Page 59 of King of Pain
Me: Hey, Murph. How’s she doing?
Inhale.
Murph: Hey man. She’s good. Quiet. We’re running shifts posted across from the house. I tailed her to the grocery store yesterday. She looks good. No bruises or anything.
Exhale.
Me: Good. Thanks for keeping an eye on her. I worry.
Murph: You know I’ve got her. Doves take care of their own. How’re things out there?
I feel bad. I haven’t really caught up with Murph since I got here. Just quick wellness checks on how Ma’s doing. I glance around the apartment. The kitchen that suddenly has fancy utensils and spices I can’t even pronounce, the course books scattered on the dining table—and the guy currently asleep on the couch, Little G curled up under his arm.
Me: It’s beautiful. Good. I’m working at this record shop called Devil Records. Taking art classes. Trying to live normal for once.
Murph: Devil Records? That’s got your name all over it.
Me: Ha. Ha. But, yeah, it’s a good place. Chill. Good people. Keeps my head busy.
Murph: I hear that. Hey, have you heard from that guy Christian we used to run with recently?
Freezing a second, my thumb hovers over the screen.
Me: Christian?
Murph: Yeah. You two were tight, weren’t you?
Me: A little. He’s still in Boston, I think. We don’t talk much these days.
Murph: Huh. Thought you two were closer than that.
I frown at the screen. Why’s he asking about Christian now? Does he know?
Me: We were. Things got complicated.
Murph: Complicated how?
I rake a hand through my hair before typing.
Me: You know he comes from one of those old-money families, right? Big houses, country clubs, all about appearances. He hates it. Always has. But he’s stuck.
Murph: Yeah, but he never played into all that. That’s why he hung out with the likes of us, right?
Me: Yeah, he rebelled against it a little. But where it matters, like leaving, he doesn’t give himself that choice.
Murph: Sounds rough.
Me: It is. Why the sudden interest?
Murph: No reason. Forget I mentioned it.
Weird.
Me: Hey, thanks again for keeping an eye on Ma.
Murph: Always. Focus on your new life out there. I’ve got it handled here.
Me: Appreciate you, Murph. Stay safe.
