Cowgirls Don't Cry(69)

I really do. And I’m considering this a loan, ’cause I will pay you back. Every penny. My word is good as gold. Ask anyone ’round here.”


Liar. She noticed Billy didn’t tell Brandt to ask her if his word was good.

“I’ll hold you to that,” Brandt said without much conviction.

“So, what’s your cousin’s name?” Billy asked with feigned interest, because even as self-absorbed as he was, he understood it’d be rude to take Brandt’s money and run. “Maybe I know him.”


“Chase McKay. He’s in the PBR.”


“Never heard of him.”


Another lie. With as much as Billy Reynolds lived and breathed the world of rodeo, he had to’ve heard of Chase, since Chase McKay ranked as one of the top fifteen bull riders in the world.

“Yeah, well, he’s an up and comer,” Brandt said.

They chatted politely about nothing.

Jessie tuned them out. She was too busy wondering if everyone saw hopeful sucker stamped on her forehead or if it was as invisible as she was.

Billy’s, “Wow, look at the time,” brought Jessie back to their conversation. “I gotta stretch out before my ride.”


“Understood.” Brandt thrust his hand across the table. “Good meetin’ you, Billy.”


“You too Brandt. Take good care of my girl.”


God. Just stop pretending I ever meant anything to you. Stop pretending you care now. You got what you wanted.

“Will do.”


“Jessie, it was great seein’ you. I hope we’ll cross paths again soon.”


“Give ’em hell on those broncs today, Billy.”


“Always.” As he shuffled away, she noticed he didn’t have the same spring in his step as he used to.

Maybe the years beating the shit out of his body had finally begun to take its toll.

It was ironic Billy’s favorite saying, you reap what you sow, popped into her head at that moment.

Jessie and Brandt sat side by side, in silence, for several long minutes. Watching people passing by.

Inhaling the scents of popcorn, nachos, hot dogs and mini-donuts drifting from the concession stand.

Feeling the anticipation in the air because rodeo kick off time neared.

When Brandt rubbed her back in a show of support, she had the overwhelming urge to bawl. Instead, she said, “Let’s go home.”


His hand stilled. “You don’t want to stay for the performance?”


“I’ve just seen Billy Reynolds’ best performance today, so let’s call it good and get the hell out of here.”


Brandt didn’t say anything until they were out of the arena, in the truck and back on the road. “You okay?”


“No. I’m such a f*cking idiot. I can’t believe I fell for his bullshit. I should’ve gone with my first instinct and told him I was too busy today to drive to Gillette. Now, we’ve wasted a few hours and you’re out four hundred bucks.” She sighed. “Which I will pay you back for, of course.”


“Like that’s my biggest goddamn concern right now, Jessie,” he snapped. “How long has this been goin’ on?”


“What? A man only showing up when he needs something from me? My whole goddamn life.”


His lips flattened.

Jessie didn’t bother to assure Brandt he was the exception because he wasn’t.

She expected he’d push her to talk, but he didn’t. Not for several miles. Then he simply said, “I’ve been tryin’ to think if you’ve told me anything about your childhood. About Billy.”