Page 29 of Skye's Fall
“I don’t know, but two couples in one day, that’s a big move. Sal is really speeding up the timeline.”
“I agree, and we haven’t even gone on a date,” Mallory winks at Mason.
“I’m sure those are coming,” I say. This is a dating show, right? I went on one, didn’t I? Is that what I would call what I did with Zack? I don’t know.
“I’m ready for whatever,” Mckenna says as she floats on the water.
We swim for a few hours and then call it a night. I’m beat, and we need to be ready for whatever is next.
Morning comes too soon. I roll out of Linc’s bed and dress for the day as he takes his shower.
“Ready?” He smiles at me and it makes me melt.
“Yes,” I grab his hand and we join the others at breakfast.
“Everyone, some of you will be going on dates today. Since we had a tie at trivia, Skye and Lincoln, Mallory and Mason, you’re up first, but not before today’s event, barrel racing.”
“Isn’t that for girls?” a guy named Peter asks.
“It’s a women’s rodeo event, yes. Since the girls sat out the bull riding event, the guys sit this one out. You may cheer for your partner from the sideline. Don’t worry if you come in last, there’s no elimination tonight . . . yet.” He smirks at me and Linc. I don’t get this guy.
We eat breakfast. I do, at least. Some of the girls pick at their food or push it away, too nervous to eat. More for me. Linc just smiles at me. I know I have this in the bag. Once done, I hand my plate to Shane, who grins.
“This is your event,” he tells me and I nod.
“You can do this, Skye. Show the world,” he pats my shoulder as I thank him.
I head for the barn to saddle Sammy.
“You got this,” Ever says as she hands me the reins. I thank her.
“I’ll share him with Mallory, Mckenna, and Snow,” I say.
She saddles Turbo for Kelsey, Victoria, Alexa, and Kara. I chuckle, knowing Turbo will be a handful for them.
“We’ve never done this before,” I hear Alexa whine.
“Neither have the others,” Sal says. He’s lying.
“What about Skye? She did it last season,” Kara asks him.
“And she sucked,” a half lie.
“What if we don’t do this?”
“Then you will be last to pick at the elimination ceremony.” He doesn’t elaborate that it could mean going home or getting paired with someone you don’t like.
“Ever, can you demonstrate,” Carlton, the host from last season asks. I was wondering where he’s been.
“Gladly,” she takes Turbo and lines up.
“One, two, three.” The gate drops and she takes off, rounding the barrels with ease. She makes it look so simple. It takes skill, though.
“Fourteen seconds,” Memphis calls out as he jumps down to grab her off the horse and kiss her.
“Winner picks their partner first,” Carlton calls out. “Kara is up first.”
She looks pissed, but lines up. Memphis calls out the numbers, the gate drops, and Turbo takes off, but Kara is not onboard. She’s screaming and hanging on for dear life. She doesn’t even go around the barrels, she just runs around the arena. Jimmy, Mason, and Linc are trying not to laugh. Even I want to chuckle.
