Chapter 2
Bodie gave it four whole months after Rocky died before he called the man’s agent.
He had to have patience. He knew he had to wait, but once enough time had passed, he started calling like a man on a mission.
Good morning, sir. This is Bodie Jimenez. I’m calling because I have need of representation. I’m with the bull riding organization, and I need some help. If you’d give me a call back, I’d appreciate it.
Good afternoon, sir. This is Bodie Jimenez. I’m calling because I just won the championship, and I need representation. I’m going to end up a little over my head here. If you’d give me a call back, I’d appreciate it.
Good morning, sir. I wasn’t sure if this was a good number to get you at, and if this is someone else’s phone, if y’all could just text me and let me know, I’d appreciate it. Ohh, this is Bodie Jimenez. Have a good one.
Good morning, sir. I’ve sent a couple-three emails now, and none of them have bounced back. I’m calling because I have a need for representation. I’m with the bull riding league, and you came real highly recommended by Mr. Rocky. If you’d call me back, I’d appreciate it.
Every fucking day for a month now, he’d called and left messages. He was getting damn irritated. He deserved some sort of answer. Go to hell. I’m retired. Fuck off and die. I don’t want to do this with you. Kiss my ass. Something.
Maybe he should have given up, but he wasn’t real big on being a quitter. In fact, he was kind of opposed to giving it up, and everybody said this son of a bitch was the best.
Bodie needed help. He needed it bad. He’d been in the game for a long time, mostly doing PRCA events. Then he’d decided that he didn’t have much time left. Bull riding was a young man’s sport.
So he’d sold his house, got himself a personal trainer and a physical therapist, and he’d got himself in the best shape of his life.
Then he went to town, and he rode like he was a house afire.
Then he won the championship, and now he had some money and one more year, maybe two in him, but mainly one more solid year.
He thought he could get out with enough money and some sponsorships. And still have all of his teeth and most of his bones. That was a win.
But he’d gone from living in his truck to two million dollars in just about… well, eight days. He’d been living in his truck when he won the big check.
And now he just didn’t know what to do.
When none of the phone calls got results, he worked at getting an invite to Sky’s invitational. They were honoring Rocky here, and he’d see what he could manage.
Mr. Bates wasn’t in the spotlight anywhere, but Bodie knew the agent would be there, probably with Rocky’s family, maybe some of Rocky’s former sponsors. He had a little cred as a champ, and he might get himself into the right place at the right time to meet him.
And if he didn’t? Well, he’d ask Mr. Sky, dammit.
He didn’t get where he was at by not taking risks.
“Cole!”
He might not have to work so hard after all, because there was Sky, coming toward him, but looking past a few feet over his shoulder. “I have a seat in the family section for you.”
“That’s very kind, thank you.” And just like that, Mr. Cole Bates—he who never returned a phone call—walked right by him.
Dude. Dude. What did he do? Follow? Was that creepy? It might be creepy.
He followed.
Sky and Cole moseyed along in no hurry as they talked. “How was the trip out?”
“Not bad. I actually got a flight in a couple of days ago and spent some time hiking and getting to know the area a little. It’s nice up here. Pretty. Green.”
“It is. It’s friendly, a good place to raise kids.” Sky caught his eyes as he didn’t stalk the agent.
“Jimenez! You made it. I really appreciate your time, friend.”
“Yes, sir. Any time. Rocky was a good guy.”
“He was.” Cole agreed with him, then sighed, looking embarrassed. “And I owe you a phone call. Or fifteen.”
“Yeah… I, uh, I’m nothing if not persistent.”
“You rode for ten years before you hit the big leagues. That’s the understatement of the century.” Sky was not fair. At all.
“Well, by now I’m sure you’ve found someone. I apologize for not—I’m not really in the business at the moment.”
“Oh. Well, Rocky said you’re the best, and I’m holding out for the best, so…” He shrugged. He could wait a little while longer.
“I’ve been following your career. I agree that you deserve solid representation. I can absolutely send you some names.”
“That would be a kindness.” He shook his head, the slightest bit, then stopped himself. He wanted what he wanted. If he couldn’t have that, he’d find another direction.
Bates watched him a long moment. “Or… we could have a beer and a… totally no-calorie tall glass of ice water later.”
Oh, hell yes. “I am absolutely willing to buy a beer and a totally no-calorie ice water. I might even splurge for an iced tea with lemon.”
“Living dangerously.” Cole smiled at him, sort of. It was a little sad. “You’ll find me after? I’ll be somewhere in the family section. Are you riding?”
“That’s one of the reasons we’re sold out,” Sky said. “He’s the reigning champ.”
He tipped his hat to Sky.
“I’m looking forward to it. Good ride, cowboy.” Cole gave him a nod as he split off, headed for the stands. “Thanks again, Sky. It’s meaningful to me.”
“Of course. Get your seat, huh? I’ll come check on y’all in a bit.”
Cole nodded and wandered off, and Sky shot him a look.
“Seriously? Here?”
“I been calling!”
“Still. Jesus. Not nice.”
Bodie just ducked his head. He almost felt bad.
Almost.