Page 9 of Ball Buster

What the hell was that? I’ve seriously got issues. I watch him from the small window in the living room, waiting for him to go inside his place before I go out to my car to retrieve my sim card and my bags.

He putters around doing something on his porch a few minutes and I wonder if he’s waiting me out. Why I don’t know, but he’s stalling. At least that’s the impression I’m getting because he doesn’t seem to be doing anything other than killing time.

Finally, he goes inside giving me an opportunity to go to my car while avoiding him before I die of embarrassment from that stupid salute like we’re soldiers or something.

I swap my sim card into the other cell and wait for it to boot. I know Millie is about to pop a gasket. I was due to call her hours ago. I dread telling her I’m not coming back.

She answers on half a ring with an impatient, “Where the heck have you been?”

“Had a mishap with my phone, but I have a replacement. I’m fine. No need to call the police,” I tell her on a laugh, attempting to lighten her mood.

“Lord, Vada. You’ve had me worried sick. I was about ready to start that way and look for your car. Had me thinking I would find it abandoned on the side of the freeway.”

“It’s not that serious.”

“Are you insane? Don’t answer that. You’re okay though? Things are on the up and up?”

I’ve watched too many crime documentaries with her. She’s always had a crazy imagination and is prone to overreacting at times. “Yes. All good. I met Solo. He’s a bit of an asshole, but there’s a nice side to him.”

“Asshole how?”

“I don’t know,” I murmur, not wanting to get into all the complications and how I find him attractive. She’ll have me committed.

“Is he cute?”

“You could say that.”

“You’re not being very forthcoming.”

“It’s been a long and interesting day, but I don’t think I want to sell.”

“He was lowballing you. What an asshole.”

“It isn’t like that.” I can’t believe I’m defending him, but she’s not here and hasn’t met him or saw the bar.

“Okay. Then what’s it like?”

“Can we talk about it later? I’m kind of exhausted and I have plenty to do if I plan to get any sleep anytime soon.”

“What hotel are you staying at?”

I bite my lip. One reason she didn’t insist on traveling with me was I promised to check in often and that I would get a nice hotel room. Well something decent. And I needed to do this on my own. I love Millie but sometimes she tries to mom me which is silly considering I’m a month older than she is.

“About that…I.”

“You what?”

“You see Les had a trailer and I thought I could stay here and maybe get to know him. I mean about his life or whatever.”

“Is that safe? Do you want me to come there?”

I sigh. No. I don’t want her to come running.

“Is that Vada? Did she have any car trouble?” I hear Mrs. Jeffers in the background.

“No. I’m an adult, you know. I get you mean well, and I love you for always looking out for me, but this is something I need to do for me.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry. We worry about you, and I’ve always looked out for you. Someone had to do it.”

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