Rodeo Hearts

Chapter 28

I haven't called or texted Brayden for a couple days now. There's no way I want to be the one to call first. He's the one that pushed me away, but I understand. He's going through a tough time right now and he needs his time and space. I need to clear my head before the rodeo today.

There's only a couple hours before I have to leave for the rodeo grounds. I woke up earlier and fed the horses. My outfit for the rodeo was folded and sitting on my bed. It wasn't anything fancy. The outfit consisted of a dark blue jean shirt and jeans. A black felt hat sat on top of the clothes.

My eyes drifted over to my phone that sat on the nightstand. I couldn't make my mind up on whether to ask Brayden if he needed anything. It would be the nice and considerate thing to do. I reach over from my place on the bed and picked up my phone.

Knowing Brayden he didn't want to talk right now, so I sent him a text.

To Brayden: Do you need anything? I can go get it and bring it over before I go to the grounds.

Once I saw that it delivered, I went to take a shower and get changed. The steam started to rise soon after I had turned the shower on. I discarded my pajamas into a white laundry sack that hung on the bathroom door.

As soon as I stepped into the hot steaming shower, I felt the scalding water hit my skin. I adjusted the temperature slightly. The steam helped to open my lungs and allowed me to breath better.

The bottle of my favorite shampoo slipped through my hands as I was trying to pry the lid open. I picked it up from the floor and lathered it into my hair. As soon as I had worked the shampoo in good enough, I began to wash it out.

It wasn't long until I stepped out of the shower clean and refreshed. I dried off and slipped on my clothes. After I was fully clothed, I began to blow dry my hair. It didn't take long until my hair was dry and ready to be straightened.

I plugged up my straightener and sat it down on the counter to heat up. Then, I prepped my hair by spraying heat protectant all over and combing it through. My straightener soon heated up and I began to straighten my hair. My hair usually doesn't take long to make it as straight as a pen. Within ten minutes, I had sleek and straight hair.

I kept my makeup light and natural. BB Cream was used before I applied a light translucent powder. I then filled in my eyebrows just a bit. Last but not least, I used a couple different eyeshadows to create a natural look and topped it off with mascara.

Suddenly, I remembered that I had texted Brayden. He might have texted me back by now. I walked to the night stand nervously and picked up my phone. I pressed the home button and the lock screen came up. There were two missed calls from an Unknown number and six text messages from Brayden. I held my index finger on the home button for a few seconds before it flashed on the home screen.

I clicked on the message icon and check the messages.

From Brayden: Right now? Time and space.

From Brayden: I hope that you understand.

From Brayden: In all honesty, I need you right now.

From Brayden: Since we're being honest here, you don't need me.

From Brayden: Just give me some time to think things over. Please, don't be mad at me.

I can't believe him! He don't get to tell me what I need. I'm my own person and I know more than anyone what I need.

Being dumped over a text definitely stings, but I just want whatever makes him happy. If being with me doesn't make him happy, then I'll take the sting.

I don't even bother replying, I just brush the thoughts of Brayden out of my mind. I put the bravest face I could on and began to check the other messages.

From Jade: I really wish I wasn't the one to break the news to you, but Mark is getting married...to Lauren.

Well, my day just got a whole lot better.