Page 45 of Fool for You
The wordcongratulationsdidn’t even pass her lips. The first thing she said was, “Your father told me you were going to behere today; I was hoping to see youbeforeyou got on the back of a horse.”
I pursed my lips together, thinking to myself that was the last time I told my dad my schedule.
“You could have found me before my event,” I said in response. “I didn’t know you were going to be here.” I looked around. “Where’s your queen?”
She folded her arms over her chest. “She’s carrying the flag.”
I nodded. “That’s great, Mom.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you’d be here? I had to go searching for you. I found your trailer before you.” My mom lectured, her voice stern as she looked down at me, even though we were the same height. I couldn’t figure out what was hidden in her eyes. Disapproval, hatred, despair? Anger. How many emotions could two eyes hold, and why did she have to be so good at hiding them?
“Mom,” I sighed, tightening my grip on Hook’s reins. “You know I’m doing this, you know I’m traveling this year to make it to the NFR, and you know I’ve signed up for major PRCA Rodeos—which this happens to be—”
“I think you should at least share your schedule with me. That way, I know where you’re going to be. Your father knows. I shouldn’t have to hear it second-hand from him. We used to do this together, Quinn.”
“No, Mom, we did—”
“Quinn!” I heard Wyatt’s voice boom overhead, saving me from whatever I was about to say to my mother. “Quinn!”
And just like that, my mother turned into the most perfect person on the planet.
And I guarantee it had everything to do with the man at my side.
Wyatt shook her hand as he gave her his award-winning smile, no doubt taken by her. “Yes, Ma’am, Wyatt Hartwell.”
“Your name has quite the reputation in the sport; there’s been talk about why a Hartwell hasn’t been seen this season yet.”
“Yeah, well, my brother is taking some time off to be with his wife and newborn, and I…well—” Dropping his chin, his smile faded. He let out a sigh before looking back up at my mom. “I’m here for Quinn. I’m sure you caught your daughter’s ride, though. Fan-fucking-tastic if you ask me.”
My eyes shot at my mom the same time she blinked back at Wyatt’s language, but her smile grew, and her eyes turned back to me. “Yes, of course,” she said, her voice rising by at least two notches. Fake as can be. “I’m always so thrilled to see her in action.”
Thrilled? To see me in action? Ha…no, there were more things she was interested in than watching me ride. She was there for her queen and, at that moment, Wyatt.
“What was my time, Mom?” I asked, my voice completely toneless.
“Oh, Quinn. You know it’s not about the time.” She reached her hand out to me, gently placing her palm on my arm.
“Actually, Mom, it’s all about the time,” I grumbled, tempted to jerk my arm away.
“Fifteen point six,” Wyatt answered for her. “Last night was a seventeen point nine, and the night before that was sixteen flat. She’s been coming in first all weekend and damn.” His eyes turned to me, catching my gaze for a split second. “She’s amazing to watch.”
My mom sighed, turning her attention back to Wyatt. “I would love to see your brother back. Do you know if he’s riding at all this year?”
Wyatt blinked. “I’m not traveling with him this year, couldn’t tell you what his plans are.”
My mom hummed. “Shame. But you—” She leaned in slightly, her attention now completely focused on Wyatt. “I’msure you’ll be back in the announcer box soon, right? Rodeo is missing your voice.”
Wyatt flashed her another sideways smile, taking one step forward to grab Hook’s reins. “Maybe someday, but…not anytime soon.”
“I know Kelly would love to see you again. She speaks highly of you.”
I blinked and felt my entire body freeze. Kelly…and Wyatt?
Wyatt inhaled sharply, and a grin I hadn’t seen before lightly spread across his lips. “Kelly Fugal?”
My mother gave him a prideful gleam. “Miss Rodeo Montana.”
“Miss Rodeo Montana,” he repeated matter-of-factly, like he didn’t need to be reminded who she was.
