Howdy, Ma'am

by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

  “Thanks, Velia.” He pulled up next to her car. “I’ll start early tomorrow morning.”

  “Good. I’ll send you the pictures I have tonight. Do your thing with them.”

  “Got’cha.”

  She got in her car feeling good about the night and knowing how lucky it was to find Brian. There would be no worries while she toured, which reminded her she would have to start packing. And she would have to go buy more jeans. And boots—boots would be nice. Hmm, what about shirts? “I can wear my photographer’s vest and it’ll cover most of my shirt.” No, she didn’t want to wear the vest in a place like a bull riding expedition.

  What did everyone else wear? Spending most of her time in a dusty, sand-filled arena and dirty stands, she wasn’t about to wear anything different and stand out. The other riders didn’t have personal photographers, so she would definitely be noticed. She didn’t want to seem like the oddball.

  Finally home, she went to the den, got some of the videos, and left Edward a note. In her room, she changed out of her dressy clothes into pajamas. She put a video in her DVD/video player and knew she would probably fall asleep before long. Velia glanced out her window and noticed clouds prevented her from seeing the stars. “They all came out for me last night.” She smiled, laid her head on the pillow, and watched the rider on the screen. The last thing she remembered was seeing Caulder interviewed by a pretty reporter. The woman had on a white lacy shirt with cleavage showing. Her jeans fit well, and she did her job like a professional. Tomorrow she would go to Macy’s. Maybe the western store out along the highway had something she’d like. She closed her eyes and went over the day’s events before falling into slumber.

  * * *

  When Velia woke, she made coffee and turned on her laptop. Brian sent an email reminding her she forgot to upload the photos last night. She uploaded them to their site and hit send. She couldn’t wait to see the finished product. Velia made a private folder on her site for Caulder’s pictures. If he allowed her to do some photos for her own portfolio, she wanted to be prepared.

  She went to the bull riding site and prepared for what would soon become her life. She hated having to ask Caulder everything. “This site has something for beginners,” she mumbled. She clicked on a video. It looked exactly like what she needed. Maybe she wouldn’t look so dumb after all. “This shows more than I wanted to see.” Only five seconds into the ride and Caulder got bucked off, landing hard against the fence—”Ouch!” As Velia watched more videos, she saw him during one of his eight seconds. “No!” she screamed. This time the bull slammed Caulder into the fence then bucked him off, and when he hit the ground, he got knocked out cold. “This is dangerous.”

  She immediately called him. “You can get killed doing this. Are you crazy?”

  “Huh? What are you talking about?”

  “I’m watching a video. You got knocked out! What happened to you?”

  “Concussion.”

  “How many have you had? It’s not safe to keep getting concussions.”

  “I’m sorry, Ma. Seems to me you recently had one there yerself.” Caulder paused. “I’m sorry for bringing up a horrible moment.”

  “Do you take this serious? You didn’t even wear a helmet.”

  “I do now. Doc says I have to. I told you the other night.”

  “I don’t want to photograph you getting killed.” She sat down on her bed. “This is frightening.”

  “Do you want to change your mind?”

  “No, I can’t now. I know you and I don’t want to see you hurt.”

  “I’m better than I used to be, you know.”

  “If you say so.”

  “I could be champion this year. Of course I’m better.”

  “I’m excited anyway, no matter what fear I have.”

  “Good. It’s a real adrenalin rush for everyone.” He hesitated. “You’ll see.”

  “I can already imagine.” Velia paced to the window in the bedroom and back. “But now I have to go shopping. I just wanted to tell you how crazy this is. Your job is dangerous and life threatening. I feel for your parents.”

  “Thanks. I’ll tell them. I should go home for a few days before the season starts.”

  “Brian wants to go to a show when we come near here. Possible?”

  “Yep. Just say the word and we’ll get him tickets.”

  “Thanks, Caulder.”

  “No problem.”

  “Okay, I’m off to shop. I gotta buy lots of jeans.”

