A Fighting Heart

Chapter 4

Chapter 4 

The rodeo closes down just before sunset, so Gigi and I drive to get some burgers before the “after party”. We sit in a little dinner and she tells me all about the people who will be there. There are the rodeo folk, the people who’s lives involve riding, training, farming, and working around Texas. “That’s the kind of guy Ty is,” she explains, “Except he goes to the University of Texas at Austin. Wants to become a business man and leave this state. I’m just hoping if he goes, he’ll take me with him.” 

Dipping a fry in my chocolate shake and taking a bite, I chew thoughtfully. “I could see you in a city.” 

“Right! That’s what I’ve been saying this whole time. And, I won’t even have to miss the cowboys cause I’d have one with me.”
“You met this guy once and you’ve sorted all this out?” I ask, raising an eyebrow. 

Gigi gives me a annoyed look and sips her coke. “Seriously Savannah, we hit it off. You’ll see tonight. And then I’ll have the connection to hook you up with Chase.” 

I cough, choking on milkshake. “Gigi, that’s real sweet of you but I’m really not interested in having anything with anyone this summer.” 

“I’m not talking about anything serious!” Gigi says with a wave of her hand. “You’ve just got to get laid.” After this statement, she leans forward, putting her hand on mine. “I say this with all the love in the world sweeite, but I can tell it’s been awhile.” 

I shake my head laughing and eat another fry. “What?” Gigi asks, her face softening. “You got some nasty demons in your past?” 

“You could say that.” 

After we pay the check we head back out to the truck. “You sure you know where we’re going?” I ask, switching on the radio. 

“Of course, I’m the one from around here, remember?” Gigi says with a wink. She backs out of the dirt lot just as Jason Alden comes on. Gigi sings every word.

Twenty minutes into our drive, Gigi turns off quick, onto an old dirt. The trees on either side are thick and I can tell we’re heading back into the woods. “You sure you’re not taking me out here to kill me?” I ask with a smirk. 

Gigi gasps and throws a hand over her heart, pretending to be hurt. “Savannah, what kind of friend do you think I am! Like I said, I’m not here to kill you, I’m here to get you laid.”

“Okay, okay. I get it. I’m uptight.” I say as Gigi stops the car. 

“It’s alright sweetie, we’ll get a beer into you and everything will be so much better,” she says, patting my hand. Then she turns and jumps down from the truck. 

I follow her lead and we walk a few more feet through the dark trees until a faint glow begins to appear. Soon enough we’re standing on the outskirts of a field. A bonfire is providing light for the fifteen or so people standing around talking, red solo cups in hand. Can you say cliche? Can you say it with a southern accent? 

“Gigi!” We both look up to see Tyler heading towards us with a beer. 

“Hey there cowboy,” Gigi says with a small smile. I hide my laughter at her attempt to play it cool. She notices and flicks me off as Ty hugs her. 

“I was hoping you’d be here tonight,” he says pulling away. “And you know, I don’t have anywhere to be tomorrow.” He takes a sip of his beer and steps back throwing his arms open. This time I laugh out loud, drawing both Gigi and Ty’s attention to me. 

“And who are you?” Ty asks, smirking and pointing at me. 

“This is my girl, Savannah,” Gigi says, throwing her arm around my shoulder, “She’s from the East Coast, and definitely needs a drink.” 

“Well, Savannah, welcome to Texas! Let’s get you a beer.” 

Gigi and I follow Ty to the cooler in the bed of the one truck parked in the clearing. Country radio is blasting out of the opens doors. Ty reaches in and grabs a Bud, handing it to Gigi. “What’s your poison?” he asks me. 

“Anything in a bottle,” I say with a smirk. 

“My kind of girl,” Ty states, pulling out a Bud Light. He hands it to me and then pats down his pockets. “Shit, I must’ve put the bottle opener down somewhere,” he says looking around the truck. 

“That’s okay,” I say, stepping over to the side of the tailgate. I prop the bottle against the edge and push down with the heel of my hand, popping the top right off. 

“Definitely my kind of girl!” Ty yells with a hoot, raising his beer in a toast. 

“Hey!” Gigi says, hitting Ty in the arm. Ty slips his arm around her waist and leans in, whispering something in her ear. 

“Neat trick,” a voice says from behind me, drawing my attention away from Gigi and Ty. Turning, I look up to find an incredibly handsome Chase Prior smirking down at me. “I didn’t think an East Coast girl would have those kind of skills.” 

Taking a sip of my beer, I smile sweetly. “Let me tell you, cowboy. I have skills you can’t even imagine. And for the record, it’s a little strange that you know so much about me when we haven't even been properly introduced.”

Chase’s dark eyes sparkle, and I look down, taking a sip of my beer. The boy hasn’t stopped smirking this whole time, and on a face that beautiful, it’s definitely intimidating. When I look back up, Chase extends a hand. 

“Chase Prior. I saw you in the stands with Gigi at the rodeo earlier, and she’s been telling people all about her friend from the East Coast for days now. News in Texas spreads the same way wildfires does, fast and hot.” 

“I’m guessing that’s not the only thing you think is fast and hot in Texas,” I say raising my eyebrows. Chase laughs out loud at that, and leans against the side of the truck. 

“I like you, East Coast. You seem like you’re pretty good at avoiding bull shit.” 

I wait until Chase is mid sip and then try one more. “And you seem like you’re pretty good at falling in bull shit.” 

Suddenly Chase is spitting beer everywhere and I’m covering my mouth to hide my own laughter. Everyone around is turning to look, and we’ve clearly caused a scene.

I grab some napkins and step forward, handing Chase a couple and reaching up, helping him wipe his shirt. “I’m sorry, I just couldn’t help it. You kinda walked into that one yourself.” 

Then I realize Chase’s hand is on mine, and we’re standing substantially closer than we were before. Looking up, I’m highly aware that there are only a few inches between our faces.

“So, East Coast, who’s move is it now?” Chase asks quietly. 

“I think I might need another drink.”