“Huh?”
“Reverse it. If he were in your position, if he had said those things to you. When he finally told you everything, would you forgive him? Take him back?”
“Of course I would, but—”
“Then there’s your answer. Talk to him, give him the chance to make his own decision.” She smiles, knowing she proved her point. “He’s miserable, Jessie. He misses you, too. Hell, the man flew back here for less than twenty-four hours to be here for you on theworstday of your life. If you think he’s given up onyou, you’re wrong. And if you don’t believe me, just wait until October first when there is a knock on your door.”
Holy shit, she’s right.I sit up straighter, heart pounding. “There it is . . . dawning on you now, huh?” Kacey jokes, seeing all the pieces click together in my brain.
I feel like an idiot. He gave me the world’s biggest sign, flying back here in the middle of the rodeo season to be there for me. I was too consumed by grief to see it. Even after I said all those horrible things to him and pushed him away, he knew how hard that day would be for me, and he came anyway.
“Where is he?”
Her grin turns to a full-blown smile. “I’ll text Knox, and we can make a plan.”
Chapter 44
Trey
Pasadena, Texas
Dust flies as I drop my gear bag with athunk. It all comes down to this last one. Win anything above third place at this rodeo, and I’ll be in Las Vegas at the National Finals come December. Buck off, and my season is over.
Knox is in South Dakota for the Governor’s Cup. Unfortunately, I didn’t qualify for it this year. Kacey flew up to meet him, and I’m here in Texas by myself.
It’s the last night of the rodeo, so there aren’t many guys here. This time of year, guys go home broke, or they’re tired, and know they’re not making the finals, so they call it a season. In my case, I’m what they call “on the bubble.” Today, I sit sixteenth in the world. The man in fifteenth broke his leg two days ago. Hismoney won’t change, but mine can. I’m only $1,400 behind him, and I can easily win that here.
My phone rings. I chuckle when I see it’s Knox. I think he’s more nervous about my ride than I am. “You’ve reached the phone of Trey Bennett, superior bull rider, carpenter extraordinaire, and sex—”
“Please stop,” he grumbles.
I laugh.Mission accomplished. I’m always much calmer after annoying Knox. “Did you need something? Or are you calling to micromanage?”
“I do not micromanage,” he huffs.
Wait for it . . .I think to myself.
“You get checked in? I looked at the weather. It’s cooled off there, but with the humidity, you might want to use the summer mix rosin with some rock rosin.”
There it is.“What was that about not micro-managing?” I dig through my bag and pull out both kinds, but I’m not telling him that. The last thing I need today is my riding glove to not be sticky. “Don’t worry, old man. I’ve got this. He’s a 21-pointer, piece of cake. Just another day at the office.”
Once you make the 8 seconds, bull rides are scored half on the rider and half on the bull, with a total of 50 available points awarded to each. The bull is scored on how hard he bucks, how high he kicks, whether he changes directions, and has a lot of power. The rider is scored on control, timing, and if they have cohesive movement with the bull. It’s fairly normal for a rider to be marked even with their bull unless they spur him, then they can be marked above their bull. So, a 21-point bull will most likely result in an 84-86 point score.
“This is exactly what I’m worried about. Take this seriously. This bull bucks. You won’t be 90, but you can win this rodeo.”
“What do I get if I win?” I smirk, knowing I’m only pissing him off more.
“You’re going to get a knuckle sandwich from me if you don’t.”
“Are you scared to go to Vegas without me? You’ve done it before. I have all the faith in the world in you. After all, you are the reigning world champion. Have some self-confidence, bro.”
“You’re giving me a migraine.”
I imagine him pinching the bridge of his nose, and it brings me joy. “Relax, I’m hyper-focused. Laser-focused. In the zone. I’ll weld my hand into my rope, close my eyes, and count to eight.”
“I can’t with you.”
“What’s that saying? Hand shut, eyes closed, full heart, can’t lose. Or in my case, half a heart.” I dramatically sigh.
