I glanced over at Jorge, then Isaac. They were silent, but from the intensity in their eyes, I knew they'd spotted those details too. In truth, they were watching Chance the same way they did Without Ado: as if braced for him to turn on them any second.
"And if we agree to this specific team of bullfighters," Mr. Sousa asked, "then you're willing to do the rest?"
"I'm willing to consider it," Chance said. "So, name your price. Will I have to agree to signage and event branding to get these three? Do I need to sponsor a specific number of riders as well? I'm hoping to sign at least two more this weekend, just so you're aware. Or is there something else you want?"
"The signage for the arena and the chutes will get you the bullfighters," Mr. Merrill relented.
"Whichbullfighters?" Chance pressed.
So Mr. Merrill gestured at us. "These."
"Working?" Chance asked. "Because they're no good to me on the sidelines. Will this be the main team again, or do I need to call my driver because I'm headed home?"
Mr. Sousa lifted a hand like he was trying to calm Chance down. "No need to leave. We'd be happy to have the Deviant Rescue Squad working again."
"Here?" Chance asked. "I want them at the Nashville show. Do that, and I'll make the PBR very,veryhappy."
"Can you?" Mr. Sousa asked. "Jorge, I know you took a personal leave. Isaac, will you be available?"
"I'm already here," Jorge said.
"Same," Isaac agreed.
But Chance looked over at me. "And you're good too, Tanner?"
"I am, Chance," I said, unable to stop myself from using his first name.
But the way he smiled at me? Yeah, I'd just played his game somehow. And when Chance looked back at the directors, it was like some victorious hero.
"Well, then that's settled," Chance said. "I'll let the Deviant Rescue Squad tell us any changes they want to the uniforms." And he rocked to his feet, gesturing to the conference room. "So let's go talk about numbers. Thank you, matadors."
Rhaven made a little gesture, catching my eye. "We'll talk after. Go ahead and get out of here."
"Yes, ma'am," I said as I stood.
"Pleasure working with you, ma'am," Jorge said.
I couldn't help but notice Mr. Merrill twitch as we acknowledged her, but I didn't get it until Isaac stood and tipped his hat at Rhaven. "We appreciate the consideration, ma'am."
Because it was that last word Mr. Merrill didn't like. Yeah, well, I'd be using it from now on. A lot. Not only had Rhaven earned my respect, but she'd also given me the most polite form of vengeance I could think of. And a sponsor. Another chance.
We were about to become the Deviant Rescue Squad, and I liked that name more and more each time I heard it.
Chapter 43
Waitingfor Tanner to get back was harder than I'd expected. J.D. made coffees for us, and while the pair of us tried to talk about something, it kept coming back to Tanner and how we hated not knowing. I was just starting to get snappish when the lock to our room clicked in that electronic way they had.
Then, "No, they won't mind," Tanner said, and I could hear more people with him.
"Hey, how'd it go?" J.D. asked, twisting to look.
But it was Isaac who answered. "You're looking at the new Deviant Rescue Squad!"
"And Chance is a badass," Jorge added.
But I was rushing toward Tanner, who was grinning like an idiot. "You got it?" I asked as I threw my arms around his neck. "You're back?!"
"I'm back," he promised. "I'd also like to say that not only is Rhaven amazing, but calling her ma'am pissed Donald Merrill off more than I expected."
