His response lacks interest and since we don’t know each other much, it feels better not to force him into feeling obligated to more of my antics for the day.
The rumble of Billy’s truck comes to life as he backs out of the drive and advances back down the road, honking for one final sendoff. I smile at the reminder of something my family also does.
Sawyer walks toward the barn and I follow.
“Honestly,” he wipes the sweat from his brow. “You guys have been doing this so much, it only feels fair I step in, anyways.”
“Oh is that why ya missed your throws?” I toss back.
It feels like forever since I’ve shot the shit with a group of friends. Most of the time on the PABRA circuit was spent training and riding and doing interviews. Serious because professionalism and focus both mattered. This reminded me of the shit Duke and I used to do as kids. Dumb, pointless, and a bit reckless, but fun nonetheless. With the heaviness of the past few months, it’s a nice change of pace.
“Yeah, well that and because I’m rusty. Weren’t you listening?” He chuckles.
“Oh ya, that’s right.” I consider mentioning that I saw Daisy and Kaylee earlier at the coffee shop, but since I didn’t get confirmation on if they’d meet up with us tonight, I decide to let it be a good surprise if it does happen.
“After you get thisshitcleaned up, let’s go out so I can find a lady and celebrate my win.”
12
RHETT - JUNE 25, 2004
The crowdat The Westmore tonight sure knows how to have a good time, and I don’t know what it is about being two sheets to the wind, but something about those Bushwackers Nancy has been serving has really got me to let loose. Who knew there was that much alcohol in something that looks like a chocolate milkshake. I miss riding bulls, I miss adrenaline pumping through my veins and taking risks. I’m sick of the nine to five daily grind and faking a smile that feels a little hollow these days.
Brooks & Dunn’s Boot Scootin’ Boogiebegins to play and I tap my foot along, watching as people flood the dance floor. Each step they make forms a rather simple dance, and even though I don’t know two shits about line dancing I’ve seen it enough to know some footwork that goes along with it. Downing my drink as quickly as I can while avoiding a brain freeze, I walk toward the crowd and jump in. Oddly, I find my footing rather fast, though I expect the longer I’m here, the more likely I am to find my ass.
I spin on my heels, kicking my boot up like everyone elsewho is rallied beside me, then go to make my turn and slam right into someone who hadn’t been there a moment ago.
“Oh, sorry Miss—” I begin to spew out an apology, it’s second nature for me, only to be met with daggers.
“Well, look who it is. From knight in shining armor, to disco dipshit.” There’s not an ounce of softness in her voice. I wouldn’t have had to see her face to know I’m met with the angel of darkness herself—Kaylee. The steam practically blows from her ears, a cloud of anger always in her midst.
Despite her angry little scowl, she looks hot as fuck. Once again she wears a black top covered in gems, but this one is tight and somehow even more revealing than the last. Paired with it is a tiny little skirt with a pair of cowboy boots to match. I can’t help but think with the wrong head as my eyes trace her body. She really knows how to get a man going.
“Oh, pardon me, Angel.” She frowns as I tilt the brim of my hat down to greet her. “Ya really know how to make a man feel…wanted.”
A smile replaces her scowl for a short time. I’m not sure if it’s the alcohol causing me to see things or if it actually happened, but since I’ve never had anyone dislike me so strongly, I take it as a win and smile back.
I hum a little to the music as I look her up and down, probably a bit more obvious than she’d like. It’s not my fault I find her attractive. Who wouldn’t? “Nice to see ya made it. I guess ya just couldn’t stay away now, could ya?”
The dirty look returns to her eyes. “Away from a night out on the town to celebrate? No. Away from you? Gladly.”
“Oh, is it your birthday?” For whatever reason, I find myself genuinely interested in the answer.
