A few days later,she was seated on the couch at Sammie and Caleb’s house. Their kids played on the floor with a new set of Legos and the television was on. It had been on this channelsince she’d arrived, and she wasn’t sure if it had been on purpose.
The National Finals Rodeo was due to air next. There was a hum of anticipation in the air as Hallie spoke to Sammie about anything but Jacob. She still couldn’t talk about him without getting emotional, but she’d resigned herself to that fact.
Jacob had been the love of her life. She’d been obsessed with him since they’d first met. She’d held a candle for him since her first attempt to steal a kiss. She’d clung to every crumb of attention he’d given her while they’d been friends, and she’d reveled in the warmth that came with his affection.
It was over now, and she wasn’t sure she’d ever heal from the heartbreak of losing him. Maybe she was doomed to be alone for the rest of her life.
“Caleb is completely against it, though,” Sammie snickered.
Hallie flicked her eyes from the television to Sammie. Wait, what were they talking about? Embarrassment licked up the back of her neck and she rubbed at it if only to distract Sammie from the fact she hadn’t been listening.
Apparently, she wasn’t nearly good enough at hiding her obvious lack of interest in their conversation. Her friend cocked her head. “You doing okay?”
“Yeah,” Hallie squeaked. “I’m just nervous. I’m supposed to hear back from that photography thing.”
Sammie’s eyes flared and she leaned forward to squeeze Hallie’s shoulders with excitement. “Way to bury the lead!”
Hallie beamed, grateful for the subject change. “It’s pretty exciting.” She was vaguely aware of the announcer on thetelevision welcoming the crowds to the arena and giving a brief rundown of how the rodeo would go. The commentators discussed their excitement for those competing and then it happened.
Jacob’s name was mentioned.
“Jacob Hines has made quite the comeback after suffering an injury.”
“It’s a feat to be sure. We were lucky enough to speak to him behind the scenes, and we’ll be showing a clip of our interview later this evening.”
Hallie’s eyes met Sammie’s as she reached for the remote on the couch at her side but Hallie placed her hand over hers. “It’s fine,” she whispered.
“Are you sure?”
Hallie nodded. “I’m good. Promise.” She glanced at the clock. “Are the girls coming? I brought the pictures to show everyone.”
“They should be here soon,” Sammie nodded, her eyes brimming with excitement. “I can’t wait.”
Laughing again, Hallie looked away. “It’s not a big deal.”
“Of course it’s a big deal! This is going to be so great for you. Just wait and see. I’m sure you’re going to get good news.”
At that moment the commentators’ voices grew excited, drawing Hallie’s attention to the screen. There in all his glory was Jacob. He looked focused, ready. She could tell by the set of his jaw that he was out there to win. Her heart lurched, wishing she could be there in the stands to support him. Even now after everything that was said and done. “Is it bad that I want him back?”
A hand wrapped around hers and she glanced over to Sammie. “Of course not. He’s an idiot, but he should be your idiot.”
Ignoring the fact that she probably shouldn’t have admitted to wanting him out loud, Hallie laughed. “Yeah, I think so, too.” She dragged her attention back to the screen just in time to see Jacob complete his round. He turned his eyes to what was likely the scoreboard but before she had a chance to see how he did, the television was turned off. “Hey,” she protested, lunging for the remote in Sammie’s hand.
“Today isn’t about him. Today is about you.” As if to confirm Sammie’s statement, there was a knock at the door. Sammie glanced to Hallie with bright eyes. “See? Now, get your pictures out. I want to see everything.”
Hallie rolled her eyes and reached for the box she’d brought. Just as she was about to remove the lid, her phone vibrated. Her disappointment that Jacob wasn’t the one calling was quickly replaced by fresh waves of anxiety. It was a number she didn’t have saved in her contacts. There was only one call she was expecting today.
She glanced up in time to see Sammie, Wendy, Wynter, Serenity, and Faith hovering a few feet away.
“Well?” Sammie said in a hushed whisper. “What are you waiting for? Answer it!”
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
“Ninety-one!You see that Hines! That’s the top score for the night!”
Jacob was jostled as Kai shook his shoulders, his voice far too loud and yet muffled at the same time. Normally a score like that would have Jacob fist-pumping the air and doing a jig just like his manager. His sponsors were likely over the moon. He’d come strong right out of the gate.
Only nine more rounds to go.
