Page 123 of Paint the Town, Dove
Mom left town, Tav told me. Gone like a puff of smoke in a windy back alley. I guess I should be grateful, happy even. Problem solved and all.
But what if –
Ah.
Thewhat ifs, right. That’s what tortured me.
What if she meant to stay this time?
What if she wanted to come back?
What if she really needed me?
What if I really needed her –
No, holy fuck,NO!Get it the fuck together, Ryden.
She never gave a damn, did she? And now I’m stuck in my own head dueting with a girl who can’t sing (well, you don’t know that Ryden) and clawing after your best friend who can’t even look at you after you ripped her goddamn heart out in the process of shredding yours–
“We’re leaving.” Scarlett had my hand in hers, dragging me through the back door where Morty waited.
“Forgot I showed you this exit,” I laughed, squeezing tighter.
“Give us a second, will you, Morty?” Scarlett kicked open the heavy steel door, letting it slam behind us.
We were beside the building, nothing but a brick wall and an old photobooth resting near the fence.
I loved that photobooth.
Don’t know why the club got rid of it.
I mean… It’s not gone. Still there.
Just like my dove.
Not like my mom.
Scarlett leaned against the wall, unlatching a pack ofBelmonts. “She’s not here anymore, you know?”
“Thought you quit smoking a year ago.” I held out my hand. “Belmonts aren’t sold here, where’d you –”
“Timb,” she said, taking a drag. “Canadian import.”
“Ah.”
“Want to talk about anything else, Ry? Anything else but goddamn cigarettes?”
I stepped over to the photobooth, pulling aside the curtain. “Nothing to say, just wanted your company.”
A plume of smoke escaped her lips. “You’ve had it.”
“When?”
“Right,” she laughed, “your benders cause memory loss. I forgot about that.”
I fumbled with my coke chain, pulling out the vile. “You got a one?”
She stubbed out her cigarette. “Are you trying to piss me off?”
