Page 9 of Fool for You
Me
Made it and semi unpacked. Take a look.
I snapped a quick photo of my living room and kitchen and sent it off.
Dad
Looks good, pumpkin! Send a pic when it’s all set up.
I smiled, huffing at his positivity when a text from my mother instantly followed. I opened her chat with a deep breath.
Mom
Why don’t you have any furniture? You need a coffee table, a couch, and a love seat. It looks small. Can you even get a full couch in there?
Inhaling, I typed out a response to her.
Me
I’m just getting settled. I have to go shopping.
Mom
Don’t get too much. It’s a tiny space, you’re used to our house, just make sure you stay within your means, Quinn.
I locked my phone and shoved it in my pocket. The place isn’t too small. It’s perfect. And it’s mine.
Two weeks later, I not only had a couch, but a coffee table, a small dining room table, a bookshelf, and everything was unpacked and where it should be. My photos lined the mantel of the small electric fireplace, the orange glow of the fire filling the room as the sun set. The small speaker played country music as I finished cleaning the kitchen from dinner, and there was a small glass boot filled with some flowers sitting on the kitchen counter.
I was—to say the least—settled. Comfortable.Home.
With January coming to a close, I started to piece together my schedule. I knew this year would be packed with rodeo after rodeo, trying to earn as much cash as I could to make it to the NFR. I had to coordinate with Cash on the training, I had to make sure Hook and Charming were ready and up for journeys, and I had to sign up for the rodeos.
Last year, Cash handled all of that for me. Being his only client, he acted more like an agent than a trainer. He called the arenas, he got my name on the boards, he booked the hotels and stables, leaving me with no worries at all. This year it was all me. I had done it before, and I could do it again.
First things first…
I set up my laptop on the kitchen island, taking a seat on the stool. I pulled my water and phone near me.
Me
How many clients do you have now?
I typed out the quick message to Cash, setting my phone down to search for the local equestrian vet, only to pick it right back up again.
Me
And can I have Abi’s number?
Cash
I have you, two saddle broncs, and three other barrel racers. Plus, I help the bull riders who use the arena. Why??
555-8436. Told her you were going to text her, she’s ready for you.
Me
Just figuring out my training schedule. What do you think?
