Page 5 of Labor of Love

“I had the all-clear from my doctor last week.” His eyes light up, but nerves radiate off him.

“Okay...” This is it. He’s quitting. He’s gonna ask me to be with him, or go on the road with him.

“The contract acceptance or denial is due today.”

I wait, each second feeling longer than the last.

A loud whistle jolts our attention. His best friend, Parker, rides over on a horse with a smile bigger than Texas itself. For a moment, I forgot he works here.

Seems like I’ve forgotten a lot.

“Hey, bro!” He stops short. His stare intensifies between us, glancing at the Suburban. He doesn’t say anything, but it’s obvious when Stetson drops my hands and backs away. “I’m glad I have your social media notifications turned on, but I would have loved to hear from you first.”

For someone drinking a ton last night, he seems chipper being up with the sun.

“Fuck’s sake, Lindsay,” Stetson mutters, defeat in his voice. I think that’s his manager? “She must have had a pre-made graphic, her finger hovering above the fucking post button as my signed contract hit her email.”

“Congrats on returning.” Parker tips his cowboy hat. My lungs seize, body reacting before my mind can. “That brand deal collab is one you were hoping for.”

I smile with hopes I might feel the joy it’s supposed to trigger.

“And pro? Dude, you can be the next world champion!” Parker’s giddy.

I should be proud and giddy for his dream too. But right now? That high from last night and this morning has completely floated away.

Hold it together. My heart pounds, stomach dares to vomit, and tears threaten to fall.

All. At. The. Same. Time.

“It’s his passion, Parker,” I force myself to say without choking, staring at Stetson. I see a man who has worked so damn hard toward a dream. “Of course it would manifest into everything he's ever wanted.”

“Layla.” He says my name like he doesn’t know what to say.

“Even an injury can’t keep them from wanting you,” I add with a smile, my chest hollowing out with each forced word.

“Thanks,” Stetson mutters, looking up at Parker. “We can celebrate later.” He stares a little too long, sending a silent message.

“Alright.” Parker glances between us. “I’m gone.” Clicking his tongue at his horse, he rides off.

A beat of silence hangs over us. There’s still time for him to offer us a real shot. He knows my job can be anywhere.

“I’m sorry you found out like this.” Remorse fills the air. “I was about to tell you, and then Parker showed up.”

“I’m happy for you.” My voice pitches. I’m unable to relax myself with a full breath. “It’s what you’ve wanted.” How do I stop the pitchiness?

“It’s a dream.” Seeing him smile like this is something I would never dare to wipe away. “Despite the injury, I received a brand offer to go along with competing professionally.”

“Yep.” That’s it. That’s all I can manage as my eyes sting.

“I leave in two days.” Stepping forward, his hands cup my face. “I won’t be coming back, Layla.” At that, my stomach bottoms out, but he continues. “At least I don’t know when I will be.”

“I know how professional rodeo life works, Stetson,” I say, clearing my throat, already mourning someone who was never mine. Needing space, I move his hands away and step back.

“You understanding makes me feel better about leaving.” His eyes search mine, and I smile and nod. That’s all I can do.

I chose to give myself to him without knowing the outcome. I want to bury my face in his chest, let his arms hold me tight. That would only make this worse.

“You’ll do great.” My cheeks ache from forcing smiles.