There are other places far away where I could be happy, but I try not to even dream about them, knowing it will only make me ache. I live in a small town, and all I’ll ever be is trash.

Or so they keep saying…

Chapter Two

Bronco

“That should do it,” I say as I pull the metal arm down so it latches across the trailer door. “I appreciate you driving her back.”

“No problem,” Troy says as he tosses his bag in the backseat of the truck. “That extra paycheck is gonna be nice.”

“Anytime you want an extra pickup or two, you let me know.”

“As soon as my wife agrees to let me go for more than a day, I’ll drive your horses wherever you need them to go.”

“I heard you got married last month, congratulations.”

“Thanks, Bronc.” He shakes his head and smiles. “Truth be told, I’m crazy after more than a day away from her too.”

“That’s the way it’s supposed to be, right?” I think about my parents, and even after forty years together they still can’t be apart. “How about I toss you all my local hauls?”

“I think my wife and I would both appreciate that. And the extra money.”

“I’ll make sure and email Jake when I get home tonight.”

“Are you flying out already?”

“Soon. I got a call about this arena looking to sell, and I might take a look at it.” I nod back to the event center that seems busy for it to be so run down. “Thought I’d take care of two birds since this horse was coming back to my ranch. Thanks again, you’re saving me the hassle of driving her home.”

“I’ll take good care of her.”

“Be safe.” I tip my cowboy hat to him as he climbs in the truck and takes off with the trailer in tow.

The Circle C Rodeo is an event center that hosts some of the mid-level competitions. I’m not necessarily in the market for a new one, but the owner called me last week and invited me to take a look. I’ve never been out this way, and for some reason, I was curious.

Looking around outside, I see the parking lot is packed. There’s no shortage of people coming, I just wonder why when it looks so run-down. There’s trash all over the parking lot and potholes the size of a calf. Hell, even the sign out front is missing lights. People are coming out of the doors, and I notice one of them hangs crooked on its hinges.

Inside, it’s not much better. The area itself isn’t in terrible shape, but the bleachers are dated and wonky. Instead of sitting, people crowd around the arena and watch the last runs of the night. After that, they divvy out the buckles and cut checks. There’s still lots of money to be made in rodeoing, but whoever is running this place isn’t investing in the arena and it shows.