Hudson thanked me again for helping out and reiterated that I would drink free whenever I wanted. I thanked him, knowing I owed Hudson way more than one night behind the bar. If it weren’t for him, I’d still be nursing my resentment toward Andre and Joelle and would probably have ruined the only relationship I had left that wasn’t blood.
“I didn’t know you were a bartender,” Andre said when we were in the truck.
I nodded. “Two years in college. It was a good job. Decent money, lots of phone numbers, and the hours never interfered with classes.”
“You didn’t have morning classes?”
“Sure, but I had enough time after I got off work to get a few hours of sleep and be up. You know I like the morning.”
Andre chuckled. “Yes, you do.” He pulled in behind my shop and slid the truck into park. “Are you doing okay?”
“Yes, Dad, I’m fine.”
Andre flipped me off. “We worry about you.”
“Tell Joelle I’m fine. I promise. I want what you two have, but I know Reegan wasn’t the one for me to have that with. It’s all good. It would be even better if you stopped asking me if I’m hung up on her or talking to her or want to get back together with her or whatever the hell else you’re going to come up with.”
Andre smirked. “Yeah, but how would I get you out if I didn’t do that?”
“Asshole,” I mumbled as I opened the door. “Thanks for the ride.”
“See you in the morning.”
I waved as he backed out, turning around and disappearing around the side of the building.
I let myself in the back, then went up the stairs to my apartment. I loved living in the same building as work. At first, it was cheap, and I was sinking all my money into making the store a success. After years of living and working under the same roof, it was home. It certainly wasn’t special, and it wasn’t fancy, but I loved being there. It was just big enough for me, and that was all I needed.
I turned on the TV and grabbed a beer from the fridge. I sat down on the couch and pulled my phone out, reading TooBusy’s message again before I typed out a response.
DirtyLife
I think that’s a pretty nice compliment, too. Sounds like you have a great kid.
I didn’t expect a reply from her since it usually took a few days before she wrote back, but three dots appeared next to her name, then a message popped up.
TooBusy
I meant, what’s a compliment you’ve never forgotten? But yeah, she is pretty great.
DirtyLife
I honestly can’t think of one.
TooBusy
None? No one has ever given you a compliment that you never forgot?
DirtyLife
Nope. I’ve had people tell me they like my work or they appreciate me, but something like what you said? Nope.
TooBusy
I’m guessing that means you don’t have kids.
DirtyLife
No kids. No wife. No husband. Not even a pet.
