Cowgirl Up

by Ali Spooner

  She reached out her hand to caress Tessa’s cheek and the scene shifted before her eyes. Her hands clutched her sniper rifle as they walked in reconnaissance formation. Mitch and Tessa were behind the unit, geared up for a possible bomb detonation. Her eyes instinctively moved to the window where the terrorist had triggered the bomb that killed Mitch and Tessa, but there was no one there. Panic threatened to seize her as her eyes moved from window to window in search of the terrorist.

  Del watched the monitor as Coal’s heart rate and respirations increased dramatically. “Are you all right, Coal?”

  “Yeah, I’m good, Doc,” she said as her soldier walked to the car she knew in the past had held the bomb. She felt her eyes searching the trunk for the bomb only to find it missing. Her body broke out in a cold sweat, instantly soaking her T-shirt, and her hands felt suddenly clammy. “Where is it?” she groaned. She turned to see Mitch and Tessa approaching a different vehicle. “No, no, no,” she yelled. Her eyes flashed to the window and she saw the curtain billowing in the wind. Still no sign of the terrorist. She trained her rifle on the window. Another chopper flew low overhead, filling the air with sounds that further confused Coal as her eyes moved from window to window. The sound of the chopper caused windows to fill as men and women peered out the windows. Panic seized her heart. “Where are you?” she growled between clenched teeth.

  Coal’s hands gripped the plastic controller so tightly Del feared it would shatter in her hands. Just a few more seconds and she would end the session, but she wanted her to see there were many options and there was no way she could cover all of them in preventing Tessa’s death. She stood and killed the video, filling Coal’s ears with soothing music. She took the controller from her death grip and replaced it with a bottle of water.

  Coal sipped the cool liquid, soothing the ache in her throat from the dust and scorching heat. When the music ended she nestled the water between her thighs and removed the helmet, blinking her eyes from the light of Del’s office.

  “How do you feel?”

  “Exhausted. Nothing was as I expected it to be. The bomb was different and there were multiple targets that could have been the terrorist.”

  “That is exactly what I wanted you to realize. You may have killed the right one, but he may not have been the one that actually triggered the bomb. There were so many variables at play; there is no way you could have saved them.”

  “But I should have, Doc. I was trained to pick the right one,” Coal cried.

  “You are only human, Coal. No one could have prevented what happened from occurring unless it never happened to begin with.”

  “That is something I could not control.”

  Del just smiled at her and let her own words sink in for a few seconds. When she saw a small lightbulb light in Coal’s eyes, she changed gears. “When do you leave for Austin?”

  “Next Friday morning.”

  “Good, let’s take Friday off and we can do two sessions next week before you leave. Think about today’s session and process it for yourself.”

  Coal stood and surprised Del by pulling her into an embrace. “Thanks for helping me.”

  “It’s the least I can do,” Del said. “You and others have given so much for us.”

  “Will you be coming to Austin?”

  “Wild horses couldn’t keep me away. I’m addicted.”

  She grinned. “Addicted to the adrenaline rush or the cute cowgirls?”

  “Well, you got me there. I rather enjoy admiring Stormy’s body in motion.”

  “Oh, do tell, Doc?”

  Del blushed. “You can’t deny she’s a rather handsome woman.”

  “No, I can’t. I don’t think she’s seeing anyone either,” Coal hinted. “You should join us Friday night.”

  “What’s happening Friday?”

  “Friday is payday and the boys have talked Mary Leah and me into joining them at the Stockyards for a few drinks. Maybe you and Stormy could join us for dinner beforehand.”

  “Run it past her and see if she’s game. Give me a call tomorrow night and let me know.”

  “I can already say yes for her. She’s been asking questions about you,” she answered.

  “Oh wow,” Del said. “Let’s do it then. We could all use some fun.”

  “I’ll call you with particulars tomorrow night then,” she said as they walked to the door.

  “Do I detect someone playing cupid?” Mary Leah asked as they entered the car.

