Page 19 of Cannon
“Yeah. I walked in that hospital room and she was strapped down, talking crazy. Then she hocked one and boom… right on my cheek.”
Nori blinked. “Oh hell no. Did you beat her ass?”
“I almost did.” I shook my head, shamed by how natural it felt to raise my hand.
“It was like… something took over. Then I caught myself.”
“She lucky,” Nori said, sucking her teeth. “Let my child spit on me, psychiatric hold or not…”
“Trust me, I wanted to but that would’ve made things worse. I need to make sure she can trust me. I don’t judge her for her behavior when she’s in a state.”
“You better than me. But enough of your problem child. I see you fired Darius.”
“I had to. He was terrible. He was afraid to do his damn job. And then he flirted with the girls. It makes them uncomfortable to have security trying to get them to go home with them.”
“Oh, I ain’t mad at you. Let his trifling ass go. So, you need a new head of security?”
“Yeah, I have a guy coming by today. I’m going to see if he’ll be a good fit.”
“What’s that look in your eye?” she asked.
“What look?”
“When you mentioned this mystery guy, your eyes caught a spark. You want him? You like him? Is he fine?”
“Nori, stop. There was no spark and he’s just someone I think would be a good fit,” I said remembering how he handled that bartender with no fear.
Nori leaned back, picking at the salad she brought for herself. “Sure… Anyway let me tell you what happened with Phil.”
“Lord,” I groaned. “Not that grandpa you’re running around with.”
“Yes, bitch,” she grinned. “You know I like older men, right? I figure if I’m gon’ deal with some bullshit, at least let it come with a pension.”
“Smart, I guess.” I shook my head.
“Don’t be like that. I like him.”
“So what’s the problem?” I asked.
“His dick don’t work.”
I choked on a laugh. “What?”
“He can’t get hard. We spent all night, last night with him trying to stuff it inside of me. It was so gross. Like trying to stuff a sausage…”
“Tell him to get a blue pill,” I said between laughs.
“He can’t. Heart condition. Doctor said Viagra might kill him.”
“Damn.”
“Exactly. So now I’m stuck playing house with a man who’s got stocks, bonds, beachfront property—and a damn noodle for a dick.”
“Is it worth it?”
She shrugged. “Depends on how long I can go without good dick before I lose my mind or start texting my toxic ex.”
I leaned back, still laughing. For the first time since I left that hospital, the knot in my chest had loosened.
