Biker's Virgin

“I’ve changed the roster, you can have Sunday and Monday off, and you’ll be reporting back to work on Tuesday for your forty-eight-hour shift.”

I nodded. “Thanks, Sarge. I really appreciate this.”

He nodded and waved me out of his office. I walked back to the day room where Kendrick and Ryan had joined Mel at the table. I sat down beside Ryan and reached for a sandwich, feeling my nerves attack me suddenly.

“Fuck, dude… what happened?” Kendrick asked, looking at me with a frown.

“What?” I asked.

“You look a little pale.”

“Did you see a ghost back there or something?” Kendrick asked.

“Or did Sarge find more drugs stashed away in your locker?” Ryan asked.

I glared at him, and he smiled sheepishly at me. “Too soon?”

“Too soon.” I nodded.

“What’s wrong, Phil?” Mel asked.

“I’m taking two days off—”

“Lucky bastard,” Kendrick interjected.

“To see my brother.”

“I thought your brother was in jail?” Mel asked.

“He is.” I nodded. “I’m going to New York to visit him.”

“Intense,” Ryan said. “Family reunion, huh?”

“You could say that,” I said. “Although I doubt it’s going to be roses and rainbows.”

“Roses and rainbows?” Kendrick said. “What does that mean?”

“Easy,” I sighed. “I doubt it’s going to be easy.”

“Is there anyone you can take for moral support?” Ryan asked.

“Anyone here volunteering?” I teased.

“Hey, I’d be in for a trip to New York, except that we’re working.”

“Don’t worry about me,” I said. “I can handle this on my own.”

But when I was back at home that night, alone in my empty apartment, I wasn’t quite so sure I even wanted to do this alone. Moral support sounded pretty nice, and there was only one person I was that comfortable with. I thought twice about calling Megan, but in the end, I caved and called her anyway. She answered almost immediately, and I could tell by her tone that she was glad I had called.

“Hey, you,” she said.

“Hi,” I said, unable to match her tone.

“Is everything all right?” she asked, and immediately her voice changed. It was almost like she was dreading what I might say next.

“Uh… I’m not sure,” I said honestly.

There was a second or two of silence on the other end. “Whatever it is, Phil, you can tell me. Don’t worry about anything; just tell me.”