Total pages in book: 120
Estimated words: 112850 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112850 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
“Do I?” I said, reaching for the heavy ice bucket, lifting it to dump inside the basin. With several loud clanks, the ice dropped into the bin, hopefully drowning out Uncle Charlie. This wasn’t the first time I’d heard these new suspicions in the bar. They started last weekend. Nothing I said seemed to change anyone’s mind.
He wasn’t wrong, I guess. I had found a special love, no question there. I loved Slade and he loved me. I only wished that crazy good love came with a single text message a day rather than the dozens I got. Even one every twelve hours worked for me. Then I could get some shit done in my day.
“Well, I wish that love interest would leave me alone long enough to catch a breath,” I said, using my short sleeve to remove a layer of sweat resting on my brow.
The cackle Uncle Charlie gave said many things. I took it as a kindred comradery of dealing with all things girlfriend—or in my case, boyfriend—rang true. “They ain’t good at lettin’ that happen, son. It’s against their nature.”
The laughter must have been a really good memory he was now lost to as he grabbed his till and started to cash out.
As I reached for my phone, it vibrated again. I had two missed text messages. I quickly opened the first to see what I missed. Both were from Slade.
“You have a minute before work. Tell me you love me,” Slade texted.
“Great, now the minute’s gone and you didn’t reply. What’re you doing that you can’t reply?”
Another popped up while I was reading the screen.
“Oh, is Charlie around? That’s an acceptable excuse to miss my love notes.”
Like always, I locked onto his words as if nothing mattered more. My grin spread wider as I created a silly reply, one sure to aggravate my guy.
“I’m glad I got your permission to lead my life today. Nobody’s here. I was just taking a minute to myself,” I typed teasingly and pushed send.
The dots drumming on the bottom were instantaneous. Only seconds passed before his reply, “It took you long enough to figure out who’s the alpha between us. Now tell me you love me.”
Due to me being in joking mode, I placed the phone face-down on the counter as the front doors opened and both my parents walked through. My gaze went to the time. At four o’clock on a Thursday, they should be settling down, preparing for the weekend and all the rides home they planned to offer the customers.
“Hey, Mom,” I said to her smiling face. “What’s goin’ on?”
I propped my ass against the edge of the back counter, crossed my arms over my chest, and glanced past her to my dad who winced, which didn’t bode well. He wasn’t here by choice.
“I believe… We believe…” She patted the back of her hand against my father’s chest absently as she beelined for me. “That you’re keepin’ secrets from us. We went by your place and saw the changes.”
Her tone held all sorts of accusation, but she wasn’t sure where to place it, except on me.
“Everyone’s seen the changes, son,” my dad said apologetically, taking a seat next to my standing mom, as they both stared at me.
I blinked then blinked again, proud of my parents for not confronting me weeks ago when the semi’s started driving through town on their way to my property.
“I feel like you know the answers already,” I teased.
“Is this fancy woman we’re hearin’ about the reason for your refuge?” my mom asked.
I glanced at my father to see if he had the same question. He shrugged, meaning he did and he was sorry for it.
“Maybe you don’t know the answers,” I said, pushing forward to pour another drink for the patron raising an empty mug in the air. “No fancy woman. The state’s got some help available that I applied for,” I said, concentrating on the pour. “Right now, it’s considered a loan, but if I follow through, it’ll be a grant.”
“You’re kiddin’,” my dad said, slapping his hands together. “That’s great news.”
“So what about the new woman? How’s she involved?” my mom asked, excitedly. “I always wanted him to be with someone…”
I let her spin and went around the bar to place the new beer on the table, taking the empty glass. I glanced over my shoulder in my mom’s direction, rolling my eyes for the table to see. The cackle of laughter helped secure my efforts at hiding.
“Mom, seriously. I’d tell you if that were true.”
“Mace.” Her palm slapped gently down on the bar top, giving a noticeable pop against the old wood. “I want grandbabies.”
Her sudden delight turned to aggravation as her eyes narrowed at me.
“Mama, one thing at a time. Do you have animals? How does it work?” my father asked.