Page 213 of Unhinged

“Then, I guess you should already know.”

I growl as I move to another table, contemplating leaving or blaring death metal here all night. Amos isn’t here, and I barely see my aunt. How come she doesn’t have to flush her own shithole?

Candi follows me until I spin around and snap, “Fucking what?”

“I notice you’re wearing your wedding ring. That’s a good sign, right?” I never take it off.

“Get bent over a volcano.”

“I wasn’t teasing you about it.”

“You know she left me. And you probably know the other thing too.” I avoid floundering in her pity. I have my own self-pity to waste.

“I’m not sure what that is…”

I roll my eyes angrily at the table. “Just leave me the hell alone.”

Before I can walk away, Candi throws herself at me with her arms around my neck, basically dangling from me since I don’t engage. She whispers, “I’m so sorry.”

Drawing stares and feeling ten shades of awkward, I grab her hips and push her off me as polite but as swift as possible. I scowl but mutter, “Thanks.”

Turning, I see Amos disappearing back into the kitchen, apparently avoiding me. Oh, no way, ass lick.

Dropping the dishcloth, I push past Candi and go to the kitchen. When I enter, Amos sighs. “Hello, Greg. Is it a busy night?”

“Don’t dick me around, Vaughn. You’ve been avoiding me. I’ve texted, called, and knocked on your door once with your car in the driveway. How is she?”

Amos finally turns to face me. “Greg, I’m sorry. I haven’t been avoiding you.” I cross my arms, debating that, and he winces. “Maybe a little. She’s okay.”

I’m both glad and sad to hear that. I want her to be miserable, missing me like I’m missing her. He crosses his arms to match mine as he leans his back against the counter. Amos says, “I do have news for you.” He pauses for me to reply.

Impatient, I ask, “Are you waiting for me to announce it with trumpets? Get on with it.”

“Gloria Charleton died.”

“Oh. Okay.”

“That’s not a great response to a coworker’s death.”

“At least I didn’t dance a fucking jig. How did she die?”

“She passed away in her sleep at a friend’s house.”

I nod. “So she was with her boyfriend in his dorm?”

“An apartment off-campus.”

“Nice.”

“Gloria thought you’d make an excellent lawyer and wanted to help you get there, Greg. She thought so highly of you that don’t let it surprise you when you’re invited to the reading of her will.”

“Say what?”

“I can’t say more, but I think it’ll shock you.”

“I don’t want any of her shit. Her car is older than you.”

He sighs again, and I know he has more to say, so I roll my hand at him. Vaughn says, “Simone has spoken to me.”

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