you, thank you! I can’t function without this.”
“We didn’t have to leave so early Sugar. Do you want me to drive?”
“You wouldn’t mind?”
“Not at all. You just sit back and enjoy the ride.” Mmm, riding with JT. I like the sound of that. Wow. I knew I’d be in trouble when Kenny said she couldn’t come with us. Alone with JT. Thank goodness his hands are busy. I might combust if he starts touching me right now. “How’s Kenny?”
“Oh, she’s good. There is a horse Kenny is training that needs some extra attention. The owner asked if she could come watch on the weekends since she can’t get over during the weekdays. Just until her horse is ready.”
“Why does she have a horse if she can only get away on the weekends?”
“You know how it is, she’s been around horses all her life but is busy with work. She just wants to get on and go but wanted a younger, spirited horse. No time to train but plenty of money for the training.”
“Ah. Are those the kinds of clients you’re looking for?”
“Mostly. Some. I don’t know. Originally, I wanted to expand The Lucky Five to provide more boarding, lessons, and bring in some trainers but repairs need to be done. There is so much work to do and not enough money to make it all happen. I’m just trying to survive, you know?” She laughs. “What am I saying? You wouldn’t know. Anyways. It is what it is. I’ve been around the Rodeo circuit. Kenny is well known for working with young horses. We want to mentor too so we’ll see what we run into.”
“You’re right. I don’t know what it’s like to struggle. I’ve always had a safety net. I have a good head on my shoulders Sugar. I’d be happy to help you. I was already helping Gramps.”
“I know. Thank you. I just want to feel like I’m doing things on my own. Earning my keep, so to speak.”
We arrived around mid-morning. I fell asleep at some point but now I was wide awake and starving. When my stomach growled I was never so glad to be standing in front of hot dog vendor. I wasn’t much for junk food but I always gave myself a break when I went to a Rodeo. Half the fun is eating food you wouldn’t normally eat so I reserve these times to indulge. JT followed the scent of BBQ. After my hot dog I wanted to get a little sugar in me. Okay, a lot of sugar. In the form of sweet gooey dough.
“Wow, need sugar?” JT came to stand beside me in line with his pulled pork sandwich.
“Yeah. That looks good.” He licked BBQ sauce off his finger. A warmth filled me. It was cute and oh so hot. I wanted to be that finger. Better yet. I wanted to be the mouth. I turned my head to the man standing between me and sugary goodness.
“Deep fried Oreo’s please.” I handing him a ten dollar bill.
“Holy shit! You weren’t kidding about wanting sugar.”
“Shush. You’re going to spoil my Rodeo appetite. This is the only time I get to eat them so I have no intention of passing up the opportunity.” The vendor passed the paper bowl over to me. I went straight for the powdered sugar and sprinkled to my heart’s content. “Mmm, smell that? Smells like hot sin.”
“More like fat ass.” My sugary bubble was burst when I heard the high pitched voice. “You know what they say, it all goes to the hips.”
“You would know.” I retorted. Behind her were Nick and another woman dressed in an expensive sun dress and shiny cowboy boots. Her perfectly coiffed hair was adorned with a jewel encrusted hair pin. I looked down at my own outfit. A less expensive sun dress, worn cowboy boots. A jean jacket tied around my waist. My hair was in a loose braid over one shoulder. Her outfit reeked of money and social status. Blanche caught me eying the woman. I wanted to slap that evil smirk off her face.
“Leave her be Blanche. Hello darlin’.” Before I could take a step back Nick grabbed my free hand and brought it to my lips. “It’s lovely to see you again.” If I was his date I would be furious. Instead, the woman behind him looked bored. Her gaze drifting off towards the arena. “JT, pleasure, as always.” When I tried to pull my hand free his grip