Disclaimer: Wade is the only thing that's mine in this story, everything else belongs to Susie. The lyrics are from "Workin' for a living" by Huey Lewis and The News. Nope, don't own them, either.

A/N: An update! Finally! Sorry to those who have been waiting forever and a half for a new chapter to this story. I got a little bit of writers block for chapter 3, but with my wonderful beta - RileysMomma - coming on board, it was lifted. This is a short chapter, but a very necessary chapter. RM, as always, thanks for pointing out the excess commas, and for everything else that you do. :)

Bus boy, bartender, ladies of the night,

Grease monkey, ex-junky, winner of the fight.

Walking on the streets it's really all the same,

Selling souls, rock n' roll, any other day.

I stepped into Buck's quickly to escape the downpour that was raging outside. My old coat had done a fair job of keeping off most of the rain but I could still feel drops of water run down the skin of my back when I straightened up. I sighed as I ran my fingers through my long hair. Despite my trimmed beard and my manners, my job search today had been fruitless and I wasn't too happy about that.

Per habit, I scanned the room as I walked to the bar. Hardly anyone was in at this time of day, just a few cowboys in the pool room and another group huddled in the corner with a deck of cards playing poker – or at least their bastardized version of it.

Buck Merril's lanky form was parked behind the bar drying a glass. I set some money on the bar and ordered a drink, same as the night before, plus a bag of peanuts. A glass full of amber liquid was soon thrust in my hand and I sighed before I took a sip.

"Ain't nobody oughta be out in this mess," Buck remarked casually.

I sighed; this was the small-talk routine that Buck threw at everybody. Again, I wasn't one for small talk but as long as I was sitting at the bar I felt obligated. "Well, ought to or not, I'm going to have to go back out in it." By the tone in my voice I was sure he got the drift that I while I had to do it, I most certainly wasn't going to enjoy it.

"And just what the hell is worth getting drenched to the fuckin' bone for?"

"Job," I replied as I opened the peanuts.

Buck paused a moment, looked around, and then fixed his eyes on me again. "You lookin' for a job?"

I rolled my eyes; nothing got past him. "Yes."

"What kind?"

"The kind that pays money," I deadpanned as I popped a peanut in my mouth.

Buck chuckled, perhaps a little too much. I could tell already that he was starting to schmooze me for something. Guys like that irritated me; if somebody wanted to ask me something I'd rather they just come out and say it. "Well if you don't mind getting dirty now and then, I could use some help. Between the stables and the bar they got me goin' in circles, know what I mean?"

I nodded; he knew that I wasn't stupid so he didn't seem to feel the need to spell it out. "And what kind of compensation could I stand to see from this little … venture?" I asked as I popped another peanut in my mouth.

"Thirty-five dollars a week."

He was a low-baller. I was going to have to drive him up. "Well that sounds alright for a spring chicken, but I'm lookin' for a little more profit."

"Aw, come on now. I'll throw in free room and board for ya."

I paused as I sipped my whiskey. It was tempting to go ahead and accept, but I decided to push a little more. "That's a nice gesture, but that's still a little low. Especially if I'm going to be working in stables … I mean, I'm gonna need a little extra incentive if you expect me to shovel horse shit."

I could tell that Buck was dead-set on getting me to work for him and that was good. A desperate man will go higher when pushed, and I could push. "Well, I suppose I could pay you a little extra for workin' stables."

A few silent moments passed between us. If I spoke first it would let him know that I really needed the job; which I did, but I sure as hell wasn't going to tell him that. Instead I waited and he eventually broke the silence. "Alright, fine, I'll give you fifty dollars a week plus tips, free room and board, and I'll throw in free drinks from the bar whenever you want. And hell, I'll give you some extra if you work the rodeo, just because I like ya."

That sounded good to me. I nodded and murmured. "Ok."

Buck broke into a wide grin. "We have a deal?"

I nodded again. "We have a deal."

And with a handshake the deal was set. I now worked for Buck Merril.