Learning to Love

Chapter 17

Kadence woke up with a start, it was the morning of the rodeo and after a quick inspection at the mirror, she noted the bruising had died down enough to be concealed with some strategic make-up placement and a chunky necklace.

She’d already decided she had to pop in on Trev before heading out to the rodeo, make sure he considered coming along, then make it back in time for Dee and Mike to pick her up on their way through.

Things had been a little awkward since Dee made the assumption it was a hickey on her neck, but thankfully she didn’t push the conversation much further throughout the week. Kadence knew she needed to tell her that she and Richard were no longer together but, she wasn’t quite ready to announce that to little town gossip and have old biddies act as match makers; she’d heard the rumours of small town charm.

No, she was resolved to just hold that bit of information to herself a little bit longer and she trusted Trev in his reclusive state to keep it quiet too.

After downing her coffee and placing the last piece of toast between her teeth, she walked out to the car, ready to take on Trev.

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Knocking on Trev’s door, she planted her feet ready for a fight and waited as she heard footsteps coming towards the door. Doning her biggest smile, she readied herself as the door swung open; only to find Edna and her eagle eyes narrowed towards her.

“Oh.” Was all she could get out between her teeth, the stammered the rest. “Um, Hi again Edna. I’m… I’m just here to see…”

“I know who you are here to see,” she said, her mouth set into a pert line, “Come through.” He swept her arm out to indicate Kadence make her way down the hall.

“Um… thank you.” Confidence well and truly shot, she wasn’t sure how much luck she would have convincing Trev with the eagle circling.

“I see you’ve been coming by often.” It came out more of a statement than a question, so Kadence remained silent as she finally stepped through the kitchen and saw Trev setting out a third cup of tea at the table for her.

“Thank you,” she smiled genuinely at him and he motioned for her to sit.

“To what do I owe this morning’s visit?” Trev asked when she and Edna had taken their seats. “Not that I’m complaining to have two lovely ladies at my table.” Kadence almost snorted thinking of Edna as being ‘lovely’; but thought it best to keep that to herself.

 Taking in a breath for strength, she placed her cup down on the table and looked directly at Trev. “I’ve come to tell you to pull out your best western gear, because you will be going to the rodeo today.” she tried to keep her voice firm; but felt a little quiver of uncertainty towards the end.

“Have you now,” Edna quirked her eyebrow and looked between the two of them, a small smile cresting the corner of her mouth.

“Yes, I have.” She kept her eyes firmly on Trev, who was now looking down into his tea. “I think it will do you the world of good to get out there and I would really appreciate having a friendly face to explain all the rules to me.”

“I’m sure young Dee, Mike and Matt will be there to fill you in.” he said into his cup.

“I’m sure they could. But then, you wouldn’t be getting out of this house, like I promised Bessy last weekend,” she smiled up at him, hope filling her eyes when he looked up at her at the mention of Bessy.

“I’ll think about it.” He said, but Kadence could feel the conversation was already over.

“That’s all I ask for,” she smiled at Trev and placed a gentle hand on his. “Now, I better head back home before Dee starts breaking down my front door because I didn’t answer.” She rolled her eyes but was smiling at the thought and stood. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Then when Edna and Trev started to rise from their seat’s she put her hands up. “You two stay here, I know my way out.” And left.

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Mike pulled up in the queue of cars and watched as some of the local men descended on the cars in front, leaning in through the windows to take cash for entry tickets. Winding down the window, she took in the faint smell of manure, horses whinnying, carnival ride music and children squealing in delight.

Crawling up the line as guided by the volunteers, it was their turn to be met by one of the friendly seniors and Kadence pushed the $60 through from the back seat, surprising them. She watched as the volunteer raised a questioning eyebrow at Mike, who shook his head and instead gave the man the cash he had already prepared. The man took the money from Mike and gave him their respective arm bands in return and Mike started to drive off.

“I can’t let you pay for me,” she thrust the money into the front at Dee, who refused to take it.

“We invited you to come, so we’re paying.” Dee answered shaking her head.

“And you also drove me here. Come on Dee, it’s only fair I pay my way and then some.” Kadence returned holding out the money.

“How about you shout lunch then?” Dee said on a sigh after looking at Mike for guidance.

“Deal!” she rushed out and put the money back in her wallet with a smile.