Page 27 of Cash

“Some think I’m a bit of a danger on the road, but I’m getting better, I swear,” Tessie replies sincerely.

I don’t mention the minor accident she was in a few days ago, or the ones before it, and I cover my smile by keeping my back to her. I catch the glint in Bella’s eyes before she turns her head away also.

“Lottie and I would be happy to help you with your driving, Tessie,” Lola offers.

“No!” I shout without thinking first.

“And why not?” asks Lottie with “that tone” in her voice.

You know the tone. The one moms use while shooting their kids “that look.”

“Yeah, Cash. Why not?” Tessie asks using the same tone of voice.

Damn, she’s not even a legal adult yet and has that tone down pat. Do they teach that shit in some secret class that only girls get to attend? Is it taught along with the look no man wants aimed at him? The hand on a hip, eyes squinty, one eyebrow raised look.

“It doesn’t matter why. Cash doesn’t get to decide what we do,” Lola adds her two cents worth.

“Truth, Sister. Tessie, we’re more than happy to take you driving. In fact, let’s go now,” Lottie orders.

“Tessie, please don’t. They’re old and shouldn’t go out that way,” I say quietly while hoping to head off what’s about to be a huge disaster.

“We’re old, Cash, not deaf,” Lola snaps from right behind me.

I’m a dead man. Who would’ve thought they could move as quickly as that? I turn around to find both of my aunts with hands on hips, pissed-off eyes aimed at me. I have a decision to make. I can let them learn the hard way about Tessie’s driving and run the risk of losing two, possibly three, very important women in my life. Or I can save myself and ensure that I will be around to raise my son. Stalling for time, my eyes shift around the room and I see Terry on his knees, chin resting on his forearms on the back of my couch, grinning like a fool.

When I get a bony finger stabbed not so gently in the center of my chest, my eyes look back to my aunts. I’ve been conditioned since childhood to do as they say, so I drop my head in defeat. Leaning down, I plant a kiss on each of their foreheads because it may be the last time I can do that. Turning to Tessie, I ask for only one thing.

“Please don’t use my truck. I need it to haul Liam around, and I don’t have a spare one to use while it’s being repaired.”

“We’ll take my Caddie,” Lola states firmly.

“Come on, Terry. You might as well come too,” Lottie orders.

“Holy hell, Lottie! I’m gay, not suicidal. I’ve heard things about Tessie and her driving abilities. I’m not getting near her and a vehicle,” Terry argues.

“You’re going and that’s final. Maybe she’ll scare you straight,” Lottie insists.

“Lars, please tell—” Terry starts to plead.

“You should go with them because someone sane needs to be in that car. You’re always going on about meeting some hot firemen. There’s a good chance Tessie’s driving can make that happen,” Dad says while laughing hard enough to wake Liam.

“Hate you all,” Terry mutters as he follows the ladies outside.

“Thank you for not making me go too,” Bella says with relief.

“Pooh would kill me. Petey would piss on my remains, and I don’t even want to think what Trudy would do,” I answer knowing I’m speaking the God’s honest truth.

Chapter 7

Livi

James: Things going well or do you need a bail-out?

Livi: I’m sitting here alone. Looking like the most pathetic woman ever. He stood me up.

James: No fucking way! What a douche!

Livi: Yeah. I got my hopes up about him. I’m such a dumbass.

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