Rodeo Hearts

Chapter 10

The day's flew by and soon it was the day of the Founder's Day Ball. Not a lot had happened. Brayden and I had texted back and forth since our first date. We had went to coffee a couple times and just talked about ourselves. I had gotten to know him better and hopefully he also got to know me a little better.

I had learned Brayden extended his hotel stay for a few more days until after the ball. Honestly I don't want him to go, but I don't plan on telling him that.

Butterflies fluttered around my stomach as I rose from my slumber. Afraid of nerves getting the best of me I decide to take a shower before getting ready. I had already taken one the night before, but I thought the warm water might help calm me. There was much to be done before the ball. I know I sound like some 'Disney Princess', but I'm nowhere near close to being a princess.

After I take my shower and change into sweatpants and a loose tee I walk down stairs. Mom is in the kitchen preparing food for the dinner later tonight. Every year mom supplies the dinner with delicious gourmet deserts. She makes every kind of pastry, pudding, and candy imaginable. Serval restaurants cater the event, but they know desert is mom's territory.

She glances up at me. She has flour on her face, in her hair, and on her hands.

"What are you making?" I ask.

"Apple Fritters for tonight at the moment. I would ask you to help, but you have an appointment for your hair and nails." She said as she kneaded the dough.

"Oh... Yeah! Jake wanted me to tell you he turned in your entry form and now all you have to do is show up." She added.

"Ok! Thanks mom! I better leave now unless I want to be late for my appointment." I said before slipping on a pair of flip flops that were sitting at the door.

"Drive safely, honey! I love you!" Mom shouted as I walked out of the door.

"Ok. I will! I love you too!" I replied as the screen door slammed closed.

"Hey, Kiddo!" Papaw shouted from the barn as I walked to my truck.

"Hey, papaw!"

"Where are you going?"he asked.

"I've got an appointment at 9:30 at the salon." I told him.

"Save the mileage on your truck and take mine. I won't need it until late this evening."

"You sure?" I asked knowing my truck didn't need the extra miles.

"I'm sure." He said reassuring me.

He dug around in his pocket before throwing me the keys to his Dodge Dakota. I caught them effortlessly.

"Thanks Papaw!" I told him as I walked over the bridge and to his truck.

"Anytime! Just keep her between the ditches." He replied.

On my way out of the hollow I waved to  all of the neighbors. As I neared the end of the hollow I pass Jacqueline coming through the hollow entrance. I wave as she goes by. I would've talked to her, but seeing as I was running late it wouldn't have been a good idea.

Ms. Betsy was sitting on her front porch breaking beans. None of her family ever came and saw her. I felt sorry for her.

I put my left signal light on and once it was clear I turned.
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Brayden's POV

It was the day of the Founder's Day Ball. I'm a bit nervous considering I've never been to something like this. I was surprised Aurora asked me to escort her. After I had tried to kiss her and she pulled away, I felt like a jerk. I figured she would never speak to me again.