She nods, and we walk down the bleachers. I place my hand on the small of her back as we move through the crowd. There are more people here now than there were earlier, and that old excitement I’d feel before competing comes back. This time, it’s a little different. While I’m not riding, I still have skin in the game because of Cooper. If he places, he’ll get the qualification he needs to go to the regional championship, which is a big deal. Though it won’t be easy, if he continues to rank, he could follow in my footsteps and make it to the world championship.

We walk past rows of trucks and horse trailers, and I can hear the generators buzzing from the campers. Most of them are luxury fifth wheels or buses, all bought by rodeo winnings and sponsors, I’m sure. These guys travel across the state to try to rank, and each time they win a title, they get paid too.

Maize looks at the different rigs, and she’s amazed by how luxurious they are.

“Cooper is staying on-site even though he lives here?” Maize asks as we continue forward.

“Yeah. Considering you ride a few times during the rodeo, it’s typically easier to be here than to commute.”

When we make it to the giant fifth wheel, I get ready to knock.

Maize glances over at me. “Do you miss it?”

I look at her and contemplate my answer. “At times, but it’s dangerous as fuck and a rough sport. It’s well-known that each time you go out there, it’s not a matter of if you’ll get hurt, but when. After I went pro at eighteen, I pressed my luck a lot and knew I had to call it quits before I ultimately regretted it.”

“Do you? Regret it, I mean?”

I don’t have to think about it. “No. Retiring when I was at my prime was a good decision. I’ll always be known as a two-time world champion who stopped riding after my final win. I still get calls for interviews and reunion rides, all which I’ve declined. I’ve broken too many ribs and tore too many muscles and ligaments over the years to have the desire to do it again. And concussions? I’ve lost count. Trust me when I say I don’t regret stopping.”

Maize’s expression softens, and she shoos me forward. I tap on the door, and seconds later, Cooper opens it wearing just his jeans.

“Oh, sorry. I didn’t realize a lady was present. I’ll be right out.” The door clicks shut.

I turn to Maize. “So, do you know the rules?”

“Of what?”

“Bull riding.”

She shakes her head. “I know some, but you’ll have to give me the CliffsNotes version, so I know what’s going on.”