Page 10 of Ever's Last
Memphis
Ilook like a clown and feel like nothing but a fraud . . . because I am. Thisisn’tme, but that’s the point. Even growing up here, I was never the cowboy type. I wore combat boots, jeans, and t-shirts. I still do to this day.
Linc gave me long wrangler jeans that are so tight, if I become excited in any way, my cock will blow through the zipper. The boots are beat up, but that’s what Sal wants. Lincoln and I are the same shoe size, so I’m borrowing his for the night. I have on a plaid dress shirt and a blazer with an intricate design, and the added bonus is the hat on my head. I’m going to get laughed out of town. Not this town, but other towns. That song all about roots, it never stuck with me. I’ve been spoiled by the big city.
I only visit during the holidays when my mom isn’t pissed at me, and I never stay long. My visits are so short, no one in town even knows I’m here or remembers seeing me. I like to keep it that way. But now that I’m here for an extended stay, I’m rethinking my whole life. After the horse incident, I realized I missed things like that. I miss a lot of things, including Ever. I miss our times in the barn mucking stalls and listening to music, or star gazing. I miss her reasoning and logic. I don’t deserve her. She was a good friend, putting up with me, taking the shit my friends threw at her even when it hurt, giving me advice on how to win over Skye, and I basically gave her the middle finger by leaving. Yep, I’m officially a dick.
“You’ll get used to it,” Linc states.
“Will I?” I stare at myself in the mirror.
“Nope, but I guess you have no choice.”
“Thanks for the support,” I reply dryly.
He just nods, only trying to help. Then again, he doesn’t care for me. Linc has been there for Ever when I wasn’t. He’s been a good friend, so I get why he’s angry with me.
“What’s for dinner?” I ask, changing the subject. If I can’t have sex, food is the second-best.
“I’m not sure. Those are Shane’s ideas and even we don’t know. Ever would be the only one who does. Don’t worry, whatever it is will be good.” I stiffen as he mentions her name. I haven’t seen her yet. Just because I miss her doesn’t mean it will be a joyful reunion. Linc nods as he exits and Brick enters.
“Holy shit.” Brick whistles and laughs. Dick.
“Don’t even start. I don’t know why I let you talk me into this. Don’t you have matches coming up or something else to do?”
“Nope. I rescheduled. I didn’t want to miss this. And you need a voice of reason since you never listen to Sal.”
“Why should I?” It’s because of Sal I’m dressed like a dime-store cowboy, and not in a good way. No one will buy this get up.
“One, he’s your agent. He makes or breaks you. Second, he’s family. And he got you a fight in Atlanta. He wants the girls to see you in action to see if they can handle it.” He has this look about him that I don’t like. He’s hiding something.
Sal isn’t family to me, but I do consider him like an uncle since he’s helped me out with so much. Serafina, his wife, is Shane’s sister. She was around a lot when I came over to hang out with Ever.
“Ready?” Brick asks from the door.
“I guess.”
“I know you’re not happy and I think that’s great. I mean, it makes you look humble and I live for your misery,” Brick snorts, “but try to put a smile on for the camera.”
“Asshole,” I mutter as he starts to laugh.
I’m told to stand under a pergola under the biggest oak tree in the yard. It’s all lit up with twinkling lights. I should see this as romantic, and that’s what they’re going for. I hate to break it to everyone, but I’m not a romantic kind of guy. This entire show is just to repair the public’s perception of me.
Behind me are couches so the women can sit, have some drinks, and chat while I take the time to talk to each one. I’m nervous about meeting the women. Why do I care? I shouldn’t care— I’m just doing this to get back to what I love.
“Can we get this train wreck started?” I’m whining, which probably proves the point that I need to fix myself.
“Action.” I fidget while waiting for the first girl to arrive.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is Memphis Bradford. You know him, you love him, and now he’s going to find his one true love starting tonight. Memphis, are you ready to meet the women?”
The host of the show turns to me. I don’t even know his name.
“Yes, I’m ready.”
“Let’s meet the women that Memphis has to choose from right here onChicken Fried Love.” I about choke on-air. That’s the name of the show? Really, Sal? Fucking corny.
An ATV rolls up and the first girl gets off.
