Page 24 of Ball Buster

I know I should correct Angel but it’s easier this way. Letting her believe whatever she wants will force her to get over this faster. “Take care of yourself.” I let her go and leave her crying on the sidewalk. I climb on my bike and follow after Vada.

I knew Les always had a few tricks up his sleeve but this…his scheme for me to marry his Vada or risk losing the bar all together is crazy. So damn insane it may be what I need. Now all I have to do is get her to agree.

When I pull up, she’s squaring off at the door to her trailer with Tater. He’s sitting on the top step waiting to be let inside. Vada is at the bottom of the steps with a hand to her hip. She twists around to face me. “Do something with your dog.”

“He probably just wants his blanket.”

“His blanket?”

“The quilt that hangs over the back of the futon belongs to Tater.”

She does a jerk and a shudder moves through her as her nose scrunches up. “I’ve slept with that. You could have told me. Or I don’t know, warned me.”

“He’s family. Might as well get used to it.”

“Isn’t it illegal to keep them as pets in Kentucky?”

“You going to turn me in?” I take a step toward her.

“What are you doing?” She’s looking at me like she doesn’t trust me.

I reach around her and push the door open for Tater.

“Hey,” she whines.

I stroke her cheek. “Tater comes as part of the package. Might as well get used to it.”

“Who said I want to marry you? I’ve spent the past few days thinking you were possibly related to me. I can’t shift gears that quickly.”

“What gave you that idea?”

“The photo at the bar you were with Les and I’m guessing your mom. I thought.”

“You didn’t think to ask me. Les and my father were close friends. The bar was meant to be their business. My mom and him ran it until she passed and then it was my turn.”

“I had no clue.”

“Damn that explains a helluva lot.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You and your eww that’s gross. Don’t call me, babe. It’s improper.”

“I don’t sound like that.”

“Hate to burst your bubble but that’s exactly how you come across.”

“Whatever.” She rolls her eyes.

“Why don’t we start over. Pretend that we haven’t spent the past few days at each other’s throats and get to know each other. No pressure. No talk of business or marriage. Let’s spend the next four days together. No strings. No expectations. Monday morning I’ll meet you somewhere for breakfast and then we can share our decisions.”

“You think it’s that simple?”

“I think it can be if you allow it to be. Let’s just see where these next few days lead us.”

“All right. Deal.” She holds her hand out for me to shake.

I knock on the door to Vada’s trailer. It takes her a minute, but she throws the door back wearing a hideous green mask on her face. “Hope you’re planning to wash that shit off before we ride out.”

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