New State New Life

Testing Blackjack

"So you got all your s**t unpacked" Marie said

"Yup. Only took like, three hours" I laughed

"Well, do you want to go to the house for lunch" She smirked

"Then take out Black Jack?" I said

"Yup" She smiled

"Sure. Let me get changed and i'll be out" I said

"I'll get the side by side out. This thing is so nice" She smiled

I shook my head and got out a change of clothes. The drive back from New York was pretty smooth. We timed it perfectly with the storm, as we drove into it we pulled up to our hotel. Everything stayed dry as well. They helped be unpack the trucks when we got back to the house then Marie started to help me unpack then they called her in for an emergency. So she went to work that night and I started to put things away. It's Sunday now and I finished organizing. Walking out back, I hopped in the side by side and we went to the main house. Walking inside, their mom was making grilled cheese.

"Here for lunch?" She smiled

"Yup" Marie smiled

Sitting at the table we got our sandwiches and their dad came in.

"Oh dad, after we eat can you set up the barrels?" Marie asked

"Who are you running?" He asked

"She's running Black Jack" Marie smirked

"You do know he threw both me and your brother" Her dad said

"I know. But apparently, this one ran barrels with him when she was off and no one was home and he did great" Marie said

So both her parents looked at me.

"He did do really good" I said

"Okay. I'm going to come watch though" Their dad said

I nodded and we finished our food. While Marie got the tack out and her dad set up the barrels, I got Black Jack from the pasture and brought him to the barn. Grooming him, Marie saddled him up while I ran to the bathroom. Coming back out, I hopped in the saddle and ran him around the arena. The fun thing about their arena is there two rows of fencing, because they have a gate at the end that opens and the pasture for their steer and cows right next to it and when they open the gates it connects and they got into a run around the arena so they can practice roping. It's cool. After we did our four warm up laps their dad opened the gate on the end closest to the barn and Black Jack started doing his tappy taps.

"So, slow first, or just let him go?" I asked Marie as his dad walked over

"Up to you" She said

"Man, he stays under control for you" Their dad said

"He just wants to go. I'll just... i'll let him just run it" I said

She nodded and I leaned forward and gave the slightest of kicks. Black Jack took off and we ran the pattern. Going around the third barrel, we came back to where they were and I turned him around.

"Wow, he does pretty good with the barrels" Their dad said "You barely kicked too"

"As soon as I let up on the reins he goes" I said

"Can you make him run it slower?" He asked

"He hates it, but I got him too last time" I said

"Try it" He said

"Alright, easy bud" I said

I kept the reins tight and we trotted the pattern of the barrels but after coming around the third I let him run through the gate. We ran the pattern at his full speed two more times then I hopped down and brought him to the barn. Untacking the horse, I brushed him out and turned him back out to the pasture as Marie and her dad put the barrels away. Oh, Connor's over there too.

"So, how the hell did you get him to do that" Connor said as I walked over

"We're buddies" I smiled

"You think he'd do that with a crowd?" Connor asked his dad

"I don't know but he didn't do that for us" he laughed

"He loves my girl" Marie said putting her arm over my shoulder

"What day are you off?" Connor asked

"Uhm.." I said and looked at Marie

"Your days are staying the same" She laughed

"Ah. So Wednesday" I said

"That's good because Tuesday night's they have an open thing at the rodeo for people who ride but never competed and are thinking about it. Also for people who do compete to get practice" He said

"Have you ever gone?" I asked

"No cause we have steer here. But i've gone with a few buddies to help and watch" Connor said

"Oh" I replied

"If you want. You can come watch this Tuesday and think about it" He said

"Hey, I never said I wanted to be a barrel racer" I laughed

"Mhmm with all those ribbons and s**t. Now you can try for belt buckles" Marie said

"Okay. Maybe I did want to. I don't know. He's y'alls horse" I said

"And he likes you" Their dad smiled

"I'll think about it" I said

They all smiled and Marie hugged me.

"You people do know, I still have a possible broken pinky" I laughed

"X -ray it when you go in tomorrow" Marie laughed

"No" I said

"When I come in we'll x ray it" She said

I looked at her and she smiled. I'm okay with the splint we got from the drug store on our way back. Her mom made us stop and ran in and grabbed one. Does work better then the tape, I will admit.

~*~

"Okay Becca. If you could just help Sarah get those catheters in then I think you're good for the day. What time were you done?" The vet asked

"3:30" I laughed

"That was an hour ago" She said

"Yeah, I was finishing the appointment then an emergency came in. So here I am" I smiled

"Well, I can get Marie to help before she scrubs in if you need to go" She said

"No it's fine." I smiled

"Look at you go" Marie said walking in

I shook my head and walked over to Sarah.

