Page 44 of Lost Trust

Bryce smiles at him through the mirror.

“I know.” Chord sniffles from across the room.

Bryce turns his head. “Really, Dad?”

Chord snorts. “What? I’m allowed to be emotional today too. You’re my kid.”

“Geezus, please tell me we aren’t gonna start crying like a bunch of damn women. We don’t have enough whiskey for that,” I say as I pull the cork from one of the bottles with my teeth.

Bryce laughs, and the sound loosens something in my chest.

We’ve been through a hell of a lot together. Injuries. Wins. Losses. Bad decisions. Worse ones. The kind of years that makes a man appreciate the people who stick around when things aren’t easy.

Albert finishes the knot and tugs it into place. “There you go, son,” he says, his voice cracking on the last word.

Bryce studies himself. “Perfect. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Axle pushes off the desk and comes around to help me pass out the glasses I’ve filled with two fingers of amber liquid.

“So, don’t let us drink too much tonight,” he says as he hands a glass to Bryce. “Royce and I have to roll out for Reno first thing in the morning.”

“Rodeo?” Albert asks.

“Yep. At the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center. It’s a ten-day rodeo, put on by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.”

Bryce glances at me, and I clear my throat.

“About that, Ax,” I say. “I think I’m gonna stick around here.”

Axle’s eyebrows lift. “You’re what?”

I down the whiskey and set my glass on the desk and roll my shoulder carefully.

It still aches like a son of a bitch, reminding me that my body isn’t quite ready to be thrown around again. Not yet.

“Shoulder needs the rest,” I say. “And Bryce needs the help.”

Bryce nods slowly. “That’s true.”

The academy has become something none of us expected.

Last summer, the place was packed. Every stall was occupied. Every bunk had somebody sleeping in it. Teenagers showed up with rodeo dreams bigger than their experience, and we all somehow managed to turn a chaotic collection of kids, animals, coaches, and staff into something resembling an honest-to-God rodeo program.

This year is going to be worse.

Or better.

Depending on who you ask.

Axle adjusts his vest. “Well, shit. I wish I could stay. I had a blast last year.”

I look at him and grin. “We all know how much of a blast you had,” I quip and instantly regret the words when my eyes land on Cabe.

Fuck. Too soon.

It was last summer while working at the academy when Axle fell head over heels for Jovie. The girl our little brother had been in love with since childhood. And although they’ve made strides, Axle and Cabe’s relationship is still on shaky ground.