  Coal looked at her lover with the most innocent of looks, her dark eyes burning with excitement. “My dear, I have no idea what you’re talking about. I simply invited Del to join us for dinner and drinks Friday night.”

  “Uh-huh,” Mary Leah said. “You realize getting those two together could be very dangerous.”

  “How so?”

  “The attraction between them is highly combustible and given the right circumstances a real romance may just be ignited.”

  “You talk like that’s a bad thing,” Coal teased. “Are you afraid Del can’t handle someone like Stormy?”

  Mary Leah chuckled. “Del can handle anything. I worry about Stormy. Have you noticed how Del’s eyes light up whenever the talk is about her?”

  “They do sparkle a bit.”

  “Sparkle hell, they absolutely glow.”

  “Well then, only time will tell,” she said. “May I buy you an ice cream cone, sweetheart?”

  “That depends. Do you have the energy to work all those extra calories off me tonight?”

  “I think I can come up with something.” Coal grinned and rolled down the window.

  The cool air bathed her face as she relaxed and shelved the memories of the session for later review. Mary Leah reached across and took her hand, entwining their fingers.

  “I may get a double scoop then.”

  Chapter Twenty

  When Shadow and Coal arrived at work the following morning, she found Gene and Stormy looking over the newly delivered stock.

  “They are a good-looking bunch aren’t they?” she said when Gene turned toward her approach.

  “Mostly colts with a few fillies mixed in, but a lively group on the whole. There’s one big brute you are going to enjoy,” Gene said as Shadow’s ears twitched forward.

  “Let me guess. The big paint at the end of the corral?” she asked.

  “He definitely is the leader of this herd,” Gene said.

  “I’ll take him first then,” she said with a gleam of excitement in her dark eyes. “We should finish the haying today so maybe Stan will let us do some horse work tomorrow.”

  “I’m so ready,” Gene said.

  “Have you warned Stormy yet?” she asked.

  “Warned her of what?” he asked, confused.

  “Of how lily-white your legs are?” she teased.

  “Well, at least I have more color than I did last year,” he said.

  “He darn near blinded me the first time I saw them.” Coal chuckled.

  Stormy looked at Gene and then back to her. “I’m confused. Why would I be seeing Gene’s lily-white legs?”

  “You will see tomorrow. Until then it’s a mystery,” Coal said.

  “Would you like me to remove Shadow’s tack for you?” Gene asked when she dismounted.

  “Sure, you can drop it in the barn if you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all,” Gene said and walked Shadow into the barn.

  “You have a date tomorrow night for dinner and drinks. I hope you clean up good,” she teased.

  Stormy chuckled. “Who’s the lucky lady to get a date with me?”

  Coal grinned at her new friend. “Del is joining the three of us for dinner and then we’re meeting the boys at the Stockyard for a few beers.”

  Stormy swallowed hard and Coal could tell she was surprised. “If you’re not interested I could ask someone else.”

  “Hell, yeah, I’m interested. I just didn’t think Del would be interested in someone like me.”

  “I
know, I wondered if maybe she had hit her head or something when she agreed so easily,” Coal teased.

  “Hush, smartass,” Stormy said with a smile. “I better go to town for a haircut tonight then.”

  “I could use a trim too, if you want some company. Is after dinner good for you?”

  “Yeah, that sounds great. I’ve got to check to see if I have some decent Wranglers to wear and polish up my boots,” she said, already lost in planning. “I’ll be right back,” Stormy said and ran back to the house as Coal walked to the bunkhouse.

  †

  Stormy rushed into the house and nearly ran into Melissa. “Whoa, what’s the rush?”

  “I’ve got to put some clothes in the washer. I have a date with Del tomorrow night.”

  “So that’s why you’re wearing such a big grin. Start a load and I’ll make sure they get in the dryer later,” Melissa offered.

  “Thanks, boss,” she said and raced to her room.

  Melissa shook her head and poured a fresh cup of coffee. “I sure hope Del knows what she’s getting into,” she said aloud with a smirk.

