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“Hey, sis!” Avery shouted through the phone. “I’m sorry for calling so early, but I have big news!”
I fought back a yawn. “What kind of news?”
“I did it!” she exclaimed. “I rode Lightning Bolt for eight full seconds!”
My heart raced as excitement and fear coursed through me. “You did what? When?”
“Last night. Oh my gosh, Clover. It was incredible!” Avery said. “And the Dust Devils aren’t so bad. A big fistfight broke out in the crowd, and Declan Wilder showed up and broke this guy’s arm—”
“Avery!” I exclaimed, processing the fact that Declan disappeared to go to the rodeo. “A fist fight? Are you kidding me?” I shouted into the phone. “And did you just say Declan was there?”
Avery laughed, clearly unaware of my growing anger. “Yep. He talked to me, you know. He said he knew you. I didn’t think he was your type, but I can see the appeal. He was kind of hot in his tight jeans and cowboy hat. And he helped break up the fight. He was annoying at first, trying to tell me to leave, but I guess he isn’t so bad.”
I felt a surge of jealousy and desire mixed together. “Avery, you need to be careful,” I said sternly. “You can’t just go around getting involved with dangerous men and bull riding. You could get seriously hurt.”
“Relax, Clover. I’m fine,” Avery said, sounding annoyed. “I just wanted to tell you about my big win.”
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. “Fine. Congratulations on riding Lightning Bolt, Avery. But please be careful.”
“I will. They invited me back to ride again. Apparently, they really like having a female rider. They want to support me, Clover. This is huge, I could make a name for myself and—”
“Avery. I’m worried about you,” I whispered.
Laura reached out to pat my leg as Avery replied. “This is huge, Clover. I just want you to support me on this.”
I eyed Laura, who stared expectantly at me. “Okay,” I mumbled. “Tell me when the next ride is, and I’ll be there to cheer you on.”
Avery let out a squeal of excitement. “Really? You’ll come?”
“Yeah, but only if you wear a helmet. And you promise not to get involved with the Dust Devils. Rodeo only, Avery. I mean it,” I said firmly, glancing at Laura, who gave me a small nod of approval. “I don’t trust them. Hank and his men are bad news.”
Avery let out a laugh. “Oh, come on, Clover. They’re not that bad. In fact, I think some of them are kind of hot. Declan certainly got my pulse racing.”
I rolled my eyes, feeling a twinge of jealousy again. “Just be careful, Avery. And don’t let him or anyone else pressure you into doing something you don’t want to do.”
“I won’t,” Avery replied before ending the call.
I let out a sigh, feeling a mix of excitement and worry about the upcoming bull riding event. I knew I had to be there to support Avery, but the thought of seeing Declan again made my heart race.
Laura placed a comforting hand on my arm. “If you’re going, I’m going too.”
“Really?” I asked, surprised.
Laura nodded. “You bet. My mama can watch Carson for a night. I don’t want you going alone, plus, I need to meet this Declan character and see what all the fuss is about.”
I smiled, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. I always wanted a big sister, and Laura did an admirable job of filling that role in my life. I was lucky to have her bright outlook and steady support.
“Okay,” I said, taking a sip of my coffee.
* * *
My heart sank as I looked at the crumpled heap of metal that used to be my beloved truck. The tow had just delivered it, and now it was sitting in my driveway, where it would probably stay until I worked up the courage to sell it for scrap metal. It had been my faithful companion for years, taking me and my horses to countless trail rides and adventures. But now, after a freak accident, it was totaled. And with it, my hopes of saving enough money for a rainy day.
I took a deep breath and tried to shake off the sense of despair that was threatening to overtake me. I had to be strong for my horses’ sake. They depended on me to take care of them, and I couldn’t let them down.
With a heavy heart, I walked into the barn to start my daily routine of caring for my horses. As I went about my tasks, my mind kept drifting back to the financial burden that loomed over me. Hay prices were going up, and I didn’t have enough of a cushion to weather the storm.
I knew I had to supplement my income, but I didn’t know with what. Maybe a second job, but when would I find the time? My trail guide business was good, but it wasn’t enough to cover unexpected expenses like a totaled truck.
