“Oh, I gave it to her real good. She’s delusional if she thought I would be on her side. I told her she needed to see a therapist if she ever wanted to hear from you again. I also told her that I would never tell her where you are because being away from her was the best decision you ever made!” Raquel says with unbridled cheek. “You want to know what she told me?”
“What?” I ask, unable to hold back my laughter.
“She told me that I can’t understand what she’s going through, being a widow… that it was hard on her when your dad got sick, blah blah blah. I had to stop her and tell her that I knew she didn’t do shit for Phil. She’s a selfish twat,” Raquel spits.
“You didn’t!” My eyeswiden at her words. I can’t believe she did that!
“Oh, you know I did. And I would do it again. But I doubt I’ll be hearing from her ever again because she hung up on me. And that, my dearest friend, is how you take out the trash!” Raquel says. “I’m sorry, hun, I know it hurts you.”
It does hurt me. But I can’t make my mother be something she isn’t. “I love you, Rock,” I say affectionately.
“I’ve got you all day, every day,” she says. “Now check into that hotel and come see me tomorrow.”
We hang up, and I drive to a small inn since the storm doesn’t pass even though I wish it would. Apparently, my lack of schedule and desire to leave have no impact on the weather! Rude.
The following morning I’m on my way to Austin and make it by midafternoon.
Raquel lives right outside the city in a small little Spanish-style house, with a stucco, cream-colored exterior and red tiles on the roof. It’s a one-story home with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Her home is so comfortable and clean. I see no reason to leave.
Chapter Seven
Caine
“That horse’s got a grudge against him!” the announcer yells into his mic.
I stand with several of my men outside the chute, waiting for my next rider’s name to be called.
Weston stands beside me as we wait. We got her saddled, but Weston won’t mount her until his name is called. He’s focused, his face relaxed, his breathing even. He adjusts his hat.
“You got this, son,” I tell him, smacking his shoulderright as the announcer calls out his name.
He swings his leg over the fence post. He climbs on and sets his swells. He leans back, raises his arm and grips the single rein with his other hand.
The buzzer goes off, and the chute opens!
Athena is a beauty. She’s got dark red hair and a fiery temper to match. But Weston has his head in the game. His arm stays raised, his core firm as she kicks her hind legs. Athena does all she can to buck him off, but he holds firm.
Once he’s done, the pickup men help him dismount, and he rides back out.
Once he’s at the gate, I see a big grin on his face. “Did you see that!” Weston yells as he runs toward me. “Eighty-seven points, Caine!” The smile on his face is one of pure joy, and the young man deserves it.
The smell of beer and the stench of horses and sweat welcome me as I walk to the bar outside my hotel. Most of the boys did well today. Jason came in last. His brother even scored better than he did. This is supposed to be his year, but sadly, I can’t get the kid to focus.
I celebrate with the riders but leave them to their own devices once the buckle bunnies pounce. Frankly, I feel uncomfortable watching these young men and women grope each other. Plus, I don’t want anyone here.
Knowing two of my trainers are at the Mule, I make my way across the street from my hotel and wave when I see them sitting at the bar, a single stool open beside them.
I remove my Stetson and comb my fingers through my hair before putting it back in place as I saunter over to the bar.
Max and Zeke smile and wave me over. I take the open seat and wait for the bartender to take my drink order.
“What’ll it be?” he asks, his southern drawl even stronger than mine. Guy sounds more like he’s from Alabama than Texas.
“Amber ale,” I reply.
I haven’t turned my head an inch before the noxious odor of stale strawberries and vanilla accosts me.
A tall blonde with big curls cuddles up beside me. She wears a white tank top, a denim skirt and white cowboy boots. She smiles at me with her red-covered lips, eyeing me like I’m her next meal.