  †

  The crew worked hard to finish out the haying and had the last bales stacked and equipment stored by four. Coal was saddling Shadow for the ride home when Stormy joined her. “I should be done eating and showered by six. Do you want me to come get you?”

  “Yes, that sounds great,” she said as she climbed into the saddle. “See you at six.”

  †

  Mary Leah was pulling into the drive as Coal emerged from the barn. “Welcome home.”

  “Hey, sweetheart, how are you?”

  “Better now that you’re home,” she said as she held the door open for Mary Leah. “Stormy and I are going to town for haircuts at six,” she announced.

  “I take it she’s a bit excited about her date then,” she said.

  “You could say that,” she answered with a grin. “What would you like for dinner?”

  “I’ll whip up some pasta and a salad while you get cleaned up,” Mary Leah offered.

  “That sounds terrific,” she said and kissed Mary Leah’s lips. “I do need a shower.”

  “Yes, dear, you do. You are covered in dust from that hay.”

  “I’m on my way to the shower then,” she said, kissing Mary Leah again before leaving the kitchen.

  †

  They were washing the last of the dishes when Stormy pulled up in her truck. Coal met her at the door and ushered her inside. “Let me run to the restroom and I’ll be ready to go.”

  “Hey, Mary Leah,” Stormy said when Coal left the room.

  “I hear you are excited about our date night.”

  “Yes, ma’am, I’m looking forward to it,” she said with a bashful grin. “A bit nervous too.”

  “Don’t be. I’ve known Del for years and she’s a lot of fun.”

  “I’m sure she is, ma’am,” Stormy said as she shuffled her feet.

  Coal returned to rescue Stormy before Mary Leah made her more nervous. “You ready to roll?”

  “Just waiting on you,” she answered with a grin.

  “Let’s go get handsome for our ladies then,” she said, kissing Mary Leah before they left the house.

  †

  When they arrived at the barbershop, Stormy pulled off her ball cap and her unruly dark curls sprang to life. “Wow, I’ve never seen your hair this long,” the stylist said.

  “I never realized you had curls,” Coal teased.

  “The usual?” the woman asked.

  “Yes, please. Tight on the back and sides and spiked up top,” she answered.

  “Coming right up,” the woman answered.

  Coal took a seat in the barber’s chair next to them and watched as the stylist closely shaved Stormy’s hair. When she had finished, she looked as clean-cut as ever. She swapped seats with Coal and the stylist turned to her.

  “Tell me you don’t want to go that extreme.”

  “Oh no, ma’am, not for me, just trim me back to my collar and over the ears.”

  “You have really nice hair. I wish I could convince Stormy to let hers grow out.”

  “Thanks,” Coal said in appreciation of the compliment.

  “No can do. The ladies like it short and sexy,” Stormy said as she looked at her image in the mirror and played with the spikes.

  “Some women enjoy grabbing a nice handful too,” Coal said, causing Stormy to blush. “I’m beginning to like you in that shade of red,” she teased.

  “Oh stop, Coal, you’re only going to make it worse.”

  “Yes, I know.”

  She and the stylist had a good chuckle at Stormy’s expense, but she took it with good nature.

  When Coal’s cut was finished, they paid and tipped the stylist then walked back to Stormy’s truck. “I reckon we are presentable enough now,” she said.

  “Where are we going to eat tomorrow night?”

  “Mary Leah and I were thinking about the restaurant at the Stockyards. They have good steaks and the prices are reasonable. Are you all right with that?”

  “Yes, that sounds good. Then we can just walk to the club to meet the boys.”

  “Are you feeling more comfortable about being with Del?”

  “I’m not sure comfortable is the right word, but I will be on my best behavior.”

  “I think Del can handle anything you might throw at her.”

  “I’m not the best at nurturing a relationship. I rarely date the same woman twice,” she admitted without shame.

  “Just relax, be yourself, and let fate take it from there,” Coal advised.

  “Does Del live here in town?”

