“We’ll pick things up tomorrow, and you’ll be the first on the horse, Lola.” I specified the horse just in case she got any other ideas.
Everyone but Lola seemed okay with giving us space. She hung around for a few extra minutes, possibly expecting me topay attention to her. When she finally got the point, she walked off with a huff.
“Having problems, cousin?” Dallas laughed.
“She’s been on my ass since the first class.” I shook my head. I had been hoping she could tell I was taken by the way I only paid attention to Bria that first day, but no. I wish I could convince Bria to come to each class, but she always said she had work to do.
“Oh, she’s one of those.” Dallas laughed.
“One of what?” Trinity asked.
“The rodeo groupies.” Dallas explained. “The girls that don’t really care who they hook up with as long as it’s a rider.”
“It’s possible that maybe she just likes Junior.” Trinity suggested. “He is awfully cute.”
“Thanks, Trin.” I smiled.
“Don’t be flirting with my girl.” Dallas pulled her close. “I thought you’d found a girl of your own.”
“I have, thank you very much.” My smile softened just thinking about Bria.
“That’s why we’re here.” Dallas told me. “Figured someone from the family should check her out.”
“He’s kidding.” Trinity shook her head. “There’s a horse he wants to check out in the next town over.”
“A new horse?” I didn’t think we needed any more horses on the ranch.
“Just looking.” Dallas shared. “Trin doesn’t have a horse of her own.”
“And I don’t need one.” She looked at him.
“Yes, you do.” He focused on me. “So where is your girl?”
“Come on. I’ll introduce you.” Excitement filled me at the idea of anyone in my family meeting Bria.
We walked my horse back to the stables before heading over to the main lodge. Dallas caught me up on everything thathad been going on at the ranch since I’d been gone. I laughed hearing his side of my mother’s latest dinner creation that she put together for my father who got a small cold a few weeks ago.
“You know we all love Aunt Jeanette, but honestly, why does she keep trying?” Dallas laughed.
“Because she loves us.” I defended. “It’s not her fault that she’s not as good in the kitchen as everyone else.”
“But it’s chicken noodle soup, man.” Dallas went on. “Why would she think adding sour cream in order to make it creamy was a good idea? Why not just make it like normal?”
I shrugged. “I have no idea.” God bless that woman.
“It actually wasn’t too bad at first.” Trinity really was a saint. “But the longer it set the worse it got. Especially when the broth started to separate.”
“Oh dear god.” I was glad I missed it.
“Yeah.” They both said as we entered the hall.
We went up the stairs. I knocked on Bria’s door and waited for her to say something. I stuck my head in first.
“Hey, beautiful. Are you busy?”
“Kinda.” She was typing. “Can it wait?”
“Um,” I wasn’t sure. I could always introduce her to Dallas and Trinity later, but I wasn’t sure what they might think. “My cousins are here and I wanted to introduce you.”
