After silencing my phone, I turn off the lamp and pull Tater close.
“You like him, don’t you, girl?” She kisses my cheek and wiggles in my arms. “Yeah, that’s what I thought.”
After arriving in Briarwood, I checked into the event and parked my truck in the field with thirty other half-tonnes. Most of us were spending at least tonight and leaving tomorrow after the competition. Hopefully, with a boost to my bank account.
“Hey, Rhett!” Toby, a long-time rider, strides over to me with a grin on his face. “Long time, my friend. How are things?”
“Hey, Toby. Things are pretty good. They’ll be better once I take home some money this weekend.”
“I’m sure you will. You’re always the hotshot at these things.” He motions over his shoulder towards a tiny camper. “I brought my wife. Come join us tonight for supper, and we’ll catch up.”
“I’d love that. I’ll head over once I’m settled, if that’s okay?”
“Absolutely. Bring a chair, and I’ll see you soon.”
While it would be nice to have a camper, I brought my tent this time and hoped the Briarwood Broncfest would have the facilities it did in the past. They aren’t luxurious, but I appreciate a place to shower and take a piss without someone walking by.
Hotels are 40 km away from the rodeo grounds, so this is far more convenient. Especially when we have multiple rounds of rides in two days.
My tent fits over the bed of my truck, and it’s easy enough to set up. My mattress self-inflates, and a sleeping bag and pillow are all I need.
Lifting Tater inside, I lie on what’s going to be my bed for the next two nights and pull out my phone. After snapping a selfiewith my face pressed next to Tater’s, I open my text string with Diamond and send it.
He replies with his own selfie a moment later, and a laugh bursts from my lips. Diamond is at work, of course, and instead of a dog, he has a coffee mug pressed to his cheek. His smile radiates the easy happiness I’ve always wanted, and I trace his lips with a fingertip. I stare at the photo for longer than I should, and with shaking fingers, I reply.
Rhett:Do you think I could wake up to that smile next week?
Diamond:That could probably be arranged. What morning are you thinking?
Every single morning I’m alive.
The thought bursts into my brain, knocking the breath from my lungs.
Rhett:Whatever day works best for you. I’ll make you my famous pastina for supper.
Diamond:Only if you teach me how to make it too.
Rhett:You’d want that?
Diamond:Why wouldn’t I?
I can think of a dozen reasons someone like Diamond might not be interested in something as boring as making pasta. Maybe that’s just me thinking history will repeat itself, but if he asked…
Rhett:Most people find it boring or want something fancier, is all.
Diamond:I’m not most people, in case you haven’t noticed yet.
No, he sure isn’t, and that’s the most terrifying thing about what I’m going to do next.
Rhett:I’ve noticed, Diamond. Maybe more than I’m ready to admit to you, but yes, I’ll teach you.
When the message goes unread, I figure he got busy at work, and he’ll get back to me later. For now, I’m going to catch up with Toby and his wife before an early bedtime and the rodeo in the morning.
“Oh…you drew a great horse, Rhett,” Toby says beside me as we read the list of first rides. “That horse has some amazing scores this year.”
“Yeah, I saw that. Yours isn’t too bad either.”
Toby hums and tilts his head. “No, but I’ll have to work harder to beat you in round one.”
