Cowgirl Strong

by Jenny Hammerle

  “Nothing illegal. I swear.” Levi held up his hand. “But when someone messes with one of our own, we can’t just let it slide.”

  “We’ve got it all under control.” Michael grinned.

  “I don’t know that this is such a good idea.” Rachael worried.

  “Don’t fret it, sis. Travis will help us.”

  “Even better. Great, now I’m seriously worried.”

  “Don’t be such a wuss.” Maysie challenged. “What he did was horrible. Doesn’t he deserve a little embarrassment?”

  “I guess.”

  Michael and Levi snuck out the front door.

  “What happened to the good ol’ days when someone wronged you and you could just beat ‘em to a pulp?” Shannah reminisced.

  “You did that ... today.” Rachael acknowledged.

  “But I didn’t know about the bet. If I’d known about that I wouldn’t have been so…merciful.” Shannah seemed to be reconsidering their strategy.

  Rachael decided to take control of the situation before she found herself spray painting Romero’s driveway or something equally awful. “I think the best way to get even with him is to be the most stunning girl at the dance with the hottest date. And besides, Wade is fine.”

  “For sure. Like Redneck Fine!” Maysie added. “Just your type.”

  “Skoal can in his butt pocket?” Shannah asked hopefully.

  “This boy’s no stranger to a dip can, camo cap, tight faded Wranglers, work boots. Just your type, Redneck Fine.” Maysie raised her eyebrows up and down.

  “I could go for that. And he’s not a creep, right?”

  “You won’t have to kick his butt for getting too friendly, if that’s what you mean.” Maysie teased.

  “Okay. I’m in. As long as he’s Redneck Fine and not Redneck Crazy. I’ve got enough crazy for the two of us.”

  “I’ll take care of the nail appointments.” Rachael smiled. “My treat.”

  “I’ve got hair.” Maysie added.

  “Y’all want to see my dress?” Rachael asked.

  Maysie picked up Rachael’s phone and scrolled through her pics.

  “It’s awesome!” She squealed.

  She turned the screen and handed it to Shannah.

  “That’s cool. Pink camo.”

  Rachael couldn’t believe she’d chosen the dress for herself, but Travis would love it. A pink camo strapless dress.

  “I’m pairing it with a pair of hot pink heels.” She added.

  “Only you could pull that off.” Maysie admitted.

  “Hey, now, I could’ve pulled it off too, but not in pink. Maybe Mossy Oak. No pink though.” Shannah pouted.

  “If we had more time we could’ve all done it!” Maysie cheered.

  “Maybe not.” Rachael shook her head. “Pink camo on parade might have been a little overkill.”

  “Maybe if it had lace?” Maysie asked.

  “Not even then.”

  *

  The following morning school was abuzz with the news of Romero and Shannah’s unfortunate split and the details about how she’d whipped his butt. Of course the story had grown, and now it involved an arrest. By lunchtime, Shannah looked like she might jump in her jeep and flee campus.

  After lunch ended Rachael found herself convincing Shannah to not pound Romero in Spanish Lit class.

  “The last thing you need is to get expelled.”

  “I guess.” Shannah sounded indifferent to the possibility of expulsion. She forged ahead of Rachael, down the sidewalk, and toward class.

  When they arrived and took their seats, there was no sign of Romero in the classroom. Everyone else seemed disappointed too. Shannah’s friend, Tracy, patted her on the shoulder as she walked past and took her seat behind them.

  “Too bad, girl. Could’ve been a showdown in Lit Class.”

  “Right?” Shannah answered.

  Senora Wilder came into the room and greeted the classroom.

  “Hola estudiantes.”

  “Hola, Senora Wilder.” The class responded.

  “Unfortunately for us Romero has decided to change his language focus to French Literature and has gone over to join Mrs. A’s class.”

  Tracy whooped and hollered. A few other kids whistled.

  Senora Wilder did her best to quiet them. “I know how sad you all must be, but I’m sure you’ll still run into him around campus.”

  “Wimp.” Shannah whispered.

