Page 102 of The End of Summer

“He’s a security guard at an underground adult entertainment venue where my daughter has been working all summer long,” he attempted to clarify.

“Yes. That’s correct,” I said. Because, really, what do you say in this kind of situation?

“Listen, Brady,” he went on. “I can see that you’re trying to make something of yourself, and I applaud you for that. But I’ve got to level with you, son. I think you might be hanging out with maybe not the best crowd of people, and while Gretchen’s trying to get her life back in order, I think it would be best if the two of you took a little hiatus from this relationship. I think that might be the healthiest thing for her.”

To be fair, it was late, and I was exhausted. And, not for nothing, Big Mike’ssucha good dude. So, this man was coming at my best friend and my girlfriend all at once, and I couldn’t keep my tone in check. “What?” I said, in a voice louder than perhaps I should have used.

“You heard what I said. It doesn’t have to be forever, but for now, Gretchen is going to need a fresh start, and I advise you not to get in the way of that.”

“Sir, with all due respect, I am not going to stop dating your daughter. She’s a grown woman. And we’re in love.”

“Brady. I appreciate your willingness to fight for her. But this is not up for discussion.”

“It’s not your choice to make,” I said.

“Watch yourself, kid,” he warned me.

“Mr. Andrews, I appreciate how much you love Gretchen,” I said.

“Then you will give her some space,” he demanded.

I wasn’t done with the conversation, but he turned and walked away from me, put some kind of magnetic card up against the door, and buzzed himself back inside.

It only took about a half hour for the door to buzz again. This time, Big Mike walked through it.

He gave me a handshake, followed by a hug. “Yo, man. Thank you.”

“Of course, dude. No worries. Thankyoufor calling me.”

“Listen, I’ll get the bail money back after the arraignment on Monday. They basically just keep it as collateral to make sure you show up.”

“It’s fine. I know you’re good for it. How are you? You okay?”

“Bro, that shit waswild.” He lowers his voice. “I really can’t talk about it here, but it was the craziest night I’ve ever seen in this line of work.”

“Yeah. Definitely sounds like it. Hey, do you think you’re going to lose your teaching job over this?”

“For what? I didn’t do anything illegal. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“Yeah, I guess.” I sighed. “Gretchen’s dad just came at me, telling me to leave her alone, that she needs a reset or some shit. He said she won’t be able to get a teaching job because of this. You think he’s right?”

“I’m not sure, Bray. To be honest, I think she’s on the hook for more charges than I am.”

“He made it sound like nobody will ever hire her.”

“I don’t know. Itisa small town mentality out here, that’s for sure. But yo, one step at a time, right?”

I shrugged. “I guess.”

“Let’s get going. You’ve got to get some sleep. I say this with love, bro – you look like shit.”

“Thanks,” I say. “You’re one to talk.”

He patted me on the back. “C’mon.”

“I’m not leaving until she comes out.”

“Oh, Gretchen’s not being released.”

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