Perfect Bastard (Mason Creek)

“Tell me I didn’t do anything stupid,” she said.

“Nope. I did have to stop you,” I admitted.

She groaned. “I can’t find my wallet, though.”

“Shit. Did you leave it at the bar?” I’d made sure I had her purse, but I hadn’t checked the contents.

“Yeah. I called.”

I checked the time. “They’re open.”

“Yes. Could you do me a favor and get it? I don’t have my driver’s license and I have Zoe. I can’t risk getting caught driving without it.” Zoe was her six-year-old daughter.

“Sure. I’ve got to check on Dad and then I’ll head over.”

“Thanks.”

“No problem. I’ll see you in a bit.” I got up and after a spot check in the mirror, I went to the living room. “Dad?” I called after not seeing him. He was in his bedroom, passed out. I sighed and grabbed the empty bottles and took them to the kitchen.

There I made toast, poured a glass of water, and got two aspirin. I went back to Dad’s room. “Dad,” I said, gently prodding him.

He grumbled but opened his eyes. I held out the aspirin. “Take this and drink some water. I made toast.” Dad was good at taking direction and did as I asked. “I’m going out for a while. Are you going to be okay?” He nodded, and I left.

I got in my Jeep and made the drive back over the mountain into Mason Creek territory. I didn’t make this drive often. There was a rivalry between Mountainside and Mason Creek that had started so many years ago. It was before my dad’s time. It was likely because Mason Creek was everything Mountainside wasn’t.

There wasn’t the same sense of community here, likely because Mountainside, despite its name, was a poorer place with many failed and boarded-up businesses. Going to Mason Creek only reminded us of what we didn’t have.

Last night, Haley hadn’t wanted to go to the Hooch, Mountainside’s watering hole, and be around the same assholes from high school who hadn’t amounted to much. Since her mom had only agreed to watch Zoe for a couple of hours, we couldn’t drive much further and have time for more than a few drinks.

Things had changed in the Creek the last few years. A lot of those my age who had fled like I had were back, like I was. Though I didn’t live in the Creek, rumors made their way to our side of the mountain. It was part of the reason Haley wanted to go. Most of our high school class had never left town, with me being one of the few exceptions. Haley and I both had gotten college scholarships. She’d chosen to have her baby and give up that dream. I’d gone but had come back to take care of my father. It was different in the Creek. A lot more people left. Those coming back weren’t desperate. They had just come back, which only made us curious.

The parking lot of Pony Up was mostly empty when I arrived, which I was grateful for. As I’d mentioned, gossip was rampant. Last thing I wanted was for someone to recognize me and start rumors. Likely that I was chasing the man I’d sung on stage with. Though he was hot, I was not interested.

I pushed through the front door and walked straight ahead to the front counter. The attractive man behind it came over when he spotted me. “What can I get you?”

“Actually, my friend Haley called about her missing wallet.”

He asked me a few questions, like its color and what might be inside, along with her full name. After I answered them, he left to go to the office and get it.

“So Cinderella returns,” a male voice to my left said. I turned and spotted him. He was still gorgeous with thick dark hair looking like he’d run his hand through it recently and stubble on his jawline. “Is he going to get your missing shoe?” The lopsided smirk and bloodshot eyes said a lot about his state of mind.

“Little early, isn’t it?” I asked instead of answering, trying not to get caught up in his charm.

He looked at his watch, which most men I knew didn’t wear these days. “It’s past noon,” he said and shrugged. “That’s about twelve hours from your little disappearing act.”

“I didn’t disappear. The song was over, and I left.”

“I bet you were hoping I’d chase you,” he said.

“Guess again. Not everyone wants a piece of you.”

He chuckled. “Don’t I wish,” he muttered, staring into his glass like it held the world’s answers.

“Well, trust me when I say I’m not interested.” I smiled and thanked the gods the bartender came back and handed me Haley’s wallet.

“Would it be reaching if I wanted to see you again?” the bartender asked.

“Don’t bother. She’s one of those,” the damn sexy guy on my left said before I could tell the bartender no.