Page 42 of Hard To Fall
“Hi, and how are yous” follow then there’s a moment of silence before Colt answers, rougher than necessary. “Hey.”
Okay, we’re both adults. Considering last week, he was unable to keep his hands off of me, and his mother caught us twice making out in the tack room, this “hey” is a sign of things falling apart.
Levi drops into a chair, watching my every move. “So,” he says lightly, “anyone here feel like committing emotional crimes today?”
“Not funny,” I say without looking up.
His chair squeaks as he shifts. “Yeah…” he mutters. “Okay.”
Maria comes to stand beside my desk and gently sets a hand on my shoulder.
“You okay, honey?” she asks quietly.
I organize my papers and say, “I’m fine.”
She hums like she doesn’t believe me, because she’s a mother and could find a lie in a locked safe.
“Alright,” she says softly. “If you need anything…”
I nod once. “Thank you.”
Colt moves around the room like a man trying not to touch a live wire and settles for leaning against the back table. He looks down at his boots and takes his hat off, laying it on the tablebehind him, crossing his arms, and placing that scowl on his face.
So predictable.
“Okay, I wanted you all here as we make this call. This is one of the biggest sponsors Hearts RoundUp could get for this upcoming rodeo, and I want us all on the same page.” I clear my throat. “Please only contribute if you have something worthwhile to say.” At that, the phone starts to ring, and I place him on speaker.
“Morning, Mr. Dillard. Thank you for your time. I’m Lily Mercer, the new operations and sponsorship lead for Hearts RoundUp. I’m here with the Callahan family.” I keep my voice calm and confident.
“Hello, Lily, it’s a pleasure to speak with you. I’ve heard great things about your work ethic. I think the Callahans are in wonderful hands. Hello, Will! Hope all is well with the family.”
A throat is cleared, and I refuse to acknowledge it.
“Hey there, Dill,” Will says, and I smile at the familiarity these two share. “Long time, but I’m happy to have you here now.”
“You got it, bud.”
I cut back in. “Thank you, Mr. Dillard, that means a lot. We’re restructuring sponsor packages to increase brand visibility,” I continue smoothly. “That includes on-site signage, announcer reads, social features, and optional VIP seating–”
Colt mutters something under his breath, and Levi glances at him in warning.
I don’t react and quickly try to cover my stutter. I won’t let Colt Callahan drag me into emotion in front of a sponsor. I cough, “Excuse me. Optional VIP seating will be a main draw, especially once we go over the lineup for the rodeo.”
I hear Mr. Dillard clap in the background and whistle. “This is what I'm ready to hear! Who ya got, Ms. Mercer?”
I smile at Will and Maria as they both lean toward the call. “Cole Maddox, current King of the Reins winner. Beau Calhoun–”
“Beau? He’s the winner of the Iron Saddle! Whew, girl, you know how to work magic!”
“He is a crowd favorite, so I think he’ll be very beneficial.”
“Who else?” Mr. Dillard asks excitedly.
“Silas Crowe, his last title was at Lords of the Bull Rope in Amarillo. We’ll also have the NextGen Kids riding. And if you haven’t seen them yet, you’re not going to want to miss it. They’re amazing at such a young age, and I can’t wait to see them come up into the adult roles.”
“Those are some big names. You did really well. Anyone else?” Mr. Dillard asks.
I know what he’s getting at. He wants to hear a Callahan name on the call card, especially for their hometown rodeo. “I’m glad you asked, Mr. Dillard,” I give a wink to Levi, and I see Colt stand. “Hearts RoundUp’s very own Levi Callahan will be the main show. We’re highlighting barrel racing, specifically broncos, this time.”