  Rachael ignored her and got her book out, along with her spiral notebook containing her most recent notes and questions about this week’s reading assignment. Senora Wilder dove right into the subject at hand and Rachael was relieved it redirected Shannah. After class they had the Homecoming Pep Rally. All the girls went to change into their uniforms.

  The Pep Rally was always a big deal for their school. This year it was extra special, seeing that they were seniors. They’d voted for Homecoming Court the previous week. The six guys receiving nominations were Gabe, Travis, Clay, Romero, Jason, and Bobby, a star baseball player. The six girls receiving nominations were Rachael, Shannah, Maysie, newcomer and exchange student Elena, Honey, and Misty, who was still in the hospital. The news of her overdose had traveled the campus in less than two days and Shannah was convinced her nomination was nothing more than a pity vote- since no one in their right mind could’ve truly thought her Homecoming Queen material.

  The Homecoming Court was announced at the Pep Rally and the crowd cheered, with the exception of Romero who received several boo’s. Unaffected by his few haters, he strutted across the field, swagger in full force.

  “Can you believe I liked that guy?” Shannah prompted under her breath from her dance line.

  “I sure can. It was less than two days ago.” Maysie returned, giggling.

  “Let’s call it temporary insanity. What would possess me to date a guy who spends more time on his hair than I do?”

  “I wondered the same. How could a girl ever compete with those luscious locks of brunette?” Maysie commiserated.

  Next, the principal announced the female nominees for Homecoming Queen. Shannah, Maysie, Rachael, and Elena just waved from their position on the field. After the principal finished, he and the administration did a skit where they were the Hulk and the other super heroes. They were defending EMHS from the Raiders who attempted to steal the championship trophy and reclaim the school’s cheerleaders as their own. The pep rally let out just as the final bell rang. The principal dismissed everyone directly to their buses and the car lot.

  Rachael watched as Romero joined the other soccer players and headed to the locker room. She glanced around and searched for her brother and Levi, both of whom needed a ride home. When she didn’t see them she headed out to the parking lot, sure they’d catch up with her there.

  Travis joined her on the sidewalk, grabbing her from behind, startling her.

  “Wade should be here this afternoon. Want to go grab pizza?”

  “Sure. Probably need to introduce him to Shannah before tomorrow.” Rachael agreed.

  “I was thinking the same thing. What kind of dress did you get?”

  “It’s a surprise.”

  “I kind of need to know what color shirt to wear.”

  “White shirt.”

  She thought about suggesting he wear pink, but she knew he’d scoff at the idea. Furthermore, she didn’t want to tip him off about her dress.

  They walked hand in hand out to the parking lot. Travis kissed her goodbye.

  “Pick you up around six-thirty?”

  “Yep.”

  Rachael looked and saw Michael and Levi sprinting across the parking lot.

  “Get it done?” Travis asked.

  “Yep.” Michael grinned.

  “Get what done?” Rachael chimed in.

  “Nothing.” Levi said. “But spread the word. Soccer practice started today and no one should wash their hair.”

  “Got it. You don’t have to worry about us football players, we leave dirt
y. Besides we have a game tomorrow, no practice for us.”

  “Gross.” Rachael commented. “You don’t bath before you come home? I’ll remember that. That goes on my list of Things Travis Needs to Change.”

  “God made dirt and dirt don’t hurt, baby.”

  Travis walked away, headed directly for a few soccer players he knew standing outside the locker room dribbling balls with their feet. Rachael climbed through the window of her car and buckled her seatbelt. Levi and Michael climbed in and did the same. Both were unusually quiet.

  “Where’s Riley?”

  “She caught a ride with Amber today. Sleepover or some girl thing.”

  “Probably getting pretty for you for Homecoming.”

  “I hope she doesn’t put on too much makeup. I hate that stuff, look all white like a ghost.”

  “Whatever you do don’t tell her that, you’ll hurt her feelings. Just tell her she looks gorgeous no matter what.”

  “I’m not a total failure, I know how to talk to girls. I’ve been under the tutelage of the master, remember?”

  “How could I forget?”

