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“You call that a smile?” Dolly said. “It looks like you’re grimacing.”
“How about now?” LeAnn crossed her eyes and stuck out her tongue.
Dolly gave her an exasperated look. “If you’re not going to be serious about this, we’re going to take pictures of Garth instead.”
“He’s probably more photogenic right now,” LeAnn said, rubbing her temples.
Frowning in concern, Dolly said, “Okay, we’re done here.”
“Thanks,” LeAnn said, knowing that her sister saw the warning signs. She had a migraine that felt like her worst hangover. And since she had given up partying after making one bad mistake after another—one of them being Mick—that was saying something.
Sometimes the whole rodeo scene left her wanting more. But more of what, she wasn’t sure. All LeAnn knew was that when she thought of life after rodeo, she didn’t see anything but a great big maw of nothing. Riding horses was her life. She was going to add bulls to that too, and hopefully a picture of what life after rodeo would look like would come to her.
When the photographer had left, LeAnn went up to her sister and spoke in a low voice. “Any word on the announcement?”
Dolly shook her head. “Not a peep.”
“They’re still going through with it though, right?” LeAnn hoped they weren’t going to put it off until next season. Although, it would give her more time to practice.
“Of course. They need to get attendance up. Don’t worry, they’re probably just planning something big.” Bolstered by the success of the women’s bronc-busting category, the WPRC was eager to get more butts in the seats. And that meant thinking out of the box, or in this case, the rodeo arena with these photo shoots.
Dolly went off to find more reliable internet, so Reba helped her get Garth back into the horse trailer.
“Do you want me to take a ride to the barn with you?” Reba asked.
“No thanks, I got this. I’ll probably stay late and catch up with some friends.” LeAnn wondered if Dolly had told her about the bull-riding lessons.
Reba bit her lip. “Maybe I should go.”
“I’ll be fine.” LeAnn laid her hand on her sister’s arm. “I just need some me time.”
Nodding, Reba grinned. “I hear that. I’m looking forward to just relaxing tonight too. But call if you need me, or if Garth is having a problem settling in.”
“Will do,” LeAnn said, glad that Reba hadn’t pushed the issue about chaperoning her. Her sisters, at least, were starting to realize that LeAnn wouldn’t fall into catastrophe if she was left alone for a few hours. Being the baby of the family wasn’t easy, even when you didn’t royally screw up.
LeAnn drove the pickup truck to the rodeo arena, pulling into the lot where all the other horse trailers were. Garth was used to the routine, and she was able to get him out of the trailer without any assistance. She saddled him up and took him for a couple laps around the arena at a slow pace to warm up. Then when he was ready, she waited her turn to practice doing a clover leaf around the barrels with him. LeAnn could tell that he was happy for the exercise. So was she.
This year LeAnn was going to compete in all the events. She wanted to keep her competitive edge sharp. And on the off chance that the WPRC wasn’t going to introduce bull riding this year, LeAnn could use the exposure of winning other events to attract more sponsors.
After confirming with the rodeo staff where she needed to stable Garth, LeAnn went over the information for tomorrow’s event. She was honored to see that the WPRC wanted her and Garth to carry out the Texas flag during the opening ceremonies.
LeAnn wondered if that was Dolly’s doing, because they hadn’t asked her to do that ever since she had lost to Merry. And as if her thoughts had conjured her up, Merry Grayson was standing right behind her when she turned around.
“Hiya, Killer,” Merry said. She had a toddler perched on her hip, but other than that, she looked the same, if a little bit tired.
“You’re not competing this year, are you?” For one horrified moment, LeAnn wondered if Merry had come out of retirement to try for the bull-riding buckle.
“Oh hell no. I’m announcing.”
LeAnn tried to keep the relief off her face, but Merry must have seen it anyway because she laughed.
“I’m not even getting on a horse. But I think June will be doing some pickup riding during the season.”
“How have you been?” LeAnn asked, smiling at the toddler who was alternating peeking at her and burying her face in her mother’s shirt.
“Busy, but I’m looking forward to traveling a bit on the circuit again. I’ve missed it. Not enough to get back on a horse, but there’s something about the rodeo, you know?” Merry smiled wistfully.
“I do.”
