He groans. “A fucking vet? A doctor, please.”
I shake my head. “You wanna explain to a doctor why you got shot at a rodeo, and why the shooter is beat to shit in the back of your trailer?”
He shakes his head.
“No. Didn’t think so.”
And I have to leave my girl at the rodeo. I know Colten will get them home safely. But I also know she’s going to be worried about me. And I hate that.
At least now I know for certain, we’re getting closer to finding the truth. Their web of lies is going to crumble pretty damn soon, I can feel it.
CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE
LOLA
I’ve been homefrom the rodeo for four damn hours, the sun is only just setting, and Hunter still hasn’t come home.
“Lola… how about going for a drink? Some of the girls from work invited me to a bar in the next town over. It looks pretty fun.” Violet nudges me with her elbow. “Might cheer you up.”
I huff out a breath, hugging my legs tighter to my chest. Hunter isn’t answering his phone. Something happened at the rodeo. I don’t know what, but Colten all but ushered us out of there after a single text message, his face shut down, his voice clipped. We didn’t even see Ace’s second ride.
I look out of the window. Wyatt is playing outside with Gary while Beau feeds the horses in the far paddock. The ranch looks golden and calm and completely at odds with the knot in my stomach.
“Luke said he can drive us there,” Violet adds, giving me full puppy-dog eyes.
I glance at her. She’s all but pouting. I thought Luke was gone, but who knows.
“Okay. Yeah. Sure.” I uncurl myself from the couch. “I could do with a couple of drinks. Let me text Hunter.”
She leaps off the cushion with a squeal that’s way too loud for the mood I’m in. “Luke’ll be here in twenty minutes!”
I smile and pull out my phone.
ME: Heading to a bar with Violet for a couple of drinks. Luke is driving us there. Give me a call when you’re home.
I pause. Read it back. That feels too cold.
ME: Love you. Be safe please.
All Colten told me was that Hunter is fine. That’s all I have to go on.
I freshen up fast. A little bit of mascara, lip gloss, the red sundress that Hunter loves, and we’re out the door heading to Luke’s car.
I come to a stop at the bottom of the porch steps. Beau is watching me from across the yard. Cigarette between his fingers, hip against the fence post. I don’t know what his deal is. But I don’t want Hunter’s brothers to dislike me. I like to be liked. I’m annoying that way.
I guess I spent the last ten years with my worth being validated by likes on social media.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
He nods. “Yeah. Where you off to?”
“A bar with Violet. I’ve texted Hunter.”
“Which bar?”
“One in Red Creek. Called Ripped or something. Do you know if it’s good there?”
He shrugs. “I don’t go there often. It can be a bit rowdy.” He takes a drag. “Just be careful, Lola.”