Rodeo Blues Read online

  Buddy let out a sigh of relief. "So good to know. I'll pass the word around. They'll probably want to head over to the hospital later tonight or tomorrow morning to visit with him."

  Tye nodded.

  "You making any headways with that girl of yours?" Buddy asked, obviously picking up on his lack of staying focused on the here and now.

  "Not really." He glanced at Buddy. "Told her I'd give her what she wanted."

  "Which is?" Buddy asked.

  "The annulment."

  Buddy's hand snaked out, gripping his arm and bringing them to a halt. "Whatcha gone and done that for?"

  "Short version. She was in a snit. Had the right to be, and I didn't know how to fix it other than give her what she wanted."

  "Oh man, I'm sorry. But you know you don't have to stay here in Skeeter Blue. There's plenty of years left in you," he said with all seriousness.

  That may be true, but he couldn't do this line of work forever. A body couldn't take that much punishment. He'd had his time in the limelight, saved his money from his wins, and he was more than ready to settle down – if Jolie would only agree. No matter what, he wouldn't run this time. He'd give her the annulment, but this was a small town. She'd have to talk to him eventually.

  "I'm hanging up my spurs. Skeeter Blue is where I want to be." He knew this the moment he left town all those years ago, but saying the words now brought home the truth. This is where he belonged, where he'd always belonged, if only he hadn't let others dictate his future. Words maimed though, more than being flung off a bull and trampled into the dirt.

  "That's good to know," Whisper said, obviously hearing his declaration as she walked up to them, holding two frozen lemonades, one cup in each hand. She wore her hair in braids, the blonde and brown strands intertwining perfectly. Her red sundress seemed tame compared to her other clothes she'd worn, but she made up for it by wearing flashing crystal ball earrings. "Thought the both of you might want something cold to drink before you start the afternoon."

  "Thanks, Whisper," Buddy said and smiled a wide smile that Whisper returned with one of her own.

  "Glad you're okay, Casper," Whisper said with a sidelong glance. "Thought you'd gone down for the count until Buddy cleared up the misunderstanding. By the way, I just got off the phone with Jolie a few minutes ago," Whisper continued. "She went home early today, said she had a headache. It's not like her to do that."

  He had a hunch it wasn't, but he kept his trap shut."

  "She said she was feeling better, but I could tell something was bothering her and it had nothing to do with a headache – unless said headache was six-foot two." She gave him a once over and he grimaced. "I knew it. Whatcha gone and done now, anyhow?"

  "Enough, I suppose," he said with a tired sigh.

  "Enough to make her spitting mad," she said. "Want me to knock some sense into you?" she asked with a chuckle, but he had a hunch the woman meant it.

  Buddy reached for the lemonades as if to free up her fist for the said promise.

  "Stand in line," he murmured as he took one of the mugs from Buddy.

  Whisper placed her hands on her hips and her gaze slid over him as if judging his worth. "I plan on being first in line."

  He had no doubt she would be.

  "Let me see that hand of yours," she demanded and didn't wait for him to agree or not. Her hand whipped out to take his free one. She stared at his palm and he realized she was doing some of her gypsy power mubble-jumble, but he didn't stop her. Maybe she'd see something there that would give him hope – even if all she claimed would just be a ruse. He'd take the encouragement anyway.

  She clicked her tongue. "You still have a chance to set things right, cowboy." Her gaze met his. "Now get your act together and quick." She released his hand and shifted her attention to Buddy as she smoothed a strand of hair behind her ear. "Will I be seeing you tonight, lover?" Her voice was like a purr.

  "You betcha, sweet thing," Buddy said with a wide grin

  Truly, he could get a cavity just listening to the syrupy banter between these two.

  Whisper giggled in delight and pressed a kiss to Buddy's lips. "Yum, lemonade is my favorite." She moved on, swaying her hips as she headed back to Trinkets Galore's booth.

  "I'm beginning to see your fascination with the gals from this here town," Buddy said with a long sigh.

  "You could always stay and marry that pretty sweet thing," Tye said and pounded Buddy's back for good measure.

  Buddy threw him a petrified look.

