Beyond the skyline

Winked - 4

Okay, I don’t even know where to begin. Tonight was wild. Like, the kind of wild that feels like it was ripped straight out of a movie. If brunch was the warm-up, the rodeo was the main event, and let me just say, this girl showed up and showed out.

We got to the stadium in full cowgirl glam—Katie’s rhinestone fringe was sparkling under the lights, Sophia’s actual cowboy hat was already getting compliments, and I felt like I’d stepped into my own little country music video in my dress and boots. The energy was electric: the roar of the crowd, the smell of popcorn and hay, the low rumble of country music echoing across the arena.

But here’s where things took a turn for the extraordinary. Laura—queen of “knowing people who know people”—casually mentioned that her coworker’s cousin (stay with me here) was one of the rodeo organizers. Next thing we know, we’re being whisked backstage.

I don’t know what I was expecting—maybe some horses and a few gruff cowboys? Diary, it was so much more. We were behind the scenes, right where all the action happens. There were riders stretching, bulls pacing in their pens, and ropes being prepped for the next round. It was chaotic in the best way.

And then, out of nowhere, Laura’s connection comes through with the hookup of the century: front-row seats. Stadium-side. Like, close enough to see the dust flying. Before I could fully process the fact that we were about to watch the show in VIP style, someone tapped my shoulder.

“Ladies,” the man said with a grin that could’ve been sponsored by a toothpaste commercial, “you’re in for a treat.”

Turns out, he was one of the top riders of the night, and he’d arranged for a private meet-and-greet before the show. Cue the squeals from Katie, who immediately declared this the best birthday ever.

Now, Diary, here’s where things get...interesting. During the meet-and-greet, we shook hands with a few of the riders—most of them were charming, polite, and exactly what you’d expect from rodeo stars. But then, he walked in.

Tall, broad shoulders, with that rough-around-the-edges cowboy charm that made my heart skip an entire playlist. He introduced himself—let’s call him Cole, because that’s how he looked: effortlessly rugged and way too smooth for my own good.

When it was my turn to shake his hand, I swear time slowed down. His grip was firm, warm, and just a touch longer than it needed to be. His eyes—oh, Diary, his eyes—were this piercing shade of blue that seemed to see right through me. He held my gaze for a second too long, and I swear I forgot how to breathe.

“Nice to meet you,” he said, his voice low and smooth, like the opening notes of a country ballad.

“Nice to meet you too,” I somehow managed, though my brain was screaming, WHO TAUGHT THIS MAN TO LOOK AT PEOPLE LIKE THAT?

Then, just as I was about to pull my hand away, he winked. Winked! Who even does that? “See you at the show,” he said, his lips curling into a slow, mischievous smile.

Diary, I’m not proud of this, but my heart did a full-on cartwheel. Katie noticed immediately—of course she did—and gave me a sly look as soon as he walked away. “Oh, honey,” she said, her grin practically splitting her face, “you’re blushing.”

“I am not,” I protested, even though I absolutely was.