“Amen, darlin’. We got this.” And they did. They had it.
Balls to bones.
28
“Ican’t believe you gothimto come sit at our booth.”
Hudson glanced over at Mackey, who was alternately signing things and showing off their gloves.
“I didn’t even ask. He offered.” He’d even tried to talk Mackey out of it because he thought Sid was going to have a stroke, but here they were.
Paul shook his head, impressed. “That’s a score and a half.”
It was better than the last time Mackey and the boys came to visit their booth, that was for sure.
“Yeah. We’re going to have to head out soon.” Mackey might need to stop off at his room before they headed to the arena. Sid was already there.
“Right, the crowds are thinning now anyway. I’ll get us packed up, no worries.”
“Thanks, man.” He pulled out his phone and texted Jack.
Hudson
Just about done here. Great day. Where are you?
Jack
Warming up Ghost. Talking to Tommy. Mack good?
Hudson
Yeah. We’re heading out.
Jack
I’ll meet you in the arena
“You about ready, Mackey?” He wandered over to where Mackey was sitting, still impressed at how well the cowboy managed that halo contraption.
“I am. I’m ready to see Sid. He’s losing his damn mind.”
“I get it. He loves you, so you’re going to have to deal with it.” He winked at Mackey. “Need a hand up?”
“Please. That’s still a challenge, but I’m getting better at it.” Mackey took his hands and hauled himself up.
“I thought you might need a pit stop before we head over. I was just going to get some food there; they always have the best hotdogs.” And then they would get there sooner. He was anxious to watch Jack warm up and ride Ghost around.
“I like the corn dogs too, but yeah. A stop before all those stairs is better.” Mackey gave him a wink. “Have I told you how welcome you are to our little family? You make Jack real happy.”
He knew, he felt it all the time, but it was something special that Mackey actually said it. “Thank you. You and Sid have made me feel welcome. Jack is… he’s everything, you know? He gets me.” He still couldn’t believe it sometimes.
“Good. That’s what we deserve in life. Our people.”
He nodded. That’s what Jack said—that he was Jack’s person. “We do. And friends, great friends are important.” He had friends in Denver, a couple of very good ones. They were important too, but they’d never felt like family. Not like what he had with this bull riding crowd.
Huh. Maybe he was a little bit of a cowboy after all.
Jack