Page 81 of Since Day One

“That was amazing,” Ruger said, and June uncoordinatedly waved her hands around. I swung down from my horse as Rob walked over with Carsen, both of them smiling widely. But I didn’t respond to Ruger and didn’t say anything to Rob or Carsen. I just tossed Rob the reins and walked away, still wearing my chaps and show number.

I wove through the crowds, listening and watching for any mention of T-Bar Ranch or Willow Summers. Maybe I’d even recognize her best friend, Abi. Somewhere in this densely packed facility, she had to be here. Someone had to know where she was.

Then I caught my first break.

“T-Bar Ranch is falling behind,” a tall cowboy said. Two gentlemen were chatting off to the left, two men I’d never seen before. But I didn’t care, I excitedly walked toward them, pushing around a few others hoping they could tell me more.

“I don’t know why they aren’t having her ride this year. It’s going to cost them greatly, and Emily doesn’t deserve another buckle after the stunt she pulled,” the shorter one said.

“Maybe it’s because of what happened with the owner’s wife,” the tall one responded, and I shoved between another group, finally reaching the edge of the two men.

“Excuse me,” I said, tipping my hat. They both looked and gave me a brief smile. “I don’t mean to interrupt or pry, but would you happen to know where anyone from T-Bar Ranch is? I’m looking for someone.”

The taller cowboy grinned, his smile lines deep and weathered from a long life lived well. “It’s pretty hard to find people here this year, ain’t it.”

“Yes, it is.” I chuckled, hoping that they would lead me to where I needed and wanted to be.

“If you head over yonder on the far side of the small arena, I seen them setting up over there. They’ve got a young man named Dwayne riding soon,” he continued.

“Thank you,” I said and turned to rush away. His work-hardened hand wrapped around my arm, stopping me, and I looked back at the man.

“What’s a cutting boy doing looking for a reining ranch?” he asked, and I gave him a tight smile.

“It’s a long story,” I responded. He stared at me, searching for something that he eventually found. A kind smile spread across his friendly face and then he let me go. I ran toward the far end of the building, one corner I hadn’t managed to break into because of how packed it was.

Pushing and shoving my way through throngs of people, rushing around horses, I moved closer and closer toward the possibility of seeing Willow again.

“Dwayne! You have five minutes and are up!” A familiar voice shouted, and I knew I was close. It was Abi. I recognized her from the couple of conversations she’d had with Willow in front of me.

A young man, quite short but well-built with jet-black hair rolled his eyes, one toe in the stirrup about to mount a horse. “I know, Abi!” he shouted and mounted the horse. This boy was closest to me, and I lunged forward, grabbing a rein.

“Hey, man. Not cool,” he said, glaring at me.

“I’m really sorry, but I’m looking for someone who works at the T-Bar Ranch. Where you work. I want to know when they ride,” I said, knowing I shouldn’t talk to her until after she competed so as to not distract her, and he furrowed his brows in suspicion.

“How’d ya know that I work at T-Bar Ranch?” he asked.

“An older gentleman let me know that someone named Dwayne was riding next from T Bar Ranch. I heard a woman say the name Dwayne, and you responded,” I explained, leaving out the fact that I also knew who the woman was because I’d spoken with her before.

“Alright, that makes sense. Who ya lookin’ for?” he asked, his Southern accent thick.

“Willow Summers,” I stated, and he tilted his head.

“And who’s callin’ for her?” he questioned.

I paused, taking a moment to consider how I would answer this. “Uh, a friend.”

“If you ain’t gonna give me a name, I ain’t tellin’ ya. Plus I need to get going.”

“Gunnar Johnson,” I said, and then waited as Dwayne watched me for a moment and then took a deep breath.

“She’s not riding this year,” he answered, his eyes full of sorrow.

“At all?”

He shook his head but didn’t say a word.

“Why the hell not?” I asked, completely shocked.

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