Chapter 50 Lucy
Cap trots beside me as we make our way toward the R&M team. Lin’s talking to the little riders who are up first, pumping them up for their events.
They’re so cute in their little blue jeans and chaps. Their hats are fitted just right and I know Reese, Lin, and Mason are proud of them. No matter what the score says.
Pressing a kiss to my temple, Reese walks over to the pin and the littles scream, pulling him into their circle and talking a mile a minute.
“You ready to meet my brother, Cap?” I ask, he wags his tail and follows close beside my leg. I can feel him brush up against me every second or two, and I smile.
Finding our seats is pretty easy, considering my brother's a big man, and people still tend to flock toward Heath. Even after his retirement, he’s still a ham.
“Who’s this handsome fella’?” Spence asks, reaching down to pet Cap’s head. Cap accepts the scratches nearly knocking his tail behind my knee.
“This is Cap, he’s Reese’s dog,” I tell them, though Heath’s not listening.
Spence looks at his husband, but only shakes his head. “He’s feelin’ himself tonight.”
“I can tell,” I laugh, taking my seat and patting the spot beside me for Cap to join.
He jumps up, turns a circle, and sits. His tongue’s hanging out, panting up a storm out in the heat.
Leaning down, I press my cheek to his head and whisper, “Maybe I’ll sweet talk Reese into givin’ you a sweet treat tonight too.
” He licks my nose and returns to watching the people walking by.
Everything happens in a blur as the day goes on, stretching into the evening. Spence and Heath left an hour ago, promising to be back with take out from the diner.
Briar shows up, sliding into the spot beside me, her eyes scanning the other side of the arena as if she’ll be able to see Colt. I shake my head but don’t comment.
“What?” She asks, looking at me with that teenagery look she’s adopted recently. “You look for Reese too.”
I smirk, “I didn’t say anythin’.”
“Mhmm,” she snarks.
After a few rounds of roping, Briar turns and reaches across me to pet Cap, who gave up on the entertainment soon after it started. The crowd noise doesn’t seem to bother him though, and he only lifts his head when Briar pulls back.
She breathes out a long breath and turns, propping her knee up against my thigh. She doesn’t say anything, just sits there for a minute and chews on her lip. Shifting once again, her leg starts to bounce, and her obvious need to get something off her chest is going to drive me nuts.
“Spit it o–”
“I wanna have sex with Colt.”
I sit back, looking at her with wide eyes, mouth agape. Closing my mouth, I turn and look at Cap, as if he’s going to tell me I didn’t hear what I thought I did. I know she knows the how, the risks, the possibilities… But she just turned seventeen.
I remember when Spence told me he was going to be a Dad. He was only eighteen, and though I wouldn’t trade Briar for anything in this whole entire world, I know how hard it’s been for him.
She looks away and mutters, “You think it’s a bad idea, I shouldn’t–”
“Briar,” I stop her from imploding. “I’m not going to tell you not to, because that would be a waste of breath, and maybe even a reason to make you want it even more.”
She smiles, a little victorious smile that’s a tad bit scary.
“What I will tell you is, sex doesn’t solve problems. It’s not a tool to be used when neither of you wants to talk about things that matter.
And I won’t lie to you and tell you it’s this special thing that happens, because sometimes women don’t enjoy their first time.
Some do. It depends on who you’re with. I know Colt cares deeply for you–”
Her eyes gloss over and she shakes her head so I pause.
“Just make sure you’re ready, you can’t erase it once it’s done, virgin or not.”
I don’t know if I’m giving her advice or if I’m scolding myself. There are a few I’d like to erase from memory.
“I know.” She looks at me with love in her eyes, and a tiny bit of sadness.
“Making mistakes is a part of life, but please, please protect yourself Briar. If you get nothin’ else from this, please remember that.”
She lunges, wrapping her arms around my shoulders and whispers, “Thank you, Loo.”
Being honest with Briar is the only way I know. I’ve never once sugar coated anything for her, and I’m sure as hell not gonna start now.