Page 17 of Letters Book Two
“Listen to yourself, Perry. ‘Jack handled that,’You sound like you’re incapable of being real without Jack being here. I hate to break it to you, mister, but he isn’t going to be able to assist you any longer.” He leaned forward and whispered, “He’s dead and you’re a big boy.”
“That’s harsh. I thought we were friends.”
“Yeah? Well, more headlines for you, Mr. Jackson. This is whatrealfriends do. They tell you what they think, and they have your back too.” He waved at one of the gardening crew, giving him a thumbs up. “Do you have any friends, Perry? And I mean, likereal friends.” He waved his hand around. “You know, not the assholes that like all this.” He pointed to himself. “I’m talking about the ones like me, that actually like you, for you. I don’t give a rat’s ass about all your shit, man. You need more of my types and less of your fake-ass rich friends. I don’t see any of them here. Why’s that?”
“I don’t know. Jack handled that. See? I can’t do shit without Jack.” He was right again. I really didn’t have a close friend. And I couldn’t count Preston, he’s my brother. He has no choice but to love me.
“I’m your friend. And guess what?”
I looked across the table at him. Sad at the realization that I didn’t really have any friends. Not real friends, as he mentioned. “What?”
“I met you when you were alone. There was no Jack. No one to coordinate your life. It was just you, all by your lonesome. And, guess what? I liked you immediately, Perry. You were open and kind and you wanted to know me, remember?”
“Well, you were so damn cute too. That certainly helped.”
He laughed and waved a hand in my face. “Stop! I’m serious. You built this friendship with me too. It took your effort and your willingness to want to know me. You can do it, my friend. And guess what? I like you... quite a bit actually. And my folks? That was you too. They adore you. See how this works?”
So, I’m sort of douchey, but still friend material?”
“Exactly!” Chad smiled and started stacking his dishes.
“You really are my friend, aren’t you?”
He held his hand toward mine, asking me to hold it. I grabbed it. “Yes I am. Currently your best friend. I love you more every day, Mr. Jackson, and I believe you can make more. I see shit like that.”
“Trust me, I’ve noticed.”
Michael showed up on the balcony to clear our table but instead found Chad already bussing it and putting dishes on the rolling cart.
“That’s my job, sir.”
“First off, Michael, please call me Chad. And second, I’m a big boy.” He nodded toward me. “And, so is he. We got this.” Michael stood there staring at the mad, half-naked creature before him. He turned to me, slightly off his game.
“He’s right, Michael. I am also a big boy. I’ll put the cart in the kitchen.”
“But, sir.”
“It’s Perry, remember? Please call me Perry. And we got it.” I placed a hand on Michael’s shoulder. “It’s going to be ok, Michael.”
“Very well, sir.”So much for that.Michael turned to answer the doorbell that I heard ringing in the distance.
Chad came to my side and put his arm around my shoulder. “Not everyone will buy-in right away, Perry. It will take time to reinvent yourself. Give everyone that time. You cool, Mr. Jackson?”
“Yeah, I’m cool, dude.”God!I sounded a hundred and ten.
“The visitor was FedEx, sir.” Michael handed me a box that probably contained my new cell phone.
CHAPTER-SEVENTEEN: Lucas
“You don’t usually come in on Wednesdays ma’am. Did you run out of gas?” I hadn’t expected to see Mrs. Howard.
“You’re correct, son. I’m normally at the ladies church luncheons today. But, truth be told, I’m being a nosy old lady today.” She pulled her door handle to get out, so I held the door open as she stood. “I’m going to apologize ahead of time, son.”
“Oh? Ok. For what, ma’am.” She leaned against her car. I pointed to the gas pump and raised my eyes.
“Yes, please. I’m here so why not kill two birds?” she said.
“What’s on your mind, Mrs. Howard? Am I in trouble?”
