Justin: Cowboy At Heart

part 2

The older woman shook her head.  “Not a chance.  We agreed on a price.  Besides, I know they’ll get a good home with you.  They deserve that.”

            The raven-haired woman frowned, but didn’t put it, knowing her friend wasn’t going to budge.  Well, she would just have to think of something else.  “They’ll be well taken care of and you can visit them anytime you want to.  I can’t wait to start working with Blue.  I remember riding him when you were working Gypsy.  He was fast.  And I’m sure Wrangle will enjoy the break.”  She smiled brightly, her blue eyes dancing.  “And I was thinking Justin could work with Blaze.  If I remember right, Chance used him when he would steer wrestle.”

            Dusti nodded mutely, not quite sure how to react.  She hadn’t even though about the possibility that Justin could be working with Blue or Blaze.  She silently chided herself for even caring, but that didn’t stop her from glancing over at Justin.  He looked as shocked as she felt.  Well good, it served him right for being such a jerk all those years ago.

            She turned her attention back to Shayna who was still talking.  Dusti wondered if her friend had picked up on the awkwardness and was trying her best to fill in the silence.  She had to give Shayna credit for trying at least.  Dusti wasn’t even close to ready to talk to Justin again though.  She just turned on her heel and headed down to the barn.  As much as she hated to see Blue and Blaze go she couldn’t get Justin out of there soon enough.  She was having a hard time keeping it together and she just wanted to curl up somewhere and cry.

            Dusti untied Blue and handed the lead rope to Shayna.  The steel gray Canadian Cutting Horse quietly followed Shayna.  Dusti then went back to get Blaze.  The palomino was short and stocky; he was quick on his feet.  He was quicker then the cow and his height made it easier for the cowboy to catch the steer.  Of course he would be a good roping horse too if that’s what Justin wanted.  She passed the rope to Justin, but nearly gasped as their fingers brushed briefly.  Justin seemed to freeze too as his eyes widened briefly.

            Her face reddened as she quickly turned away.  What was wrong with her?  Justin had already wronged her once, was she really going to let him try again?  Dusti closed her eyes and tried not to think about the tingle that had run through her arm.  She quietly listened to Shayna and Justin get the horses loaded.  Their hooves clicked on the cement and then onto the trailer.  One of the horses started to act up a bit and kicked the side of the trailer, the sound echoing through the barn.

            Dusti tensed up as images started to flash through her mind.  “No,” she whispered, covering her ears and collapsing to her knees.

            She started to tremble, as the images got worse.  Flashbacks from her last rodeo played through her mind.  Teas slid down her cheeks as she got caught up in the flashbacks.  Dusti started to see black and soon passed out on the cool, hay covered, cement floor.

2

                “Alright folks, let’s give a big Montana welcome to one of our local cowgirls!”  The crowd cheered wildly.  “Let’s welcome Dusti Wilcox, riding Gypsy!  Show ‘em whatcha got cowgirl!”

            Dusti patted her horse’s muscled shoulder before giving her her head.  The black mare snorted and pranced sideways down the aisle way.  As soon as she hit the gate she took off at a full run.  Gypsy and Dusti had been training hard for this day.  They both seemed to know how much was riding on this run and they were determined to give it their all.  The roar of the crowd was barely heard over the thunder of Gypsy’s hooves and the pounding of Dusti’s heart.