  “No, she’s about thirty minutes away, so she’s staying with Mary Leah and I this weekend.”

  “That’s cool,” Stormy said as she cranked the truck and drove her home.

  “I’ll see you in the morning,” she said when they arrived home. “Don’t forget to dress in shorts and sneakers tomorrow.”

  “All right then,” Stormy said. She watched her enter the house and then drove back to the MC2.

  †

  “You are looking mighty fine, Ms. Bryan,” Mary Leah said when Coal entered the den.

  “Thanks, it feels good to get a cut. What are you doing?”

  “I was getting ready to watch some television. Would you care to join me?”

  “Will there be popcorn?” she teased.

  “There can be,” Mary Leah said.

  “Pop some while I run through the shower to rinse the hair off and I will be right back.”

  “Sounds like a deal to me,” Mary Leah said and walked to the kitchen.

  †

  With the dawn came a cool crispness in the air that was virtually unheard of in Texas during summer. Coal saw Mary Leah off with a kiss and walked to the barn to saddle Shadow. “It looks like we are going to have a fine day, big boy,” she said as she placed her saddle across his back. She stroked his neck with a loving touch. “I reckon you will be right in the thick of things today as we train the new stock.”

  Shadow’s soft brown eyes locked with hers as he listened to her speak. He caressed her cheek with his soft lips, tickling her and causing her to laugh and hug the dark horse’s neck. “You know there are times I wish you could talk. I’d love to know what you’re thinking.”

  Shadow answered by stomping his right foot. “I know what that means,” she said as she slipped into the saddle. “You’re ready to go and I’m holding you up,” she said as they emerged from the barn and Shadow moved into a smooth canter. He was still a very young horse, but she admired the fine steed he had grown into and gave him his head allowing him to dictate the pace. Her newly cut hair lifted from her shoulders, blowing in the wind as Shadow accelerated into a full gallop, his powerful hooves sending dirt flying through the air. She leaned forward across his shoulders and the pair blurred into one as they raced across the pasture.

  †

  Several of the crew sat on the railing,
looking over the stock when she and Shadow arrived. Coal grinned when she saw Stormy, Gene, and Lucas in shorts and boots or sneakers. They looked like an unlikely bunch of ranch hands, but she knew they would be more comfortable dressed in that manner for the task of the day.

  “Good morning,” she said as she dismounted. “It looks like we are going to have a great day for training horses.”

  “Yes, it does.” Lucas grinned.

  “Will someone finally enlighten me as to why we are dressed like this to break horses?” Stormy asked.

  “You fill her in while I take care of Shadow,” Gene said, taking the reins from Coal.

  “We do things a little differently around here. Instead of training in the traditional manner, we use the resistance of the water in the lake to help soften the blows and exhaust the horses while they acclimate to having a rider on their backs.” She looked at her. “I assume you can swim.”

  “I’m no Olympic contender, but I can keep myself from drowning.”

  “Coal’s method is much less painful for both horse and rider,” Lucas added. “Hitting the water is much more comfortable than hitting this rock-hard ground.”

  “Well, this I’ve got to see,” she said, disbelieving.

  “Tom’s already got a halter and lead on that big paint you wanted, Coal,” Gene said.

  “Have you boys got your horses picked out and ready?” she asked.

  “Yes, ma’am, we’re just waiting on you,” Lucas answered.

  “Okay then, step one is getting them down to the water. We begin by leading them in and allowing them to swim until they begin to tire and then we mount up bareback in the water. Just sit back and watch this round and Harley can explain the process.”

  Coal entered the corral and took the rope lead from Tom, who had been steadying the large painted horse. She moved slowly toward the horse and stroked down his face and neck while talking softly to him. The horse quivered with excitement under her touch and she could feel his muscles rippling under her hand. He was a magnificent specimen and she was certain he would prove very challenging. Coal placed her hand on the lead near the halter and urged him to walk beside her. The young horse immediately pulled away from her control, but she wisely used the advantage of leverage to bring him back to her. They walked together inside the corral for several minutes.