Page 77 of Smitty

“Yeah, you’re probably right.”

I rolled my shoulders, trying to ease the tension. He noticed and said, “You’re looking a little rough around the edges, man.”

“Just tired.”

“Figured they’d be taking it a bit easier on ya.”

“Not that kind of tired.”

“So…” He glanced down at the prospect rocker on his cut. “Is it worth it?”

“Every damn second,” I answered without hesitation.

“Even after vomit-tron?”

“Even after.” He let out a defeated breath. “Gotta remember, they’re not just seeing if you can ride or take orders. They’re trying to figure out what kind of man you are. I had to do some of that figuring myself, and there were times I didn’t like what I saw. Worked on it, and things had a way of coming full circle.”

“Hope the same holds true for me.”

“It will.”

He motioned his head down the hall. “Sounded pretty serious in there.”

“It was.”

“So, what’s going on?”

“I can’t.”

“What do you mean?” His brows furrowed. “I’m just asking…”

“And I can’t,” I cut him off. “You know how it is.”

“Yeah, I get it.” He looked down at the floor and nudged the broom with his boot. “You’re a brother now.”

“I’m still your friend, and in no time, I’ll be your brother.” I stepped a little closer. “But until then, there are rules in place, and I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize your patch or mine.”

“I get it... Appreciate you looking out for me.” He reached into his pocket, pulled out a pack of cigarettes, and tapped one free. “Didn’t mean to put you in a bad spot.”

“I know you didn’t.” Duggar lit his cigarette and took a slow drag, blowing the smoke toward the back door. “We’re good.”

The silence only lasted a couple of seconds before he looked at me with that same crooked grin he always got when he was about to give me shit. “Sooo…”

“What now?”

“What about the girl from the fair?”

“You gotta be kidding me.” I shook my head. “You heard about it, too?”

“You know how it is.” His smirk widened. “These guys gossip more than a bunch of schoolgirls.”

“Yeah, they do.”

“So, what’s the deal?”

A smile crept across my face as I told him, “Turns out I’ve got a daughter.”

“No shit?”