Page 4 of Marcus: Sins of the Father

“They’re not for me, but—” I trail off, glancing behind me at Billy and TJ with a pleading look.

Billy throws his hands up. “Fuck it. We deserve a beer after this shit show of a night.”

I smile like a prisoner who just got a reprieve. “Three beers, Brandy.”

“What’ll you have? We have quite a few on tap.” She gestures at the wall behind her.

“Oh, right. Um, something local and not some flavored shit.”

She scans us up and down. “I’m sure I can find one to your liking.”

My eyes skate over her body. “I’m sure you can.”

She draws us three drafts, brimming to the top, and sets the frosted glasses in front of our stools. “So, where are you boys from?”

“We’re from San Jose, doll,” Billy responds.

She glares at him.

“Oh, she doesn’t like being called doll. I’m sure I can warm her up to it, though.” I throw in the hint at her earlier words and smiling at the pink flush forming on her cheeks.

Billy snorts "Right. You're a real Romeo."

I ignore him. “So, what’s your story, Brandy?”

“I’m the bartender here, and therefore, the only therapist working tonight. So, tell me your story, and I’ll try and solve all your problems—or at least diagnose you with a few.” She beams at me.

I laugh “I’m trying to win you over, not scare you off.”

“I don’t scare easily.”

“Good to know.”

Billy’s phone rings, and he takes the call. “Hey. Yeah, we just got it. Headed back now. Yes, sir.” He shoves the phone in his pocket, chugs the last of his beer, and slams it down. “Let’s go. Duty calls.”

I glance at Brandy. “Wish I could stay longer, but I know where to find you, doll, and I do love a challenge.” I wink and throw some bills down. “Talk to you soon.”

“Oh, I’m more than a challenge. I’m fucking Mount Everest.” I hear her soft snicker, and the sound almost has me turning back; to hell with Green’s cakes.

“I love a woman who knows her worth. Means her head's in the right place. I’ll be back, and I’ll bring a flag.” I walk through the doors, more excited than I've been in a long time.

Billy swings a leg over his bike and lifts his chin at me, his question for TJ. “What’s he so damn happy about?”

“Did you not see that brown-eyed beauty? What was her name?” TJ asks me.

“Brandy.”

“You’re a fine girl,” TJ sings.

The next Looking Glass lyric lays unspoken. But the storyline fits; I do feel like the sailor being called away by the sea, only my sea is the road and the baddest MC in the state.

***

When we pull up at the clubhouse, it's nearly one a.m. and all is dark.

Billy stretches as he comes off his bike. “Well, at least the whole club isn't here to see us rolling in from our big mission.”

I shut my bike off. “You can say that again.”

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