Page 35 of Lassoed Love

Michael chuckles. “We’ve also got our names down for Breakaway Roping and Team Roping. It’s gonna be a blast, mate.”

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. “Just make sure I don’t end up on a damn bull or something.”

The boys exchange a knowing look, and I can already tell they're up to something. As they continue with their excitement, I can't help but think about the days with Bradley, practising these skills.The muscle memory’s still there, etched into my bones like an old tattoo. Team roping, though? Nah, I draw the line there. The farm’s got enough of that action. I’ll let the boys handle it. I’m just here to prove a point, maybe relive the thrill of the ride, and endure this rodeo nonsense.

Hilltop Creek Rodeo—a spectacle townies take way too seriously. This place is buzzing with energy, packed to the brim with people and rows of cars stretching for miles. These folks treat it like a national holiday, and I’ve got to admit, the contagious enthusiasm might just make this chaotic celebration somewhat enjoyable.

The blare of the commentator’s voice reverberates through the air, drowning out the chit-chat of the rowdy patrons. The boys, lured by the prospect of the competition, shuffle inside towards a series of small demountables where competitors wait and wind down before the show.

As we walk, Michael keeps turning back, his eyes searching for something—or maybe someone. He suddenly shouts, “You guys go ahead, I’ll meet you there.” Harrison, catching on to the unspoken signals, nods. “Yeah, mate, sure.”

As Michael darts off, Harrison can't resist adding, “Don’t be long, we’ll be in the demountables!” Michael, always the one to disappear when things get lively, the quieter of the two brothers, always seems to have a hidden agenda. His retreat is predictable, leaving Harrison and me to head towards the demountables, ready for the rodeo chaos that awaits. The energy is palpable, a mix of excitement and anticipation.

“Man, Xav, this is gonna be a bewdy bonza!!” Harrison, bouncing on his heels, exclaims, as we wait in the demountable for our rounds to be called over the PA system.

“Can you believe we’re doing this after all these years? Remember when we were little kids?”

I nod. “Yeah, those were the days. Running around the farm, pretending we were in our own little rodeo… Your brother tagging along like a stray pup.” Memories come flooding back.

Harrison laughs, “Yeah, good times. And now, here we are, about to ride for real. Life’s a funny thing, ain’t it?”

There’s a sense of nostalgia in the air, and for a moment, I allow myself to be transported back to those carefree days. It’s a stark contrast to the present, standing on the brink of adulthood, about to engage in a rodeo that once existed only in our childhood imaginations.

Harrison continues, “The place is chokers, fuck me,” sounding a little nervous now.

I glance out the small window, observing the bustling activity and the huge crowds of people surrounding the showground and seated in the grandstands.

I smirk. “Oh, what’s wrong, big boy, having second thoughts, are you now? You don’t think before you use that thick skull of yours, do you?” I tease, poking his temple, pushing him slightly from the force.

“Fuck off!” he retorts. “I’m not? Are you?”

“Too fucking late to have any now, don’t you think?” I quip. Asnervous as I am, I can’t help but get off on the adrenaline.

Michael returns after his brief absence. Harrison gives him a playful slap on the back. Harrison's energetic spirit persists. “Where’d you run off to, mate?”

Michael, now noticeably more reserved, dismisses it casually. “Nothing, just saw an old mate.”

“Yeah, right,” Harrisons says just as I snort out loud.

“Oh, fuck off, both of you. Just some chick I know, wanted to have a chat before we go on, that’s all!”

“More like a quick blowie before the show? Some pre-show spirit, aye?!” Harrison says as he throws his arm over his brother’s shoulders.

Michael, a hint of mischief in his eyes, shoves off his arm. “No. Shut the fuck up,” he says, hushing Harrison to avoid unnecessary attention. “Aw, looks who’s all shy now.”

Michael just rolls his eyes, scrolling through his phone. I watch their exchange, shaking my head, amused by these two idiots.

It’s a distraction, a welcomed diversion from the building tension of waiting for my turn in the arena. The smell of hay and dust fills the air, and I can’t help but feel a strange mix of nostalgia and determination as I prepare for the upcoming challenge.

Harrison breaks my daze, leaning in. “So, what ended up happening with you and Cal Thompson’s daughter?” My eyes cut to him, glaring.

“Yeah, what the fuck! I forgot all about that,” Michael exclaims, moving closer to sit next to me.

I shrug off the insistent questioning. “Nothing. Just dropped her off, and I went home. Felt bad for what those fuckers were saying about her dad.”

Michael cuts in, his eyes narrowing. “Seemed like it was something, brother. You looked like you were gonna kill those guys.” Still sitting too close for my liking.

I shoot Michael a glare. “You boys really don’t know the meaning of personal space, do you?”

---