I pull my notebook out and flip it open. “Say it again. I want to write that down.”
“I’m useful?”
“No, the diamond in the dust thing.”
Jiggy repeats the sentiment pretty close to what he said the first time, and I hurry to scribble it down.
“Look at that,” Rooster announces. “You managed to redeem yourself.”
Rooster
Our afternoon antics settle into serious business when we arrive at the arena.
Greg’s antsier than usual, in and out of Shelby’s dressing room, running his fingers through his hair, and just generally being annoying.
“You got a minute, Logan?” he asks while Shelby’s getting her makeup done.
“Yeah, sure.” I toss the magazine I’d been flipping through aside and follow him into the hallway.
Greg paces a few times, sliding his hands over his head and clasping the back of his neck.
“What’s on your mind, Greg?” I don’t have all night for his histrionics. “Spit it out.”
“Lynn called me.”
Not what I expected to hear. Nor am I thrilled about it. “For fuck’s sake, what now?”
“Nothing bad.” He stops the frantic movements. “She wants to surprise Shelby in Dallas.”
My body relaxes. “Good. Why are you stressed about it?”
“Well, I told her to set it up with you.”
“And the problem is?”
He finally stops pacing and fidgeting. “I thought you’d be annoyed.”
“Why?” The only thing I’m annoyed about is this conversation.
“That she called me.”
“You are her manager, aren’t you?”
“Well, yeah. But I thought you wanted to handle her personal matters.”
“It’s not that big of a deal, Greg.” Is he really worried I’m annoyed or does he just want to pawn Lynn off on me? Doesn’t matter. I’ll take care of it.
My phone buzzes and I yank it out, recognizing the Texas area code. “I think this is her.”
“Good, good.” Greg holds up his hands and backs away.
I glare at him while he slinks down the hall. “Yeah?” I answer.
“Logan, it’s Lynn.”
“How are you?”
“I’m all right. Look, Greg said I should call you about this. I want to surprise Shelby at her Dallas show.”
“I think she’d love for you to be there.”
“You mean it?”
I force back the irritated growl in my throat. “Yes.”
“It’s a longer drive than I’m comfortable with.” She hesitates. “And you already did enough gettin’ me to Virginia—”
Is that why she called Greg instead of me? A pride thing? Shelby’s stubbornness makes more and more sense. “You need a plane ticket?” That’s easy enough for me to handle.
“No. No. I got that covered. But do you think you can have someone pick me up at the airport? Without ruining the surprise for Shelby?”
“Yeah, no problem.”
“Is Jensen still on the road with you?”
Realizing where the conversation’s headed, I roll my eyes toward the ceiling. “Yes.”
“If you don’t think he’d mind…”
“He won’t mind.” The opposite, actually. He’s never going to shut up about being hand-selected by Lynn.
We talk for a few more minutes and end on a friendly note.
When I return to Shelby’s dressing room, her worried gaze is fixed on the door. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” I drop my shoulders, relaxing my posture. No reason for her to worry.
Everything will be fine.
Chapter Thirty
Shelby
“Why does it smell like cow everywhere?” Pants wrinkles his nose and glances around the parking lot.
“They do bull riding here too.” I sniff the air, curious what Pants is complaining about. “I don’t smell nothing but the tangy aroma of exhaust fumes, humidity, and sidewalk liquor.”
The guys bust up laughing, then get to carrying stuff inside. When they’re finished with me, Steer and Dex head over to Dawson’s bus. Lord knows, Dawson’s got enough equipment to keep them busy for hours.
Jiggy taps Rooster’s arm. “I’m gonna go do that thing.”
Rooster nods and Jiggy leaves without a goodbye.
“Where’s Jiggy taking off to so early?” I ask.
Rooster shrugs, but something seems off about the casual gesture. “Not sure.” He slips his arm over my shoulders. “Happy to be back in Texas?”
“Yes and no.” I glance around. “Dallas feels so much more congested than home.”
His lips flatten. I can’t tell if he’s disappointed or trying not to laugh or something else. “We’ll be there soon.”
“I can’t wait.” I skip ahead of him, my boots scuffing over the asphalt. “Momma promised me chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, and green beans the first night.”
He briefly closes his eyes, a slight smile curving his lips. “Can’t wait.”
I grin, thrilled he’s looking forward to going home with me even if my momma hasn’t always been the sweetest to him.
Inside the arena, Greg shows me to my dressing room. It’s nicer than most. When we’re alone, I take Rooster’s hand and bat my eyelashes at him. “You see the size of that bathroom?”
“I did.” He pulls away, setting up his laptop on a nearby table. “Cindy should be by soon. Do you know what you want to wear tonight?”
A little confused by his reaction, I stare at him for a few moments before opening my suitcase to search for the dress I want. Maybe he’s worried we don’t have enough time to get frisky.