Loved by a Roughneck

Bastard. She wanted to lay all the blame at his door, but her mother chose to remain a willing participate. As she cleared the last person, she swore. Tangela, the town whore, hung all over Craig like a cheap suit. The situation was like dropping pop rocks into soda and shaking. It was bound to explode all over the place.

“You know we’re just friends.”

“The way your hand’s on her ass says more than that.” Her mother swayed and grabbed onto the black stool lined up against the wall opposite the pool tables. Tangela’s dirty blonde hair tumbled down her back. The skin tight, red dress she’d poured herself into highlighted every nuance of her rail-thin body. Tangela had a habit that didn’t involve liquor, but drove her just the same. What she saw was a trio of sadness. Craig smirked, a slash of white teeth that stood out against his olive skin. His amber colored eyes were full of glee at being fought over. He lived for this shit. She had to hand it to him. He was handsome with his Roman nose, strong jaw, and long, lean frame. His looks were used to charm, cajole, and entrance the weak-willed like some sort of Pied Piper.

“Mom!”

Her shout turned her mother’s head. “Maci! Are you here for a night out?” She went from mad to happy in the span of a second.

“No, she came here to meddle and look down her pert little nose at us, like always.” Craig sneered, and Maci narrowed her eyes.

“Can’t you two stop for a minute!”

“Mom, I thought you were going to pay the rent.”

“I did. Craig came into some money and took us out. Wasn’t that nice?” Her eyes sparkled, and Maci rolled her eyes.

“I think you’ve had enough fun for one night. Why don’t we head home and get something on your stomach, maybe some coffee.”

“Yeah, babe. Go ahead. Tang will be happy to keep me company.” Craig patted Tangela’s ass, and her mother growled.

“You good for nothing son of a bitch!” Rushing him Maci’s mother shoved Craig back. Stumbling back he crashed into the wall with Tangela.

“You bitch!” The blonde wiggled out of his hold and leapt at Maci’s mother, the red daggers she called nails poised to strike. They came together like two cats, hissing, clawing, and hair pulling. A crowd had gathered around them, and none wore familiar faces or seemed inclined to help.

“Are you just going to stand there?”

“What? Let them blow off some steam,” Craig said.

“You’re a pig!”

“I’d watch my mouth if I were you.” Pushing off from the wall Craig straightened to his six foot plus height.

“Oh, why is that, Craig?”

“Because one day someone is going to put you in your place.”

“I’d like to see you try.”

“Is there a problem here?” The gruff rumble made her heart bang against her ribs like a battering ram. She turned.

Ty. He cut a formidable figure in his form fitting black t-shirt and jeans. His muscles bulged, and his jaw appeared to be made of steel. The look in his eyes screamed murder.

“Can you help me get them apart, please?”

“Sure, I’ll take the blonde.”

Ty lifted Tangela, allowing Maci to pry her mother’s hair loose from the other woman’s tight grip.

“Mom, calm down. It’s over!”

Breathing heavily her mother struggled for a bit longer before admitting defeat and going limp. Vern emerged from the crowd.

“I think it’s time you three leave.” He gave her an apologetic look. “I’m sorry, darling, but you know the rules, no fighting.”

“I know, Vern. Thanks for the call.” Releasing her hold around her mother’s waist, Maci stepped back, allowing her space and a chance to catch her breath and process. “Mom, it’s time to head home.”

“I can’t leave my car. I have work tomorrow.”