"Girl, you are on the ball" She laughed

"I mean, I have nothing to do when I go home" I laughed

"I though you said you were going with Marie's brother somewhere" Sarah said

"Oh yeah.. Eh it's fine. There's always next week" I shrugged

She smiled and I grabbed the first dog. She let me put two of the three catheters in and I clocked out for the day. Hoping in the truck I had a text from Connor.

Hey, weren't you done at 3:30?

Sorry, there was an emergency that came in. Heading back now

Okay, come to the house.

After you get changed

I laughed and drove back to Marie and I's house. Heading into my room, I stayed relatively clean, so i'll just shower tonight when we get back or when I get up in the morning. Pulling on jeans and socks I looked around and grabbed a tee shirt. I think it's going to stay warm tonight who knows. Grabbing my boots, I slipped those on and got my wallet and keys and stood in the living room.

"Okay, truck or side by side" I said to myself "Truck"

Walking out front, I locked the door and hopped back in my truck, driving the one minute drive to the main house, I parked outside and saw their dads truck hooked up to a trailer by the barn. I wonder if their dad is coming? Heading inside, I walked to the kitchen where I was greeted by everyone.

"How was work Becca?" She asked

"Good" I said

"Guess it was busy?" Connor said

"Little bit. A few emergencies. One of which Marie is working on right now." I said

They all nodded and I sat down at the table. Eating dinner, we had pork chops, pasta and broccoli. I helped their mom clean up while Connor and his dad went and loaded Black Jack into the trailer. It went surprisingly well. Heading out to the barn I looked at Connor and he smiled.

"You ready?" He asked

"I guess so. I though we were just going to watch" I said

"Whoops" He smiled

"I hate you" I nodded

He just smiled and hopped in the front seat.

"Good luck. I think you'll do good" Their dad said

"You're not coming?" I asked

"I get up early. Connor just uses my truck when he hauls the trailer" He said

"Oh. Okay" I nodded

"You'll be fine. Just go out and have fun. People get bucked off there a lot so if he throws you don't worry about it" He said chucking and squeezed my shoulder.

I sighed and walked over to the truck. Getting in the passenger seat I looked at Connor and we pulled out.

"Hey, don't look so bummed out" Connor said

"I'm nervous okay" I said "I haven't done this s**t in like 4 years. And he doesn't even listen"

"He works so well with you. Plus you're off tomorrow. So if you get hurt tonight you have a whole day to recover" He smiled

"Why do you hate me" I said

"I don't hate you" He laughed

"Mhmm sure" I nodded

He shot me a look and we continued our drive. I played on my phone and had a text from Braxton.

So I heard you're a pro Barrel Racer

No no. I just did it at the barn I worked at back in the day

Then how come you're going to open practice huh? LOL

Because Connor is a butt head and wants me to die

I got a laughing emoji in response and soon we pulled up to the rodeo. Connor drove back to the gate and checked in then went and parked the trailer. Hopping out, I walked over to him and just kind of stood there.

"I'll show you where to sign in then while you do that i'll get Black Jack out and tacked up okay" He said

"Sure" I nodded

"Come on. You'll be fine" He said and put his arm around my shoulder

Little does he know I feel like i'm gonna puke right now. But it's nerves. Heading over to the announcers stands, a bunch of people said Hi to Connor and he pointed to where I should go. Wow doesn't even go all the way to the people with me. Rude. Sending a glare his way, I got in line and soon it was my turn.

"How may I help you" The lady said

"Uh. I'm doing Barrels? I've never been here. Well I came to watch once" I said and nervously smiled

"It's okay hun. Did you come by yourself?" She asked

"No. My friends brother rides here and he came with me but is Mr. Popular so I was ditched" I said

"Who's the brother" She asked

"Connor uh.. What's their last name. You'd think I know because I live with her. Oh, Marks." I said

"Oh Connor Marks. We know him. I'll get you paperwork to fill out. Have you ever done barrel racing before?" She asked

"Last time was four years ago back in New York where i'm from in 4-H events and the barn I worked out" I said

"You're from New York?" She asked

"Yes Ma'am" I smiled

She smiled back and stood up. Then I felt an arm on my shoulder. Which made me jump. Not hard, but slightly.

