with that company for years.”
Erin could always count on Chris to bring up questions she had. When Chris asked a question of Mel, he got answers. When she asked a question on the same subject, Mel gave her nothing but grief.
“The company you’re using had a lawsuit filed against them last week, and their safety record is iffy,” Sawyer answered.
The board members all looked at Mel.
“Did you know about their history?” Norman asked.
“This is the first I’ve heard of this.”
Erin kept her mouth shut but met Mel’s gaze. She and her dad had argued with him about the company, but he had pushed aside their concerns.
Mel ground his teeth and turned to face Sawyer. “I’ve heard rumors. We can look into your suggestions,” he said reluctantly.
As they finished the tour of the grounds, Mel did a good imitation of a petulant child, with his stomping feet and bad attitude. The other board members grew uncomfortable with his actions.
“I think half these vendor booths should be offered to people in Harding,” Norman stated.
“And if there are not enough people in Harding who want to pay for one of the booths, offer the rest of the booths to anyone in the state who wants to rent them,” Erin added.
“Good idea,” Bob Rivera said.
The others agreed.
“Okay, I can get those contracts reviewed and awarded,” Sawyer added.
The group started toward their cars. Mel stepped closer to Sawyer. “You were hired for your talent and not anyone else’s.” Mel glared at Erin.
“So does that mean you don’t want me to consider any of the suggestions from the other rodeo board members that vary from the original contract?” Sawyer spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear. “And does that warning include you?”
Everyone stopped.
Mel glanced around, then swallowed. “No, that’s not what I meant.”
“Good, because if any of the local residents or board members know of a way to cut costs to bring us in under budget, I want to know.” Sawyer turned to the others. “I’ll email updates weekly to the board members and have the changes posted at the rodeo office.”
The members nodded and walked to their cars.
Mel shot Erin a last disgruntled look and trudged to his truck.
Bob waited behind with Erin and Sawyer. “Well, Mr. Jensen, you just got on Mel’s bad side.”
“Could be.”
“Thankfully, you were already awarded the contract,” Bob added.
“True, but once the project gets started, Mel will change his mind.”
“Don’t count on it.” Bob nodded to Erin and Sawyer and walked away.
Erin stood there absorbing Sawyer’s defense of her. It was the last thing she had expected from him, but there it was, warming her heart. It was something not a lot of people did for her. They always expected her to be the strong one, defending others. To be on the receiving end of it was like a gentle rain on her parched soul. “Thanks for your support.” Erin didn’t know how to handle this man. Too often, other professional men not from around here approached her ideas with skepticism. He didn’t seem fazed by her suggestions but, instead, welcomed them.
He nodded. “I liked your idea to make sure all the booths were occupied.”
Oddly, she wanted to preen over his compliment. “It’s just common sense.”
His rich laughter filled the air. “Sometimes common sense is the last thing that rules.”
“True.”
“I’m heading back to the rodeo office to go over the books for the last few years. I could use help from someone familiar with what’s gone on before, and a board member would be perfect for the job.”
The offer only added to her confused reaction to him. “I’ve got the morning free, so I can do that.”
“Good.”
They walked to their trucks.
“Growing up, I spent a lot of time on these grounds. I looked forward to September when the rodeo came,” Erin said.
“I understand. Summers my brother and I followed the traveling rodeo wherever it went.”
“What’d your parents think of that?”
His expression slammed shut, throwing her back on her heels. “My father died when I was young.”
The tone of his voice didn’t encourage any other questions. “I’m sorry.” Erin didn’t push. “I’ll see you at the offices.” She opened the door of her truck and slid into the driver’s seat.
Pulling out of the parking lot, she glanced in her rearview mirror and saw Sawyer standing by his truck, studying her.
“I guess he thought I might get into his business. Too bad the man doesn’t know me,” she said out loud. A smile slowly curved her lips. “But he’ll learn.”
* * *
When Sawyer walked into the offices of the bicounty rodeo, Erin sat talking to the secretary.
“I appreciate your prayers, Lisa. Dad’s improving a little each day.”
The women stopped and looked at him.
“Did you get lost?” Erin asked, her voice light.
“No, but I drove through the rodeo grounds and confirmed that the back entrance to the grounds needs the road widened and marked.”
“Excellent idea,” Erin replied.
Lisa grinned.
“What?” Sawyer looked at both women.
“Erin proposed that last year, but Mel disagreed and wouldn’t bring it up at the board meeting.”
“Well, I agree with you.”
“Good to know.”
“Let’s move into the other room and start working on this rodeo.”
A small office stood behind the reception area. Down from the office was a meeting room where Sawyer and Erin could spread out. On one side of the room were bookshelves filled with binders of past rodeos. The notebooks went back to 1937.
“I see this rodeo has a long past.” Sawyer nodded to the notebooks. “It’s great it’s been documented.”
Erin pulled the first notebook off
