Loved by a Roughneck

“I don’t lend money for alcohol. That’s the deal. Always has been.”

“Well, right now that’s what she needs. She has the damn shakes, Maci.”

Worry sprang up in her eyes. Ty could see the inner struggle. Wrapping an arm around her waist he bit his tongue and lent moral support. This decision needed to come from her.

“No.”

“Bitch!”

“All right, man, time to go.” Brandon stood up beside him in agreement.

“What are you going to do when they aren’t here to hide behind?”

“Are you threatening me!” Fire flickered to life in Maci’s eyes. “I’ll be damned if I fear a man whose been living on my dime for I don’t know how long. I’ve tolerated you for my mother’s sake, but that ends now. You keep your distance. The bank of Maci and my house are closed to you.” The finality of her words detonated like a bomb. Craig’s entire demeanor shifted.

“What? Come on, Mac. I didn’t mean it like that.”

Shaking her head she held up her hand.

“Not another word. I want you gone. I should’ve done this a long time ago, but like a fool I felt responsible. No more.” Her voice wavered, and her gaze settled onto the ground.

“We’ll see him out.” Handing over his pool stick, Ty grabbed the back of Craig’s shirt. “We can do this the hard way, or the easy way. I’m personally hoping for hard. Because I get the feeling you’re long overdue for a serious ass whipping.”

Shrugging free, Craig curled up his lip. “I can walk on my own.” Staying a few feet in front of him and Brandon, Craig made his way outside to his car, and drove off without another word.

“I’d watch my back, man.”

“Yeah, I will be.” Ty nodded.

“Is that her dad?” Brandon asked.

“No, just her mom’s boyfriend.”

“He’s a real piece of work.”

“That’s putting it lightly. I think we’ll cut out of here early, man.”

“Understandable.”

They made their way back inside, and he spotted Maci perched on the edge of her stool.

“Everything okay?” she asked.

“Shouldn’t I be asking you that?” He tilted his head.

“I’m used to it by now.”

Leaning in he whispered into her ear. “You shouldn’t be.”

“I know.” Her shoulders slumped.

“You want to head home?”

“Yes. I’m sorry I know we were going to dance—”

He placed a finger on her lips. “It’s not important. We can always come back to The Horseshoe.”

She nodded, and they made their goodbyes, returning to the truck. The warm vibe had evaporated, and once again he found himself outside looking in. Helping her up into the truck he climbed behind the wheel cursing Craig and his piss-poor timing. He pulled out to the road and turned the radio on low to break up the cloying silence.