  “Jeans are good. Buy a lot because they’re mainly what you’ll be wearing. Except for the fancy dinners I’ll take you to.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. We have down time in the evening between shows. We’ll go out.”

  She thought about his words— “we’ll go out.” “Okay, I’m already looking forward to being with you.” Palm to forehead as she wondered why she told him she looked forward to dates.

  She hung up and slipped on heeled shoes. She’d buy boot-cut jeans this time because she planned on wearing boots. Of course, boots would work well with skinny jeans. Her first stop would be the western store. Might as well start from the bottom and work to the top. The shop would carry hats. “Hmm, what color should I buy?”

  After shopping, Velia planned what she would take. He said there’d be fancy times as well as kick around times. She bought a couple blazers to wear with jeans, an assortment of tops, and dressy, silk blouses. Before leaving one of the boutiques, she spotted a sexy, white dress on clearance, and it called her name. No way could she leave without purchasing it for the warm, summer nights ahead.

  She bought black jeans, different blues, and khaki. She had jeans with designs on the pockets, Wranglers, and dress-up jeans. Simple accessories as far as earrings, necklaces, and bracelets went with everything.

  As for hats, she not only bought a black cowboy hat, but she grabbed a straw Stetson, and another in red. The salesman talked her into the red one. He said she looked cute in it with her dark hair and sparkling eyes. Would Caulder be impressed?

  Alice made her model her hats and said she looked striking in each. Edward smiled and said he’d have to get one for Alice. They all laughed when she tried to smack him because Alice wasn’t about to wear a cowboy hat and mess up her hair.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The day started out hectic, running around in order to cover everything on her list. She checked her luggage one more time, making sure the fridge was off, saying farewell to Alice and Edward, and any other thing she could think of. When Caulder knocked on the door, her time was up. He helped carry her stuff to the cab and got in after her. He put his arm around her, but she pulled away.

  Velia didn’t have to worry about carrying her gun because they took a chartered flight owned by the sponsor. As long as the Bodyguard .380 was unloaded, in a lockbox secured in the checked baggage, she was good to go. She wouldn’t be alone often anyway, but all it took was one time, and she wanted to feel secure.

  “I can’t wait to stretch out and recline as soon as we take off,” said Caulder. “I’m tired.” He folded his arms across his chest and peered at Velia. “Jet-setting in a Learjet fits you much better than flying around in a rickety C-130.” He clasped her hand. “Are you ready for this?”

  “I’m totally ready.” She looked out the small window. “I’m not a big fan of flying. I’ll sit back and try to relax.”

  “Want a drink to calm your nerves?”

  “No thanks. I don’t drink and fly.”

  “You will before a year’s up. Wait until we take the bus.”

  “We’re taking a bus? What kind of bus?”

  “Our tour bus—my tour bus. You’ll be with me.”

  “Oh? You didn’t tell me about a bus.”

  “You actually thought we were flying to each venue? Too expensive even for me and a lot less fun.”

  “I didn’t give it a thought. You and I traveling in a bus? I didn’t see that in the contract.”

  �
��I’m not going to make you drive the damn thing. We have a driver. We’ll have Wi-Fi, so you can do your picture thing. We have everything, even a washer and dryer. It’s like a traveling hotel.”

  “I can’t wait.” She turned back to the window, rolling her eyes at the nonsense of traveling in a bus. She watched the pavement below zoom by faster and faster, and then she closed her eyes till the quiet sound told her they lifted off.

  “You’ll love it. I’m surprised you never did it in all your travels.”

  “Oh, I took a bus all right. Not the kind of bus you’re describing. And it wasn’t fun.”

  “This’ll be fun, trust me. Aren’t you up for an adventure? I’m planning one.”

  Velia looked at his hand on top of hers. “I’m ready. Bring on your adventure, big boy.”

  “You asked for it. Remember when I remind you.” He rested his head against the seat. “Oh, by the way… What do you know about bulls?”

