The Country Duet(79)

Dave’s eyebrows shoot up in shock. He takes full advantage on her offer, soaking up all the boob he can take in. I walk the nurses out and go about my typical apology for Dave’s behavior.

“Don’t worry about it. We have a lot worse than him.”

I appreciate their kindness and understanding. If it were me, I’d be fired by now putting up with him. Dave’s studying his rings when I walk back in and reminds me all about emptying the fuel tank, cleaning out his freezer, and some other miscellaneous tasks around the farm. I might lie to him about little things, but would never deny him anything else.

“Sounds good. I’ll be back tomorrow, Dave.”

“Make sure you get all that fuel used. Just burn it up in your old truck.”

“Got it.” I nod, knowing damn well that fuel is shit and will more than likely burn up my engine.

I feel every single minute of the drive back to Moscow. I’ve been staying at Teale’s apartment since the night she drove me home from the hospital. My parents raised me better, but I need her right now. I plan on letting the lease go on my apartment and moving in with Teale after my mom and sisters visit. The sparkling ring still in the black velvet box is eager to be nestled on a finger. It will be happening real soon.

When I open the front door, it’s like walking into a disaster zone. Baker is in tears sobbing hard, and Teale is fighting back laughter.

“I told him if he shows his pecker again, Hunter is gonna kick his ass.”

“I understand that, sweetie.”

“And I had to put my head down at playtime for saying ass, but Carl told us he could show his pee pee anytime he wanted because he’s the smartest.”

Teale makes eye contact with me before I’m able to moonwalk my ass out right out of the apartment.

“Hunter, sit.” Teale points, using her full mother-mode voice.

Shit, the woman makes me quake in my boots. When I settle in on the couch, Baker grabs my hand. Teale stands in front of us with her hands on her hips. I’m sure Baker can’t pick it up, but I see the smile Teale is fighting to bite back.

I raise my free hand. “It’s my fault. She told me the story on the way to school this morning, and I gave her advice.”

“You advised her to threaten another child?”

I shrug, fully realizing now it wasn’t the best of decisions.

“Tell her, Hunter!” Baker gets out between sobs.

“I did tell her that I’d kick Carl’s ass. He shouldn’t have done what he did.” I peer down to Baker. “Did Carl ever get in trouble?”

“He never had to put his head down or have the other kids point and laugh at him.”

“Okay, that’s it.” I stand up. “I shouldn’t have said ass, but I don’t regret threatening to kick his…” I search for the perfect word. “Booty. But, Teale, this is bull crap, and you need to go talk to the teacher or I will.”

The amount of time I censored myself in the rampage is gold medal worthy.

She nods. “I agree. I was explaining to Baker how sometimes things aren’t fair and you have to do your best to get through them. We’ve also been discussing how some adults use certain words that pretty little girls shouldn’t.”

I turn to Baker, sitting back down next to her. I let her climb in my lap and wait until I have her full attention. “Your momma is right. I still face things in life that aren’t fair, but I have to learn to adjust.”

Her chin still trembles, but she nods, soaking up each of my words. Teale joins us on the couch, and we begin watching The Secret Life of Pets. Halfway through, Teale uncurls from Baker and returns later with a dinner plate for me. Steak, mashed potatoes, and a green salad make my stomach lurch in pain, even though I’m hungry.

I know what will happen if I scarf down this meal like I used to do. I pick at the potato and some of the veggies on the green salad, and then eat little bits of the steak. Even Dave picked up today that I’ve been losing weight.

“Thanks, babe.” I reach over and kiss Teale on the cheek, careful not to smash Baker.

She winks back at me, then balances her MacBook on her lap. I know she’s working on her blog. It’s in rare moments like these that she keeps it updated, but she’s always snapping pictures of her and Baker to put on it. She’s been receiving packages from clothing companies to highlight on her blog.





Chapter 19


Hunter


Life ain’t always beautiful but it’s a beautiful ride. -Gary Allan


“Bubba, this is just…”

Mom is left speechless in the middle of Dave’s house. She hasn’t met him yet, but rode out with me to his place to take care of the freezer. Dave has been riding my ass to make sure I cleaned it out, and I am burning up the leaded gasoline. Even though he’s confined to a bed in a new nursing home, it doesn’t stop him from making sure I get the job done right, and that means his way.

“How have you done this?” She turns to me with her jaw wide open.

I shrug. “I do it for him, Mom.”

Tears begin to fill her eyes. “You are a unique soul. I’m so proud of you.”

She rolls up her sleeves and begins helping me clean out the freezer. Most of the shit is dated from ten years ago and not even suitable for wild animals to consume. By the time we are finished, there are a dozen trash bags filled with old food.