by Ali Spooner
“Good point,” Melissa said. “I’m glad to see they are hitting it off well.”
“Me too, but I admit I’m very surprised. They are so different from one another,” she said.
“Just like another happy couple I know,” Melissa said with a smile.
“Point well made,” Coal said.
Gene yelled across the corral. “Coal, are you ready?”
“Be right there,” she hollered back. “I’ll see you soon.”
†
The week passed quickly and after Coal’s Wednesday night appointment, Del said, “I’m very impressed by the progress you have been making in therapy. Are your dreams still interfering with your sleep?”
“Knock on wood, I haven’t had a nightmare for weeks.”
“That’s good. Your vital signs during the video sessions have drastically reduced, and you’ve made it all the way through the scenarios twice now. Do you feel you’re ready to go back to traditional therapy?”
“Yes, I think so, I’m not as anxious about Tessa’s death as I have been.”
“I think you have progressed remarkably. I can’t promise you that you’ll ever be cured of the PTSD, but at least you will have learned how to minimize its control on you before we’re done with therapy.”
“I can’t thank you enough for helping me. I feel so much better since I started seeing you.”
“We still have battles to face, but I think it’s safe to say the worst is over for you. I still recommend going to visit Tessa’s grave. I think you have the right words to say to her now.”
Coal nodded her agreement as she felt her eyes filling with tears.
Del pulled Coal into a hug. “Don’t forget that it’s okay to cry when you need to.”
Coal stepped back and wiped the tears from her cheeks. “Thanks, Doc.”
When Coal regained her composure, they left the office and Del walked them out to the car. “Why don’t I bring some pizza with me tomorrow night?” she asked.
“We have beer,” Mary Leah said.
“Will you let Stormy know? I hear you talk for hours every night,” Coal teased.
Del grinned at Coal’s comment. “Yes, I’ll be sure to let her know. Be careful and I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
“You too, Doc,” she said as she climbed inside the car.
†
Coal and Stormy were helping the men load the horses and gear Friday morning when Melissa pulled Coal off to the side. “I just thought of something I need your opinion on.”
“What’s up, boss?”
“When I booked rooms I didn’t get separate rooms for Del and Stormy. Do you think they are ready to share a room, or should I ask Del if she wants me to get another room?”
“I think they are more than ready to take the next step, but be safe and ask Del. I know Stormy won’t mind.”
“I didn’t think she would.” Melissa grinned. “I’ll ask Del before we leave.”
Harley and the boys were set to pull the large trailer with the horses and when they were loaded, Melissa drove the cowboy Cadillac to pick up Del and Mary Leah. While Stormy and Coal loaded their luggage, Melissa pulled Del to the side to inquire about room arrangements.
Coal watched carefully to gauge Del’s reaction. After a quick blush, Del nodded her head and hugged Melissa. Then they walked over to the truck and Melissa gave Coal a nod.
“Hang on a sec,” she told Mary Leah. She took Stormy by the arm and walked toward the barn. “I hope you packed pajamas.”
“The usual, shorts and tee, why?” Stormy asked.
“Because, unless you have a major objection, you are sharing a room with Del this weekend,” she said.
“What?”
“Melissa only booked one room for the two of you. She can correct that if needed, though.”
“No, I can handle this arrangement,” she said.
“Good, that’s what Del said too, so maybe it’s time to take the next step.”
She shuffled her feet. “That will be up to Del. I promised to be on my best behavior.”
“I think you have done so impressively. So relax and enjoy your time together.”
“I will,” she said.
“Let’s go then,” she said and slipped her arm around Stormy’s shoulder.
†
The trip to Austin passed quickly. The group located the Travis County Expo Center, where the rodeo would take place, got registered and the horses settled into stalls. Gene would again be staying in the sleeper compartment in the trailer to look over the stock and spend time with other cowboys. He loved hearing the stories the older riders were eager to share with the younger generation.
“I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m ready for some lunch,” Melissa announced.
Mary Leah surprised them all when she stated, “I could eat a bear.”
“Well, let’s feed that beast of yours then check into the hotel,” Melissa said with a chuckle.
“What time does your first event start tomorrow?” Mary Leah asked.
Coal looked at the schedule. “The barrel racing starts at ten. What do you have in mind?”
“I thought we might check out one of the local ladies clubs if you all would like to,” Mary Leah said. “Have a few drinks, and maybe a dance or two.”
“Do you think you can keep these two out of trouble?” Melissa asked.
“With your help, I’m sure I can.”
“Okay, so what do you think, ladies?” Melissa asked.
“I’m game, but we need to get a good night’s rest. Tomorrow will be a long day for us,” Coal said.
“Agreed,” Stormy chimed in.
“All right, so after dinner we find a good spot and plan to be back at the hotel no later than eleven. Is that good?” Mary Leah asked.
Coal looked at Stormy, who nodded and answered, “I think we can handle that.”
“Okay, so you’re in charge of researching the clubs while the rest of us get settled into the rooms,” Melissa instructed Mary Leah as they pulled into a diner for lunch.
