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“Gregory Orchards for one.”
It wasn’t even a thought before it shot out of my mouth.
“Oh bullshit, you know as well as I do your family would support you if you wanted to go for it. Clearly the press thinks you are, and it impressed this guy Cole. I looked him up. He’s a big fucking deal dude.”
Sitting up, I realized I was going to have to come clean sooner rather than later with Rowan. May as well rip the bandaid off now.
“Yeah, Cole has been working at this for the last few years. That wasn’t the first time I rode. Just the first time I got caught.”
Jaw hanging on the floor, I had finally rendered my best friend speechless. Using the opportunity to see the damage control I needed to do with my family I cringed.
Claire and Lilly had of course sent huge long messages about how stupid and dangerous bull riding was and how they didn’t send me on this trip to kill myself.
Evan sent me a ‘that was fucking amazing’ text. Luke and Hunter sent the same message to call them immediately. The only one who had sent nothing was Devin. The one I expected to get the most shit from about irresponsibility and my duty to the family hadn't so much as called.
Taking a chance I sent him a message.
Bryce: are you living under a rock?
I wasn’t sure if he would answer right away but the fact that my message barely went through before I got a response shocked me a bit.
Devin: nope.
Bryce: so no, you’re an idiot. How dare you? Or anything text?
Devin: nope.
Devin wasn’t one to talk much but seriously? One-word answers sucked when you knew everyone was pissed at you.
Bryce: why?
Devin: you think everyone wasn’t pissed when I joined the Army? Best decision I ever made for myself. The farm needs you but you need to figure out your life, bro. If bull riding is it you need at least one person in your corner. May as well be the one who ran from the farm first.
My body slumped back into the bed. Not what I expected at all from him. Granted, he had a seriously valid point. He was the only other one who left and followed something he was passionate about. If I needed anyone’s guidance it would have been his.
Bryce: you better not let Lilly or Claire see that
Devin: be damn sure I’m denying it if you say anything lol
Rowan rubbed his hand on the back of his neck, pulling at it like he didn’t know who I was anymore. “So, this is like your thing now? I bet chicks really hang all over you. Is that why you’ve been so disinterested down at the pool? You knew you’d get plenty later at your show.”
“No, I mean, I don’t know Rowan. I’m supposed to meet with Cole today. I haven’t made any decisions.”
“Well, if you want my opinion I say go for it.”
“You really think it’s worth the risk?”
He nodded, heading toward the bathroom.“Bryce, you never take risks. You never do shit for yourself. It’s about damn time. Tonight we’re celebrating. No, this entire day we are. What time do you meet with that guy?”
“Lunch time.”
“Well, after that we are hitting up every bar in the area until you forget your name.”
Rowan may think that was the plan, and for now I wouldn’t burst his bubble. What I really wanted to do was figure out how to run into Hannah again.
Chapter Seven
Two Years Later
