Page 97 of Leading the Blind
“That’s right.” Coke blinked awake. “We’re going to have a nice long vacation, a rest.”
Bax nodded easily. “You got it, Gramps. We got all the stuff you could need, huh?” He glanced at Dillon. “You gonna need any help driving down?”
“Nah. I’ll be good. The pups are in Waco, but Nattie said he’ll meet us with them and our truck in Houston. That’s an easy drive to you.”
“We’ll come hang with you, see the doctors in Houston, spend some time.” Coke met Jason’s eyes, like that mattered. “They’re going to make me retire, son. Ace came last night. I’mleaving. Nate is going to take over for at least a year. Dillon’s got two years left on his contract.”
Jason gawped toward Coke. “What? Gramps, you can’t! Is this my?—”
“Son, Jase— It’s time. I’m ready. Me and Dillon and Nattie got plans to start a bullfighting school in Waco. We want to travel. We want to live. You understand that, don’t you?”
“I do.” Jason nodded, but his lips shook a little.
“We’ve been talking about it ever since Coke broke his neck last time. I’ll take on an apprentice. I even have a few guys in mind,” Dillon said. “Ace is willing to let me go early if the fans are positive about my replacement.”
Lord. Shit always changed, but this seemed crazy. Crazy.
“Gramps, I—” Jason took Coke’s hand. “I don’t know how to do this.”
“Yes, you do.” Coke smiled at Jason, even though they all knew Jase couldn’t see him. “You go home with Andy. You get a dog. You have a life. You know how to do this.”
Jason stared at Coke’s hand like he was really looking. “You think I can? I can—like, learn to use a cane. And a dog. I need you to tell me I can.”
“I got no doubt. None at all. You won the championship without being able to see.” Coke chuckled softly. “The rest is gravy.” There was a second where Coke stopped, his lips twisted and he said, “I’m proud of you, Jason. You’re the closest thing to a son I’ve ever had, and you did good. Now, go home and get ready for me to come for Turkey Day.”
“I love you, old man.”
“Good deal, because we’re going to see a ton of each other.”
Dillon watched them, a tiny smile on his face, and Bax felt all damn choked up. “Like a soap opera, y’all. Jesus.”
“That’s us, Andy. As the Cowboys Turn.”
Jason chuckled. “The Young and the Bull Riders.”
“The Bullfighting Light,” Dillon added.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake. All y’all have spent too much time over the years stuck in hotel rooms!” Bax groaned dramatically, and that got them all to laughing.
“Thank you. You and Dillon. For all your help.” Jason squeezed Coke’s hand, then squared his shoulders. “Y’all need anything?”
“I don’t think so. Y’all will be home day after tomorrow. We’ll be there a couple-three days after that. Pick me up some chocolate milk to take my pills with.”
“We can do that.” They would get all of Coke’s favorites. Some of Dillon’s too.
Dillon stood up with them. “I’ll walk them out, babe.”
“Good deal. Tell the nurse I want to get up and pee and have her change the sheets. I sweated.”
“You got it.” Dillon gave him double guns, then headed out with them, stopping by the nurses’ station to murmur a few words. Then he joined them again. “This is not your fault, Jason. This is cowboy protection. We can’t wait to come see you, though.”
“You tell Nate if he wants to come for a few days too, he’s welcome,” Bax said. “I know he’ll want to be home for Turkey Day, but we got time and room.”
“Tracey wants to come out between the holidays, but they have some things to discuss.” Dillon sighed softly, leading them to the elevators. “Coke was considering retiring already, Jase. He wants to start this bullfighting school with Nattie. Nate’s going to sell his house and move out near us. This isn’t your fault. Ace just made it so Coke didn’t have to say it out loud.”
“I’m gonna believe you, Dillon, because you wouldn’t blow smoke up my ass.” To Bax’s ever-loving surprise, Jason reached out and snagged Dillon in a hug. Too bad Jason couldn’t see Dillon’s face. The man had clearly needed it.
“I’m ready for a holiday together. We’re damn near family, right?”
