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“Nope. I pulled into a gas station and gave the guy in the convenience store her description and the model and color of her car. He said she’d been there just fifteen minutes before me, and she was heading back to town.”
“And she still didn’t get back to you?”
“Not a word! So…when I saw her at the Tavern…let’s just say I wanted answers.”
“Damn, Duke, of course you did.”
“I still don’t know what happened, but I’ve decided to leave it alone. It’s not like we were dating, but even so…”
“Even so…” Rick repeated thoughtfully. “Do you mind if I ask her about this?”
“Hey, be my guest. It’s a big question mark in my head, like an itch I can’t scratch.”
“I’m sure, and you had every right to be so riled up. Thanks for tellin’ me the whole story.”
“You’re welcome. I just thought you should know. By the way, I’ll be at the rodeo tomorrow. I want to see you win the championship.”
“I want to see me win the championship too,” Rick said with a chuckle. “Bye, Duke, and thanks again.”
“Sure thing. Bye.”
As the call came to an end, Rick gulped down the last of his beer and left the motorhome. He and Bailey were going back to the motel, but now his bath would have to wait.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Still pondering the story Duke had just told him, Rick packed an overnight bag and dropped it in his truck, then headed back to Bailey. As he ambled down the barn aisle he saw her putting supplies into a nearby locker, and Miss Piggy in her stall devouring a bucket of grain.
“Are you done?” he asked as Bailey walked up to him.
“I am, and I’m ready for a bath and a nap as well. It’s been quite a day.”
“It sure has,” he agreed, taking her hand as they moved outside and headed to his truck.
“Rick, are you okay?”
“Yeah, fine, but we need to talk.”
“Nothing serious I hope.”
“Not serious like life threatenin’,” he replied as they climbed in.
“But you look worried.”
“It’s a bit troublin’,” he replied, searching for the right words as he started up the truck and drove to the exit. “Bailey, I’ve spoken to Duke. I know you stood him up, but apparently there was more to it. You virtually disappeared, and he’d been told there were some rough guys at the barn you were off visitin’ by yourself. He was worried sick. Why didn’t you call him back…or text him?”
“I, uh, I had no signal where I was, and by the time I got away it was late. I know I should have called anyway, but I was upset.”
“Got away?” Rick repeated. “What does that mean?”
“Shit.”
“Bailey!”
“Okay, I’ll tell you, but you have to promise not to be mad.”
“I can only promise I’ll do my best. What happened?”
“I’d make it a point to scout out barns before showing up for the appointment.”
