you wanted to ride Zodiac or another horse.”
“Has she been exercised yet today?” Levi replied as he strode into the corral.
“Yeah, I saw Scott with her earlier.”
“I’m not picky, so any of the mares who haven’t been out yet.”
“Cool. Finish these straps for me.”
Levi completed saddling up Apple Jax for Robin while he went into the barn. Robin returned a few minutes later with Figuro, the horse George had ridden last week during their vacation. They tacked her together with few words spoken, both of them able to do this task in their sleep. Robin cast him a few curious looks, aware Levi needed to talk to him, but he didn’t ask.
Yet.
Robin waited until they were about a hundred yards down one of the employee paths before he said, “Okay, what’s up? Everything okay with George?”
“Everything is perfect with George. We had an amazing Christmas together. Zero regrets, and I think we’re even stronger than ever. I hated dropping him off today and can’t wait to see him again.”
“So, not George. You and me aren’t fighting. Do you have any other friends you could be having issues with?”
Levi snorted. “I’m not having issues, exactly. Yesterday, when I talked to Dad he told me something that I’m having trouble with, and he didn’t swear me to secrecy. I need to talk it out with you, brother.”
“Now I’m intrigued.” Robin slowed Apple Jax so they were riding side by side along the trail. He tossed Levi a curious look. “Hit me.”
“Dad’s retiring at the end of the season.”
Robin’s entire body jerked with shock. “He’s what? Why?”
“A promise he made to Mom before she died.” His chest squeezed with old grief. “They were supposed to spend their retirement traveling the world. Now he plans on traveling alone in her honor.”
“But...what about Lucky’s?”
“That’s the thing.” He reined Figuro to a stop and it took Robin a few steps to pull Apple Jax back. “He asked me to take over the rodeo when he retires.”
Robin’s lips parted, his eyes going comically wide for an instant. “I mean... I knew he always intended for you and Xander to take over Lucky’s one day, but this soon? What did you say?”
“I told him I couldn’t make a decision, and I can’t. I walked away from Lucky’s for a reason, just like you did. I never intended to go back. I love working at Bentley, and I love being here. I’ve got George. But sometimes...”
Robin backed Apple Jax up until they were next to each other, his expression intense. “Sometimes what?”
“Sometimes I miss traveling.” A bit of weight left Levi’s chest with the admission. “Sometimes I miss the road. To be honest, if I hadn’t met George, I probably would have driven down to Santa Fe during this break to see Dad. I don’t know if I’m the kind of guy who will ever have permanent roots, like you and Shawn are gonna have with your house. It’s why I hitch mine to the back of my truck.”
“So you’re considering it?”
“I don’t know. I’m not dismissin’ it outright. Dad said he’s considering selling to Willard, but that’s his number two choice.”
Robin scowled. “Sounds like emotional—”
“Please don’t say emotional blackmail, because you know that isn’t Dad. He was laying out his options, and selling is an option. He’ll be done and can move on, do something new with his life. He’s happy knowing you and I are safe and enjoying our lives, he really is. I didn’t get any sense of pressure from him to take over. I hate the idea of someone else who isn’t a Peletier running the rodeo, but... I don’t know if I can do it. Or if I even want to.”
His best friend and brother studied him for a long time. “But you also aren’t sure if you don’t want to.”
“Pretty much.” Levi let out a long, slow breath that did nothing to focus him. “A part of me wants to say yes, to go back to that life. But the rest of me chafes at the idea of going back to such a stressful lifestyle. Always on the move, always trying to make the next gig. Praying for good weather and a good crowd so we can break even.”
“Sounds like the part that chafes isn’t stronger than the part that wants to say yes.”
“I wish it was.” And Levi meant it. He wanted to settle down and have roots, but what if that wasn’t him? Or his future? Maybe his future was traveling