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"He's a guy." That should've been clear enough. "What the fuck do I say to him? He's hot? Yeah, that's for fuckin'. He's cool? That don't sound like what I want."
"Yeah," Ty agreed. "Girls just talk about things."
"And we talk to girls about things," I agreed. "It's easier."
"No shit." He laughed once. "Girls don't get worried about looking like pussies. I mean, Cody was telling me about those guys talking shit, and it doesn't bother her at all. Well, not like it bothers me."
"Bothers her different," I explained.
He murmured in agreement. "But that's my point. It's like girls have this extra sense. They know how to figure out what's bullshit, what's a blow-off, and what's a sore spot. And when they let you in? Damn." His lips curled into a soft smile. "I just wanna make sure no one hurts her, you know? Think it's the same with a guy?"
"Pretty sure it's not," I admitted. "Tanner don't want me to act like he's some fuck-up who can't handle his own shit. He don't need to be protected. Fuck, if you think about it, that's his damned job: keeping all ofourdumb asses safe."
"But being protected isn't just about throwing punches," Ty told me. "It's watching over him to know when he needs an excuse because he's hurting. Letting yourself look like the asshole so he can get out of shit. I mean, that's kinda what I'm wanting to do for Cody. If she can't say no, then I can say no for her. Let them say I'm a dick so they stop calling her names and shit."
Which was a damned good point, 'cept for one problem. "Tanner's got Isaac and Jorge."
"Fuck, right," Ty agreed. "But you, I dunno, like him like that?" He glanced over.
I grunted. "Think so. He's real nice, just like Cody. He's also real tough too."
"Just like Cody," Ty agreed. "Yeah, and he's cooler than I thought." He nodded at the road before him. "Just let me know if I can help. I mean, figure I owe ya a few, and I don't forget when a friend does me a favor. You know, like you did sending me to St. Louis."
I just nodded. "Yeah. Thanks, bro."
Because that was the best word I had for this thing we were doing. Friends didn't feel like enough. Ty was quickly working his way up to bro, and not the smart-ass kind neither. I was going to let that be enough to carry me through the mess I knew I was going to find at the arena.
Chapter37
No one toldme about the autographs. Evidently, it was such a normal thing that the guys just accepted it, but since I'd never been to Cheyenne before - as a rider or a fan - I had no idea. At least not until Tanner pulled his truck into the arena's parking lot and I saw the setup out front.
This must've been what J.D. had been talking about when he said Sundays in Cheyenne started early, but what the hell? Confused, I looked over at Tanner, hoping he'd have a little insight. He saw, gave me a confused look, and kept going around to the back where we normally parked.
"What the hell was that?" I asked.
"Cheyenne," Tanner told me, as if that was an explanation. "Some radio station does a big thing every year. I dunno. I guess it's like a meet and greet for the fans? Thankfully, I don't have to mess with it."
"Oh."
But I still had to draw my bull, so I headed inside to handle that. Tanner and I split at the line for checking in. He had to go get ready for his part in this mess, and I had this. Still, the feel was very different, and I had no idea what I should really be doing.
So, I did what I always did. After heading to the spot where I'd set up my gear yesterday, I pulled out my phone and sent a text to Ty, then a second to J.D. Needless to say, it didn't take long before those boys converged on me, both hanging against the panel with shit-eating grins on their faces.
"What do ya mean you don't know about Cheyenne Fan Time?" J.D. asked.
I gave him a dirty look. "Did you tell me about it?"
"Ty's job," J.D. said, getting himself out of trouble. "I mean, he's the one who's been showing you the ropes. I'm just your mentor."
"Thanks," Ty grumbled, but the laugh in the middle ruined his best attempt to sound grumpy. "Cody, it's just a chance for fans to get pictures, signatures, and all that. Because of the way this place is set up - "
"And Sundays always sell the least tickets," J.D. added.
"Yeah," Ty agreed. "Well, they do a big push to get people out here. Not all have seats, but we're expected to sign some posters, shake some hands, and all that stuff."
I nodded slowly, taking it in. "Ok. Guys, you know I've never done anything like this, right?"
"Easy stuff," J.D. assured me. "Put on your gear - except the vest. Too hot for that. When someone shoves a poster in your face, scrawl your name on it. If they want a pic, smile like you're having fun."
