Bullheaded

your heels?”
    “There isn’t a finer man or rider I’d be willing to lose to,” Cody said. “Dub’s a winner all the way with me and always has been.”
    “And there’s still one other rider we have to recognize. It’s time to name the Rookie of the Year and hand over a check for one hundred thousand dollars. It was a close race to the finish between two fine young men, both of whom, it should be noted, received training from the World Champion himself, Cody Grainger. For a while there it looked like Bobby Blue Chandler was going to walk away with the rookie title, but under intense pressure, Zane cowboyed up and took it instead. Your NBR Rookie of the Year, Zane Winslow!”
    There was a bit of a jostle at the gate, and then Zane was pushed out into the ring to run the gauntlet of congratulations from more seasoned riders and the bullfighters on his way to claim his prize, looking both surprised and delighted as he came over.
    Dub and Cody each grabbed a hand and hauled him up onto the cage. “Getting crowded up here,” Dub joked.
    “It’s where the elite meet,” Cody said.
    Sam bent to retrieve another check and posed with Zane.
    “Zane Winslow is going to be a cowboy y’all are going to want to watch in the coming years,” Rex said. “How’s it feel, Zane? You’ve heard of the sophomore slump so many rookies go through. Any worries about next year?”
    In a stunned voice, Zane asked, “How did this happen?”
    “Points, son,” Sam said. “It’s in the numbers. You got more points than the other rookies. You’re following in Cody’s footsteps. He made Rookie of the Year the first year he was called up to the Top Cut, and look at him now.”
    Zane grinned and held the check over his head. “I don’t know how I did it, but I’m glad I did!”
    Rex took control. “And now we’re going to ask the riders to stand aside for a special presentation. As you know, this was the last final for bullfighter Chris Bellow before he heads into a well-earned retirement. Come on out here, Chris!”
    As Cody watched, the three other bullfighters stood and applauded for Chris as he ran out into the ring, waving at the crowd. A shiny new truck was driven into the ring.
    Rex shook Chris’s hand. “One of the great bullfighters in history. It’s been an exciting run to watch you protect the cowboys and stock for almost twenty years. In honor of your great service, the NBR wants you to have this check and the keys to a brand-new truck! How does it feel to walk away from something you love and the team you worked with for so long?”
    Chris made his goodbye speech and accepted check and keys while Cody watched in silence. Every word seemed to echo his own pain, and he was the first to shake Chris’s hand during the applause that followed.
    “And that will be the roundup of the one of the most exciting finals the NBR has seen yet. Thank you all for coming, and don’t forget the touring division will be riding every week through November until Thanksgiving. The NBR Top Cut Tour will be back next January to do it all over again. Check the NBR website, Facebook, Twitter, and our YouTube channel for updates, videos, and schedules. Good night and God bless!”
    Rex wiped his forehead and grinned when the lights for the camera went off. “See you boys at the press conference. Half an hour in the lobby in front of the curtains.” Rex shook everyone’s hands in turn and jumped down, assisted by Jinks. They walked off together, followed by the cameraman as the crowd started to file out of the center.
    Sam reached for the checks and Cody’s buckle. Zane tried to hang on to his check, his face still lit up with excitement.
    “Gotta give it back now, Winslow. We’ll hand it back to you at the press conference, son, promise,” Sam said with a grin.
    “Damn. I can’t believe this happened!” Zane exclaimed. He let go of the check reluctantly, still eyeing it in disbelief.
    “Believe it, kid. You have a great future ahead of you in the ring,” Cody said. “Proud of you.”
    “Thanks, Cody.” Zane seemed as if he might burst with pride, and his expression made Cody remember the thrill of winning his Rookie of the Year title, back when dinosaurs roamed the earth.
    Sam turned to the other two riders. “Better get a shower and put on some spit and polish. We got to do this dog and pony show again at the press conference.”
    “Thanks, Sam, for coming out to the ranch to talk some sense into me,” Cody