Page 8 of Ball Buster

“Guess I’m going to check out the state of the trailer. What time does the bar open tomorrow? I still owe for that drink, and I’d like to see things in action.”

“Opens at ten, but we don’t see much of anyone till lunch or later. We do most of our business in the evening.”

“So I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

“If you need anything. I’m across the way. You might get some inquiries about his Harley.”

“I don’t know anything about motorcycles. Is that something you’d be willing to help with? I’d split the money with you.”

“I’ll make sure you get a fair deal. No charge.”

“I wouldn’t feel right about it. The two of you must’ve been close.”

“We can discuss it later. Kind of beat. Got some shit I need to handle. Before I forget I’ll get you that phone.”

“I appreciate it. I’m sure Millie is losing her mind not hearing from me.”

“That your mom?”

Her nose does that adorable scrunch. “No. She’s my best friend. More like my sister really. Her parents took me under their wing and well her dad is like my own.”

“It’s good you had that.” She seems confused by my statement, but I don’t have the mental capacity to dig deeper. “I’ll get you that cell.”

I leave her standing in the driveway needing a minute to get myself in check. This chick has me confused, horny, and sad all at once. I don’t know if I want to hug her, tell her to get lost, or fuck her. Maybe all three but not in that order.

Chapter four

Vada

The camper sits on top of a freaking mountain or hillside. I don’t know what to call it, but it’s breathtakingly beautiful here. A great spot for a house. No nosy neighbors yet close enough to town that you don’t feel isolated. The two trailers or whatever you want to call them face each other with a kick ass firepit and seating area separating them. It’s strange but I get this weird sensation deep in my gut as though I’m meant to be here. Like I could really make a home of my own here. Other than having to see Solo on a daily basis, it’s kind of perfect. Judging by the state of the bar I was expecting a dump. Only the landscaping is kept up and the trailers don’t look like rusting tin cans or dingy. Solo’s even has a small porch attached to the front with a swing on one end that I’m kind of envious of at the moment. I’ve always wanted a porch swing. A place to lounge with a good book while windchimes play their song in the wind.

Though I could get a freestanding hammock. That could be cool. Solo left me to go grab the extra cell phone he says I can use until I get a replacement for mine. I’m kind of grateful because I didn’t come here with much in my bank account. I’m not about to share that information with him. I know he wants me to sell. That it was likely never in his life plans to get saddled with me but for some reason Les wanted this for me. Whether that is due to guilt or blood I don’t know.

Solo seems to have gotten lost inside his place. I open the door to the yellow and white trailer pleasantly surprised that it’s not completely gross. At first glance yeah, some things need replaced and upgraded, but a little paint and decorations could liven the place up and take it from dude cave to chic.

The front room has a tv mounted to the end wall with a futon facing the doorway and a small table. In the middle is a kitchen complete with a stove, fridge, and sink. Then a bathroom that surprisingly has a stackable washer and dryer. Then a small bedroom with a full-sized mattress and a dresser, but if I did a platform bed with storage underneath that would solve the problem of no closet. All I see is possibilities where others would run.

The space is practical but kind of cute.

The door opens unexpectedly, and I jump. “Heard of knocking?”

“Sorry. Old habits die hard. Got used to just letting myself in when I was looking after Les.” Before I can ask why he calls him Les he produces a cell phone. “It’s unlocked for use with any carrier. All you gotta do is put your sim card in.”

“Seriously. Thank you. I’ll return it later this week.” I accept the phone and get another whiff of his cologne only this time its mixed with the scent of asphalt and leather. He smells like danger and my insides warm at the scent.

“Don’t mention it. You can have it. I don’t have any use for it. I tried to get Les to use it, but he hated them. Said they ruined the world. That and the internet. Was a bit old fashioned like that and of the mind if it ain’t broke…”

“Don’t fix it,” I finish for him.

“Exactly.”

Well that explains the state of the bar appearing as though it hasn’t been updated in three decades or ever.

“Thanks again.”

“No problem. See you tomorrow.” He flashes me a smile and my stupid heart skips a beat.

I’ve got to get past thinking he’s hot. I throw up a hand to my brow saluting him like a complete and utter jackass. He gives me a weird look and hurries out.

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