Page 81 of Marlin's Faith
“Now? Well, we head back to Bobby’s and wait, for one. When the Captain and your sister get back,” I lifted a shoulder in a shrug, “We go back to the Scarlett Ann and go from there.”
“I want to find something to do. I want to be useful.”
“Might need you to watch Johnny’s kids while we’re out on the water, think you could be up for that?”
She was silent for a long time, mulling it over, “Are you sure he would want me to? I mean I am still… I have… Maybe I’m not the best person.”
“Snakes bother you?” I asked.
“Snakes?” she asked confused, “Like poisonous ones?”
“Naw, constrictors.”
“I hadn’t thought much about it, but not overly much, I suppose, why?”
“We could put you and the kids with Hossler and her kids, so you could help each other. Would that make you feel better?”
“Maybe. That’s an idea… but why would I need to not be afraid of snakes?”
Marlin chuckled, “She breeds ‘em.”
“Oh. So not like really big snakes then.”
“No, not really big, no.”
“I think I could handle being around that.”
I smiled and hugged her a little tighter, “That’s my girl.”
We got up slowly, neither one of us reallywantingto move for being so full of my ma’s good food and being so relaxed. Still, we needed to get changed to ride and a move on back to Bobby’s house and it was time. I led her back to where our gear was stashed in my folks’ spare room and she slipped inside.
I went back out and waited so I could take my turn, my mama coming up to me, “She seems like a lovely girl, despite all her problems.”
“Yeah, that’s what I’m finding, too.”
“I worry about you, Son. I’m proud of you, but are you su-“ I stopped her gently with a look.
“I appreciate it, Ma, but I’m a grown ass man and I’m sure.”
She slapped my shoulder and made an exasperated noise, “Language!”
I laughed and she laughed too, the back slider opened up and we turned to watch Faith slip out. I couldn’t help it, the sight of her in my rag, and all the rest of her form fitting riding gear gave me one hell of a chub.
Bobby wandered over and sighed, “We about ready to hit it?” he asked and I nodded.
“Yeah, stay with my girl, I’ll be right back.” I bent down and kissed my mom on the cheek and went back to change myself, double timing it into my riding gear and back out.
Faith was saying goodbye to Johnny, my folks, and the kids and I joined in. Bobby was a reckless fucker and was riding in his shorts and tee shirt, without the benefit of any protective gear. I liked my hide intact and road rash free, so no thank you.
We slipped around the side of the house to the front and left Johnny to break the news of his impending divorce to my deeply religious and commitment oriented parents. He didn’t want us around for it, and I didn’t want Faith to see it get ugly. I was actually surprised my ma had kept it as low key as she had, then again, my parents weren’tstupidpeople. They saw the difference between Faith’s addiction and Danny’s as clear as I did.
I was buckling Faith’s helmet on when she placed her hands on mine and made me stop. I looked into her so serious face and cocked my head to the side, inviting her to say her piece.
“Do you think we could try again tonight?” she asked quietly and I smiled.
“Absolutely, Baby Girl.”
She smiled and it was a brave little quirk of her lips. I got on the front of my bike and she got on up after me. We rode back to Bobby’s, her face pensive over my shoulder in the side view mirror, and I couldn’t help but wonder what was weighing so heavy on her mind now.
