Page 82 of Never Left You

He won’t, or you won’t?

Me

Smart ass.

Cash

I told Quinn I’d stay for this appointment. She’s hoping to get the clear to go back to the arena. I’ll come to dinner right after I drop her off at her hotel.

Me

Bring her to dinner.

Cash

You sure?

Me

Absolutely. You know we have more than enough space.

Cash

Alright. I’m sure she’d love to get a few rides in tonight.

Me

You wanna ride?

Cash

When do I not.

“Abi?” Lachlan’s voice pulled me away from my phone, reminding me that I was very much in my father’s office, sitting next to my brothers with my dad at his desk, Lachlan up against the windowsill like he was the last time we had a meeting like this. “Who are you texting?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know.”

He raised an eyebrow, giving me the sign that he knew exactly who I was texting. I chewed my bottom lip.

“Ok, sorry.” I locked my phone. “Phone down.” I clutched it in my hands, feeling the small vibration from another text.

Rhett shook his head and chuckled.

I semi-hated these meetings with my father and brothers; they seemed so formal. Last time I sat in between Wyatt and Rhett, we went over the financials and Dad reminded us of his retirement plans, and since this was the third follow up with everyone, we all assumed he had some bigger news.

“Numbers?” My father sighed, standing up and leaning on his desk. “How are we looking?”

“Better,” I said with a smile. “The line is going up. We still need a little more, but with spring here, it should be easy. We have every stall full in the stable, I’ve been showing off the arena to more trainers, and Cash is still renting the arena.”

“When is Callahan done with the space?” Wyatt asked, shifting in his seat.

“Um…as soon as Quinn is ready to be back on the circuit, but I told him he was welcome back to use the arena as much as he needed or wanted to.” I looked from Wyatt to Lachlan, and then finally to my dad.

“That’s a great idea, like a permanent slot. Doesn’t he live in Montana, though?” Dad folded his arms.

Lachlan nodded. “He still has his house there, but he travels around with rodeos. Having him here permanently would be great, especially if and when he takes on more clients.”

“But would we charge him?” Rhett questioned. “I mean, he’s always been around…it doesn’t really feel right, does it?”

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