"Hi" I said

"How's it going" He asked

"Am I going to have to know the address cause, I don't" I laughed

"I do don't worry" He laughed

I nodded and soon the lady came back and said hello to Connor. She handed me a clipboard and pen and I started filling it out. He wrote down the address and this boys hand writing is atrocious. I made fun of him for it then he went and got Black Jack ready. Handing the lady the clip board she read over everything and nodded before handing me a sheet and a paper with a pin and numbers.

"You'll have that on your back. It's just so we can keep track of who's out there riding and you can get used to it if you do move up. This sheet shows the order we run this. When we announce barrels you'll come up with your horse you can either walk or ride then we'll line you guys up and you'll go in one by one. How is he temperament wise?" She asked

"Well it's their horse and apparently he's an ass. All go. So he'll probably cause a scene" I said

"We might have you go first then" She smiled

I nodded and walked over to the trailer, where there is a small group of people. Great.

"Hey, Becca. You get all the papers?" Connor asked, which caused everyone to look at me.

"Yeah" I said and held them up

Opening the passenger side door, I placed everything on the seat and looked over at the group. Connor was still looking at me and he motioned me over. Sighing, I shut the door and walked around the group of people and stood between Black Jack and Connor.

"Guys this is Becca. I think some of y'all met her already" He said

"You brought her to the rodeo right?" The one kid asked

"And the hat store" Another said

"Yeah" he laughed

"You remember us?" The one said

"Nope" I said shaking my head "Well faces yeah names no"

They nodded and kept talking. Black Jack rested his head on my shoulder and I rubbed his nose.

"So, I thought you said you weren't coming back?" The one asked

"Marie convinced me otherwise. Now we live together" I said

"Oh so you two see each other all day everything" A kid smirked

"No Marie got her house built so they don't live in the main house" Connor said

"I still see you almost everyday" I said looking at him

"Not complaining" He smiled

I gave him a slight side smile and Black Jack went and started grazing. Taking a slight step towards Connor, he put his arm around my waist and I leaned into him.

"So, you still nervous" He asked

"Uh yeah" I said

"Why" He laughed

"Cause your horse is a pain and he has to line up with people" I asked

"Oh, yeah. Good luck" He said

I rolled my eyes and looked around at the group of smirking guys. I.. I don't know. They all chatted for a bit then they announced they were getting started. I stepped away from Connor and the group of guys and looked at the paper. So it's Bulls, Broncs, then Barrels, then roping.

"Hey, can we go watch?" I asked

"Yeah come on" Connor smiled

His small group of, i'm guessing friends, dispersed and we walked down to the arena. Connor and I got a seat and watched the bull riders come out. They were in full safety gear, when they do the rodeo it's only minimal for most of them. I have always wanted to try real bull riding. I've done mechanical bulls a bunch of times but I know that's not the same thing. I do know if I mention it to Connor he will some how manage to get me on a real bull and I will die.

"You still nervous?" Connor asked

"Duh" I replied

"You'll be fine. And if you get tossed, well i'll laugh at you" He smiled

"So nice" I said shaking my head

"I'm kidding, i'll be right at the gate when you go in so if anything happens i'll be the first one out okay" Connor said putting his arm around my shoulder

"You know. When I did this back home I was by myself with an even bigger ass hole of a horse. He couldn't even stand tied to a trailer" I laughed

"Really? What did you do?" He asked

"At the 4H grounds the barn owner I worked for was on the board so I always got a stall and a big one at that cause that horse would try and bite the ones next to it. But was fine with the ones back at the barn. He was weird. Anyone that came up to him he would try and kick, I was literally the only person who could handle him" I said

"That's hilarious" Connor said "Well you better go get ready cause barrels are up next"

"I'm so not excited" I smiled

He shook his head and we walked back to the trailer. Double checking everything, I hoped in the saddle and ran Black Jack around the open field in the back. Once I felt like we got our wits out I trotted back over to the trailer and Connor patted my leg, then we heard them call up Barrels. So we made the walk down to the gate and lined up.

"Alright, all five of you are down here. It seems like everyone has done some sort of barrel racing before. So we are going to line you up. And when they call your name we'll open then gate and you can either run in and immediately start, or go straight across the front them go and start, once you pass that line your time starts." The lady said

We all nodded and they lined us up. I'm first, which is good because Mr. Black Jack here is starting his tippy taps.

"Okay first up we have Becca Redman on Black Jack" The announcer said

They opened the gate and we shot right in, I went straight for the barrels. Going around all three, we came running down and I made sure he didn't ram the gate. After I passed the starting line, I went the opposite way of the gate and turned him around before trotting out of the gate. Okay, that was fun. Once I was out of the gate one of the people came over to me as well at Connor.