  "I'm just saying…" Tye lifted his hand in a shrug as he walked backwards, still grinning.

  "Bite your tongue. And by the way, since you're up shit-creek, I'd say you can show the kiddos how to shovel it out of the stalls."

  His grin slid off his face. "Now, you're just being mean."

  "Yeah, that's me." He strode toward him. "The big meanie. That's why I'm a bachelor and plan on staying that way." Then with all kidding aside, he asked, "Are you really going to quit the circuit and stay here? Even with things not going the way you expected?"

  He glanced at his friend. "I am. Not sure if Jolie will remain my wife, but I can always hope. She has to forgive me sometime, doesn't she?"

  Buddy shook his head. "Don't rightly know. Don't have a rulebook on how these things work, but in my experiences, a woman may forgive, but they never ever forget. Sure you don't want to let this filly go? You could be wasting your time."

  Didn't he already know it, but he'd come this far, he wouldn't give up so readily. "I have time to waste. Besides, how could she turn down a guy with a face like this?" He gave him a lopsided grin and Buddy just shook his head.

  "I do hope you have more of a plan than showing off your pearly whites."

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Tye finally made it back to the hotel to shower and change. This was the last night of the Cowboy Christmas in July Rodeo. If things hadn't changed since the last time he lived here, after all the festivities at the arena, most of the teens would probably head over to the carnival section to ride the roller coaster and Ferris wheel one last time. The adults would end up at Big Bob's Saloon for drinking and dancing.

  As he neared the arena, he spotted the Mayor in the booth, probably looking over the list of names he was to announce.

  "So whatcha goin' to do with the money?" Buddy came to stand by him.

  He hadn't seen the final scores, nor really cared if he won or not, but he guessed Buddy had. "Hadn't really thought about it. Didn't know I won, until now."

  Buddy chuckled. "Didn't you pay attention to the scores?"

  "I had other things on my mind."

  Buddy sighed. "Yep, I guess you have."

  They had a front row seat for the parade and at the end of it, Santa rode in on a horse, dressed in chaps and sporting a red cowboy hat. His satchel was filled with bags of goodies from Cecilia's Scrumptious Sweets. Once Santa said his 'ho, ho, ho, and heehaw', he galloped around the arena before riding away.

  "And now for the winners of the Cowboy Christmas in July events," Mayor Dirkly announced over the loudspeaker, drawing their attention. He announced the barrel racing contestants first, going down the list, and then giving out the medals along with a check to the first place winners.

  While the night wore on, Tye found himself scanning the stands packed with people, searching for Jolie. Even though he knew it was a long shot, he still hoped she'd show up.

  The winners of each event came and went without him hearing more than a few words. After the Bareback riding event's winners had been announced, and the contestants were being escorted off the field, Buddy nudged him to pay attention.

  Mayor Dirkly's voice came over the loudspeaker again. "Now for the Bull riding event. Third place goes to Chuck Stevens from Canada." The crowd clapped and stomped their feet as Stevens made his way to the center of the arena where there were makeshift stands constructed in three different levels. The first place winner stood on the higher tier in the center.

&nb
sp; "Second place goes to Dan Walters from Alabama." Again there was a round of applause. Mayor Dirkly waited for a semblance of silence, which amounted to a low roar. "Now for the first place winner of the bull riding event…drum roll, please…"

  The local high school band played for the ceremony tonight. It had been a tradition when he lived in Skeeter Blue, and would probably continue to be a tradition for years to come. The drum roll started off barely audible and grew louder and faster as if the drummer was running a race. To the left of him, some teenage girls yelled in unison, "We love you, Jack." He could only assume the drummer's name was Jack.

  He glanced at Buddy, who wore a grin. "Sounds like Jack's a popular fella," Buddy snickered.

  "Lucky guy." He inclined his head toward where the teenage girls stood huddled together giggling and cupping their hands around their mouth as they leaned close to converse.

  "And the first place winner of the bull riding event is, Tye Casper from Texas! Let's hear it for the Ghost Rider!"

