Page 83 of Leading the Blind
“Okay.” Jonesy poked and prodded until he wanted to scream. AJ had left, but he could hear Bax, his breathing tense.
“You done? I need to go, man.” He wanted a shower and a little quiet. His head was banging.
“I would like for you to get a CAT scan, Jason,” Jonesy said quietly. “Your helmet is cracked and that scalp laceration is pretty big.”
“Nope. I’m good. Plaster my happy ass up.” He wasn’t going anywhere.
“After the finals,” Bax said. “Once it’s done, Jonesy.”
Jonesy sighed. “Okay. Two shakes.” His voice went a little distant. “I don’t like it, Jason. At all.”
“I got tomorrow left. Just let it go.”
“Head injuries don’t just let go.”
No. No, he knew from head injuries. Wasn’t like he had to worry about blurry vision. He woulda laughed if it didn’t hurt so much.
“I’m good, Jonesy. I just want to go have a cold Coke and a burger.” God, that was a lie. He couldn’t eat right now for love or money.
He’d puke his guts out.
“Well, you’re all patched up. I recommend something easy on the stomach and bedrest until you have to ride again. Nothing that will jostle your poor brain in your skull.”
“Right on. I’ll see you tomorrow, y’all. Thanks.” He got up, the universe feeling like it was moving under his feet.
Bax took his arm, and that didn’t even have to look like the weirdo leading the blind. He needed a steady hand, and Jonesy knew it.
He was in the truck in no time, Bax like a stone beside him. He didn’t say a word, and he didn’t have to, because Bax’s phone started ringing.
“Hey, Momma.”
“Is he okay?”
Jesus fucking Christ. “I’m fine, Momma.”
“You got your bell rung. I saw it.” Her voice stayed even, but he could hear the worry. The hint of accusation.
“Yeah, but I didn’t get knocked out or nothing. Two more rides, Momma. Just tomorrow.” Just tomorrow and he was golden.
“You be careful. None of it matters if you get killed, son.”
He gritted his teeth. “Yes, ma’am.”
“I love you.” She sounded resigned now. She’d been around roughstock men her whole life. She knew he’d made up his mind to ride.
“Andy? Are you okay?”
“I’ll be fine, Miz Scott.” So formal. Bax was mad.
“I love you too, son. You’ll be in your own bed, day after tomorrow.”
“I can’t wait. Love you.” Bax lightened up some for his momma, but it was an effort. Jason could feel how stiff his arm was.
They hung up, and he just closed his eyes and floated, letting himself feel the music in his bones.
“You cain’t go to sleep, Mini,” Bax murmured. Not mean or nothin’. Just low and worried.
“Okay. ‘m awake.”Don’t be pissed at me, Bax. I’m so damn tired and so close.