  Rachael dropped the boys off at Levi’s house for the night and went home to feed Grace. When she pulled into the driveway she glanced at her phone. She had three hours. With any luck she could fit in a ride, shower, and still be ready in time to go to dinner with Travis. She texted Shannah who said she was up for anything and so their plans were set.

  Rachael went out to the barn to clean Grace’s stall. She was always so happy to see her. She whinnied at her approach. Rachael went in and patted her nose. Then suddenly she whinnied again, right next to Rachael’s ear. It was deafening.

  Rachael heard another sound, the rattling of a horse trailer coming up the drive. She knew it must be Travis and he’d know where to find her.

  She got her bridle and reins out of the tack room. She put it on Grace and led her out of the barn into the sun. She brushed her down until she shined, slick and smooth. She heard two guys talking and turned to see Travis and a guy who could’ve only been Wade walking out toward the barn.

  “Great minds think alike.” Travis smiled. “We thought we’d go surprise Shannah and suggest a ride.”

  Rachael overheard from where she stood with her horse. I know Shannah said she was game for pizza, but a surprise horseback ride? She couldn’t be sure how Shannah would feel about the change in plans, but she didn’t want to refuse either. Wade had just driven in from North Florida and he was even more handsome in person than his profile picture reflected. He was not only Redneck Fine, he was all-around good looking, and could’ve doubled as Travis’ slightly older brother. Rachael would guess him at nineteen, compared to Travis’ eighteen years old. His blue eyes popped against the azure blue of his pearl snap shirt. The cuffs were rolled back exposing his strong forearms and masculine hands.

  Yep. Shannah’s gonna like this one.

  He walked over where Travis introduced them. Rachael reached out her hand and shook his. His callused palms even reminded her of Travis’. There was just something about a hardworking man that made him all the more attractive.

  “How do you like your mare? She looks like she’s settled in nicely.”

  “She has. I named her Grace. She’s the sweetest thing. Up until today I’ve only ridden her around the house here. I’m not sure she’s ready for the real thing yet.”

  “She’ll be fine.” Wade commented. “My little sister Katie rode her everywhere for a year. She wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

  “Travis bought her from you?”

  “From my father. He called saying he needed a gentle one that handled well and was a smooth ride.”

  “I love her. She’s fantastic.”

  Travis took the reins from her and they all walked toward the horse trailer out front.

  “Excuse me a minute. I need to grab some sunscreen and a hat.” Rachael sprinted inside, out of hearing range, and closed the door. She ran down the hall and dialed Shannah. When she picked up she yelled in a frantic whisper.

  “Change of plans! Don’t hate me.”

  “What’s up?”

  “We’re coming over now.”

  “Now?”

  “Now! They just showed up to go riding, with a horse for you too! I’m sorry. Throw it together, quickly.”

  “Is he fine?”

  “Like super fine! Super cowboy, uber handsome, freakin’ redneck fine!”

  “Great. I haven’t shaved!”

  “Pull on a pair of jeans girl! We’re riding horses! He won’t see your legs. Do your hair, some make-up. But not too much. You want to look like we caught you by surprise. Surprised- but not too surprised. Got it.”

  “Okay.” Shannah hung up. The nervous edge to her voice obvious.

  Rachael appeared outside, wearing her cowgirl hat from Travis, lip gloss, and some perfume. She needed to look like she was inside taking some time on herself, not calling and warning Shannah.

  She climbed in the front seat next to Travis and slid over to hold his hand.

  “You smell nice.” He gave her a strange look. She didn’t elaborate.

  “So tell me a little about Shannah. All I know about her is the picture I saw of her two years ago in the Citrus and Florida Cattleman’s Magazines.”

  “In the magazines? Doing what?” Rachael couldn’t imagine.

  “She was Miss Teen Florida Orange Blossom Princess or something like that.”

  Travis just burst out laughing. Rachael smacked his thigh.

  “Shannah? A pageant girl?” Rachael doubted it but Wade didn’t seem like a liar.

  “No. She really was. Her father wanted her to represent this area and citrus. He entered her against her will and she won the whole darned thing.” Travis advised.

