Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 70630 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 353(@200wpm)___ 283(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70630 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 353(@200wpm)___ 283(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
“There’s a Braves game on tonight, that’s not crap.”
Sabrina huffed. “You could watch it at a bar, you know? Talk to a few other human beings?”
“Last time I checked, you were a human being. I’m talking to you now.” She gave an exasperated sigh.
I used to enjoy going out, but not anymore. Being out in a crowd made me jumpy, so I’d become a loner since I’d come back to the States. After over a year of civilian life, I still didn’t feel like I fit in. Was I ever going to be able to hang out with people who weren’t Marines? I hoped so, but I wished Sabrina wouldn’t push so hard.
“I appreciate the offer, okay? Maybe another time.”
Sabrina glared at me. “That’s what you said last time and the time before that.”
“Yes, I know. I’m just…” Lost. But I wasn’t about to say that. As good a friend as Sabrina had become in the last few months, that was way more than I wanted to share.
“You’re just a stubborn bastard, right?”
“You got it. And a hardass boss, so don’t stay out too late. We’ve got a new client to attend to tomorrow.”
“Ah shit, I forgot we took on another move-out cleaning.”
“’Tis the season.” Since starting my business, I had learned that more people moved in June than any other month, and we were raking in a lot of extra money because of it. I’d even been able to get my own place. I pulled into the parking lot of my building where Sabrina had met me that morning so we could take one car to the day’s jobs. Eventually, I hoped to rent an office, but for now, I worked out of a one-bedroom apartment, storing the cleaning equipment in the living room. “I’ll see you tomorrow at seven forty-five.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Why so early on a Saturday?”
“Because that’s when the client needs us.”
“Fuck.”
“Be safe if you do,” I teased.
Sabrina flipped me off and opened the passenger door. “You sure you don’t want to come?”
“Very.”
“All right, just… If there was something wrong, you’d tell me, wouldn’t you?”
“Why?” I wasn’t comfortable talking that much with anyone. My fellow Marines always had my back, but they didn’t talk about feelings.
“I care about you, and I want to make sure you’re okay.”
Heat prickled along my neck. Had she guessed? Or did she think something else was wrong? Whatever she thought, I didn’t want to discuss it. “I’m fine.” I waved toward her car. “Get out of here, Party Girl.”
“Yes, Mr. Hardass.” She took a few steps and then looked back over her shoulder. “I see through that act, you know.”
This time I did the eye rolling. “You believe whatever you want, but don’t be late for work.”
“Or what? You’ll fire my ass and miss out on having the best employee you’ll ever find?”
“I’ll take that risk.”
She snickered as she settled into her aging Civic and started the engine.
I headed inside. Alone. To watch baseball. Or maybe porn. Sabrina was right about one thing: I really needed to get laid.
3
Jeremy
“I’m he-eeeeere, and I have be-eeeeeer.”
“If you say, ‘I’m a poet and don’t know it’, you’re wearing that beer home,” I hollered, my voice echoing off the high ceiling of the kitchen.
David appeared in the doorway. “But I do know it.”
I gave him a look of disgust and took the six-pack he held out. “I also know you have Sparky’s.”
I laughed. David could scent good food from a block away. “Your timing is impeccable. The delivery guy just dropped it off.”
“Delivery? It’s like a mile from here.”
“You’re the one who keeps reminding me of all the money I have now. Why should I get off my rich ass and go get food when some guy will bring it to me for a few bucks more?”
David tilted his head and rubbed his chin as if giving the idea careful consideration. “Good point. How hot did you get it?”
“Medium. And I got you a leg quarter.”
“Awww, you know I can eat MediumPlus.”
Sparky’s was known for their outrageous spiciness. Their mild was as spicy as most people could take it, and their medium was like most places’ extra hot. “The last time you went that spicy you spent the next day in the bathroom. If you’re staying here tonight, I don’t want to face those consequences.”
David pouted. “Fine. What else did you get?”
“Fries, obviously.”
“And slaw?”
“Yes.” I loved drawing it out, watching David’s excitement build.
“And corn pudding?” David was bouncing like a kid. No one would know he was a well-respected Assistant DA.
“Of course.”
“Dessert?”
“Cheerwine cake.”
David dramatically laid his hands over his heart. “I could kiss you.”
I screwed up my face at the thought. “Ewww. Don’t.”
“You have no idea what you’re missing.” David winked as he reached into one of the bags. He was straight, but he would also flirt with anyone.