Catch A Fallen Star. Amy Vastine

dying for her father’s approval. Levi was a bull rider. He wasn’t a huge star but made a decent living doing it. Violet thought riding was the way to prove to him that she was worthy of his attention.

      “I didn’t say I wasn’t coming. I just need you to know that there’s a possibility I might only be able to drop by for part of it. I have a life, you know?”

      He had a life? Ruby was about to hang up but stopped herself. If she turned this into a fight, he would tell Violet he hadn’t come because of what her mother did or said.

      “I know you have a life. You also have a daughter. I trust you’ll do the right thing.”

      “Of course you try to make me feel bad,” Levi complained. “I’m doing the best I can, Ruby. Sorry I’m not perfect like you.”

      Ruby tried not to laugh. “I’m far from perfect, but I am here. Every day. Trying to do what’s best for her.”

      “You’re the one who moved out of Nashville. You’re the one who thought you could do this on your own. That’s not my fault.”

      Levi loved to blame that one on her. As if he was such a big help when they were living within the city limits. Even then, Ruby was raising Violet on her own.

      “You do what you have to do. I hope you make it to the competition. Vi really wants you to be there.”

      Levi wouldn’t let it go. He wanted a fight even if she wasn’t going to give him one. “You act like I said I wasn’t coming. I called to say I was coming but wouldn’t be able to stay the whole time. You love to make me the bad guy, don’t you?”

      “I’m not calling you a bad guy. I will let her know that you’ll be there.”

      “Well, if you’re going to be like this, I’m not sure if I will. I don’t deserve to be treated this way.”

      Ruby sat down at the kitchen table and propped her head on her hand. Classic Levi. He instigated the argument and imagined insults she might have thought but didn’t say aloud. It would be all her fault when he didn’t show up to the competition, and Violet would believe it.

      “What if I promise not to say a word? Will you come then?”

      “You don’t have to say anything to make me feel judged. You say plenty with one of your dirty looks.”

      “I promise not to give you any dirty looks or say anything that could be construed as an insult. Please come,” she begged.

      “I’ll think about it. As much as I want to go to support our daughter, I don’t know if I can trust you.”

      “I hope you will.” She wanted to tell him to put Violet first for once but figured he’d take it the wrong way. Someone was on the other line. “I have to go, Levi. One of my patients is calling.”

      “Right,” he said before hanging up.

      Ruby wanted to scream, but there really was a patient calling. Iris Downing was thirty-nine weeks pregnant and had called last night about some back pain. Today her contractions were coming every ten minutes. She’d been timing them for almost an hour.

      It was time to go to work. A baby would be born today, and it was Ruby’s job to see to it that the delivery went smoothly. Mrs. Downing would be in charge of smoothing out the bumps for the little boy or girl after that. Hopefully she’d be better at it than Ruby was.