“Think of her as a fitness trainer. Weights, strength building, things like that.”
“Yeah, I can tell. You’re freaking swoll dude,” Skull says gesturing toward my upper body.
I chuckle.
“Hey, Freeze.”
I glance up to see two King chasers in skimpy outfits. The long legs, fake racks, and heavily made up faces do nothing for me.
“Shanna, Emily, good to see you.”
“How about we welcome you back properly?”
I cringe. They wouldn’t find my urine bag very hot.
“I’m good girls.”
They scowl and walk off.
“Really?” Warp says.
“I’m getting everything I need taken care of at home.” I shrug. “Now are we going to play Dominos or what?”
“Oh, you’re eager to lose some money?” Warp asks.
“No, but I’m ready to take yours,” I say.
“Oh, big words. Put your money where your mouth is,” Warp says.
We fall back into the easy rhythm. I’m on my second game when my alarm vibrates on my phone.
“I’ll be back, gotta hit the head.” I unlock the breaks, slip on my gloves, unlock the breaks, and pull away from the table. People wave and nod as I make my way to my old dorm. I unlock the door, hit the light and maneuver my way inside. It smells stale. I lock the door behind me and wheel to the bathroom. I undo my belt and get my boxers and jeans down. Taking care of the urine bag is second nature to me now, but I sure as hell don’t want my brothers knowing about it. I finish up, flush, and wash my hands. So far so good. I’m getting sick of telling B, she’s right, but this was what I needed. I been too dependent on her. Away from the situation, I can see reality for what it is.
The desire to see her flares up inside me. I want to do something special for her. How do you thank the person you owe your life to because I’m sure without B, I would’ve given up. It’s time to make things official. I return to the table and finish my final game.
“Hey, Warp, can I get a ride home?”
“Sure, brother. You don’t want to stay the night?”
“Naw, I got something waiting for me,” I say with a grin.
“Hah, be careful that look landed me with twins,” Skull mumbles.
“Be alright with that. Don’t know about B, since she just sent her oldest to college.” The truth of the words slam into me like a sledgehammer. I want a family with her. I lost a lot, but my vision for the future is clear.
“Starting over after you just reach the out of the house age would be hard,” Stone said.
“I don’t know man. I’ve seen the way she looks at you. I think she’d be alright with it,” Shadow says.
Warp scowls. “He’s got that new parent fever. Thinks everyone else should have them too.”
“Kids are cool, Warp. You’re not too old to have a few yet,” Shadow says.
“Fuck you, don’t you put that curse on me.” Warp flips him off, and I laugh. “Let me get you home, the talk at the table is making me antsy.”
I follow him out to the parking lot, and he pauses.
“I can see your Old Lady’s done right by you. I apologize for insulting her.”