A Wild Ride (Jessica Brodie Diaries #3)(2)

“No, you moron,” Lump said, getting impatient because she wasn’t making her point, “Adam knew I didn’t like help, and he let it be. He helped you, but didn’t reach out for me. He didn’t even watch. He walked on before I got over.”

“Yeah, probably because you’d get mad at him if he fawned all over you, and he didn’t want to deal with it.”

“Exactly.”

“Okay… so why is this noteworthy?”

She shrugged. “He respects me.”

“Of course he does. Why wouldn’t he?”

“I just never really thought he respected women.”

Lump and Adam both had an interesting background with violence. Both of them had fathers that lost their cool and hit. Adam’s dad had been far worse, forcing Adam to grow up protecting his mother and sisters, and finally fighting back, nearly killing his father. It set him up for a life of playing super hero to any damsel in distress. Which meant, he’d been looking after me since the first night we met when I nearly got raped at the rodeo.

The problem was, Adam had a rage in him that occasionally slipped his control. Lump had seen it, which made her untrusting and suspicious of his character, being that her father had had the same rage. She was only now starting to realize he was mostly good. He was exactly the man I thought him, which was dependable, sweet and honest. Also, William’s best friend.

“You heard why he has a protection complex,” I said, stopping again. “It doesn’t mean he hates women. I’ve always thought the opposite, in fact. He cares a great deal for his mother and sisters—so much so that he—“

“Yeah, yeah, I know all that. I just—I don’t know. He just says things that sound like he doesn’t think women can fend for themselves.”

“That’s you not listening,” I moderated, nailing in another nail. “He doesn’t think they should have to, not that they can’t. Obviously he knows you can. And me, sometimes. I beat on the guy all the time. He’s said how hard I hit.”

“Yeah, but… I don’t know. I always thought he was just placating you.”

“You probably thought that so you could continue to see him for the bad, and not have to face a guy capable of awful that makes such an effort to be good. Possibly so you can continue hating your father?”

That was a wild stab in the dark.

“Don’t try to Dr. George me, Jessica.”

I shrugged. Dr. George had only been necessary since I got to Texas. Two rape attempts, one with a gun, both with violent endings, and I needed someone to talk to.

Lump was now seeing him, too, to work through her issues.

“He’s really nice to you,” Lump went on. “Always helping you, or helping Willie or one of the other guys. He treats you like family.”

“Yeah, he treats me like his sister. He thinks of William like a brother so he’s brought me into the fold. Did so before William and I were actually together—I think it was the Dusty thing. I don’t think he’s forgiven himself for not being there. Moose or William, either, but William is allowed to baby me and Moose knows I really only need help for the big stuff.”

“They do all fawn over you.”

“Dusty thing. They fawn over Candace, too, but it’s hard to see because she is always hard glued to Ty. Maybe the long-term gals get more attention. Like a pack of dogs. Except for you, because you are more like a dude than a chick.”

“Do you listen to yourself half the time? I think you just talk with no idea what comes out of your mouth.”

“I listen half the time! What, you want me to always know what I’m saying? That is way too much effort!”

Lump huffed and got back to nailing, saying, “Do you think I should apologize for thinking the way I have?”

“Nah. I think you should just stop being a jerk. He’ll probably be glad not to have to wear kid gloves around you.”

“Ass.”

“You asked.”

I was busy shopping for Christmas presents for everyone in the weeks to come. Gladis was being generous and not making me pay rent for November and December so I could buy presents. I protested but got the stern look, so I said thank you meekly.

I got her a weird porcelain figurine for her giant collection. Lady told me which one she wanted. They were pricy little buggers. I didn’t understand the appeal, but they apparently only went up in value the older they got, so I guess they were a good, if unattractive, investment.

Lady got a VISA gift card that was to be used for a night out. I didn’t know what else to get her.

Lump got a punching bag and a gift card to her favorite make-up place. I had to throw something girlie in there, for God sake.

Adam had been complaining that he needed a new pair of cowboy boots, but the ones he had fit like a glove, so he hated to get rid of them. I, therefore, got him a custom made pair from the best leather worker in the state, which happened to be just outside the city. They were more a thank you for the car, but disguised as a Christmas gift they would be harder to reject because of the expense.

Christmas this year would be spent at the Davies ranch, which was apparently a tradition. Gladis and Lady were invited, Lady declining because she would be with family—also, I think, because she felt uncomfortable as a guest. Lump was also invited, and accepted because she didn’t want to go home to her family that year. She said she needed to sort out her head first.