Page 87 of Nuts

“About ten pounds of fucking brain.”

“I have my doubts.”

He took another drink of his beer and then tossed the bottle in the trash. “So, how’d this happen, anyway?”

“None of your business. None of anyone’s business. Hers and mine, that’s it.”

“You fuck her yet?”

“No, but she gave me handy in the movie theatre.”

As he reached for another beer, he paused, and shot me a look. “No shit?”

“I was lying, Smoke. She ain’t yanked my rod, and even if she had, I wouldn’t tell you about it.”

“You’ve told me stories about your sordid past for fucking years. I swear, if you’ve told me one story, you’ve told me--”

I peered nervously over his shoulder. “Shut the fuck up, Smoke. I’m not looking to have her hear you talk shit about me. The past is the past. Let’s forget about it.”

He shook his head and let out a laugh. “You’re telling me she’s the one?”

I raised my beer. “That’s what I said.”

“Craziest thing I’ve ever heard.”

“What the fuck’s crazy about it? Seen her every damned day for 8 years. She’s been helping me on my bike since she was a freshman in high school, and she probably knows more about Harleys than half the fucking MC. She rides without bitching, she can cook, she’s got a good head on her shoulders, she’s a hell of a lot of fun to be with, she’s fucking intelligent, and she ain’t got a bunch of hang-ups or issues. Nothing crazy about that.”

“I guess you got a jump start on things. You’re right. You’ve known her for a bit.” He twisted the lid off his beer, took a drink, and looked at me. “Do you trust her?”

“Would I be with her if I didn’t?”

“Do you trust her?”

“You heard me.”

“I’ll ask you again. Do you trust her?”

I did. But, it wasn’t easy saying it.

“I do.”

He extended his hand. “Congratulations, Brother.”

I shook his hand. “Thanks.”

The garage door opened, and Eddie stuck her head through it. “Dad? Can I go shopping with Joey and Sandy? Sandy’s driving.”

“If Sandy’s driving, I’m fine with it.”

Joey stuck her head underneath Eddie’s arm and smiled. “Percy? Is it okay if I go with the girls?”

“Okay by me. I’m just hanging out.”

“I’m going shopping,” Sandy said.

“Have a good time,” Smokey said.

The door closed.