Page 45 of Lost Trust

“Sorry,” I mumble.

Cabe rolls his eyes.

Axle glares at me as he continues, “Manager wants me at all big PRCA events leading up to the NFR in Vegas.”

The National Finals Rodeo is considered the premier PRCA event of the year. It’s held in Vegas every December. To any traditional rodeo athlete, its gold buckles and world championship titles are coveted, but to bull riders, it comes in second to the PBR Finals.

Bryce shakes his head. “Of course they do. The NFR is the Super Bowl of rodeos to sponsors. Their champ needs to have his face out there this summer.”

“I’ll fly home between appearances,” Axle says.

“Every time?” I ask.

“Every time I can. What else am I gonna do on the road without your annoying ass?”

“Ah, you gonna miss me, brother?” I say, laying my hand over my heart.

Cabe snorts. “Jovie agreed to work in the academy’s clinic while Dr. Seth is gone,” he says.

Axle nods. “Dr. Seth wants to stay home with his wife and the new baby for a couple of months. Can’t blame him.”

“No,” Bryce agrees.

I glance at Axle. “Should have known you wouldn’t be coming back for me,” I say, pretending to be offended.

“Whatever,” Ax says. “I’ll see you, too, and I’ll be able to jump in and help with lessons. Don’t want the poor kids learning bad habits from you.”

Bryce looks between us and smiles. “I appreciate both of you.”

Axle waves him off. “I mean it. Last summer was already crazy. This year …”

He shakes his head. “Word got out.”

It’s true. The academy has become a name people recognize. It was on everyone’s lips on the circuit this year. Parents asking for information and coaches recommending it to their clients.

Rodeo families talk. Kids who want to make the circuit decided this is where they need to be.

Bryce grabs his jacket. “We’re going to have more than double the students we had last summer.”

Axle whistles. “Double?”

“More than double.” I stare at him. “That’s going to be insane.”

“Yep.”

“Sounds like that shoulder of yours isn’t going to get much rest after all,” Cabe says.

“I’m adding to our full-time staff,” Bryce says.

Axle raises an eyebrow. “Who?”

“I’ve got a few prospects in mind.”

“Anyone we know?” I ask.

Bryce smiles. “Maybe. A few are retired from the circuit.”

“You wanna share?”