Page 24 of Leading the Blind
“Heads up,” Dillon said in his ear. “You pulled Bogie for the short go.”
“Rock on. Time to go do my thing again, then pizza and blow jobs.”
Bax laughed right out loud, and he could imagine the guys grinning along and having no idea. No one knew how sexual his Bax really was. No one but him.Thank God for that. “Gonna embarrass myself, Mini. You behave.”
“I don’t know what you’re on about. Not at all.”
“Mmm. Evil man. Okay, we’re loaded. We’ll go after Dale Loomis.”
“I’m the only one who rode in the main round?”
“Yeah. It was a bad night.”
“Shit.” All eyes would be on him.
“You’re in the money, no matter what. Just stick.”
Right. Just stick. Mind in the middle. Keep your fucking eyes open.
He climbed the rail under Bax’s urging. He loaded up, breathing deep and rocking back and forth to make room for his leg.
“You need the 4x4, Mini?”
Jason nodded to Bax. “Son of a bitch is trying to squat on me.”
“Got it. Gramps. He’s getting too low.”
“Come on, you old bitch. Get your happy ass up.” Coke’s voice was rough as a cob and familiar as breathing.
He knew instantly the bull would behave for Coke. It was insane, but the world listened to his oldest friend.
The bull stood up, so Jason nodded, wanting out of the chute before it all went south. This little bull was an easy ride, if he just kept his mind in the middle. He would spin, kick, then let the rider off real nice. Job done.
Up. Down. Up. Down. And in the money.Bingo.
He hit the ground, and Dillon was calm this time. “He’s out already. Just head left.”
“Got it,” he muttered. He walked careful, giving a two-fingered salute to the crowd.
“Good boy. They’ll want you for the check thing. Get your sunglasses.”
“Not a boy, fucker.” He pushed his hat down lower and took his bull rope and glasses from Coke. “Thanks.”
“No prob. Cricket will walk you up.”
“Good deal. Big big check or no?”
“Nope. Check, buckle.”
“Ah.” He would hold up the buckle and wee check and smile.
It was over quickly, and he was moving toward Bax’s voice, trying his best not to stumble.
“Hey, champ.” For a moment he couldn’t place the voice, but then he knew it was Raul, the Brazilian he barely knew. Onewarm hand grasped his elbow. “They tell me change in light makes you dizzy. You go this way.”
“Thanks, buddy. It’s maddening, no shit. Didn’t know you were here.”
“Came in second. Beat your ride in the short go.”
