“Lucky friend,” Laura commented. “Carly’s cakes are delicious.” She glanced at the label. “Strawberry is one of Brian’s favorites. You know, in case he’s the friend this is for,” she said with a wink, and I could feel my cheeks heat up.
I said a hasty goodbye and went outside with my purchase, feeling rattled. People were nice here, too nice. It was almost enough for me to overcome my prejudice against living so near my parents. But not quite. I wasn’t sure anything could do that, including Brian. Even if he confessed his undying love for me, I’d have a hard time sticking around.
When I arrived at his house, I put the cake in the refrigerator, emptied the dishwasher, and stacked the mail on the table where Brian would see it. Everything about living here was starting to be a little too easy, especially the level of comfort I felt with Brian and his home.
I reminded myself of what Brian said when I first moved in. He’d been adamant that nothing was going to happen between us. If I let myself forget, I was going to suffer a broken heart, and I’d already experienced that once with Brian. If that were to happen again… I wasn’t sure my heart could take it.
Slowly, I climbed the stairs to my bedroom, forcing myself with each step to harden my resolve. I’d do right by Aurora at the diner, save my money, and in a few months return to Austin to pick up the pieces of my life. A life that had no room in it for Brian Thorne.
FIFTEEN
BRIAN
The music vibrated through the speakers placed around the rodeo grounds as participants lined up for the grand entry. One by one, riders galloped into the arena carrying flags or banners. The trick riders wove in and out in an intricate pattern that could be incredibly risky if the timing was off for any one of them.
More and more competitors joined the procession with the announcer introducing everyone and providing commentary on their skill levels and planned events. A rainbow of flags and banners lined the arena and snapped in the morning breeze.
Next came representatives from Pop High’s ROTC, marching out in their dress uniforms and holding the American flag, the state flag with its bright red C, and various military branch flags.
“Would everyone please stand for the National Anthem,” the announcer called out and those sitting in the stands all rose while those milling around the rodeo grounds came to a halt and turned toward the arena. In the center of the ring, Pop High’s choir stood in a half circle with the choral instructor, Mrs.Pollack, standing with her back to the spectators, ready to direct the students all dressed in matching outfits.
The canned accompanying music started up and the chatter ground to a halt as everyone joined in to sing.
I adjusted my ear bud, the sudden influx in voices coming through much louder than expected. I couldn’t let it distract me when I needed to keep a vigilant eye on everyone. We’d already had an altercation at the livestock auction and another between two of the competitors, and the rodeo events had yet to start.
If we managed to make it through the weekend without any arrests, I’d count us as so lucky that I’d go buy a lottery ticket.
As the national anthem came to a close, a loud cheer went up in the stands. The procession filed out as the announcer welcomed everyone to the Poplar Springs Rodeo and went through a series of announcements. I’d been given the list ahead of time and only half-listened, making sure nothing had changed since yesterday.
“And now, without further ado…”
All those months of planning and working was finally here and the first event—barrel racing—started. It’d been years since I attended a rodeo and I would’ve loved nothing more than to sit in the stands with my family and cheer on all the competitors. Unfortunately, that wasn’t an option, even if it meant missing seeing my half-brother compete.
Earlier this month, it’d come out that this would be Cal’s last rodeo. He planned to retire in style by participating in several events and ending on the last day with bronc riding.
By late afternoon, I was flagging by the time I met up with Sofia and her older brother, Rafael. Rafe taught US history atPop High, but he was a former rodeo competitor and a longtime friend of Cal’s. He was the reason why Cal had agreed to participate in the charity event.
“I can’t believe how well this turned out,” Rafe said, pumping my hand in an enthusiastic handshake. He was all smiles.
“Thanks in part to you,” I said. Rafe had used his connections to call in favors and had spent time cajoling vendors and sponsors to get rate reductions for everything from equipment to souvenirs. Without him, the cost to put on the charity event would’ve been significantly higher. And on a personal level, if it hadn’t been for his connection with Cal, my family never would’ve known we had another brother, and Amy might never have met and fallen in love with Cal.
“Happy to help,” Rafe said. The announcer called the next event and Rafe gave us a big smile. “Oh, this used to be my event. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to watch.” He jogged off before I had a chance to respond, and I looked at my deputy who shrugged and laughed.
“You can take the cowboy away from the rodeo and all that,” Sofia said. I chuckled at Rafe’s enthusiasm and we strolled around, nodding to the attendees, many of whom were already making their way to the parking lot. Tomorrow would be another full day of events, ending around four pm with the awards presentation and closing speech.
When the rodeo closed for the day, I met with the deputies and the team of volunteers who worked so hard to make sure everything ran smoothly. From the sweaty faces staring back at me, it was clear that everyone was both tired and thrilled over how well it went.
“I know everyone is eager to get home,” I began. I was too. I’d hoped to run into Caitlin but if she was here, she’d chosen not to sit in the stands with my family.
“Tomorrow will be another long day. The temps are slated to be warmer than today, so make sure you’re wearing sunscreen and a hat, and be sure to stay hydrated.” I got nods all around. I went over the last-minute changes for Sunday and fielded some questions before excusing everyone to go home and get some rest.
Driving back to town, I contemplated checking in at the office, but I worried that if I sat down at my desk, I’d fall asleep. Instead, I went home to find Caitlin in the kitchen unloading to-go boxes from Bite and Brew.
“Hi! You finally made it home,” she said, giving me a smile that made my heart beat faster. “I figured you probably didn’t have much of a chance to eat, so I brought food. Hungry?”
“Starved, actually.” I looked down at my uniform, which was sweaty and dusty. “I need a shower and then we can eat. Sound okay?”
“Definitely. Do you want to eat here or in the living room?” I suspected that if I got comfortable on the couch, I’d be asleep before I finished eating.
