Page 40 of Shattered Dreams

“I’m trying to talk to you. Who the fuck are you looking at?” John’s voice rose again.

Harrison shook his head. “No one.”

“Last time I talked to you, you got in some trouble. What for?”

The last time he called was two months ago. Why was he bringing that up now?

“I guess I was mad.” Harrison shifted his gaze to Richard.

“Mad about what? God dammit! Who the fuck are you looking at?”

Richard reached over and tapped the end call button. “There ya go, now you can eat.”

Harrison’s mouth dropped open, and he stared at Richie in shock.

My phone rang again, and I answered it, knowing full well if I didn’t, I’ll never hear the end of it.

“Yes, John.”

“Who the fuck hung up on …”

“It doesn’t matter.”

Stay firm.

“The fuck it don’t, Lynn.”

Richard nudged Harrison, gave him a smile and then reached over, taking the phone from my hand.

He turned the phone so that John could see his face.

“Who the fuck are you?” He growled through gritted teeth.

Richard

“First off, watch your mouth. There’s no need for you to be cussin’ at Jo and Harrison.”

“I asked who the fuck you were.”

“I’m well aware, and I’m not going to fight with you on the phone. I’m telling you now. As long as I’m around, you will not yell nor cuss at that young man or his siblings. And you will not speak to Jo that way.”

“I’m her fuckin’ husband.”

“No. You are her soon to be ex.”

“Who do you think you are?”

“I’m her best friend.”

“Well, I …”

“No. You’re done. When you can watch your mouth, then call back. Next time you call and yell at her, you’ll be reported for harassment.”

I disconnected the call and set the phone aside. “Where’d Harrison go?”

Jo pointed under the table.

Leaning down, I looked under the table and saw him curled up in a ball. I pushed my chair back, got on the floor, and joined him. “C’mere little man.”

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