This isn’t happening.
This isn’t happening.
This can’t be happening.
I saw her yesterday; she was fine. She’s all I have. She has to be okay.
This can’t be happening.
I don’t know how much time passes when I register Carson has carried me to a chair, and Kacey now sits next to me, rubbing my back as she cries alongside me.
Cody whispers comforting words I notice more than hear. Carson’s denim shirt is still gripped in my fists. The taste of salt lingers on my tongue. My tears slow as I release him and sit up.
“Jessie,” Kacey cries and throws her arms around me, but I’m numb. I can’t feel her comfort or cry more tears.
Gran is gone.
My Gran, my best friend, biggest cheerleader, and the only real family I have—had—left is gone.
And I didn’t get to say goodbye.
Chapter 39
Trey
Fort Madison, Iowa
Iroll my shoulders, feeling the hit I took last night. I’ve pulled my shit together over the last few weeks and managed to move back into the top twenty in the world, but it hasn’t been without some bumps and bruises. I just have to keep going. Only the top fifteen qualify for the national finals, and Knox currently sits seventh in the world.
“You’ve been strapping, man. Good work,” Dax Summer says as he sets his gear bag down next to mine. He’s a bull rider around my age and a super nice guy.
“Thanks, man.”
He pauses at my short reply and his brow furrows. He looks at Knox. “What’s his deal? I was expecting a detailed Trey-Bennett-style story about his greatest hits and bull rides of the last month . . . he sick or something?”
“I do not do that,” I defend myself.
“Oh, yeah, you do, but it’s entertaining.” Dax smirks.
Knox’s shoulders shake with laughter as he slaps me on the shoulder. “Not sick. Our boy here just has a bad case of the blues. Living in Brokenheartsville. His dog ran off, truck won’t start, and she ain’t comin’ back.”
“Oh, for the love of—” I start.
Dax cuts me off, “I didn’t know you had a dog.”
I slap my palm on my face and Knox bursts out in laughter. “Dude, he doesn’t. I was painting a picture. Ladies’ man here got his heart broken, and he’s been knee-deep in his own pity puddle ever since.”
“I need a new traveling partner,” I grumble.
“Ah, shit.” Dax huffs. “That sucks, dude. I don’t know what I’d do without Junie.”
Oh, yay. Please tell me about your wonderful wife. I would love to hear how in love and happy you are. Fuck. My. Life.
I stand, taking my bull rope to a nearby gate to get it prepped and ready. They’re team roping, so it’s fairly quiet behind the chutes.
Knox walks by me as he answers the phone, I’m sure it’s one last quick call with Kacey before he rides.
Another happy couple. Yay.
