Chapter 8
CHAPTER
EIGHT
Attending the annual Springville Festival was my fondest childhood memory.
My parents were heavily involved in the town's clubs and organizations, so we knew just about every vendor in attendance.
For hours, we'd walk the park and indulge in every sample we could find before settling on The Pit, a family run barbecue stand. While my parents spoke with their friends and colleagues, I’d watch the Concrete Rose Cowboys perform with Geneva and Angel, whose dad was part-owner of the ranch.
Their dad passed a few years after mine, driving them to take over the business side of the ranch sooner than expected.
Two of the many traditions their father started were performing at the festival and offering horse rides around the pen.
The Concrete Rose Cowboys were one of the biggest events at the festival following the live music from local artists and carnival rides.
With a smile, I watched Geneva and Angel do the same routine their dad and uncles did when we were children.
They’d tweaked a few parts. It was more entertaining for today’s youth, mainly the music and the addition of new tricks.
It didn’t matter how many times I watched them; I was amazed at their chemistry and precision.
Performing was one of the few times Geneva wasn’t trying to choke Angel. It didn’t matter what they were going through; the cowboys put on a show. Today was no different as they wooed the crowd.
Intense focus filled Geneva’s soft brown eyes as she maneuvered her horse around the pen, picking up speed.
The audience gasped when she lifted her left arm and commanded her horse to jump back-to-back hurdles.
They continued around the pen, waiting for the crowd to settle.
She hopped on all fours before extending her left hand and right arm.
She held that pose for a beat before standing with her arms stretched widely.
My heart raced while watching her. The pen boomed with cheers when she landed on the saddle and waved. I pushed out a breath while shaking my head. She still had it.
Her younger brother Angel was just as good as her, following Geneva with determination in his eyes, performing his signature lasso trick.
While rounding the pen, he twirled the black rope in the air, holding the loop over his head.
Slowly, he lowered the rope, circling himself in the loop.
A second later, the lasso was removed then he shifted it to his left side and a flat circle formed.
I smiled when I noticed he was wearing his father’s brown cowboy hat with a red feather hatband.
I remembered hearing about the history of the family heirloom.
Since childhood, Angel had eagerly awaited the moment his dad passed the hat down to him.
Angel did a victory lap around the pen while skillfully whipping his black rope as they ended their show.
There wasn’t a person seated as we cheered them off the stage.
People in the front row tossed roses onto the ground as a sign of admiration once the horses were gone.
I stood near the fence, clapping with everyone else.
When I caught Geneva’s gaze, I tipped my imaginary hat, earning a smile from her.
She returned the gesture before walking to the stables.
“That was fire.” Mel stared with wide eyes.
I nodded. “It never gets old.”
“Geneva’s little ass is so nimble on that horse.”
“You know she did gymnastics for a few years then got into equestrian vaulting.”
“Equestrian what?”
“Basically, gymnastics on a horse. She competed for years and went to the Olympics a few times too.”
“Why did she stop competing?”
“Dad got sick. Angel was in school, so she stopped competing and became the caretaker.”
Mel whistled. “That’s some deep shit.”
Geneva had sacrificed a lot to protect her family’s legacy.
It wasn’t all in vain, but I knew she lived with many regrets.
We’d shared similar feelings over a fire and bottle of whiskey once.
By the end of the conversation, we realized our parents’ dreams had to align with our own.
What they left for us wasn’t something we could just give away or mishandle.
Our family businesses deserved our all. Ray’s was more than something my dad left behind.
It was a legacy two generations worked hard to build; I had to see it through.
When my mom and uncle told me I had to be the owner and manager of Ray’s, I was scared out of my mind.
I was young, and dumb, wasting my time and money on women and partying.
Taking over my dad’s business wasn't on my mind. I expected at least another decade to pass before my dad and I had that conversation, but we never got that chance. At least Geneva got to hear her father’s wishes from his mouth.
She got to ask any questions, learn secrets, and the whole thing.
I got two paragraphs in a will and a journal that left me with more unanswered questions.
“I used to envy y’all for having something rooted in the community. But as I watch you manage Ray’s and after hearing Geneva’s story…”—Mel shook his head, then continued—“I wouldn’t have lasted. That family legacy shit is serious.”
