Southern Charm

Chapter 4

JESSIE

After a grueling week of work, I found myself back at the stadium on a Saturday night, preparing for the bull-riding event. To my surprise, my mom was feeling well enough to come and watch Dane and me compete. It was her first outing in months. Dad was there too, seated beside her in the stands, along with Colton, his wife Veronica, Parker, and Bennett. My friends had also returned, eagerly waving and gearing up to support me.

"So, what do you think about tonight?" Dane asked. He was already gearing up to ride. He went on, Trace after, and then me.

"I think it's going to be tough. I will do better than last weekend; I can tell you that much. If I don't, I will have to do something to improve," I said.

"I can always help you improve."

There was that voice again. I closed my eyes, doing my best not to roll them, and turned around to see Trace with a big grin on his face.

I smiled. "Is that so, Trace?" I asked.

Trace nodded, and I just shook my head.

"I don't think I want your help. I'd rather do better on my own."

Trace shrugged. "Suit yourself. I've helped many people get to the final five of the PBR. I've been there myself and won it a couple of times. Dane knows because he and I go way back. I've helped him learn things. Haven't I?"

Dane nodded in agreement. "It's true. I wouldn't be performing at my current level if not for Trace. At times, the challenge is simply the bull's toughness, so I haven't made it to the PBR top five yet. But I'll get there soon; I'm certain of it."

"Yeah, well, don't get your hopes up about me taking you up on your offer to help me improve. I'm only in this for two reasons right now. Who is to say I will keep it going? Right now, it's another way to pay the bills."

"Alright, I'm up. You two behave while I'm out there," Dane said.

He jumped over the gate, and Trace stood beside me as we leaned against it to watch.

"You know I'm not a bad guy once you get to know me. You know the attitude comes with the job," Trace said.

I laughed. "Wow, using my words against me, huh?"

Trace chuckled. "I didn't say you were a bad guy. You irritate me, that's all," I said.

Trace and I glanced at one another until the buzzer went off, and the crowd cheered. Dane had done it again. Eight seconds. Amazing.

"See what my help can do?" Trace smiled and was next to jump the gate.

"Yeah, whatever you say, break a leg!" I yelled.

Dane came over toward me to stand as we watched Trace. Watching him was much different than my brother or someone else. Trace was indeed a professional. He made it all look easy.

"Impressive, huh?" Dane asked.

I nodded, not wanting to admit it with words from my mouth. "I told you he was good."

"I can see that. Don't tell him I said that, though," I chuckled.

The buzzer went off, and the crowd cheered.

"My turn!"

I smiled at Trace as I got ready to ride the bull. Tank was the one Dane had ridden last week, and now it was my turn.

I closed my eyes before getting on the bull, getting myself in the right mindset. All positive, no negative thoughts. You got this, Jessie.

The bull kicked and spun like before as I held on. I kept focus, and then I heard a buzzer. The bull threw me off onto my back, and I had the biggest grin. The crowd cheered. It wasn't any cheer, though. It was my name! They were saying my name! I ran off and saw a disappointed look on my brother Dane's face.