  Buddy slapped him on the back as he made his way to the stage. He leaned down so this year's Miss Skeeter Blue could slip the gold medal around his neck. Mayor Dirkly stepped forward then and handed him an envelope, which would have a check with the winnings earned for the first place champion. Mayor Dirkly and he shook hands and smiled for the cameras.

  That's when he caught a glimpse of Jolie off to the side, or so he thought, but a second later, flashes came at him in all directions, blinding him. When his vision returned and he stepped off the platform, he turned toward where he thought he'd spotted her, but she wasn't there. Disappointment settled in the pit of his stomach. He didn't know why he had gotten his hopes up.

  "Whatcha goin' to do with your winnings, cowboy?" a woman with a low-cut tank top and short-shorts sidled up to him and linked her arm through his.

  He gritted his teeth, but managed to smile. Any other time he would have taken the pretty gal out to dinner and drinks to celebrate, but he was a married man – at least, until tomorrow morning when Jolie signed the papers. "I'll have to ask my wife," he said and removed her arm from his. She momentarily looked taken aback. Probably never had any guy say no to her. "Evenin' ma'am," he tipped his hat to her then hurried outside the arena as the band began to play again. He headed around the backside of the arena where the camping trailers were parked. They'd most likely be pulling out tomorrow, now that the rodeo was over.

  He knew people would expect him to head over to Big Bob's Saloon, but he didn't feel like celebrating without Jolie. It wouldn't feel right.

  "Hey, Casper."

  He turned to find Jimmy Burns coming his way. "Hey," he called back and waited for him to catch up.

  "The boys and I wanted to know if you'll join us for a few songs over at Big Bob's Saloon for the last hoorah." Jimmy still had dark hair with the longer strands curling at the nape of his neck. He was a little thicker around the waist, but overall looked the same as he had when they were in high school. If he remembered correctly, Sonny said he worked at Reeves Construction as an electrician. "We won't be taking no for an answer," he added as if he sensed the word was teasing Tye's lips.

  "Well then, I'd loved to, but only for a few songs, mind you. I'm beat. I want to head back to the hotel early. Avoid the crowd and all."

  "I hear you." Jimmy nodded, but didn't make a move to go. Tye was about to ask him if there was something else, when Jimmy blurted out what was on his mind. "Heard you were going to set up shop in Skeeter Blue. Any truth to the rumors?" he asked.

  "You heard right," he said, but didn't elaborate.

  Jimmy's lips spread into a wide grin anyway. The man always had a good heart. "I'm glad you found your way home, Tye. Wasn't quite the same without you."

  "Thanks," he said and truly meant it.

  Jimmy nodded. "Mind if I hitch a ride over to the Saloon with you?"

  He had a hunch Jimmy was afraid he wouldn't show if left on his own accord. Jimmy not only had a good heart, but he was intuitive as well.

  "Sure."

  Once parked in the lot of Big Bob's Saloon, Jimmy matched him step-by-step as they sauntered up to the door.

  "Heya, Sam," Tye said.

  "Good evenin', Tye, Jimmy," Sam answered from his seat at the door.

  Upon entering, Tye spotted Sonny and Mike at the stage and it looked like they were already arguing over something. He chuckled. "The more things change, the more they stay the same," he murmured.

  "I better go referee," Jimmy said with a chuckle. "See ya in a few." Jimmy had already turned to go. "Now, fellas," he said to Sonny and Mike, who looked toward Jimmy as he strode toward them. He didn't hear Jimmy's wise words of wisdom, but it looked liked Sonny and Mike calmed down a bit.

  Tye strode over to the bar and leaned against the railing. "Can I get a beer, Stan?"

  The man approached him from the usual place behind the bar. "Sure thing, Tye. Comin' right up."

  He took a few swigs from the bottle before he placed it beside him on the bar. Someone sidled up next to him and he glanced over, and then had to wonder if his jaw hadn't hit the floor.

  "Hi," Jolie said.

  To say he was surprised was an understatement. "Hi," he said back, for lack of any other word since his tongue seemed to be tied in a knot.

  "You going to buy a girl a drink?" she asked.

  His gaze slid over her. Long hair swept up on the side, sundress to show off her lovely cream-colored shoulders, and boots to finish off the outfit.

