Spurs & Stilettos Read Online Free Page B

bathroom is rather small but the vanity area is decent. There is enough room for both of us to stand side by side and touch up our make-up. I check my hair one more time before deciding it’ll have to do.
     
    Amber pulled a bottle of vodka out of her overnight bag. My eyes grew wide as she soon produced two shot glasses. Carefully she poured two shots and cleared her throat giving me the signal to grab one of them. “To a fun night as best friends. To new beginnings, and to Karlee.”
     
    I manage to smile as I think about new beginnings. The night I caught Brad screwing another woman in our bed opened a new door for me. I’m nervous to find what is on the other side since all I’ve known for the past few years has been Brad. The thought of moving on is exciting but at the same time scary. People do it all the time so why can’t I?
     
    “Hell yeah.” We clank the glasses together before shooting the vodka that seems to burn but taste good at the same time. “What kind is this?”
     
    “Whipped cream flavored.” She smiled before placing the bottle back inside her bag. I grab my phone and place it in my back pocket along with the money I brought. “Wasn’t it so good?”
     
    The arena hosting the rodeo is literally about two blocks away from the hotel. We walk which I’m not too sure about at first. The traffic is scaring the hell out of me and all I can see is the headline on tomorrow’s paper: ‘Stupid Girl Gets Smashed by Multiple Cars’. Ugh, don’t laugh it could happen! Houston traffic is a bitch.
     
    The endless game of frogger seems to come to a complete stop when we’re standing next to the arena. A feeling of déjà vu hits me and I have to stop to blink my eyes. The smell of carnival food hits our noses and it takes a lot of will power to not get any of it. Knowing my luck, I’d drip grease on Amber’s shirt before the rodeo ever began and everyone would be staring at the spot.
     
    There are vendor booths as far as the eye can see. Everything looks the same as it did two years ago; I’m not sure why I thought it would look any different. Amber and I browse through the booths looking at all the different shirts and jewelry. My mind races to Brad when I see a cute couple holding hands. I so badly want to run up to the girl and warn her he’s nothing but trouble, and to get out while she can…but I don’t. I mind my own business and let out a sigh.
     
    “What’s wrong? Don’t tell me you’re not having fun.” Amber stares at me incredulously.
     
    “I’m fine.” I plaster a smile on my face trying to hide the obvious that I already know she can see.
     
    “Get him off your mind Hope. He’s a fucking bastard. And it’s ok to be here Hope, I’m here ok? Everything is going to be fine. We’re going to be fine.” She pulls me in for a hug and I cling to my best friend for a moment. She understands and that means more to me than she could ever know.
     
    “I know.” I sigh. I’m a complete hopeless mess all thanks to him.
     
    The crowd is thickening around the shops and it almost feels like I can’t breathe. Amber and I are so close we are practically holding hands as we head to the entrance to grab our seats. I’ve never been happier to feel air conditioning in my life. This Texas heat was about to kill me. The crowd indoors is not much different from outside but at least the mass of bodies aren’t dripping with sweat.
     
    Immediately the scent hits my nose and I scrunch it up trying to adjust. “It smells awful in here.” I groan.
     
    “What did you expect? You’re at a rodeo, you’ve been here before. There are animals you know.”
     
    Smartass Amber. I roll my eyes dragging her towards the concession stand line that looks about as long as the one was to get inside. I just want a beer, something to help drown out my stupidity. Why didn’t I see that my relationship with Brad had crumbled this much? Has he been screwing around all this time? Or was this the