Total pages in book: 120
Estimated words: 114211 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 571(@200wpm)___ 457(@250wpm)___ 381(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 114211 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 571(@200wpm)___ 457(@250wpm)___ 381(@300wpm)
Including that pompous jukebox-abusing fuck-wad.
God, it was so damned satisfying, messing with him out there in front of the diner. He was so confused. The look in his eyes, that was pure gold—the look of horror mixed with confusion that he just got his ass fondled by a furry burger beast. I bet it turned him on, too, having his tight booty grabbed like that. He deserves it. He deserves every bit of weirding-out I can possibly give him.
But as funny as that was, I can’t go out there and have him see me now. Then he’ll know it was me, and who knows what kind of hell will break loose? Besides, I don’t think I’ve got the energy to handle whatever fuckery that’ll cause. I’m getting tired of dealing with the guy, to be honest. I just want him to go away.
How was I supposed to know he was coming here for lunch?
Now here I am, yet again having to deal with him. I resent it, the fact that I would easily jump on the opportunity to do more work for the Tuckers today, to make as much extra cash as I can.
If it weren’t for that one blockheaded obstacle out there.
“What is it you’re smirkin’ about, boy?”
The smirk drops off my face. I look up. “Sorry, Mrs. Tucker … but I … I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to work the floor. I can go outside again and be the Tackler guy for another hour, maybe even three. I feel great now. This really refreshed me, thank you.”
“You already caught most of the church crowd, which was the whole point. Tackle Monster’s done its thing, let it rest.”
“I can wash dishes,” I go on, trying not to sound desperate.
“We’ve got all that covered.” She sighs, clicks her tongue, and crosses her arms. Negotiating’s a lost cause. “I really have no more work for you if you aren’t able to help with the floor, I’m afraid, and even that’s doable with who we got, least for now.”
She pities me. That’s what this is, even the iced tea, even this burger. And I’m overstepping, pushing her into letting me work.
“I-I’ll pay for my food,” I tell her at once. “Just tell me how—”
“No need. On the house.” She comes close and crouches down, which apparently takes her some effort, considering the grunt she makes. “I know you need money, Anthony … I know you’re runnin’ on hard times as of late. I’d put in a word for you with Billy, but he just cut back on staff at T&S’s for the fall. Have you looked outside Spruce for work? God forgive me for suggestin’ it, but Fairview?”
“I … I’m kinda relying right now on my friend to get around, and I’m not gonna make her drive me out to Fairview.”
“Her?” Mrs. Tucker’s eyes narrow nearly to slits. “You’re still involved with that Jupiter gal, you mean?”
“Juniper.”
“I know her name, I was just bein’ funny.” She doesn’t look all that amused, though. “Anthony, if I may be so bold, and I say this as a mother, I don’t think she’s much good for you.”
That stiffens my spine right up. “What do you mean?”
“You’ve been tryin’ so hard to clean up your act. All of these years. Your mom and I, we know each other, not awful well, but we do, and I know all about what you’ve been goin’ through …”
“You talk to my mom?”
“Years back, when you tried out vet school, until you realized it cost three arms and six legs, and ain’t no one got that many arms or legs to spare unless you’re a damned tarantula. Then you went into the Army, but got sent right home after injurin’ yourself in boot camp—”
“Why’d she go and tell you all a’ that? What business does she have going around town spreadin’ my—my business?”
“My point is that you’ve been cleanin’ yourself up over the summer. I see you taking initiative. Or at least … I did until the end of the summer when that lady won a date with you at the bachelor auction, and …” She sighs. “Now, don’t get me wrong, she might be a nice lady, but … I’m seein’ you goin’ a certain way now, and …”
“There’s nothin’ wrong with her. She’s … just eccentric.”
“Eccentric isn’t the first word I’d use.”
“She’s gone through stuff, too. I’m one of her only friends. I … I guess lately she’s one of my only ones, too.”
“Anthony …”
I stand up suddenly, nearly causing her to fall back. “Thanks for the burger and iced tea, Mrs. Tucker, I appreciate it, but I … I think I gotta get home now.”
“I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings, Anthony, really, I just—”
“I just remembered I got a … a thing. I have a thing I need to do across town. Can’t work anymore anyway. I need to do a … need to see a … fix a …” I can’t seem to lie fast enough, so I just end my sentence there and head off through the back door, still gripping the rest of my falling-apart burger. Under the blazing sun, I go on my way, ketchup dripping down my wrist, chewing harder than I ought to, sweating down my back.