“There’s nothin’ to say. Love sucks all around.” On his way out, Edgard stopped at the door and turned back. “Piece of advice. Don’t blow this thing with Channing. Don’t hide how you feel about her. Because some of us don’t get that choice.”
Colby had nothing to say to that either. And he only had half an hour before he had to show up, pretend he wasn’t beat to shit, confused as hell, and act ready to rodeo.
“Dammit, Gemma, I’m never gonna get this!”
“Oh hush, Channing. You’re doing fine.”
“How long did it take you to learn to tie quick release knots?”
Gemma grinned. “I learned when I was five, so I’ve been doing it a long time. Come on. Let’s get this tack hung up. I need to check on my stock before the rodeo starts.”
Channing looped the nylon rope over her shoulder, picked up the saddle and blanket and followed Gemma into the back of the horse trailer. “Thanks for letting me shower here this morning.”
“Little cramped in Trevor’s rig with you and them three big cowboys, huh?”
No, it was a little uncomfortable after what’d happened last night—whatever the hell it’d been. She wasn’t exactly sure. And she’d had no desire to face Colby this morning, at least until she had her wits about her. Or if she figured out what’d gone on. She sighed.
“You gonna tell me what’s eating at you, girl?”
Channing didn’t answer.
“Well, something’s literally been eating at you. Does Colby know he left them big hickeys all over your neck? And streaks of razor burn? Did he try to bite your lips off, too? ’Cause your mouth is swollen.” Gemma placed a hand on Channing’s arm. “Oh, honey. How rough did he get on you last night?”
“Thanks for your concern, Gem, but it was entirely mutual.” She sighed again. “I’ll tell you later. Not right now. I need to think on it for a while longer, okay?”
“Sure thing. You know where to find me.”
Channing threaded the rope over the metal holders, keeping her eyes focused on her task. “Thank you for the riding lessons and…” Just say it. “For hanging out with me. I guess it’s obvious I don’t have many friends.”
“Here or at home?”
“Either.”
“Why not?”
She traced the frayed end of the cotton flank strap with her fingertip. “Because I’d rather be alone and be happy with my own company than be somebody I’m not so I can fit in with people whose company I despise.”
“This a realization you’ve come to recently?”
“Pretty much. Well, that’s not true. I’ve felt that way from the time I was old enough to realize I never fit in any place my parents took me. Or sent me. My sister always stood out so I just stayed in the background. I tried to blend so no one noticed how out of place I was.”
“Then like me, you’re better off alone. If them kinda folks you were living around can’t see you’re the genuine article, then screw ’em. The way I see it, at least horses and cows appreciate all you do for them every day. And they sure as shit don’t talk about you behind your back.”
Channing laughed.
“I’m a quart low on girlfriends myself, Channing. Steve’s friends’ wives were way older than me. He and I weren’t blessed with kids. I basically disowned my family. Frankly, since Steve was my best friend practically all my life I didn’t need anyone else.”
The clank of D-rings against the metal barrier filled the silence.
Gemma grunted and slapped her hands on her jeans. A cloud of dust rose up. “Well, that was downright sappy. And we ain’t even drinkin’.” She looked at Channing, lifted her brows and smirked. “Yet.”
They parted ways. Gemma went to check on her small group of steers and her stock foreman behind the chutes and Channing headed to the main entrance to pick up her ticket at the box office.
In the family area, Callie stood and waved her over. It made her feel ridiculously happy they’d saved her a seat.
Channing hefted her bag and slid across the wooden bench, already feeling her muscles getting sore from the horse ride. And from Colby’s hard riding last night. “Morning. How are you guys?”
“I’m fine.” Callie smiled brightly. “But momma ain’t feelin’ so good this morning.”
Mary scowled at her can of 7-Up. “Thanks for sharing that with the world, Cal.”
“You whooping it up again last night, Mary?”
“No. I was tucked in bed and sound asleep by nine.”
“Hmm. That’s too bad. Maybe you’ve got the flu or something.”