Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 81285 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81285 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
It probably wasn’t the smartest move I could make.
The man had a talent for closing himself off from the real world, and it was doubtful that I’d get anything out of him. But I had to try.
I hit the cool air outside and went straight for my bike. I didn’t bother with gloves. I just slipped on my helmet and turned the key, letting the rumble of the engine drown out everything else. I eased through the gate, and once I was on the main road, I eased the throttle back and sped over to Dad’s place.
I felt a punch to the gut the second his house came into view. It wasn’t a disaster. There wasn’t trash everywhere or broken windows, but it looked tired, like the whole place had given up a long time ago. It was a far cry from what it used to be.
There was a time when it felt alive, warm and loud. Now, the paint was faded, the porch sagged just enough to make you wonder if it’d hold you, and the flowerbeds Mom used to fuss over were full of dried, dead weeds. The screen door groaned with neglect, and the front light burned out months ago.
The inside was even worse.
The lighting was dim, like a scary movie kind of dim, the curtains were always half-drawn, and the air was stale and full of dust. It wasn’t exactly dirty, but it wasn’t clean either. Everything was worn and lifeless, just like Pop.
He sat in his beat-up recliner with his feet kicked up, a beer in hand, and even though the TV was always on, his eyes were glued to his phone. And like always, he didn’t even look up when I came in.
Of course, he didn’t.
The man could’ve cared less who’d just walked in.
I walked over to his chair and stood in front of his black socks as I said, “You didn’t answer.”
“Didn’t have one to give.”
“There has to be something.” He just shrugged. “So, you don’t have any idea why he was here?”
“Just stopped by.”
“For what?”
He glanced up and scratched his cheek before answering, “Didn’t say.”
“What did he want?”
“Nothing, I don’t guess.”
“You don’t guess.” Something was up, and it wasn’t good. I could feel it in my bones. I dragged my hand down my face. “He hasn’t been here in months, and he shows up last night for no reason?”
“I reckon.”
“He asked about me?”
“He did.”
“What did he want to know?”
“Just if you were still riding with that club of yours.”
“And what did you tell him?”
“Said you were.” He glanced up again. “You are, aren’t ya?”
“Yeah, but why did he want to know?”
“You’d have to ask him that.”
“Did he say when he was coming back?”
“Didn’t say.”
“And you didn’t ask?”
“Didn’t see the point.”
“That’s all you’ve got?” I asked, my frustration slipping through.
“Just telling ya what I know,” he muttered, already turning his attention back to his phone. “He came by, sat awhile, then left. That’s it.”
That wasn’t it.
Nothing with Davis was ever ‘it’.
He should’ve known that.
But standing there in that sad, dark, dying living room, staring at the man who once cared and now didn’t, I knew better than to expect anything different. I shook my head and sighed, “Alright, then. I guess that’s that.”
“I guess so.”
“You need anything?”
“A winning lottery ticket would be nice.”
“Wouldn’t it though?” I chuckled. “I’m gonna get to work but call me if you need anything.”
“I won’t.”
“I know, but if you do… And let me know if Davis comes back around.”
Dad gave me a slight nod, and that was that. I turned and walked out of the house, leaving with no more information than when I started. It was hard to see my ol’ man in such a state, but it was the life he’d chosen and there was nothing I could do to change that.
I left Dad’s and drove straight to the Vault. I claimed a spot in the back and nursed my beer like it would somehow make my problems go away.
Spoiler. It didn’t.
Seven stood across from me, wiping down glasses and prepping for the night ahead. He wasn’t a big talker, and tonight was no different. Feeling like I needed to say something, I muttered, “Slow night.”
Seven grunted and continued with his tasks.
Two of the Vault girls sauntered over, sporting big smiles and covered in glitter and not much else. Lacy, the hot little redhead, ran her finger down my arm and purred, “You’re looking a little lonely tonight.”
“Me, lonely?” I smirked. “Nah. I’m just contemplating.”
“Is that right?”
“Oh, yeah. Real deep in thought. Not something you’d understand.”
She laughed, only because she didn’t get the jab. Diamond, the hot brunette with a nice rack and even nicer smile, gave me a wink and said, “Come find us later.”
“Yeah, sure thing,” I answered, even though I wouldn’t.
I let out a pitiful sigh as I reached for my beer and took a long pull. When I set it back on the table, Seven side-eyed me and said, “Damn. You’re gonna make me do it, aren’t ya?”