Page 112 of Here With Me

“None of your business,” I mutter. “Go away.”

“You just scolded me for not helpin'. Now ya want me to leave? Make up your damn mind.”

“Go find the spokesperson so we can get started,” I tell him. “He's probably lost.”

“I'm just supposed to know what he looks like or what?”

“I know who it is. I'll go with you!” Magnolia jumps to her feet, eager to get away from Ian, but leaving me with him in the meantime.

“Those two an item?” Ian asks as he watches them walk out of the arena.

“Ew, no. She's after a different Hollis.” I chuckle to myself.

“You back with Jase?”

“No,” I say firmly.

“So then why can't I know who you were hookin' up with at the rodeo? Is he here?” He glances around.

I slide over and lower my voice. “It's not somethin' I want my parents to know about, so I need you to shush your mouth about it or I'm gonna ask Sheriff Wagner to escort you out. Got it?” I smile wide.

He sits up straighter and clears his throat. “Alright, sure.”

Once I move back to my spot, Wilder and Magnolia return with Mr. Billings. My dad greets him, introduces him to the judges, and then I shake his head and thank him for coming. Momma shows him where to sit and once everything's in place, Dad takes his microphone and stands between the barrels in the middle of the arena.

“Welcome to the first Hollis Fundraiser Event! We're so glad y'all are here to raise money for the Fresh Start Foundation. Every penny will go toward helping injured and rescued horses.”

The crowd applauds, and my father continues his welcoming speech. He introduces each judge, makes them stand and wave, and then brings me up with him. I give a short talk and encourage everyone to have fun, buy food, and bid in the silent auction.

Once we're done, Dad talks about the different classes of barrel racers, and then it begins.

I sit between Magnolia and Ellie as we watch. I put Landen in charge of contacting me if they need anything over by the barn or waiting areas, so I keep my phone on vibrate in my pocket.

“It's weird bein' on this side of the races,” Ellie whispers as we watch one of the racers fly into the arena.

I wrap an arm around her shoulder and squeeze. “I know. Not so bad out here, though. It's lots of fun cheerin' for them.”

“That's true.” She smiles wide.

The next competitor has a huge fan base because as soon as she runs in, two dozen people fly to their feet and scream. She rounds the first barrel and goes effortlessly around the second.

“Damn, she's fast,” Ellie murmurs.

And then she barely bumps the third, but luckily it doesn't fall.

“Whew, that was close,” I say.

As soon as Dad announces her time, the crowd erupts in hoots and hollers. We join in and get to our feet, applauding for the soon-to-be winner.

To Ellie's liking, the racer beat Marcia Grayson's time.

“I wanna be that fast!” Mallory turns toward me. “Can ya teach me to do that?”

I grin at the excitement in her voice. “When you're fifteen or sixteen, sure.”

“Ugh, fine.”

Magnolia chuckles. “I was thirteen when I started.”