The Country Duet(57)

Dave’s settled in the bed when I walk back into the room. He holds his hand out for the phone, eager to get his hands on it.

“Not sure you’re ready for this,” I joke.

“Give me the damn phone, son.” I hand him the phone and try to explain what he needs to do.

I give him a call from my phone to test out the ringer volume, and it’s not loud enough for him to hear, so I adjust the ring tone. Dave sets the phone on the bed next to him.

“Candy?” He grins slyly.

I pull the packages of candy from my pocket. Some things never do change. Dave still harasses the nurses and me for candy or any sweets. I’ve also chosen to be on his side of the war; it’s just easier that way.

“What are you doing after this?” he asks, gnawing on a peanut M&M.

“Friday night parties. The big college life,” I reply.

I promised Connor I’d join him tonight because I’m simply not in the mood to sit in my apartment. The encounter with Teale left me rattled beyond belief. In moments of solace, it worsens.

“It’s not called that.” Dave pops an orange M&M in his mouth with chocolate drool running down his chin.

“Oh, yeah?” I ask.

“It’s Friday night pussy.”

I can’t help but laugh and shake my head at the man. Of course, he’d go there.

“You getting any pussy tonight, Hunter?”

“No, Dave, just hanging out with buddies.”

We haven’t spoken of Teale, but it’s silently understood between us. The man is sharp as a tack and knows exactly what’s going on.

“Ah, life is short, take it by the pussy.”

A nurse had stepped into Dave’s room mid-sentence.

“Jesus, Dave,” I whisper and bury my face in my hands.

“My son here is looking for some pussy tonight. He’s a good man, and you’re a good-looking woman. How about it?”

She blushes a bright red. “I’m good. Thanks.”

“A run at me?” He flips back the blankets, smiling his full megawatt smile, drool and all.

“I’m sorry.” I shake my head.

If I had a dollar for every single time I’ve used that phrase apologizing for Dave, I’d be a billionaire.

“No worries. We are used to it.” She pats my shoulder and sends me a wink.

Once she’s out of the room, Dave goes on and on about how the nurse wants him until the doctor walks in.

“Good evening, Mr. Hendricks.”

Dave growls, popping in more M&M’s.

“Have some good news. It looks like you’ll be going home in a few days.” The doctor’s words are loud and clear, so Dave needs no interpretation. “We will have some care coming in every few days to check on you.”

“Bullshit. Ain’t nobody coming in my house to stick shit in my body. I’ve had enough fucking shit up my ass in here.”

“Mr. Hendricks, this will help you heal and stay healthy.”

“Not happening.”

The doctor glances over to me with a pleading gaze.

“Dave, I think it sounds like a good plan, and it will hopefully keep you out of this place and nursing homes in the future.”

He remains quiet for a few moments, then finally nods. We all learned real fast that Dave would take anyone head on, not letting up, but for some reason listens to me. The doctors discovered this quite quickly and waits for me to be in the room before discussing any issues with him.

“I’ll get it all setup and get the schedule to you.”

“And to my son,” Dave adds.

The doctor grins, but eventually nods in agreement before leaving.

Dave goes right back to demolishing his candy without a second thought. I know he doesn’t like it when I leave at night and tends to drag out conversations to keep me around him. He’s in candy devouring mode right now, so I spark up the conversation on my own.

“Bought a new motorcycle this summer and I’m going to start riding up here. Practicing for summer competition races.”

“Those things are damn death traps. Hate them.” Dave turns his head to stare at me. “Don’t be an idiot and ride.”

“Have been since I was a young kid. I’ve got all the gear and know what I’m doing.”

“Keep your ass off of it. Those are death machines. I’m not kidding, Hunter.”

“Okay, Dave.” He raises both hands in the air.

“I’m damn serious.”

I’ve only seen Dave passionate about his farm and being an asshole to people. His fierceness takes me by shock. There’s no way in hell I’ll ever stop riding, but I'm not going to argue with him.

“Good news, you get to go home in a few days, eh?”

“Yeah, got lots of work to do on the farm,” he replies.

And just like that, the subject is long gone.

***

“Get your ass up, Connor.” I throw a pillow at the sleeping giant on my couch. “Let’s go mow Dave’s lawn.”

“Need my mommy,” he mumbles into the pillow, then lets a fart rip.

“I’m not sure what’s more disturbing, you wanting your Mommy or the fact you’re stripped down to your boxers on my couch. Man, that’s one layer between my poor couch and your whacker.”