Page 21 of Ball Buster

“Why do you care? You’ve got Angel and from what I hear that waitress working for my old man thinks she’s yours too.”

“Done with Angel’s ass but that’s not important. All you need to know is to keep your dick away from Vada. She’s off limits.”

“Don’t tell me you’ve already been bitten by the damn love bug. Sad enough Norah wrapped Ace around her little finger in less than a week and now this chick who hasn’t been in town five minutes has her hooks in you.”

“You don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about.”

“Know that you motherfuckers fall in love at first sight.”

“Shit. Like you’re one to talk. You locked Jelissa down real quick. Just don’t know how the fuck to keep her.”

“Fuck you. Shit ain’t cool, man.”

“Truth hurts.”

“Not as much as stomping my boot in your ass will you talk anymore shit about my wife.”

“So she’s still your ol’ lady. Then what are you doing here sniffing around Vada?”

“Eat shit.”

“Did that once. Don’t recommend it.”

“You’re a nasty fuck.”

“You gonna tell me you never ate Jelissa’s ass before.”

“Not discussing my wife’s ass with you.”

“Then I suggest you worry about keeping Jelissa happy and fuck off with any thoughts you had about sliding up on and in Vada, got me?”

“Fucking hell. Another one bites the dust.” He chuckles and takes a heavy pull off his beer. The guys hang around long enough for three rounds and a few games of pool. Chaser keeps his eyes and mouth off Vada when she comes out of the office to what seems like her disappointment.

We’re back to it being the two of us. If we can’t keep some bodies on these stools, we won’t last much longer. “Might as well take all of tomorrow off and I’ll take you to Dandy’s so you can see for yourself what we’re up against.”

“Sounds like a plan. Earlier when your girlfriend was here.”

“She’s not my girlfriend.”

“Okay your fuck buddy or friends with benefits whatever you had going on. What did she mean by her dad offered to buy the bar?”

“Angel has a rich daddy who spoils her rotten. He’d buy the bar to keep her happy. To own and control me and another piece of the town. She thinks if her daddy buys the bar, she’s buying me. I’m not for sale.”

“Yikes.”

“Yup.”

“You ever thought about what you’d do with the place if the bar doesn’t work out?”

“No.”

“Maybe you should.” She glances around at the empty stools and tables.

I can’t imagine doing anything else. Not ever and yet deep down I know she’s right. I should be thinking about what if.

Chapter nine

Vada