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Some of these girls were going to be lucky not to fall right out of their saddles.
For the first time in this competition, I felt ready to compete. My wrist was back to normal. Lexi had done a bomb job on my outfit and makeup. And riding a horse was starting to become like second nature.
It was all because of Hunter.
Lexi’s little friend-tervention with the petting zoo had worked. I no longer wanted to erase my ex-best friend from my memories. The overwhelming hurt and the pain from his rejection had begun to settle into a painful lump right in the middle of my stomach. I might never get over the way I felt for him, but if he didn’t want to be together—even if I was sure he had feelings for me too—then I wouldn’t hold it against him.
I needed to see him. To know that he was okay. That was the only thing that mattered.
And then I’d let him go.
“Ladies, sit tall and smile,” Ms. Gentry said, walking down the line of contestants and giving us each a quick look-over. “Remember, you will be judged on your performance today. Your poise. Your ability to handle your ride. And your interaction with the deserving crowd. Do not forget that.”
Our gazes met as she passed by me and a little smile tugged at her lips. I returned it, shifting in my saddle just the slightest, and then urged Carolina forward when the line began to move. The crowd applauded and whistled as we entered the arena. It was like walking out onto the football field during state championships. I put my weight into the stirrups and let Carolina take the lead as I smiled and waved at everyone. It felt great.
For the first time in months, I didn’t feel like the freak who’d almost drowned herself. No, that wasn’t me anymore. Now, I could hold my head up high. I could’ve sworn I had a glow radiating from my face. My parents must’ve seen it, too. When I caught a glimpse of them sitting in the front row, they were both in tears and clapping for me. Their daughter who’d put them through so much stress and heartache.
I was going to do better from here on out, no matter what it took.
The rest of the ride went equally as smoothly. Carolina acted as if she’d done this a million times and followed my commands with ease. When we finally trotted out of the arena, I could barely hold in my excitement. I’d nailed it! The contest was anyone’s game, now.
Of course, Sarah had to be feeling the pressure from the way she slid off her horse and kicked angrily at the dirt. I couldn’t help but wonder how she’d done. Honestly, I’d been too busy feeling the thrill of the ride to pay any attention to her. Even if Sarah did end up winning, it had still been worth every minute.
Lexi and Beth came hustling toward me. I handed off Carolina’s reins to one of the Oakie boys and beamed at them. They surrounded me with a hug that felt so right after the week we’d been through.
“I’m so relieved the scoring is over,” I said, sighing deeply. “But am I crazy to say that I kind of want to ride through the arena again?”
“No way, you looked like a natural in that saddle,” Beth said, playfully shoving my shoulder. “You should definitely ride again.”
Lexi wagged her eyebrows. “And maybe then you can be in the rodeo next year.”
That wasn’t such a bad idea. Graham had mentioned the gals who did barrel racing. That actually sounded like fun. Maybe I really could find something I was passionate about at the fair. Of course, that would mean finding a horse. I couldn’t ride Hunter’s forever...not with the way things had ended between us.
“Have you guys seen Hunter?” I asked, scanning the crowd over their shoulders.
He should’ve been here by now. The rodeo was well underway. They’d already started setting up for the steer wrestling event.
Lexi bit her bottom lip and shook her head. “We haven’t seen him. But we heard from some Rock Valley kids that they saw a bunch of cop cars at his house on their way to the fairgrounds. Wonder what that’s about.”
The blood drained from my face. Cop cars? At Hunter’s house? There could be only one reasonable explanation for that and Hunter’s absence from the arena: Steven. I felt it in my bones. He’d violated the protection order. And judging from his temper the other night, there was no telling what kind of damage he’d done to my best friend.
“I have to go to him,” I said, patting my pockets for my car keys. “His mom’s ex-boyfriend is super dangerous. I have to be sure he’s okay.”
Panic was making my hands shaky and I could barely control their jerky motions as I came up empty. Oh yeah, I didn’t drive here. And I’d left my phone with my parents.
“It’s okay. I’ll drive.” Beth put her arm around my shoulder. “We’ll get you there.”
“I’m coming, too,” Lexi piped up.
I smiled gratefully at them. They were missing all the hot cowboys for me. That was definitely real friendship.
Ms. Gentry stood nearby, her expression serene as she waded through the girls and congratulated each of them for a job well done. I glanced hesitantly over at her, wondering if she’d hate me for running out on her contest. There was no guarantee I’d be back in time. The crowning was just before the final event of the night—bull riding. But I couldn’t leave without saying something. Not when I knew how much
this meant to her.
“Ms. Gentry?” I stepped toward her, leaving the girls waiting behind me. She turned toward me, her smile brightening.
“Ms. Hale, I must say, that was quite an impressive ride. I might even go as far as to say that you surprised not only me, but yourself during this competition. Is that not so?”
