Page 28 of Sugar and Skulls

“I did and now she’s yours. You’ve been itching to tag her with your art. So, make her yours. Besides I’m the proud owner of a mini-van and as much as that kills me, it’s safer for peanut. Plus, the rod only has two seats.”

“Oh, William, this is a better gift than the roller skates I’ve always wanted.”

“Not a gift. You bought her. It’s the only way I take the money.” He ruffles my hair like he always does.

“Where are you going?”

“Penny has an uncle in San Diego, he works on old cars. He’s offered me a job.”

I bite the inside of my cheek to keep the tears at bay. I don’t want him to feel guilty for leaving me. He needs to go. Things are going to get ugly around here. It will ease my mind knowing he’s happy and safe in San Diego.

Our eyes lock. “I’m so happy for you, William. This is your chance to show everyone your talent.”

“When you turn eighteen come out and live with us,” he says with tears in his eyes.

I shake my head sadly at him. “I’ve got a lot going for me here,” I tease.

“I’m serious, Jesse. You aren’t stuck here. You are such an amazing artist. You can make it anywhere.”

“Don’t worry about me. I’ve got big plans.” I stand and scrape the remnants of my breakfast into the trash.

“You’re not going to do anything stupid are you? Stay away from Jimmy and his crew. They won’t go down as easily as Father Gabriel did.”

Fact is Father Gabriel didn’t go down. No, he’s still preaching. Just like Rick. I’m sure he is still being a creepy asshole somewhere in this world.

“Jesse?”

“Don’t worry.” I dry my hands off and toss the towel at him. “Jimmy taught me a valuable lesson. No more stupid…I promise.”

He narrows his eyes at me. Big Dan walks back into the room eyeing us suspiciously.

William gives me the biggest hug before giving me a gentle kiss on the cheek. This is goodbye. He turns, briskly walking out. I don’t move until I hear the screen door slam shut behind him. I close my eyes, gathering every bit of courage I have to go on without him.

A warm hand touches my back. “Let’s get to the shop, doll. I’m letting you work on clients today.”

My eyes fly open. “Your lying.”

He fills his travel mug with coffee, looking at me out the corner of his eye. “Why would I lie?”

I jump up and down. “Let’s go then. I’ll drive myself.” I twirl the keys to my new rat rod around my finger.

“Ah, no.”

“Dan, come on. You’re going to deny me taking a ride in first vehicle?”

He sighs. “Straight to the shop.” He points a meaty finger in my direction.

I put my hands together all innocent like. “Of course.”

He rolls his eyes. “Go on.”

I rush out of the kitchen before he has a chance to change his mind. He yells out to me as I’m walking out, “If you deviate, I’ll turn you over my knee, little girl.”

I laugh at this. When I get outside I stand beside the rod so giddy I could squeal. She’s beautiful. I love her unfinished rusty appearance. Dan walks out behind me and smirks as he tosses his leg over his bike. “You going to stand there and drool over that thing all day or you going to fire her up?”

I stick my tongue out at him. But, then I smile and get in my new car. She purrs to life and suddenly I feel whole again. Shifting the re-view mirror, I catch a glimpse of the rug burn on my face. Fuck Jimmy and his crew. Sylvia and I are going to have so much fun together. We’re going to paint the desert red.

Fighting the urge to drive by the trailer I decide to behave myself and head to the shop. I really need to hook up with my guys before word gets out that I’m pedaling dope for the Devils. Getting that shit under control needs to be my number one priority right now. If people stop trusting Sugar then things will get out of hand fast. I can’t have that.

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