Page 66 of Defended By Bam
“You never overdo it, though. I’ll be waiting forever.” Glenda had a few beers from time to time, but didn’t drink a lot, and as far as I knew, didn’t do any drugs. Some of the other girls did occasionally.
If I didn't have Sofie, who knows? I could be inclined to dabble. But even getting shitfaced the other night was irresponsible. I felt bad, but the other ladies really were like having a tribe. I wasn’t used to it, so I felt guilty accepting their help. But they made it seem as if they didn’t see it as helping, they appeared to genuinely enjoy hanging out with Sofie.
Glenda giggled, then leaned up, stretching and twisting at her waist. “I’ve been sitting here too long, anyway. I need something, too. And Sofie is having too much fun to care if she’s hungry.” She stood up, pulling a cover-up over her shoulders. “I’ll go gather some food and be back out. It’s so nice outside. Gotta take advantage while we still can.”
Pinkie and Sofie had returned, then after a short while, Glenda came back with a tray of chicken tenders, boneless wings, fries, and assorted condiments. One of the other ladies that helped in the kitchen brought out some drinks for us, all non-alcoholic.
I forced myself out of the pool to eat, and we all quietly stuffed our faces. After Sofie ate just one tender and a few fries, she stood up. “Is Bama gone all day again?”
“Not sure, sweet girl. Why?”
She shrugged. “Just miss him. And I miss Fluffikins.”
We all collectively said, “Awww.” Then I reached out for her after I wiped my saucy hands. “I miss him, too. But he’s working. Hopefully we can spend more time with him this week. But you get to go back to school and see your friends tomorrow. And you can see Fluffikins later tonight. We may be home late but if you don’t wake up when we get there, you’ll see him in the morning, okay?” Fluffikins was the stuffed bunny Bama bought for herwhen we first arrived. The toy was nearly as big as her, so we opted to not take it out of town with us.
“Okay. Can I get back into the pool?” she asked.
“Okay, but floaties back on and stay in the shallow end. Don’t need you cramping up.”
Once we secured her floaties on her arms, she got back into the pool and Glenda leaned closer, almost whispering, “You know, some folks say that’s an old wives’ tale.”
“I’m sure,” I said, swatting at a fly. They had torches, and someone had the sense to plant citronella around the pool to keep mosquitoes to a minimum, but food still attracted flies. “Hell, one of the only times my mom showed up for anything, she argued with the pediatrician because she told us not to let her sleep on her tummy. Mom told her she was stupid because she put me on my tummy, and I was fine.”
“Yeah, medical advice seems to change based on the day of the week you ask,” Glenda said. “But even so, I think she’s okay to swim, but you’re her mom.”
“I doubt anything will happen to her here,” I chuckled, popping a fry in my mouth. “I’ve never had real friends, so…” I wasn’t really sure where I was going with that or why I even said it.
“Hey, I told you, we’re besties now. You’re stuck with us,” Glenda said with a wink.
“Yep. You’re one of us now, Linny,” Pinkie said. “Especially after jumping some random hoe for touching your man.”
We all broke into laughter, and I struggled not to choke on the boneless wing I’d just popped into my mouth. Once I finally got it down, I said, “I didn’t jump anyone. It was just a silly little–I don’t even know what to call it, but it was mostly a lot of pushing and pulling.” I was still giggling through my words. “And obviously, mystery shooters from Allie arenota good idea for me.”
“Hey, where is Allie, anyway?” Pinkie asked, looking back toward the clubhouse.
“Not sure. She and Bama were bickering the other night. She may be laying low.”
Glenda shrugged. “Sibling squabbles. She’ll get over it. But I’m surprised she even came to the rally.”
Sucking the hot sauce from my fingers, I asked, “Oh yeah? Why?”
Glenda sighed, dipping her boneless wing into the ranch. “The non-relationship between her and Hammer. But you didn’t hear that from me.”
“You mean like the non-relationship with you and Leigh?” Pinkie asked, grabbing a few fries and swatting at the same fly harassing me.
Glenda froze, then looked at Pinkie. Glenda was usually pretty happy-go-lucky, but daggers shot from her eyes as she stared down Pinkie.
Pinkie rolled her eyes and looked away. “Anyway…Hammer and Bama have been friends a long time. And you know, when he was in jail–” Her eyes widened, and she said, “Oh shit. Youdidknow that, right?”
Nodding, I answered, “Yeah. He mentioned it briefly. Drugs or something. I didn’t ask about it because I assume it wasn’t pleasant.”
“So, you don’t care?”
Dipping my fry into ketchup, I smirked. “Why would I?”
“I don’t know. Most of these guys have been in at least once or twice. But you’re just–”
“A goody-goody?” Grunting, I continued, “Hardly. I was trapped. And a little dead inside, honestly. I feel like I’ve woken up from a bad dream over the last few months. I can finally be me. But I shouldn’t be getting, what did you call it, Glenda? White girl wasted again until she’s a bit older.”
