Bullheaded

said, hanging on to Sam’s hand for a beat. “I don’t think I’d be up here without you.”
    “It’s good for a rider to have a thick skull,” Sam said cheerfully. “Always kept me from too many concussions.” He jumped down casually and walked over to the NBR board members.
    “Let’s go,” Dub said. “People are leaving and you need a shower.”
    “Are you saying I stink?” Cody demanded.
    “It is what it is,” Dub said.

    T HE press conference lasted only fifteen minutes, reminding Cody that, compared to football, bull riding was still only a minor blip on the TV sports screen in America.
    On the other hand, the meet and greet with the fans went on for over two hours. He was glad he’d strapped on the brace after his shower, but his right hand was almost as numb as his left from shaking hands. It made him glad to see that Dub got just as much attention as he did, while Zane posed for pictures with lots of pretty girls.
    It was just about getting to be suppertime when the crowd started to thin out, and finally the banquet room was empty except for other riders.
    Dub stretched and grinned at Cody. “I’d buy you a drink, but I got plans. See you next year?”
    “Dub, I just wanted to tell you, I feel like I took you for granted,” Cody started awkwardly. “You’re not just a good friend, you are such a talented rider—”
    “Ho, you ain’t gonna get all emotional on me now, are you?”
    “No, of course not,” Cody said. “Anyway, I still beat you.”
    “Sure you did.” Suddenly Dub wrapped Cody in his arms. “Love you, man.”
    “Love you too, man.” Cody patted Dub on the back.
    “People waiting on me. Gotta go. See you next year.” Clearing his throat, Dub turned abruptly and walked away, raising one hand as he went.
    Watching Dub walk away left Cody with a lump in his throat, and for a moment he felt very alone. Dub had done something for him no one else could have when he was at the lowest point of his life. Then he remembered there were people waiting for him as well.

    W HEN he entered the restaurant, the feeling of loneliness fell away and he smiled when he saw his family waiting for him: his mother and father, Travis, RJ, and Johnny. All of them formed a circle of love and it belonged to him, as he belonged to them.
    He crossed the room and took the empty chair in time to watch Travis hand first Val and then Johnny a twenty each. It must have been what Johnny meant about having money riding on him.
    “I guess you were right about Cody. I thought he was going to screw it up this year,” Travis said grudgingly.
    “Thanks a lot!” Cody protested.
    Val very kindly did not say “I told you so,” even though she looked as if nothing would make her happier than to rub it in, especially to Travis. “He’s a good rider.”
    “The highest praise a man can have,” Davis said, “coming from another World Champion.”
    “I know,” Cody said, surprising himself with the humility in his tone. “I just wanted to thank you all for having my back this year.”
    “Hey, you’re not the only one who likes a challenge,” Travis quipped.
    “I’m proud of you, boy,” Davis said. “Takes a real man to climb out of a slump like that, and you did it. That was one damn fine ride.”
    “No hints on how to do it better?” Cody teased.
    “It was perfect,” Val said. “You did what had to be done.”
    Her eyes were shining with pride, and Cody knew she meant more than just the ride.
    “Your mother’s usually jumping like a catfish when she watches you ride, but today she was sitting there all calm and serene,” Davis said with a broad grin.
    “I knew you had it,” Val said simply.
    RJ spoke up unexpectedly. “It’s pushing through when it isn’t so easy, that’s what makes a winner.”
    “Thanks, RJ,” Cody said. He didn’t know what to say to that.
    He felt Johnny’s foot touch his under the table and looked at his partner. How did he ever get so lucky? He felt as though he ought to get a buckle for somehow managing to be so loved despite himself. He was unusually silent through dinner, watching the faces of his family.

    T HIS time it was Cody helping Johnny along on the way to the room, even though he was still hobbling a bit himself. “You’re limping.”
    “I know. Spinal Tap almost broke my ankle saving your ass,” Johnny said cheerfully.
    “Thanks, I’m not sure my ass is worth your ankle.”
    “Don’t go all modest on me now,” Johnny said.