The two launch into a conversation about bulls, riders, events, and their favorite arenas.
I understand about half of it.
Daddy doesn’t seem surprised. He’s witnessed Devon’s rodeo obsession for years.
Finally, Devon says, “I’m hoping to travel and catch some of the Challenger Series events next year.”
Axle nods.
“Especially now that my sister’s going to be working for the Boy Zoo.”
I close my eyes.
Oh, for the love of—
Axle looks at me. “Boy Zoo?”
His mouth twitches.
Devon starts laughing.
“Don’t,” I warn.
Devon laughs harder. “When she was little,” he tells Axle, “she thought rodeos were exactly like zoos.”
Axle folds his arms.
“You go to the zoo to look at animals in cages. So, she thought rodeos were where people went to look at boys in cages.”
Axle bursts out laughing.
My face heats.
Daddy says, wheezing from laughter, “She called them Boy Zoos for years.”
“For years?” Axle asks.
“Hell, she still does,” Devon says.
I shrug. “They act like wild animals. Especially the bull riders.”
Axle’s grin widens. “You know what, Doc? That’s fair.”
The laughter settles, and Daddy glances toward the truck.
“Well, we’d better get moving.”
“Where are you headed?” I ask.
“Meeting Matty and Harleigh over at the proposed guest ranch site,” he explains. “We’re looking at lumber estimates.” Dad gestures toward himself and Devon. “Asbury Timber handled a lot of the materials for the academy. We harvested the raw lumber, milled it, and transported it for the contractors.”
Axle nods. “I heard that.”
Daddy turns to me. “You want to ride with us, sweet pea? Afterward, we’ll grab lunch in town.”
“Sure.”
He looks at Axle. “You want to come too? Grab some food with us so Dev here can talk your ear off.”
