Southern Charm

Chapter 8

JESSIE

When I first met Trace, I never thought he would be the one to get stuck in my head. Since Mom died Monday night, Trace has been throughout my mind. He helped a lot before she passed; even now that she was gone, Trace still helped. For the most part, he was here at the bar late at night, and I liked that because it gave Tommy a bit of a break. Trace even came to my mother's funeral, which meant a lot to me and the rest of my family.

Tonight was my first-night bull riding since my mother had passed. The funeral had been earlier today, and while it was hard, I knew my mother was at peace. My aunt sang In The Garden just like my mother had asked, and we all spoke a few short words in honor of her. I knew my Mom wanted me to succeed in life. She liked that for all of us and to follow the desires of our hearts. My heart wasn't entirely set on a career in bull riding. I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue, but I was sure that I had feelings for Trace. The only problem was that I needed to tell someone that information to see if I sounded crazy and if it would not be my brothers.

"Hey Jessie, why did you call me to the stadium early? Something on your mind?" Bailey asked. Bailey was my best friend, who I could always count on. No matter what she was doing, she dropped it and came by.

"I have feelings for Trace," I blurted out, quickly covering my mouth, realizing what I had said. "Oh gosh." My cheeks turned red, and Bailey gasped.

"I knew you liked him the second I saw you with him! There is something between you two; I know I am not the only one who sees it. Bennett was telling me about it."

My eyebrows raised in surprise and suspicion. "Bennett was telling you what exactly?" I asked. Bailey had a crush on my brother Bennett since we were little. He was only six years older than her, which wasn't too bad now, considering she was of age. "Bailey..."

Bailey blushed. "He was telling me how Trace has been looking at you lately. A look of I don't know, love maybe? Like he sees something in you but hasn't made a move?"

"And why were you and Bennett talking about my love life together when you two don't even have your own? Unless..." I gasped. "Bailey, did my brother finally ask you out?!"

Bailey nodded, and I squealed, wrapping my arms around her in a big hug. "I know! I can't believe it happened, either. I like him so much and think he likes me too!"

"Well, he better, or else I'm going to be hanging him on the flag pole while he wears nothing but underwear," I laughed. Bailey shook her head, and we sat together on the lower stadium seats. "Should I tell Trace how I feel?"

"Yes! Weren't you telling me your Mom wanted you to find someone to fall in love with? Maybe this is your sign if you're feeling this way. What if Trace Black is the one you're meant to be with?"

I smiled. "You know Bailey, I have been asking myself that question since Mom died. He was there for me, and even before that, he was. I thought Trace was some cocky, high, and mighty bull rider that got all the girls and had all the money. That he only cared about his reputation and no one else. He was rude and sarcastic until he wasn't. I saw his other side, making me fall for him. His looks pile onto the pro's side," I said.

"You should tell him tonight after you ride. You never know; maybe he feels like you do, Jess. I want you to be happy, and then you can shove it in Lainey's face," Bailey said.

I shook my head. "I won't be shoving anything in Lainey's face. Max got her by cheating on me. Now they're married and happy. Good for them. I grew up quicker than they did, and I have moved on. I've been happy without a relationship, but maybe I can have one that means something to me."

Bailey grabbed my hand and squeezed it. "You deserve all the happiness you can get, Jess. Now, go get them out there tonight. Beat all of them darn cowboys and show them that females can do it just as well!"