Page 17 of Finding Silence
“I’m gonna grab another round,” Clem announces. “Everyone same thing?”
I was never a heavy drinker, but I enjoyed my Thursday night bourbon. Unfortunately, heart medication and alcohol don’t play well, so I’ve been drinking ginger ale instead. Not a big fan of sugary pops, but at least it’s something different than black coffee or the water I drink the rest of the time.
“Not for me,” I announce. “I’ve had a long day.”
They all look at me questioningly.
“Well, I did. Been building a pen for that goshdang escape-artist goat you dumped on me,” I grumble with an accusatory finger aimed at Buck. “That four-legged garbage disposal escaped again, but this time he ate my new neighbor’s underwear off the line.”
Apparently, the guys think that’s funny, but it really isn’t. That little stunt cost me two-hundred-and-fifty bucks, which is why I don’t feel at all guilty when I catch sight of the pile of chips I took off Buck. I think that should about cover it.
“About your neighbor…” Jacob starts, “Stella mentioned when she dropped in to Strange Brew yesterday morning, she saw her sitting in a booth with Savvy. Nice-looking woman from what I hear.”
“That’s an understatement,” Clem claims. “Her name is Phil and she was in the shop, dropping off her converted school bus for service. From what I’ve seen of her, calling her nice-looking doesn’t do her justice. She dresses like a hobo and has that weird purple hair, but that woman is fine in capital letters.” He lewdly illustrates a woman’s curves with his hands.
An itch starts at the back of my neck, and I rub my hand vigorously over the spot. I’m not comfortable with this conversation.
“What kind of name is Phil for a woman?”
My eyes snap to Buck and before I realize I’m doing it; I’m jumping to my neighbor’s defense.
“It’s short for Phyllis.” Then I turn back to Clem. “And you’re one to comment on someone’s attire when your idea of fashion includes a backward ball cap and a dirty oil rag tucked in your back pocket, twenty-four seven. Don’t even get me going on labeling her as fine with whatever mime you just performed, because she is a nice woman and not an object.”
I realize I may have overdone it a bit when they all stare at me slack-mouthed. I already know I’m the biggest hypocrite to walk the earth, because I was no different than these guys when I first met her.
In the uncomfortable silence that follows my ridiculous outburst, I get to my feet, ready to get out of here, but they’re not letting me off that easy.
“Now I really can’t fucking wait to meet this woman,” Jacob announces.
“Second that,” Buck pipes up. “Maybe I should drop by and give her my card, in case she has any pets that need my services.”
“I’ve had enough of you guys,” I grumble, shoving my winnings into my pocket and heading for the door.
Behind me I hear Clem mutter, “This is going to be interesting,” followed by laughter.
Bastards.
On my way out the door, I wave at Stella, who is tending bar. By the time I slide behind the wheel of my Bronco, the clock on my dashboard indicates it’s only a little after nine. Still early.
Savvy answers on the second ring.
“What? No poker?”
“Yeah, but we’re done. I cleaned Buck out. I’m just leaving The Kerrigan.”
“That’s early.”
“I know,” I acknowledge before steering the conversation straight at the reason for my call. “I hear you had coffee with my neighbor yesterday morning?”
Savvy’s soft laugh sounds in my ear. She sounds so much like her mother.
“So that’s what spurned this unexpected pleasure.”
“I didn’t know you were meeting for coffee now. I’m curious, so sue me.”
There’s a little pause before Savvy responds with a question.
“Are you driving yet?”
