Ruck by Holly S. Roberts

Author:Holly S. Roberts [Holly S Roberts]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Holly S. Roberts
Published: 2022-03-05T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

The next morning, I work out for two hours before showering and heading to the tavern at eleven. The first thing I notice is the transformation the place has gone through. Christmas decorations are everywhere. An enormous decorated tree stands in an alcove by the fireplace. It depresses me. Christmas always depresses me.

The first Christmas after my mom died was hard. Joel and I made frozen pizza and watched games on television. No tree or decorations. My mom loved Christmas, and spoiled us no matter how old we were. Losing her in a car accident took the holiday spirit right out of us, and pizza and ball games became the norm. Joel and I kept up the “do nothing” tradition until two years ago, when Cami came into his life. I stayed in my room and let them have their holiday together, only coming down for the dinner Cami prepared. I ignored the minimal decorations that Cami insisted on, and went back up to my room as soon as I could. Last year, they invited me to their house, but I didn’t go. I had asked Danny a few days before what she was doing for Christmas, and she told me she had plans with friends. I didn’t question her. I opened a bottle of whiskey on Christmas day and drank until I passed out.

I finish my cursory look around the tavern and grab a booth. It takes all of two minutes for Estella to march over. The look on her face lets me know she isn’t happy.

“You’re one of the bosses, so I can’t very well kick you out, but I’ll be damned if I wait on you.” She turns around and storms off.

There are only a few people in the tavern, but I wouldn’t care if the entire place was packed. “I care about her, Estella.” I call loudly enough for everyone to hear.

Estella stops and pivots. She stares for what seems like an hour before marching back over and taking the seat across from me. “You have a mighty peculiar way of showing it, Van Stelson.”

I meet her eyes and hold them. “That’s why I’m here. I need your help.”

Her stare grows more intense. “You’ll get a lecture first, and then and only then will I think about helping you.”

I take my ass-whuppin’. I refrain from giving excuses and let Estella wind down. “I told you that girl loves you, and this is what you do?” Estella keeps going back to this one point.

It’s finally my turn. “Yes, I screwed up big time. She’s got me so wound up that, whenever I’m around her, I can’t think straight. How do I fix it?”

She studies me. “Why exactly do you care about her?”

I don’t even need to think about my answer. “She’s special, and I’m a damn fool for not seeing it sooner.”

Estella curls her fingers together and rests her chin on top of them. The look she gives me is deadly. “So tell me about the blow job.

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