A Daring Ride by Andrew Grey

Author:Andrew Grey
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

THEY spent a few hours watching the calf ropers and barrel riders, followed by bronc busting. The entire time, Simon felt his nerves jumping higher and higher. “Remember what you did yesterday?” Jacky asked, and Simon nodded. “You need to focus on your ride and let the rest go.”

“I know, but it’s easier said than done. Yesterday I was just another cowboy trying to ride a bull. Today I have a shot, and I’m nervous as hell. What if I completely blow it?”

“You won’t,” Jacky told him. “You’ll do your best. That’s all anyone can do.” Jacky lightly touched his leg and then turned his attention back to the arena.

Simon stood up and left the arena, moving to one of the back areas, where he tried to clear his mind. He needed to get his nerves under control. He breathed deeply and tried to push his fears away, but couldn’t. “Simon,” Dante called as he approached. “Think about what you’re about to do and remember to let everything else go. Don’t think about the score or winning. Just concentrate on the ride. It’s what you came here for—not to win, but to ride. That’s all that matters. We’ll all be watching and cheering you on.”

“I know. That’s what’s got me nervous. What if I really mess up?”

“If you get bucked, get on your feet and get the hell out of there. Don’t stop, don’t pause to see where the bull is, just run like hell. And when you’re done, Jacky will be there to console you and listen to whatever you want to tell him. He won’t think less of you, and neither will anyone else.”

“But if I win…,” Simon said hopefully, and the nerves started again.

“Then you win until the next rodeo, the next ride, and the next bull, when you could end up on your ass after three seconds. That’s how this sport is—up one ride, down the next. It’s that way for everyone. So take it one ride at a time, always do your best, and for God’s sake, have fun. Because if it isn’t fun, then hang it up.” Dante turned and walked out of the area. Simon followed him, got his gear, and went to the preparation area to get ready.

“Look who it is,” Hank sneered loudly as he came in. “You couldn’t win on your own, so you had your fruity friends get the competition disqualified.” He plunked his gear on a bench across the area from Simon.

“Quit being an ass,” one of the other men said. “You and your groupies aren’t going to get any sympathy around here. We all heard what they did.” He turned back to his bag and began unpacking. “Dumbass,” the cowboy added. “You’re just jealous because the kid here rides better than you.”

Hank looked about ready to blow his top, and if looks could kill, Simon figured both he and the cowboy would be dead. “I’m Frizz,” he said to the cowboy, extending his hand.

“Diego Martinez.” They shook hands, and Simon peeked at Hank, who was pointedly ignoring them, which was just fine with him.

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