Top Dog

“Can’t help it when I’m surrounded by accents like y’all’s.”

“They’re pretty thick. Even people in downtown Dallas look at us weird sometimes.”

“It doesn’t matter anyway. I like them,” she said.

“Then that’s all that matters to me.”

“So, what have you been up to for the past few years?” she asked. “I never really got to chat long enough with you guys whenever I’d come into town.”

“You were busy with your momma and things like that. It’s understandable.”

“Any interesting developments? Women in your life? Dating or side jobs of any sort?”

“No to all those questions,” I said with a grin.

“You mean to tell me you’re not dating anyone? Why not? You’re a great catch.”

“Eh, I found my woman awhile back. Things didn’t work, and no other woman measures up.”

“So, you’re a one-night-stander like your brothers,” she said.

“Unfortunately. No passion to settle down with anyone. I don’t want to settle, and I found my princess, but it wasn’t meant to be.”

“Why not?”

“Just wasn’t. We took different paths, and she was happy with hers. Can’t blame her for doin’ what she did, and I’d never ask her to compromise that to be with me.”

“Maybe she wouldn’t see it as a compromise.”

“Maybe not. But I’m okay with where I’m at. The company’s doin’ well, and I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me. Don’t need no distractions like some lady wantin’ my time.”

“I know. Damn ladies and their time-wasting antics,” Katie said with a smirk.

“I’ve missed this, you know.”

“Missed what?”

“This time with you. We all have. I know none of my brothers will start throwing a big party on account’ a what you’re dealin’ with, but we’ve missed our Katie.”

“Well, I’ve missed you guys too. I don’t want to think about the fact that Michael was intentionally isolating me, but looking back, I can see how others would get that impression.”

“We’re just glad to have you back, even though I know you’re hurtin’ right now.”

“You know, I’m not hurting as much as I thought I would. I mean, it sucks. I know he lost out on money he wishes he could get back. But we were talking about my future. I would’ve been stuck in that rut for the rest of my life, unable to change anything and feeling like I owed him something because of all he did when Mom died.”

“Then how are you feelin’? ‘Cause it can’t be good,” I asked.

“It’s not good, but it’s not bad either. I feel more like I’m in limbo than anything. I have to talk with my landlord and get all that straightened out, and if I can’t, I have to find a place to live here in Dallas. Or around the area, at least. I’m still in the process of trying to find a job here that I enjoy. The one I secured when Michael and I decided to make our home out here was only to help make ends meet so he wasn’t carrying the brunt of the financial responsibility like he had been. But I’m not happy with it. It’s just a lot to consider right now.”

“Sounds like it,” I said. “What job you got secured now?”

“The firm I’m with deals in everything. Identity theft, worker’s compensation, basic civil disagreements. It has no focus, and it makes the job ten times harder,” she said.

“What do you wanna do?” I asked.

“Well when I think about it, the only thing that really puts a fire under me is the thought of helping single moms.”

“Doesn’t shock me one damn bit,” I said.