Adam nodded. “I do.”
“I’m a phone call away if either of you needs me.”
He watched Merry Anna walk away.
Zan slipped her hand between his fingers. “She’s really nice.”
“So are you.” He squeezed her hand, then made sure the grill was turned off and had Zan help him clear everything away.
Later that evening, Doc called. “Just checking to see how you’re feeling tonight.”
“Thank you for calling. I’m doing fine.”
“I wanted to call to see how you were, but I also wanted to officially extend you a job opportunity. Adam, I’d love to have you come on board with me. I think you’d be a great part of the team.”
“You’re kidding.”
“No. Now, it’ll still mean a lot of travel, maybe more than you’re doing now. We fly a lot to fit everything in, so it’ll still be something to work out, but I can start you with a salary and insurance for you and Zan until you can get all the certifications straight. Then we’ll renegotiate.”
“That’s mighty generous.”
“Adam, a lot of these guys out here—they don’t have any other skills. You have options they don’t. You need to be smart about this.”
“If I weren’t so close to the title this year, it would be a way easier decision.” But he knew he had to do the right thing. As much as he yearned for that win, there were bigger things at stake here.
“I get it. When I was bronc riding, I felt the same way. It’salways going to be after the next ride, but you know it’s true that sometimes there’s not a next ride. You’ve been lucky so far.”
“I have. I know it,” Adam said. “Working with you would keep me close to the sport but eliminate that risk.”
“I know your focus is on that little girl, but your friend Merry Anna—she was really tore up. You two serious?”
Adam cleared his throat. “Could be.”
“She know that?”
“I haven’t said it in so many words.”She’s got to know.
“You have to say the exact words, Adam. That’s the only words they hear. If you care about her, include her in the decision.”
Adam laughed. “I know what she’ll say. Same thing you’re saying.”
“So, she’s smart.”
“Yeah, she’s smart. I feel like I need to say yes, but I also wonder if being close to the sport is going to make it even harder.”
“Wasn’t for me,” Doc offered. “But everyone is different. I’ll also say this. You can’t take another concussion. It would be hard to allow you to continue to ride anyway. I’m working the Archdale rodeo out by you again this weekend, but why don’t you let me know by next Wednesday? That’ll give you some time to think about it. If you say yes, I can have you start the next weekend. We’ll be in Mesquite.”
“I’ll let you know.” What were the odds that the first day on his new job, if he decided to take it, would be in the town where Carly’s folks lived?
27
Merry Anna got up onWednesday morning and set off on foot to work. Tara was standing out near the road, picking up her newspaper, when Merry Anna walked by.
“Good morning, Tara.”
“Good morning. I was hoping I’d catch you.”
“Do you need me to order some more things for you?”
