Right Back On

Two

"Coda Paxton, get your ass out here!" Blake shouted.

I was locked inside a port-a-potty staring down at the outfit Blake and Oakley had picked out for me.

"No!"

"Why not?" Oakley's voice was muffled by the plastic.

"Because I look ridiculous!"

I'd shown up  in a pair of torn jeans and a navy cutoff t-shirt with no plans to change for my events. Little did I know, Blake and Oakley had run inside while I was conversing with Kellan.

"Bullshit. Now get out here or I'll come in and get you."

I groaned and slowly swung open the door to peek my head out.

"Coda! I don't have all day!"

My sigh of protest could probably be heard across the entire rodeo grounds. "Remind me again why I have to dress up for this? Lots of the other competitors don't."

"Because if I have to, you have to," Blake grinned evilly.

"Ahhh! You look so cute!" Oakley squealed, running up to hug me.

"Stop! You're gonna wrinkle her!" Blake argued, peeling Oakley off and stepping back to get a better view.

I was decked out in an embroidered, jewel encrusted blue western shirt that perfectly matched the blue of my hat, my personalized belt with a buckle the size of my fist, and jeans that practically jingled as I walked because of all the beading.

After giving me a thorough once over, Blake nodded in approval. "You look good. Like a real cowgirl."

"No, I look like a fake cowgirl."

"Coda, you gotta lay off the negativity and admit that we--ooh!" Oakley released a squeal and began bouncing on her toes.

"What's wrong with--" I glanced over my shoulder to see a tall, grinning cowboy with his eyes locked on my best friend.

"Lane?" I grinned mischievously.

Oakley's smile grew even bigger as the boy strode in our direction.

Blake rolled her eyes. "Since somebody's apparently too lovestruck to speak, yes, that's Lane."

I rubbed my hands together. "This oughta be fun."

"Fancy meeting you here," Lane grinned, immediately going in for a hug.

Oakley giggled. "I told you I was coming!"

I cleared my throat and narrowed my eyes at the pair, still locked in an embrace.

Oakley blushed and pulled away. "Oh, uh, Lane, you know Blake. And this is my best friend, Coda."

I shot the cowboy a smile and was quite pleased when he solemnly extended a hand for me to shake.

"Good to meet you, Lane."

"Likewise."

His grip was gentle, limp even.

"Lane, it's okay," I whispered. "I'm not made of glass."

His easygoing grin replaced the tentative look. "Alrighty then." After tightening his hold to a more acceptable level he looked me in the eyes. "It's nice to meet you, Coda."

Blake nudged me subtly out of the way. "Good to see you again, Lane."

He readjusted his cowboy hat and grinned. "Yeah, it's actually been a while! You guys been out of the circuit?"