Page 4 of Bull Riders Don't Swoon

Swallowing at the directness of the question, I nod. “Will that be a problem? I like your company, so if you end up being an asshole about it, I’d be largely disappointed.”

Jamieson, to my surprise, laughs a full-on laugh and holds a fist out for a bump. “Dude. Not a problem at all. I like a taste of the same sex once in a while myself. Trust me. If you’re gay, it’s not an issue.”

Thank god. We may only have just met, but I feel like Jamieson is someone who will be my best friend until one of us dies. Maybe even after that.

“I think we just became best friends.” I joke.

He raises his glass in a toast. “Here’s to a new rodeo partnership and new best friends. Oh, and hometown heroes!”

“I’ll drink to that!”

We finish our food and beer before finally leaving the pub together, chatting away like we’ve known each other forever.

“Hey, before I forget, let me give you my number. I have a stats assignment due soon and if you could explain some shit to me, I’d be eternally grateful.”

“Oh, are you planning to be a math teacher?”

Jamieson shrugs with a smile. “Maybe? It’s the subject I’m better at, so I picked that.”

After passing him my phone, he enters his info and sends himself a text before returning it to me.

“I have an exam soon too, so that works out. We can study together. I’ll be in touch.” I pocket my phone as we fall into step next to each other.

We both live on campus, but in different dorms, and after the short walk, we stop outside of mine. Jamieson waves goodbye as I enter my building, and I watch him for a beat as he trudges along the path towards his.

Once in my room, I collapse on my bed and laugh the best laugh I’ve had in several years. It’s pure joy, and it feels good.

Something tells me Jamieson will change my life.

And I like that.

two

Jamieson

First semester, third year university

“Holy shit! Griff!”

The hand holding my phone shakes as I pass it to my best friend with my exam results open.

“You passed! I knew you could do it!”

Griff pulls me to him in a bear hug, and I curl my large body around him. “I couldn’t have done this without you. Your tutoring made the difference, Griff.”

My throat grows tight, and I squeeze him closer. “Because of you, I'll graduate.”

Sure, graduation is still another year away, but this was the hardest year. If I didn’t get through it, I wouldn’t be back for the final year, which is mostly in-school placements and actual teaching. The hardest part for me is now done.

And I wouldn’t have gotten here without the infinite patience of my very intelligent best friend.

“You still had to write the exams and retain the information, Jamie. Don’t sell yourself short.”

Griff’s mouth moves against my T-shirt because I still have him crushed against me, but I hear him. He’s the only one who calls meJamie, and I kinda like it. It’s something that’s just us. Easing back, I’m delighted to see the shine in his eyes.

“You’re crying for me. Such a softie.” I choke out a laugh as a lone tear runs down my cheek, and I swipe it away. Fuck, I’m never this emotional. Passing midterms shouldn’t make me tear up. Although I suspect it’s the relief that I’m still on the rodeo team that sprung the waterworks.

“I’m crying because you still get to do what you want. You want to be a bull rider, and now, with school going well, you can.” Griff squeezes me once more before I let him step away.

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