“Sounds like a plan to me,” Mary Leah said, wearing a huge smile.
†
The hotel was close to the Expo and they settled into the rooms as Mary Leah did her research on a laptop. Coal stretched out on the bed. She was seriously considering a nap when Mary Leah snapped the laptop closed and swiveled around in the desk chair.
“There’s a women’s bar two miles from here that looks promising,” she told Coal.
“That sounds good to me.”
“You do promise to be good tonight, don’t you? No brawling.”
“Darling, it’s not like I go out looking for a fight,” she answered defensively. “They just seem to find me, especially when alcohol is involved, but I promise to do my best.”
“Thanks, honey. I hope we can escape a visit to the emergency room for everyone this weekend and just have a good time.”
She couldn’t hide the fact that Mary Leah’s comment had left her feeling a bit bruised. Instead of answering with a cheeky remark, she stood and stretched. “I’m going over to Melissa’s room to get a drink, would you care for anything?”
“A Coke would be nice,” she answered.
“I’ll be back,” she said.
She walked over to Melissa’s room and knocked on the door. A few seconds later, Melissa opened the door and welcomed her inside. When she saw the look on Coal’s face, she couldn’t help but ask, “Is there something wrong? You look a bit perturbed.”
Coal took a Coke from the cooler in Melissa’s room and flopped down in a chair. “I guess I’m wearing my feelings on my sleeve today. I let an innocent comment Mary Leah made fly all over me.”
“What did my sometimes obtuse sister say to upset you?” she teased.
“She sort of implied I go out looking for fights.”
“Good grief. She doesn’t realize that’s the last thing you want to do on a night out?”
Coal shrugged. “I guess not, but
a few times we have been in a bar, I did end up in a fight.”
“If my memory hasn’t totally abandoned me, you fought to defend your family. First it was Lucas and this last time Stormy.”
“Yeah, that’s right, and I would do it again.”
Melissa took a seat next to her. “I have no doubt that you would, and I think it is very honorable. Mary Leah is just wired a little differently than we are, so be patient with her.”
“I know she didn’t say it to offend me, but it stung coming from her.”
“I know it did, honey. I will take the opportunity to educate my sister this weekend, so try not to dwell on it and just have fun.”
“I will,” Coal said. “Will you save me a dance tonight?”
“Did you bring your steel-toed boots?”
“Nope, but I’ve been told I’m pretty quick on me feet,” she smirked.
“Very well, just don’t claim I didn’t warn you.”
She downed the rest of her drink. “I reckon I should take her drink to her. Thanks, boss.”
“Go ahead and take several and put them in your mini fridge,” Melissa suggested. “You can still come over if you need a break,” she added with a wink.
Taking four cans of Coke, she returned to the room, handing one to Mary Leah and placing the rest in the refrigerator. Mary Leah was sitting in the recliner watching television.
“I think I’ll catch a quick nap if that’s okay with you?”
“Sure, go ahead. I’ll go over to Melissa’s so I don’t bother you.”
“You wouldn’t be a bother, but I’m sure she would like some time with you.”
“I’ll be back to wake you in time to prepare for dinner then,” Mary Leah said and kissed Coal before leaving the room.
Coal watched her leave and then dropped the temperature on the air-conditioning unit before stripping down to her underwear and crawling under the covers. The coolness of the crisp sheets against her skin felt wonderful as she snuggled deeper for a nap.
†
Dinner was another great steak dinner, and when they hit the nightclub the crowd was still light. After a few rounds of beer and several dances, the Friday night crowd began to filter in. The all-female crowd was much less rambunctious than the normal crowd at the Stockyard, and much to Mary Leah’s delight there wasn’t even a threat of a brawl. At ten, they decided to call it a night and go back to the hotel.
Coal noticed that Stormy seemed nervous at the club, and as they walked back into the hotel, she told the others, “Go on up. Stormy and I will be there in a few minutes.”
“What’s up?” Stormy asked when the elevator doors closed and their friends disappeared.
“I was wondering if the great Stormy Braxton was scared about sleeping with Del for the first time. You seem nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof.”
“I just don’t want to disappoint Del,” she admitted.
“Relax, be gentle, but passionate, and do what you know best. I know you won’t disappoint Del.”
“I sure hope you’re right. I really like Del.”
“I think it’s pretty obvious she really likes you too. Have fun together and take things as they come.”
She looked up at Coal. “Thank you for being such a good friend.”
“That works both ways, my friend,” Coal said. “Now, let’s go see our women.”
Stormy pushed the button for the elevator and they rode up to their rooms. “See you in the morning for breakfast,” she said as they approached her room.
“If you’re not having breakfast in bed,” Coal teased, causing her to blush profusely. “Goodnight, Stormy,” she said and walked to her room. She slipped the electronic card into the slot and gave Stormy a thumbs-up sign before disappearing into her room.
“What was that all about?” Mary Leah asked.
“Just giving her a little pep talk,” Coal said as she began undressing.
“I think Del is really excited to be with her.”
“I think they’ll both be fine once they relax a bit.”
“Yes, I’m sure they will. Are you ready for sleep?”
