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Blythe laughed. That was one of the most honest things she’d ever heard her friend say. “Good job,” she finally was able to say between giggles. “You’re workin’ that say-what-you-think thing. I’m proud of you.”
Lyric texted back, and they arranged a place and time to meet. “Oh, I forgot to mention, she wants to interview Billy for RodeoChat.” Blythe hoped Jace had mentioned it to him. She’d forgotten all about it.
“Hey, Blythe,” Lyric came bounding up to them and hugged her hello.
“Sorry,” Lyric said when Blythe stiffened. “Sometimes I’m a little overenthusiastic. Plus, I don’t know what it is, Blythe, but I feel like I’ve known you forever.”
Renie was making that face again, the one where she looked like she’d taken a bite of lemon. Blythe elbowed her in the side.
“Lyric, this is my life-long best friend, Renie. Renie, this is my new best friend, Lyric.”
The smile Renie had recovered with her introduction quickly faded.
“You’re the one who’s engaged to Billy Patterson, and a large animal vet.”
Lyric linked arms with Renie, and from that moment on, the two had one another’s undivided attention. Blythe wondered if there would be any questions left to ask Billy or if Renie had already answered them. The best part of it, though, was that Renie had warmed up to Lyric and she wasn’t mad anymore.
“Where are ya’ll sitting?” Lyric asked. When Renie told her, she invited them to join her instead. “Mine are a whole lot better than yours,” Lyric held up her press pass. “I can go just about anywhere.”
Blythe thought their seats were pretty good, considering they’d gotten them from Billy, who was a former NFR saddle bronc champion.
“Oh, I meant to tell you, when I was walkin’ through the parking lot a few minutes ago, I think I saw your cowboy’s twin. Looked just like him, but with longer hair.”
Blythe grabbed Renie’s arm and steadied herself.
“Are you okay?” Lyric asked.
“She’s fine,” Renie answered for her. “Um, she hasn’t seen him in a while, and I think you surprised her.”
“But wait, aren’t you datin’ the other one? The one I met you with.”
Blythe didn’t know where to begin, and even if she did, she wasn’t sure she’d regained the ability to speak. Had Jace known Tucker was going to be here and didn’t tell her? They’d talked about him last night. Why wouldn’t Jace have said something then?
She looked around the arena, but instead of finding Tucker, she saw Jace. His brow furrowed and he squinted his eyes. “What’s up?” he mouthed. He pulled out his cell phone and held it up.
Tucker, she texted.
What about him?
He’s here.
Jace didn’t need to answer her text for her to know that he was surprised.
Tucker was beginning to think he’d made a mistake by not getting in touch with Jace. He was able to get into the stock show, but the rodeo was sold out. He pulled out his phone to text him and saw he’d missed a call and a text from him.
Where are you?
Here. Rodeo sold out. Can’t get in.
Meet me at back entrance near barns.
Tucker had an overpowering feeling Jace was not happy he was here. As he walked toward the barns and caught sight of his brother’s face, his feeling was confirmed.
“What are you doing here?”
“That’s a nice greeting.”
“Answer me.”
