Top Dog

“No, you fucking didn’t. Way to go, dude! Is she hot? Is she young? Please tell me she’s hot and young. That’s exactly your type.”

“I don’t have a type,” I said.

“You do have a type. A hot, young, curvy little thing that needs your protection. You’re a sucker for that shit. I mean, look at the fucking business we started. Come on.”

“Just because we started a protection and security business doesn’t mean I’m attracted to women who need protection,” I said. “She’s a smart, passionate young woman who seems to hold her own just fine.”

“But she is young. Why the hell is she with your crabby ass?”

“You’re a dick.”

“Hey, just asking the obvious question. So, what are you scared of?”

“What the fuck? I’m not scared,” I said. “I fucking slept with her last night.”

“And I’m sure you did your men everywhere proud. But I can hear it in your voice. Don’t let your ex ruin this for you. It’s the first time you’ve branched out since her.”

I drew in a deep breath and allowed that reality to sink in.

“I like her, Jack. She’s refreshing.”

“That’s good. You should like who you screw,” he said.

“No, you fucker. I mean, I like her. As in, I want to talk with her. Get to know her. That type of shit.”

“Oh, you got it bad for her. Damn. Well, no wonder you’re scared. The last woman you were with was a shithead that tried to take you for everything you had.”

“Thanks for the reminder.”

“What I’m saying is, you have trust issues. And that’s okay. But if you feel this pull to talk with her, don’t fight it. Sometimes your gut knows better than your brain. Remember when we were first starting out?”

“You thought I was an idiot for wanting to start that company,” I said.

“Yeah. Because you were thinking with your gut and not your head. But I trusted you, and your gut took us to the fucking top. I trust your gut, even if you don’t right now. If it’s telling you to open up to this woman, then do it.”

“What if she turns out to be like her?” I asked.

“You want my honest opinion?”

“That’s why I asked.”

“No one could turn out to be like her. That bitch was a piece of fucking work. You knew you should’ve never married her. You went against your gut on that one, and it screwed you over big time. If your gut’s with this woman, go for it.”

“How the hell did you make that seem so easy?” I asked.

“Because you’re rotting your brain away in the mountains. It’s okay. I expected you to get dumber.”

“Asshole.”

“Dick. You’re missed here, by the way. You know you always have a spot here if you want to come back. Namely, mine. Because this job is bullshit, and I’m over it.”

I chuckled into the phone as I shook my head.

“I don’t know if I’m coming back,” I said.

“Don’t worry. It’s been four years. You have Lanie now, and plenty of shit still going down. It’s here if you want it, but I’m not holding my breath.”

“Well, I should get off here. Lanie still isn’t up yet, and if she sleeps any longer, she won’t nap.”