Page 8 of Buck ’Em Cowgirl

“You mean you couldn’t pass up free BBQ and a chance to heckle Kline.” Harleigh teased him, crossing her arms.

“Now, now,” Roger said, feigning innocence. “I’m here to soak it all in. Kline gets enough shit back at home.”

“Who’s Kline?”

“He’s the stock contractor for the event. He’s probably out back,” Roger said.

“Ah. All this lingo is new to me.”

“Harleigh said you were born and raised in the city.”

“Outside the city in the suburbs, but yes, nearby.”

“Well, like I said, you’ve done some great work here,” Roger said.

Harleigh and I turned at the sound of someone approaching. It was John, one of the owners of Bucking Energy and my boss. He had a smile on his face, the kind that made it hard to tell if he was genuinely pleased or putting on a show.

“Listen, Fable,” he said, gesturing around the arena. “I wasn’t so sure about this whole rodeo sponsorship when you and Harleigh pitched it, but this?” He swept his hand out dramatically. “This is amazing.”

Harleigh beamed, nudging me lightly, but I stayed composed. “It’s also a completely sold-out event,” I said, keeping my voice steady.

“Who would’ve thought a rodeo in the middle of Chicago would sell out?” he mused, shaking his head like he still couldn’t believe it.

His eyes dropped to my outfit, lingering a second too long. “Nice outfit,” he added, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth.

I instinctively held my jacket shut, suddenly self-conscious about the Cowboy Pillows shirt underneath. What had seemed bold and fun earlier felt ridiculous.

“Can’t wait to see Mike play,” John said casually, giving my shoulder a quick squeeze before heading off.

As soon as he walked away, I grabbed my bag, fumbling for the sanitizer. The cool mist of the spray hit my hands, and I rubbed them together, focusing on the motion like it could erase the moment.

When I finally looked up, Harleigh was watching me tentatively. Roger stood beside her, arms crossed, his cowboy hat tilted back.

“He’s weird.” Roger broke the tension that had settled among us.

Harleigh and I both burst out laughing, the awkward energy from John’s visit dissipating.

“You’re right, Daddy,” Harleigh said, grinning, “but he’s our boss, so we’ve got to deal with him.”

Roger shook his head, muttering something about corporate types, while I checked my watch. “I should go make sure everyone’s in place and ready before the doors open.”

Harleigh gave me an encouraging smile. “You’ve got this, Fable. I’ll take care of the announcer.”

I nodded, her confidence in me lifting some of the weight off my shoulders. “Thanks, Harls.”

“Go show them how it’s done,” Roger added with a small grin, tipping his hat.

I slipped into work mode, moving through the arena with purpose. I stopped by the vendor booths first, making sure the Bucking Energy displays were front and center. The energy drink cans were stacked perfectly, the signage impossible to miss. I checked on the sponsor areas, ensuring our logo was everywhere it needed to be.

The event staff got a quick rundown—VIP tours prepped, seating assignments for our key guests double-checked, and photographers stationed in their spots. Every detail mattered tonight. This was a showcase of everything Harleigh and I had worked for.

When I was sure everything was set, I paused, glancing toward the backstage area. I thought about heading back to wish Mike luck, but the idea left a sour taste in my mouth. He didn’t need me hovering around, and honestly? I didn’t need to be there, either.

Fuck it.

I headed to the concession stand and grabbed a beer. It was sealed, which meant I didn’t have to worry about germs on the rim. Small victories. Twisting it open, I took a sip and let the cool bitterness settle me as I made my way back to the stands where Harleigh was waiting.

The doors opened, and the crowd spilled in. People were everywhere, their energy contagious. I stood there, watching as they flocked to the Bucking Energy stands, grabbing cans and popping them open without hesitation. The sound of the tabs cracking, the flashes of our logo everywhere—it was everything I had envisioned.