“I did notleavehim. I simply placed him there for rest and recuperation. I will retrieve him shortly, don’t worry.”
“Yeah, well, you better.”
“I am standing right here. No one placed me anywhere; I am my own man.”
“No,Itotally placed you there,” Kacey says dryly, drawing a rare chuckle out of Carson.
“You could leave. I haven’t tied you up,” Jessie quips before thinking it through. I see the realization in her eyes, but it’s too late.
“Oh, baby, please do. I like a little bondage now and then. Spices things up.” I wink, knowing I got the better of Jessie this round.
Carson makes some kind of gagging noise, but everyone else laughs. We didn’t plan on our entire friend circle knowing about our roommates-with-benefits arrangement, but they do, so we might as well lean into it.
“Well, if it isn’t Trey Bennett.”
I turn to find three of my bull rider buddies walking up.
“How the hell are ya?”
I shake their hands. “Ready to be back and taking all your money,” I joke.
We catch up, they tell me about the bulls they have drawn, and I introduce them to the crew. Knox has his arm around Kacey, but I see the single two of the group eye Jessie and Lainey. It irritates me. “Well, I’ll see you boys later; we’re going to head up.”
“Ladies.” They tip their hats, flashing charming smiles at the girls.
When Knox leaves to get ready, Kacey takes Carson and Lainey to find seats. I take the opportunity to show Jessie around my world. Each rodeo has a hospitality for contestantswhere they provide food, drinks, sometimes yard games or kids’ play areas. We grab drinks there, and I’m stopped by several people who ask how my back is and when I’ll return to riding.
We pass the back pens where they’re sorting bulls before we cut between the warm-up pen for ropers and the horse barns. We watch the announcer ride out on his horse, ready to go to work in his cowboy hat, pearl snap, and jeans with chaps. He greets me by name and asks how my recovery is going. As soon as he rides off, the pickup men ride out, and we repeat the process.
“Do you know everyone here?”
I chuckle. “Not everyone. But we travel all year and see each other at rodeos all over the country. You get to know and care about everyone. We’re like an extended family in a sense.”
“Trey!”
Jessie and I both whip around to see none other than Emily Gentry, the current world champion barrel racer and a good friend of mine, jogging our way.
When she reaches us, she doesn’t hesitate to hug me. “It’s so good to see you. I’ve been asking Knox for an update every time I see him. I’m pretty sure he’s started avoiding me now.” She winces, but her smile is bright. Emily is one of those people who is kind to everyone, goes out of her way to help new barrel racers, and encourage other competitors. With a welcoming personality and cheery attitude, everyone in rodeo loves her.
“Good to see you, too, Em. But I’m not back quite yet, just here to hang out.”
“Dang it. Well, I’m glad you’re here anyway. It’s good to see you.” She turns and smiles at Jessie.
“Jessie, this is my friend, Emily. Emily, this is Jessie.” I don’t explain who Jessie is to me. I’m not sure what to say. She’s more than a friend, but if I called her my girlfriend, she’d probably hit me in the nuts.
“Hi! Nice to meet you,” Emily chirps.
“Hi, you too,” Jessie says less than enthusiastically.
Emily and I catch up on her summer. We’re close in age and have been friends since before she was a world champ.
Jessie stands next to me, arms crossed and quiet.
Once Emily walks away, she takes a step away from me and asks, “So, good friend of yours?”
That’s when it dawns on me. Crossed arms, sudden annoyance, refusal to converse with us.
She’s jealous.