  She thought a moment. “I know you run if they’re chasing you. Don’t wear red around them. And don’t get on one.”

  “Okay, you’ll work just fine.”

  “Now’s not a good time to ask me questions about bulls.” What have I gotten myself into? She took out her laptop and turned it on. She opened Word to her new title—My Tour with Caulder McCutchen—Page one.

  “What’cha got there?”

  “I’ll be keeping a journal. Do you mind?”

  “No, I guess not. Is it going to be like a blog or something?”

  “I’m not sure about this one. I think this is for me. But I am going to do a blog for your public. What can I call myself to your work mates?” Velia waited for an answer, but none came. “Your photographer, business partner, public relations?”

  “I don’t know. Out of those choices, you’re my photographer. But I don’t want you called my photographer. I just want you called by your name.”

  “We have to call me something because people will start talking if we’re always together and you haven’t specified who I am.”

  “Let them talk.” He shrugged.

  “Well, easy for you to say. I have a reputation.”

  “We’ll tell them right off you’re touring with me to photograph my season. Half the guys already know.”

  “Sounds okay to me then.”

  Caulder leaned back and closed his eyes. He reclined the seat. “Sounds okay to me, too.”

  * * *

  Three hours later, they landed in New York. “Here we go. First we do New York, Tampa, and then fly to San Diego. Later, farther up somewhere in northern California.”

  “Sounds like poor planning. Why all the way back across the country? If they planned better, we wouldn’t have to take a bus.”

  “I don’t make the schedule,” said Caulder. “Relax.”

  “I know, but still. You’d think it would at least be in one area.”

  “We’re kind of back and forth and all over the place. We’ll be in New Mexico twice. First in Albuquerque in March, and then in Santa Fe later on. We won’t be too far from home.” Caulder checked his watch then glanced back at her. “Then your guy Brian can go if he wants us to get a ticket. I think we’re there for two days, but after awhile it’s hard to tell one place from another, or how long we’re there.” He grinned at the questioning expression on her face. “You might want to keep a calendar and fill it out ahead of time. Check the website for the schedule if you want. I don’t know everywhere we’ll be, just the beginning and the end. We’ll have a couple weeks off after New Mexico unless I do the invitational.”

  “What’s the end like in Atlantic City?”

  Caulder patted her hand. “All work and hardly any play, dear. We perform for four days.”

  “I suppose we’ll have quite a scrapbook by then.”

  “We better have a scrapbook by then.” Caulder glanced at her and smiled. “Or else my money is wasted and your time was for naught.”

  “We’ll have a nice scrapbook. Have no fear.” She smiled. “Trust me.”

  Caulder smiled back. “Ready?”

  He slid out of the seat and took her carry-on as well as his. All she had to carry was her laptop, coat, and purse. “We’re heading right for the hotel and there will be a big dinner in the banquet room. You’ll meet everyone.”

  “Now I’m nervous. No one is going to believe I’m your photographer.”

  “They may not believe it now, but they will when they see you at work.” He nudged her arm. “Right?”

  “Sure. Yeah. Right.”

  “Wear your little black dress.”

  “How do you know I have a little black dress?”

  Caulder looked at Velia with a twist to his lips, and he cocked an eyebrow. “Doesn’t every woman have a little black dress?”

  “Well, yes...”

  “Then wear it.”

  “Okay and thanks. I wouldn’t have known it was a dressy affair.”

  “You’re welcome. If I had my hat, I would tip it to you, but it’s packed somewhere in one of those hat boxes. And I see you have a few hat boxes yourself.”

  “Yes, I do. It’s a surprise. Don’t peek.”

  “I would never peek into a woman’s things. I did once and saw things I didn’t want to see. I like those secrets things you women do to remain secrets.”

  “I like to keep my personal life secret.”

  “It might be hard to do with so many people around. Good luck. Media people are crazy.” Caulder grinned. “Oops, sorry, I sort of forgot you’re a media person.”