"Good run, since there's only five of you, you can hop in the back of the line and go again" She said

"See how he does in a line up" Connor added

"Sure" I said

Turning Black Jack around I got in the end of the line and so did two other people, it became my turn again and I ran the pattern again. Coming back out, Connor grabbed the reins and walked us back to the trailer. Hoping off, I un tacked the horse and brushed him out while Connor put everything away.

"So, you did really good" Connor smiled

"Thanks" I smiled back

"How'd it feel?" He asked

"It was fun. I kinda missed it. He did good in the line up too. He gets his tippy taps when he's up next" I said

"I saw that, it's funny to watch" Connor laughed

"When are you riding here again?" I asked

"This weekend. Are you working?" He asked

"Nope" I said

"Do you want to come?" He asked

"Yeah, I never got to see you rope" I said

He shot me a smile and we loaded the horse up. I made sure he had hay and water while Connor when around and double checked everything. Locking up the back door, I hopped in the passenger seat and yawned.

"Hey it's not even that late" Connor laughed

"Sorry, I wake up before you for work" I said

"I take care of the animals in the morning" He smirked

"I still get up before you" I said

"What time do you wake up" He asked

"4:30" I said

"Ew why" he laughed

"Cause I have to leave by like quarter after five for work" I chuckled

"Yikes" Connor laughed

I shook my head and we made the hour long drive back to the house. He backed the trailer up to the barn and unloaded the tack while I unloaded the horse. Putting him in his stall, I filled his water bucket and was met by a Connor.

"So, do I get a hug?" He asked

"For what" I laughed

"Uhm. Cause you had fun so this was a good idea. Duh" He smiled

"Hmm, I guess so" I smiled back

Walking over to the boy I wrapped my arms around his neck and he put his around my waist. Then I got squeezed so I did the same to him. Aggressive hug. Stepping back, I shook my head with a laughed and walked out of the barn.

"Hey, what was the laugh for?" Connor laughed

"Your belt buckle was digging into my pelvis" I said

"Oh, at least it wasn't something else" He shrugged and walked up the back door

"I'd hope not" I laughed

"Why is that" He chuckled

"Well sir. We didn't do anything that would uh... bring that on. And if just a hug does that then boy I think you need to get laid" I laughed

"I mean, I do. But the hug didn't give me a b***r i'm just messing with you" Connor said

"Well, there's a whole bunch of apps out there. You know, you've probably been on tinder. Go find a hook up" I said

"Yes, yes I have been on tinder. Did it go well. No. Have I tried other apps. Yes. Did they go well. Nope" He laughed

"Why not?" I asked

"Can't get a girl I guess" He shrugged

"Bull" I said

"What?" He laughed

"What do you mean you can't get a girl. Look at you" I said

"I do look at me. In the mirror everyday" He said

I just shot him a look and he went inside. I stood there for a second thinking about the conversation that just happened and went around front to my truck. Starting her up, I drove over to Marie and I's house and went inside. Going into my room, I got changed into pajamas and stood there for a second. I'm tired. Getting into bed, I looked at my phone and texted Marie. Then she called me.

"Hey" I said

"Hey how'd it go" She asked

"Good, ran him twice and didn't die" I said

"That's good. Think he's competable?" She asked

"Maybe. He likes to do his tippy taps when he's up next but he's good in the line up. Well he was the second go around we were up first the first time." I said

"Did Connor actually watch or leave you for his buddies?" She laughed

"He watched. His buddies came over to the trailer when we first got there. He stayed at the fence when I ran both times cause I was nervous at hell" I said smiling to myself

"Well that was nice of him, oh I have to go into surgery. Good night babes" Marie said

"Have a good night" I replied

We hung up and I had a couple snapchats. I replied back to a some including Braxton then I got one from Connor. It was a shirtless mirror picture.

"See, I look in the mirror everyday" He put as the caption

I sent back my clock since the lights are off and had to think about a caption. I don't know if I've ever seen that kid shirtless but i'm not complaining. I get shirtless pictures from Braxton all the time. Mostly in the morning and night, i'm guessing when he's getting changed. He's fine, Marie asked if I was crushing on him the one night cause she saw the one snapchat he sent. I said no, i'm not. I wasn't lying, i'm not into him. He's cool though and I like being friends with him. I still don't have a caption.

"Not a bad view"

Yup, that's all I can think of and if he tells Marie I said that i'll never hear the end of it. s**t when we first became roommates she showed me a pictures of her family and I said, out loud. Damn your brother is hot. I wasn't wrong he is, but it's fine. Okay, now that I have random thoughts running through my head, i'm going to bed.