Southern Charm

Chapter 3

JESSIE

Fueled by coffee and running on little sleep, I was set to ride a bull for the first time tonight in front of a crowd. My family, except for my mother and some of my close friends, Bailey and Candace, would be there to watch. We've been friends since high school. It used to be the three of us, but that's a long story.

"Did you feel okay in practice, Jess?" Dane asked, handing me my chaps to put on.

"You seemed okay, but it will be different from now on. You got to practice because you're a White family member and a female. There is no more practice. It's hop on the bull and get out there."

"Practice felt good. I think everything will go fine as long as I don't have to see Mr. Popular, who thinks he's all that and a bag of chips," I said.

While putting on my gloves, I heard a laugh behind me, so I turned around. "Oh, great; it's you."

Dane glanced between Trace and me.

"Um, did I miss something here? Didn't you two meet yesterday?"

Trace and I nodded.

"And you already hate each other?" Dane asked.

"Hate is a strong word. I don't hate Jessie, but I can't say she doesn't hate me. You should have seen her at Rowdy's last night; she was hotter than a firecracker," Trace said.

I frowned and crossed my arms. "Oh, you're going to see hotter than a firecracker in a damn minute!"

I moved towards Trace when suddenly, arms drew me back.

"Easy now. Trace, you went into my sister's bar last night? I thought you were heading home after we finished up here?" Dane asked.

Trace shook his head. "I decided I wanted a drink on the way out. I asked Parker for a recommendation, and he mentioned Rowdy's. I'm not from here, and Parker said the place was new. I figured I'd give it a try. I didn't realize that firecracker here would serve my whiskey and give me an attitude, let alone own the place."

"I'm a successful bar owner, for your information, and the attitude comes with the job sometimes. You try being a female working in a bar and see what kind of mood you'll be in. I can't let my guard down," I said.

Trace nodded and held his hands up in defense, meaning I won. "Okay, I admit you've got a fair point. You have to have some thick skin to be a woman. I, of course, wouldn't know, but props to you."

"Thank you. If you'll excuse me, I have to finish getting ready. You should probably go find your seat."

As I started to put on my helmet, I realized I was among the first to mount the bull. The nerves were there, but I was determined not to let Trace notice.

Trace walked away, and I turned around to look at my brother Dane.

"I know you weren't going to show it to him, but I can tell you're nervous. I'm your brother. I also know you won't back out if anything. You've got this, Jess. We've all seen you ride. You're going to be great."

"I certainly hope so. It feels strange to be the only female here, but perhaps I'll serve as an inspiration to someone." Dane ensured my helmet was tight and everything I was supposed to wear was good.

"Well?"

"You're all set. I'll be out there a couple of riders after you."

Dane set his hands on my shoulder.

"Knock 'em dead, sis."

He patted me on the back, and I hopped onto the gate.

Below me was a bull that was not named Rambo. This one was Buck, and he looked angry. The announcers said my name, and that was my cue. I got onto the bull, holding the rope right with one hand, and the door opened. The bull kicked and spun in circles as I held on. I tried to count the seconds, but I couldn't focus. Before I knew it, the bull threw me off, and I was tossed to the bull's left on the ground face first, good thing for helmets. I got up, and the crowd cheered. The bull wasn't done and wanted to chase after me, so I ran, hopping over the gate just in time.