“Not really,” Coal answered.
“Good, come warm me up then.”
She smiled and crept between the covers next to her lover.
Chapter Twenty-three
Coal was finishing off her second waffle, covered with peanut butter and syrup, when Stormy and Del entered the breakfast area. A smile plastered on Stormy’s face told her that their first night together had gone very well. Del also wearing the same pleased look on her face made her smile as they approached.
“Good morning, ladies,” she said as they took seats across from her. “I trust you slept well,” she said, failing to resist teasing them just a bit.
“You could say that,” Del said as color flared on her cheeks.
“Fantastic. Eat a hearty breakfast. It’s going to be a long day. They will cook to order breakfasts for you if you don’t want continental.”
“I bet their omelets don’t hold a candle to yours,” Del said.
“Sadly, I can confirm that,” Mary Leah spoke up. “It was good, but nothing like Coal’s.”
Coal smiled at her lover. “Thanks, babe.”
“Let’s go check their hot bar,” Del told Stormy, who stood and followed her like a puppy.
“They seem happy this morning,” Melissa said with a grin.
“I’d say love is in the air,” Mary Leah said.
“Or at least a strong case of lust,” Coal said and was punched in the shoulder by Mary Leah for the crudeness of her comment. “Ouch. Easy there, brute, I’m just being honest, love takes time to grow,” she said as she rubbed her shoulder.
“You are such a cupcake,” Melissa teased.
“Cupcake, I didn’t see any cupcakes up there,” she shot back. “I do think I’ll have a bacon filled bagel. Can I get you ladies anything?”
“No, I think we are good here,” Melissa said.
Del and Stormy had filled their plates and returned to the table when Coal came back. “Oh, those grits look good,” she said, setting her bagel on the table and returning for a bowl of grits.
“She did eat supper with us last night, right?” Del asked.
“Yeah, but she worked up an appetite last night,” Mary Leah said.
“She’s not the only one,” Stormy said as she bit into her toast. “I’m starving.”
Melissa chuckled. “Should we pack a goody bag for you two for later?”
“That might not be a bad idea,” she said with a wink.
†
When they had finished eating and poured themselves a coffee to go, the group was ready to head out to the Expo Center. Harley, who had been up for hours, was sitting on the tailgate enjoying the early morning when they approached the truck.
“Are we ready to roll?” he asked.
“I think they finally ate their fill,” Melissa teased as she tossed him the keys.
“Got to get your money’s worth, boss,” he teased back.
“I may owe the hotel more after that breakfast,” she said as Coal held the door open for her.
“Lucas took the truck to get the horses fed and ready to saddle when we get there,” Harley told them.
“I wonder if Gene slept at all last night,” Coal said as she climbed in beside Melissa.
“That’s doubtful,” Harley said. “You know how he is at rodeos. He likes to soak up every story he can from the older riders.”
“He’s like a kid in a candy shop,” Melissa said.
†
It was obvious that Gene wasn’t the only one that was excited. When they reached the Expo Center, Coal and Stormy bailed out of the truck quickly to head into the stables. “Let’s hang around long enough to wish the girls good luck and then we can go find a seat,” Melissa said as they walked to the stables in pursuit of the crew.
Coal and Stormy stopped at the trailer to get their chaps, hats, and tack before walking to the stable to begi
n saddling up. The barrel-racing event would be the opening event, and both she and Stormy would be competing along with Shelly Brewster.
Coal would also compete in the pole bending competition and then be done until the roping began on Sunday morning. Stormy and the boys would compete in bronc riding and steer wrestling later in the day, after the first rounds of bull riding were complete.
Gene was brushing down his horse when Coal walked into their section of the stables. “Good morning,” he said as he rushed out of the stall. “Can I help you get Shadow ready?”
“Sure thing,” she answered. “Did you have fun last night?”
“Yeah, I did. Some of these guys have rodeo experience that goes back fifteen years,” he said, obviously excited.
“I bet you heard lots of good stories.”
Gene took a brush and stroked it across Shadow’s back before placing the saddle blanket on his body. “Some of the guys were talking about injuries, and I no longer have any desire to try my hand at bull riding after hearing about the injuries some of them have suffered.”
Coal bent down to attach her chaps when she heard Shelly Brewster’s high-pitched voice down the aisle. “The wicked witch has arrived,” she whispered to Gene, who broke out laughing. “I was hoping she would stay at home since she only qualified for barrels.”
“She would never miss an opportunity to perform her beauty queen routine,” Gene said with a snicker.
“I know that’s right,” she said as she placed the bridle over Shadow’s head.
“I hope you and Stormy both kick her ass,” he said. “Have you drawn for positions yet?”
“No, we decided to saddle up first and then go before warming up.”
“Y’all go ahead. Lucas and I will finish up here and meet you at the warm-up ring.”
“Thanks.” Coal went in search of Stormy. “Let’s go pull positions,” she said when she found Lucas helping Stormy. “We’ll meet the guys at the warm-up ring after.”
†
“We’re going to pull our positions,” Coal told the others. “Then we’ll get warmed up and ready to go.”