Battle

“I know you’re too good for him.”

That is the second time I’ve been told that today, but at least Tucker has a history with Battle. They were friends. My father has never met Battle.

“I like him. If you can’t accept my feelins’, then we have nothin’ else to talk about."

“Now, Faye, honey, I understand you’re upset with Wyatt. But I think you should think about what’s best for your future.”

“Stop! Did Mom tell you what Wyatt did?”

“Yes, but Wyatt loves you, and I’m sure he regrets it.”

I interrupt. “Daddy, I love you, but I can’t talk to you right now.”

My emotions are all over the place as I end the call without a goodbye, afraid I’ll say something I can’t take back. I power off my phone and wallow in anger and frustration. I’ve always been Daddy’s little girl, but I’m a woman now that wants to be strong. I don’t understand why he wants me to be weak. He’s the one that’s always says weak-minded people don’t succeed. Why can’t he see putting up with Wyatt makes me weak-minded? A part of me knows why, his friendship with Wyatt’s father. I hate to think I’m a pawn in a game my father’s playing, but it appears to be the only logical conclusion.

“What’s wrong?” Battle asks. I didn’t see him approach.

“My father called. It didn’t go well, and I don’t want to talk about it. Did you get a lucky draw?” I ask, changing the subject.

“Uh, I did all right, but I wouldn’t say I got lucky.”

I take my seat three rows back and next to the chute minutes before start time. The seats on both sides of me are empty, which is strange since the arena is sold out. Battle gets several complimentary tickets. Maybe they’re his, and I’m the only one using them. His mother’s too sick to come, Erinn’s too young, and I get the impression he doesn’t speak to anyone else in his family.

I glance around the arena filled with families. It takes a moment to register the two faces walking toward me. When I do, a smile spreads across my face as I stand up. Marty and Ginger throw their arms around me.

“What are you doin’ here?” I ask.

“Battle called me,” Ginger answers. “Said he didn’t want you to be alone while he was ridin’.”

More like, he didn’t want me to be alone with Tucker. I don’t know when he called Ginger, but it was incredibly sweet, and I could kiss him for it.

“I’m a tad upset I’m the last to know you two are together,” Marty says with her arms folded.

“We aren’t together, Mar.”

“That’s not what Battle said when he called,” Ginger says.

I raise my eyebrows, shaking my head in surprise. “It’s not?”

“I don’t remember his exact words, but he definitely said the two of you are together.”

The announcer’s voice blares from the speakers, interrupting my opportunity to grill Ginger about what else Battle said when he called her.

A bull rams the chute as we take our seats. I’m elated my friends are here. Being alone wouldn’t be as difficult if I didn’t think Tucker was lurking and waiting for his chance to pounce. My friends being here eases my concerns.

The first rider, JT, waits outside the chute. Ginger waves, and he winks at her, an amorous wink that doesn’t go unnoticed by Marty either.

“You’ve been seeing JT?” Marty accuses.

Ginger’s cheeks flame and she ducks her head. “I was gonna tell you guys.”

“First Faye and Battle. Now you and JT. I wouldn’t have come if I’d know I was gonna be the third wheel.”

“You won’t be,” Ginger promises. “I didn’t wanna say anything until I knew if it was serious.”

“Is it?” I ask.

“I think so.” She gushes. “Oh, he’s up,” she says, clapping her hands.