  “Put me in my room and let me be. I’ll be fine and I’ll adjust. I don’t do well with change. I should rephrase. I used to not like change, but now I think I’m okay with it because I’ve done a lot of it lately.” She slung her laptop strap over her shoulder and picked up the handle of her carry-on. Caulder got their luggage. “I mean, look at me now. I’m all the way here in New York, and I’m going to a bull riding competition. It looks like change to me.”

  Caulder nodded and then laughed. “Hanging out with a potential bull riding champion would be for most people. I’m adapting to the change myself.”

  “Then I guess we have to change together.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Do all you guys say ‘maaaa’yammmm’?”

  “No, and especially not like that. I don’t know. If they do, I don’t notice. But maybe I picked it up from them. I don’t remember ever saying it to anyone other than my own mom and grandma.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Take it as a compliment. I love and respect them.”

  Velia held his gaze when he spoke. “I will. Thanks.”

  They took the elevator to their rooms, and there were other couples Caulder knew. They were younger than him, and most had short hair, so he didn’t quite fit the image like they did. When they put on a cowboy hat, they’d look bald, but he had hair sticking out here and there. It fit him and Velia smiled. Everything about him fit exactly as it should. Caulder was his own person, and he seemed to feel good in his skin.

  He unlocked the door to her room and took in her bags. “This is it for a couple days. Get comfortable.”

  “This is remarkable. What a room.” She went to the window to look outside. “Nice view! I will be comfortable here.” She went to the small refrigerator and noticed lots of snacks and drinks.

  “Feel free to use what you want out of there. It’ll go on the bill.”

  She picked up a bottle of water. “It’s so expensive.”

  “Get used to it. It’s fine. You’ll make good money, but this goes on the expense account.”

  “I get an expense account?”

  “You are the expense account, babe. I’ll take care of things. Do as you wish, Velia. Enjoy this time with me. I can make it very beneficial for you.” He went to her as she stood in front of the window. He took her in his arms and kissed her hard on the mouth. “I’ve wanted to kiss you all day.”

  “Caulder—”

  “I know. I’m sor
ry.”

  “Are you going to be sorry every time?”

  “I hope not.”

  She paced. “We can’t do this.”

  “I’m attracted to you in a strange way. I want more of you.”

  “I’m sorry, Caulder.” She turned her back to him. “I’m not attracted to you.”

  He whispered in her ear. “Maybe you can be if you let yourself.”

  When she turned, they met face to face, their gaze held. Her chest rose and fell. “I’m not looking for a relationship. I’m not looking for anything right now.”

  “It’ll be a hard year.” He took a step back. “Harder for me.”

  She couldn’t help it, her eyes dropped to his groin, noticing the bulge. She closed her eyes and sucked in a deep breath. She released it and hesitated for a moment. When she opened her eyes, he still stared. “What time is the banquet?”

  “Seven o’clock. You have time to rest. It’s been a long day with all the rushing and stuff. I’m going to rest myself.”

  “All right. I’ll lay down for a few. Will you come get me when it’s time to go?”

  “Count on it. There’s going to be a lot of hitting on you tonight. These guys can be like vultures when they see a pretty face...” He dropped his gaze then ran his eyes over every inch of her. “...and a fine body.”

  “I suppose they usually get what they want with all the cute little groupies in the crowd.”

  “Usually if they’re looking for it, they get what they want. Could have happened a time or two here.”

  “You?”

  “No comment, ma’am. Get some rest.”

  “See you later, cowboy.”

  He winked when she called him cowboy. “See you later, sweethawt.”

  “Later. All I need are a few extra winks to make sure I have my beauty rest, and my eyes aren’t puffy when I meet the crew.”

  * * *

  Velia unpacked her necessities for the next couple days. She hung her dress in the shower and hoped the steam from the hot water would make it look fresh and pressed. She lay on the bed and propped the pillows. She closed her eyes and tried to rest, but a million things went through her mind. Her first set of pictures should start tonight. She’d take some random shots of Caulder and see what he thought of them.