Page 51 of Inglorious
“He cheated on Nanci,” Razor added, stirring the pot.
Inglorious’s eyes narrowed. “What type of idiotic motherfucker cheats on a woman like Nanci? What a prick. You had gold in your hand’s asshole, and you shit on it. Women such as Nanci don’t come along often, and when they do, you treat them like the precious things they are.”
Warmth swept through me at Inglorious’s words. Did he really see me like that?
“Don’t tell me how to handle my woman. What the fuck would you know?” Raymond snapped. He clearly didn’t enjoy being called out.
“Me? I understand a lot of shit you don’t. Like how strong Nanci is, her capacity for forgiveness, and how kind she is. Nanci bends but doesn’t break, and she’s got an inner strength that will carry her through life. Nanci helps anyone and everyone and has a warped sense of humour. She works hard and goes to bed happy, knowing she’s accomplished her goals. I could continue, but you get the drift.”
Raymond shifted uncomfortably. “Sounds to me like you want her.”
I was prepared for Inglorious to deny that. Instead, he turned to me and held my eyes. “If Nanci were mine, I’d worship thefuckin’ ground she walks on. I’d break my back to ensure that every day she knew she was loved and cherished. Nanci would never have to doubt my fidelity or my respect for her because I’d show her constantly.”
My jaw dropped open at Inglorious’s words. I knew him like the back of my hand. Inglorious meant every single word he was saying. Sincerity poured from him as if the floodgates had been opened.
“Inglorious,” I muttered.
“Nanci is the sexiest woman I’ve ever set eyes on. How you could have cheated on her with some cheap slut is beyond me. You had the full package and threw it away,” Inglorious continued.
“One man’s trash is another’s treasure,” Razor stated and cocked his head.
“Yeah, that didn’t come out right,” I scolded as the meaning of his words sank in and he blushed.
“Sorry, Pres,” Razor muttered.
“You will be,” I promised and turned to Raymond. “I don’t believe this is about my leaving Vegas. What I do is no concern of yours. Why are you here?”
“Nanci, let’s go for lunch so we can talk. We had good times, didn’t we? These idiots are confusing you,” Raymond said, and I frowned.
“Is he gaslighting me?”
“Seems so to me,” Inglorious replied, his gaze narrowed.
“Raymond, just go away. I want nothing to do with you,” I stated, making shooing motions with my hands. For a brief instant, desperation and dislike flashed in Raymond’s eyes. That set me even more on guard: Raymond wasn’t here because he wanted me back. He wanted something from me.
“Babe, come on, we were special, you know? Let’s go talk and see if we can straighten this mess out,” Raymond urged.
“What mess? You cheated; you can’t take that back, and don’t give me the bullshit about men having needs. Loads of men have needs and don’t cheat! Get lost, you’re annoying me,” I stated and flapped my hands again.
“Nanci said to fuck off, now do it,” Inglorious growled out, stepping into Raymond’s space.
Raymond sent him a filthy look but turned away and headed to his car. “This isn’t over; our love story doesn’t end like this!” he called over his shoulder.
“Screw that, all I sense is dislike and distaste. Ain’t no love lost here!” I shouted back and watched as Raymond walked away. “I don’t like the fact that anyone can just drive into town when they want,” I muttered.
“Not a lot we can do about it, but it will fuckin’ help when we get a sheriff here,” Razor said.
“That looks like it’s becoming a priority. I need somebody in place before we open to tourists,” I agreed as I turned and began walking back to the clubhouse.
“Have you advertised the position?” Inglorious asked.
“Yeah. But only one has applied, and they have just passed the academy. I want someone with experience. I don’t expect much crime here, but you should never underestimate. We’ve also been approved for a deputy,” I replied.
“Nice. That will give the sheriff a couple of days off a week. I was worried about having just one lawmaker in town,” Inglorious stated.
“Lawmaker, listen to you, Mr Wild West,” I teased, and Inglorious laughed.
“And I’m the third wheel here. I’m going to find Chill and beat on that bastard for a bit,” Razor announced and strode off. Inglorious’s laugh followed him.
