Page 24 of Bull Riders Don't Swoon

Jamieson’s arm around my waist and his gentle voice in my ear is the last thing I remember before I pass out.

eight

Jamieson

“Are you sure you’re okay to do this road trip still? I won’t be mad if you’d rather be home.”

“It’s a broken arm, Jamie. I’ll be fine.”

Nothing about Griff’s voice leads me to believe he’s lying. Itisjust a broken bone, and it could have been so much worse. I try not to think about that, but it creeps in when I imagine my best friend being hurt worse than a broken bone.

He offers me half the sandwich we picked up from the hospital vending machine on our way out this morning. I slept off and on in the waiting room chairs while they set his arm and cast it. There was no way I’d leave him there and ask him to call when done.

I stretch my neck, trying to work the kink out while I drive and eat.

“I told you those chairs weren’t made for sleeping. You should have gone to the hotel and let me call you.”

“I wasn’t letting you call me. It’s my fault you’re…broken.”

Just like the last time when he needed all those stitches. He did it for me then too, and I’ll never forget it. I probably think about it too much sometimes.

“It’s my job, Jamie. You know that.”

Griff stares out the window as I drive us closer to the Ontario border. Our sort of vacation now changed from a fun time with my best friend to…something else I don’t have a word for.

We crossed into Saskatchewan easily enough, but with only me driving while Griff slept off the anesthetic, I had a lot of time to think. That’s not always a good thing.

“I know it’s your job, but I feel responsible.”

Griff shoves the empty sandwich container in a bag and leans back in his seat.

“I’m an adult and make my own choices, Jamie. I’d do the same in any situation out there, not just for you.”

“Ouch. Way to make me feel special.”

I’m joking, but Griff doesn’t laugh.

“We planned to stop in Winnipeg tonight. Are you still okay with doing that?”

“Yeah. You need to rest some too, or you won’t be able to enjoy this dude-bonding trip you planned.”

Griff’s playful grin returns, and I internally leap with joy.

“You’ll be driving on the way back. You can take Saskatchewan blindfolded, with both arms broken, and still be fine.”

Our old banter returns, and it eases the ache in my chest some.

When we arrive at our motel, it’s not the greatest, but I’m just happy to take a hot shower and sleep in a bed, no matter how uncomfortable.

“Do you need my help with anything? If you want to shower, I can ask the front desk for a garbage bag and duct tape.”

Griff laughs as he lies on his bed and closes his eyes. “That shouldn’t sound so dirty, but yeah…I’d appreciate it if you could.”

“Let me grab our bags, and I’ll do that real quick.”

Griff gives me a thumbs up, and for some reason, that gesture makes me smile. After dumping our bags and grabbing a room key, I walk back to the main office and ring the bell.

The older man who helped us before appears again with a smile.

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