“Tell me about it,” I replied moments later.
“I’ma grab another beer,” he mused, waving his empty bottle at me. “Want one?”
I looked down at my bottle, swirling it to gauge its fullness.
“Nah, I’m cool. I’m ready to grab some food though.”
Mel patted his stomach while nodding. “Yeah, let’s do that.”
We walked the short path from the pen to the food area, greeting people we knew along the way.
The path was lined with food trucks and stands from restaurants all over the DMV.
While Mel listed the ones he wanted to visit, I nodded absently, my mind elsewhere.
My eyes darted around the crowded park in hopes of seeing Robyn.
I texted her before the show to see where she was and she still hadn’t responded. I hoped she hadn't gone cold on me.
“Look at Peaches fine ass,” Mel marveled as we walked past his longtime crush’s ice cream truck. “Hey, Ms. Parker,” he crooned while saluting her. She smiled back before waving us over.
“What can I get y’all?” She looked at Mel, her eyes low and smile inviting.
“I want the special,” Mel replied with a grin.
The titter that fell from her lips made him chuckle. “Mel,” she lilted. “I’m serious.”
“Shit, me too.”
She rolled her eyes. “What can I get you, Nadir?”
I shook my head. “I’m good. But uh, can you recommend a spot for me?”
Peaches pointed out her favorite food trucks then returned her attention to Mel.
While they continued talking, I looked at the truck next to us, a Jamaican spot that Peaches raved about. The line was long, but none of that mattered once I saw Robyn and Adrienne near the middle.
“Mel, I’ll be over there.” I pointed my chin in the direction I was going.
We bumped fists before I stepped away from the window with my sights set on Robyn.
She licked her ice cream cone then giggled at something Adrienne said to her.
My eyes skirted over her frame, stopping to linger on the curve of her hips.
She wore a blue halter dress with black platform sandals, her hair in big curls framing her pretty face.
I held my bottom lip between my teeth in an attempt to stop smiling.
We hadn’t talked since I left her house the other day. I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel a way about it, but I understood she needed space. The “thank you” cobbler I found on my desk the next day made me feel a little less worried about the status of our friendship.
But I needed to see those eyes.
Only then could I rest, knowing we were good.
Adrienne noticed me first, grinning as she tapped Robyn’s shoulder.
Robyn licked her ice cream once more while turning to face me.
Her cheeks reddened and the smallest, cutest, half-smile curved her cheek.
I nodded for her to come to me and she did after saying something to Adrienne.
Time moved at a snail’s pace as she strutted my way.
Her curls blew in the wind, hips swaying sensually and heat dancing in her eyes.
Damn.
When she was within reach, I held my hand out for hers, feeling instant contentment when she placed it in mine.
“Hey,” Robyn breathed after meeting me halfway. She bit her waffle cone with her eyes still on me.
I smiled. “Hey. Can we talk?”
“Of course.”
I led us to an empty gazebo close by and leaned against a pillar while she sat on the bench in front of me.
For a moment, we were silent. I stared as families passed us, missing my dad more than ever.
This day was always sentimental, but this year was harder since I missed Avery.
My jaw clenched before I relaxed and exhaled.
I finally spoke. “You didn’t call.”
“I didn’t,” she replied with a sigh. “But to be fair, I needed time. It’s only been a day.”
“It’s been two.”
“Oh, please.” She rolled her eyes.
There was no weird energy here; everything felt normal. I closed the space between us, kneeling to meet her gaze.
“Thanks for the cobbler, and the note. Although I would’ve appreciated it if you waited for me before leaving.” Her cheeks flushed. “I had to share it with Summer and Mel, but I left with more than half, so it’s all good.”
“I should make them one too, huh?” she joked.
My eyebrows met. “Nah, I’m special, remember?”
She pushed my shoulder. “Spoiled is more like it.”
I caught her hand before it fell on her lap.
Our fingers interlocked and our eyes met.
Robyn finished eating her ice cream, curiosity filled her eyes.
I wanted to know how she was handling the news of her ex’s engagement.
If she was still struggling, I would assure her that there was nothing wrong with her and Terrance was just a piece of shit who didn’t deserve her anyway.
Bringing her hand to my lips, I kissed it sweetly, holding her gaze.