Riding up to the local bar just off the interstate highway, “who rides horses now days?” turning to look to who was talking to me. “I do” I reply in my Aussie accent. “You British?” ... a pause, as my eyes settle on their wizened features, still light in those old eyes as I can see a twinkle in them and the effort of concealing a smile. Smiling back as I dismount and tethering the ranch horse to a pole to the left of the entrance. “You the bouncer?” Raising my eyebrow as I pull off my gloves, tucking them in my belt. “Nope, the owner” as I look in through the door. It’s all but empty but there are six cars in the parking lot. “Those your cars?” I ask with a sideways glance. “Nope, people get drunk, people get a cab. I keep their keys for them.” looking back in side, “well if I get drunk, will you look after the horse?” Calling back as I walk to the bar. “...could do... what you having?” as the owner transforms into the bar tender. “Hmmmmm, a beer, any beer as long as it is cold” The smiling old man reaches into the fridge pulling out a cold beer. Giving me the bottle. “What’s you name?” .. watching him .. “Cindy”. Hi “Cindy, I am Bill” extending his hand .. which I shake gently. “You’re quite the big girl, I recon just over 6 foot in your cowgirl boots” thinking about what he is angling towards. “Yes, that’s about right”. Hearing a car door slam and then the car pulling away. We continue to talk but are interrupted by “WHAT THE FUCK” from out side .. woman’s voice .. then we hear her quickly striding into the bar “BILL .. my new car has a scratch in it!!!” Putting her hands on her jean covered hips. We are not dressed all that different .. both in jeans, cow girl boots, flannel shirts tied under our boobs. Both shirts unbuttoned deep to show off our cleavage. Leather belts and big buckles. Only difference is I am wearing a Stetson and my outfit is a work outfit. Although I did change how my top was worn before riding here. Body wise she was almost 6 foot in her boots, our chests pretty equal. Mine is 38 D .. waists mine is 28 .. used to be 26 but I have been working on my obliques.. 36 inch hips. We lock eyes as I sip my beer. “Well Rachel, I do not know who scratched your car” her stare is cold and hard. She is probably the same age as me .. 25 .. but has a tough look to her. While she is looking me over “you should take a picture, it will last longer”. Thinking what’s that all about. Looking away “yah/Nah sheellbeealright mate” turning back to Bill. “HEYYY DONT YOU TURN YOUR BACK TO WHEN I AM TALKING TO YOU FOREIGN BITCH!!!” ... silence whispering to Bill “what’s her problem?” Bill looking over me, then back .. “Her family owns all the ranching land, she used to be on tour as a mma fighter, but was banned for killing someone in the ring while in Mexico” thinking .. oh great .. taking another sip of my beer .. “MAYBE THIS DUMB BITCH SCRATCHED MY CAR WITH HER SPURS WHEN SHE RODE HER FUCKING HORSE IN HERE!!!” Bill looking up at her “saw her come in and she didn’t go near your car” ... pausing before taking another sip .. “CANT THE BITCH TALK FOR HERSELF BILL!!” Looking over my shoulder.. before spinning around on the bar stool .. elbows on the bar as I lean back.. my jet black hair tied in a ponytail .. Her blonde hair in cornrows. Smiling, “I didn’t go near any cars with my horse”. She walks towards me so I stand up. Back home we have bullies like this. Her hard stare not softening. “Now ladies, take it out side” noticing Bill’s attitude change.. Rachel turning.. looking back over her shoulder “you coming?” I am hesitant at first, then walk toward the door .. we are barely out when she suddenly spins left ...
(to be continued)