"Shit," Isaac laughed. "Yeah, pretty sure they can do a little better than the bullfighter. You know, like one of the men with actual money."
"Or she might have her own money," I pointed out. "I mean, a good personality really does outrank almost everything else, Isaac."
"Except a big dick," Jorge taunted. "In which case, you're so screwed, Isaac."
"Ha, fucking ha," Isaac said, making a production out of his sarcasm.
"Ok, but I do have a question," I said, moving a little closer so I could keep my voice down. "How official is this deal you have?"
Tanner made a face. "No contracts yet. Chance is probably still talking to the directors, ironing all that out. I got the impression our deal was a requirement, though. As long as Deviant could have us wearing their logo, and us working regularly, then it's all good."
"Which sounds like we shouldn't really say much yet," J.D. realized. "It could still fall through."
"Yep," Jorge said, "but I really don't want to think about that. I also believe Deviant will walk away if we're not put back in the arena, so I feel pretty secure, but it's hard to tell how stupid Sousa will be."
"It's actually been Merrill," Tanner told him. "I think Sousa's just relaying what Donald Merrill demands."
"Sounds about right," Isaac agreed. "But Chance made it sound like he wants us working this weekend."
"So, a pretty good chance you will," J.D. assured them. "He also paid for two fucking fancy suites, y'all. Means he thinks he's got this in the bag."
"True," Tanner said. "But I kinda want to let the riders know if they're going to be striking or not."
"Which might be why the PBR gave in so easily," I pointed out. "I mean, no riders because of the bullfighters? Add in a company wanting to pay them to bring you back? That sounds like a no-brainer to me."
"Here's hoping," Jorge said. "I am curious about how that went down, though. I mean, you said Ty started the strike?"
He was asking me. That made sense because J.D. had been on the sidelines, but it still surprised me a bit. Lately, so many of these men had been treating me like "just one of the guys," and not in the buddy sort of way. It was more like they'd all simply accepted that I belonged here.
"I wasn't there when it started," I explained. "But after Casey, the riders were at the bar, and no one wanted to celebrate, so Ty and Renato started it, and when I showed up at the arena the next morning, Jackson was excited to get me involved too."
"The Canadian one," Tanner explained. "He's recently decided he's going to learn everything Cody will teach him - and he's actually improving."
"A lot," J.D. added. "Next year, he'll be in the money."
"Still can't believe they let a man die," Isaac grumbled. "And what was the shit with the ropes?"
"They're too good to pick them up," Tanner said, sounding annoyed about it.
"Fuckingropes?" Isaac huffed in surprise.
"Or they just didn't know," Jorge tried.
"Shit," Tanner scoffed. "They know. Fuck, Peter worked with you two before. He woulddefinitelyknow, so why didn't he tell the others?"
"The others are assholes," Isaac said. "Now you know why we didn't want to work with them."
"Makes me feel less special," Tanner joked. "I mean, I was the leftover, not the standout applicant. I see how it is."
"Like fuck," Jorge told him. "Trust me, you stood out."
Which was when the hostess finally returned. "I have your table ready. If you'd follow me?"
She led us to a spot at the side, pretty close to the front. It didn't have the amazing view we'd gotten last night, but the entire restaurant was packed this time. And the table she led us to? It had places for six. Tanner took one end. J.D. sat beside me, and the other two bullfighters went across from us.
We quickly ordered drinks, then everything paused as we looked over the menu. By the time our drinks came, we gave our orders, then Jorge leaned in.
"Ok, so what the hell do we need to know to catch up with the mess we left?" he asked. "And mostly, I'm asking about your plans for this weekend, J.D."
