Page 38 of Stormy Ride

“Three, I think.”

“Does it hurt bad?”

“Yep. Pretty bad.”

Harlan held the door while Billy struggled out and got set on the crutches. We got Billy up the porch steps, inside and into the living room. I took the crutches as he lowered himself down onto the sofa.

“I made it.”

Harlan glanced at the TV. “How many channels you get out here in butt-fuck?”

“None, but now that you’re here, I might get a satellite.”

“Hey,” said Billy. “You never got me a satellite.”

“Can I go look around?”

“Sure. The dogs are outside. If you hear a grizzly coming, bring the dogs in quick. Max had a bad run-in already and he’s all stitched up.”

“Grizzly—like a fuckin bear? You’re kidding me, right?”

“Nope. You hear one, bring the dogs in on the run. No fuckin around. Hear me?”

“I ain’t gonna hear one.”

“Hope you don’t.”

While Harlan was outside poking around, Billy and I had a beer in the front room. Harlan came in and saw the Miller cans. “Can I have a beer?”

“Sure. You can have one. I don’t mind you having a beer at home. We’re talking one—not ten.”

He smiled and that was a first. “I drank ten before.”

“You puke?” asked Billy.

“Yep.”

Billy held up his fist for a fist bump. “Nice one.”

Harlan chuckled.

A knock on the door and the dogs came rushing in with Savanna. They were all wet and so was she. Long auburn hair dripping in her face. It was definitely raining hard.

The dogs shook off the rain in the front hall and the water flew in all directions. Savanna squealed and moved away from the dogs. “Hey, I’m missing a beer-fest.”

“Billy’s coming home party,” I said.

Savanna smiled. “Welcome home, Billy. Glad you’re okay. Who’s this cute guy?”

“Harlan. He’s my new ward.”

“You lucked out, Harlan. These are two good guys. I’d get myself adopted by them if I could.” She winked at me. “I’m getting a beer.”

“You live here, babe?” asked Harlan.

“Nope. I’m just visiting my besties.”

“Too bad you don’t live here. You ain’t hard to look at. You’ve got a great bod.”

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