  "Stan," he raised his voice to be heard over the noise, "Can you get my lovely…" he was going to say wife, but he wasn't sure how she would react to him calling her that. He settled on, "…gal a beer."

  "Got it comin'," he called back.

  "It's the last night," she said.

  "Yep." Her words could mean a few things. Last night they were husband and wife, last night of the Cowboy Christmas in July Rodeo…last night before the end of the world.

  "We've got a full house." Her gaze swept over the crowd, some dancing, some drinking and talking.

  "Yep."

  "Is that all you have to say, Tye Casper?" She turned to give him a sidelong glance.

  "Yep." Because he was afraid to say the wrong words and she'd walk away.

  Stan returned with Jolie's beer and Tye paid the man before he glanced Jolie's way again.

  She took a sip of her beer and then placed the bottle down on the bar. "I got all gussied up – at Whisper's insistence." She rolled her eyes.

  "You look…beautiful."

  "I wasn't fishing for a compliment."

  "Good. 'Cause I don't just hand them out for nothing."

  He could see the stormy tension in her eyes, as if she wasn't sure how to take the truth.

  The band began playing and couples moved onto the dance floor where boots were just itchin' to two-step. "How about we have us a dance?" He looked at her.

  "I don't—"

  "Can't get all gussied up and not dance." He held out his hand. "It's our last night as husband and wife. How about you at least grant your husband one last dance?" Just when he thought she'd refuse, she took his hand.

  They made their way to the dance floor as the song ended. Their eyes met, and he noted the faintest trace of humor lit her gaze. His lips curved and for a few seconds the tension between them vanished.

  "Thought we'd go with a slow song for this one," Sonny said into the microphone and Tye turned and glanced at him standing on the stage. Sonny winked as if he were trying to help him romance Jolie. If so, he'd take all the help he could get.

  He pulled her close, expecting Jolie to push him away, but she didn't. She settled in and rested her head at his shoulder. His hand slid to her back, while the other went to her waist. She had looped her thumbs into his belt loops. She felt so right in his arms. "Jolie—"

  She tilted her head and placed one slender finger on his lips. "No talking, okay?" Once he nodded, she removed her finger.

  He complied to her wishes. They danced a
nd didn't talk, but the warmth of her, the sweet scent of jasmine that teased him, proved a distraction. Only he knew her friendliness wouldn't go as far as them leaving the bar and finding themselves a nice warm bed. If she meant to torture him for his past transgressions, she was doing a pretty good job of it. Yet, he couldn't bring himself to walk away. When the song ended, she peered at him with those lovely storm-colored eyes of hers, eyes he had dreamt about on so many nights he'd lost count. She said something to him, but it took a moment for him to realize what she said, or rather how she said it.

  He turned to watch her walk toward the door, the sway of her shapely bottom a whole different level of torture. Once she pushed opened the door and disappeared outside, only then did it register what she said, "Take care of yourself."

  Take care of myself? His brows drew together. That's it. She ended things before they could even get started. Take care of yourself, were her parting words to him before she walked out of his life. He glanced over as he felt someone move beside him. Buddy handed him a glass.

  "Looks like you could use this more than I can."

  "Thanks," he said, and took a drink. Whiskey, and he welcomed the burn.

  "At least she didn't tell you to jump in the pond down yonder and drown yourself," Buddy said and slapped his back.

  Only Tye knew Jolie a whole lot better than Buddy did. Her words were pretty darn close to meaning the same thing.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  With the rodeo over, she noticed the carnival workers dismantling the rides and stands. By this afternoon, they would be packed up and on their way to their next destination. Tourists, who had been here only for the rodeo, were heading out of town too. Jolie opened Trinkets Galore early, knowing there would be last minute shoppers, looking for just the right souvenir to take home with them.

  By eleven-thirty, the stream of people tapered off and Jolie sent Whisper out to pick them up some lunch. She sat down on the stool behind the counter, grateful to take some weight off her feet for a moment. She reached for the manila envelope she'd placed next to her purse under the counter and retrieved the annulment papers tucked inside. Mayor Dirkly had hand-delivered them this morning as she opened the doors.