Page 30 of Chasing Bandit

“Well in that case, Ms. Vector, how would you feel about going on a date with me to the rodeo next weekend? I heard it’s the grand opening for the summer season and I’ve yet to check it out since moving here.”

I thought for a moment. My sister and Nash hadn't mentioned anything about the grand opening, and I wondered if this was something Wylie would attend. Though I knew he shouldn't affect my decisions, I couldn't help but think about it. I wasn't even sure if he was still dating other women; we had never committed to exclusivity. In fact, I had been quite clear about not wanting an exclusive relationship with Wylie Cameron.

I bit my lip nervously, unsure if I was going to regret this decision but making it anyways.

“Sure, I think that sounds great, Dallas.”

Chapter 23 – Wylie

One week later…?

“You gotta call Doc, Wylie,” Mitchell called out to me as I looked over the newborn calves that were currently sequestered in a back section of the barn.

Something wasn’t right with them. It'd been a hot start to the summer but their behavior the past day seemed as though it was more than just general lethargy and I wasn’t thrilled about losing an entire group of newborns to a stealth infection.

This isn't good.

“I’ll give him a ring right now,” I responded.

Mitchell nodded, swiping more medicine from the cooler at the back, and continued to administer the antibiotics we had on hand. Meanwhile, I headed into the house to retrieve my phone.

I called the town's veterinarian, arranging for him to meet with Mitchell in thirty minutes to perform a thorough examination. Afterward, I finished my rounds on the property and returned to my dad's office to update our ranch management software with the day's notes. One hour later, Mitchell met me in the doorway.

“Scours,” he said sighing as he sunk into the chair across from me, “Looks like it’s affecting about ten of them.”

“Shit.”

He nodded, “Doc got them on some intravenous antibiotics and we’ll up the milk feeds along with some added electrolytes. He’s optimistic, doesn’t think we’ll lose any of them since we caught it so early.”

“That’s good news.” I sat back, feeling relieved as I kicked my boots up on my dad's desk. “You want a drink to celebrate?”

He shook his head, “Got a date. Headed to the season opener for the Lonestar Junction Rodeo. You going?” he asked as he stood up.

“Didn’t realize that was tonight. I’ll catch a ride with Nash and Clay. I don't feel like staying in tonight.”

He left the home while I pulled up a new text message for my brothers.

Wylie: You boys going to the rodeo tonight?

Clay: Yea, we’re just cleaning up at Ashwood then heading over there. You want a ride?

Wylie: I’ll meet you there.

Clay: Don’t lose your shit, but Stevie is going.

Wylie: Ok…

Clay: She's going on a date.

Wylie: WTF

Clay: I said don’t lose your shit!

Nash: You shouldn’t have ever said anything, Clay.

Wylie: Who’s the fucker?

Nash: New guy in town from Los Angeles. Engineer. He's your neighbor in the farm next door.

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