I didn't run into Soda, Dallas or any of their 'gang' until the end of July, creeping into August, when I felt like going into Tulsa proper. For most of July I was improving my riding and secluding myself in my room with Spade, but on July 27th Richard asked me to get gas and I thought I might as well spend the day there.
I tried to go as many places as possible before I went to get gas, but after a couple hours it was inevitable. I pulled up to the DX, an unfamiliar boy coming out to the pump.
"I'll be right back" I said, putting the truck in park and heading towards the convenience store. There was a faint smell of grease and rubber that met me at the door, and gaggle of girls dressed in nice clothes that made me want to forget it and go back to the truck; for a second, I thought they were going to some kind of a ball or something, but then my brain checked in and I realized that there wouldn't be a ball in the middle of the summer. Instead of retreating, I straightened my back and pushed through the crowd to see Sodapop at the counter.
"Hi" I greeted. His head was down, looking at a price of some gum, and he answered with a dismissal that seemed like a reflex.
"I'm busy" he replied. There were a good ten or so girls hanging around the counter who all fluffed their hair and laughed with a lipstick framed smile. I knew Soda was good looking, but if I had any idea the pull he had on upper class gals then I wouldn't have come. Either way, I rang the bell obnoxiously until he sighed and looked up with a hard glare that softened when he remembered me.
"Hey! What bring you 'roud here?" Soda asked amiably, waving some loitering girls away. I leaned on the counter, smiling.
"I had to get gas. Just like anybody in this establishment should be doing" I hinted, rolling my eyes. He laughed with a grin as wide as Texas; I could feel the burning glares from the remaining girls.
"Yeah, it's crazy. Hey, are you doing anything tonight?"
"It depends" I teased.
"We're going to the rodeo - Dallas is riding" Soda added, like this might sway my answer. I just nodded with a sort of pride.
"Really? What's he ride?"
"Bull. He jockeys for a guy named Buck too"
"Sure, what time?" I asked. Soda craned his neck to look at a clock by the door.
"We're meeting at my house before we're heading over there, but you can ride home with me an' Steve if you be back here at six"
"Yeah, okay. I'll be here" I agreed.