  “So,” He smirked. “She’s not the pageant type?” Wade sounded relieved.

  “Not at all. I’d describe her as more of a real country girl. Very pretty and fit, a little bit rugged too, but not butch.”

  Okay, I’m digging a hole here.

  “I’m good with not butch.” Wade laughed. “In north Florida we tend to like the girls who sing soprano. Just like that famous AJ song says.”

  Travis just shook his head and laughed. Rachael had no idea what Wade had meant by his last comment, but she had the definite feeling Shannah would like him. He was definitely her type of guy. Outgoing and spirited, very confident. A guy without all of these qualities could never compete with Shannah’s effervescent personality. She’d run right over top of him.

  Maybe this was a good thing. Rachael considered Shannah’s house and its proximity to her own.

  I need to buy a little more time.

  “Can we stop at the feed store?”

  Travis looked at her suspiciously. “Does that need to happen now?”

  “I’m out of hay and if I don’t get it now…I may not have another chance. I don’t have a truck and it dirties the trunk of my car.”

  He pulled in and they climbed out.

  “I’ll wait here.” Wade commented.

  Rachael walked inside.

  “What’s going on? You’re acting strangely.” Travis asked.

  “You can’t just spring this on a girl. Dinner was set for six-thirty. She wasn’t even dressed, yet. If she had been, she would’ve been dressed for pizza, not riding.”

  “So we’re buying her some time? Shannah? She doesn’t care.”

  “Trust me, under that tough exterior she cares.”

  “Are you really out of hay?”

  “Nope.”

  “Come on.” He grabbed Rachael’s hand and towed her back to the truck and climbed in.

  “No hay?” Wade winked.

  “No hay. Rachael here’s worried we didn’t give Shannah enough time to get ready.”

  “Gotcha.”

  Rachael narrowed her eyes at Travis.

  “And I’d just as soon tell her she doesn’t need much time to get ready ‘cause she’s just that pretty.” Wade stuck a toothpi
ck in his mouth.

  Travis backed the horse trailer out and they continued toward Shannah’s house. Rachael fumed, not speaking another word to Travis. He sensed it.

  “I tell Rachael that all the time. When you look as good as she does, all that other stuff is just gravy.” Travis grinned, trying to soften her mood

  “Gravy’s good, but some women just don’t need the extra fixin’s.” Wade added.

  “I feel like I’m at an all-you-can-eat southern buffet.” Rachael squeezed Travis’ upper thigh.

  “There’s two of us now, we’re ganging up on you.” Travis reached over and held her hand.

  “Is this what it’d be like if you had a brother? Twice as aggravating.”

  “I know all about you, Rachael Harte.” Wade spoke around the tooth pick. “From the first day he met you up until now.”

  Rachael cut her eyes at Travis.

  “He does. He’s the closest thing I’ve got to a brother.”

  “Why haven’t I met you before now?”

  “He didn’t want the competition.” Wade joked. “He’s kept me hidden away, hunting trips and working cows. No ladies.”

  “Good. I’m glad to hear no women are allowed on those trips. Keep me informed Wade, keep me apprised of his every move.”

  “You better watch out man. She’s got you branded.”

  “Roped and tied up too.” Travis winked.

  They pulled down Shannah’s long driveway. Wade climbed out and went up to ring her bell.

  “Should I go?” Rachael went to open the door.

  “Does he look like he needs your help?”

  “Guess not.”

  Shannah opened the door, obviously expecting Rachael. Her shocked reaction was visible from the truck. She quickly masked her jaw dropping response and turned to close the door, locking it.

  Wade walked her to the truck and opened the back door for her. She climbed in and slid across. For the first thirty seconds silence filled the cab of Travis’ diesel. Rachael had never heard Shannah speechless, but here it was…stunned silence…she said nothing.

  She’d worn a pair of fitted gray skinny jeans with a pale blue tank top. Her hair was in a high pony tail that hung to the middle of her back. She even smelled good. She’d lined her lips and put on some mascara along with a little light pink shimmer.

  “Wade, thank you for doing this.” She blurted out. “You didn’t have to, but I really appreciate it.”