Page 65 of Rough
His comment prickles my skin, and I get defensive. “Fuck right off with that. I might have dated around, but that don’t mean I’ve ever been disrespectful!”
“Guys, if I can interrupt this group hug?” David cuts through our standoff, and we turn to look at his knowing look. “Aside from the fact that obviously I was right, you all fucked up. Massively. I want to help you. For her, not for you. I like her. She’s good people and deserves to not be as sad as she is right now.”
That brings all of us back to the present. “Who the fuck are you to want to help us?” Remy is furious, but whether it’s atDavid or the rest of us, I have no idea. Maybe he’s pissed over being called out for his feelings for the woman we’ve all loved our entire lives.
“I’m the guy that not only wants to keep earning money, but the one who thinks they can help a fucked up situation getunfucked. You want to keep giving me shit?”
Shit, this dude isn’t scared of any of us.“Just fucking talk, man,” I sigh, leaning against one of the walls in the barn.
Standing up straight, he glares at all of us. “Let me film you working for her. Let me show the worldandher you all are willing to do what it takes to earn her forgiveness. Aside from that, off camera, you all need to apologize without conditions or requests for her. Just admit that you all fucked up and let her say what she needs to say. Then apologize again, and again, and again until she’s so sick of it she’ll forgive you just to shut you up. But you need to tell her what you did wrong andwhyit was wrong. Admit your shortcomings, and for the love of God, admit that you have feelings for her. I don’t know her well, but I know you all mean more to her than anyone else, which is why she’s so hurt right now. Be the men I know you can be.”
He slumps back, then tilts his head to the side in consideration. “You also need to get rid of Trina. I know you’ve all had her around for a while, but she’s not doing you any good. I’m not saying this because she’s competition, but because she’s just not a good person. Get her out of here. She’s only dragging you down.”
Silently, we have a conversation with our eyes, agreeing that for at least the time being, we’re understanding him. Finally, Remy speaks up. “You need us to sign a release for video?”
“I’ve got forms in my bag,” David says. I appreciate he doesn’t take advantage of the fact that we’ve hit rock bottom.
“We’ll sign,” Clyde says, then turns to grab the hook from the wall that unscrews the drains from the ground. “Let’s get the drains cleaned out.”
“Not that I want anything untruthful in the videos, but if you could exaggerate how gross this job is, it’ll help. Maybe make faces and gag a bit.” David is now standing, his camera pointing and ready to shoot.
Rolling my eyes, I grab a trash bag and hold it out as Clyde squats down to open up the first drain. “Don’t you worry, my friend. This is probably the most disgusting job to do. The reactions will be real.”
He laughs at my confession, then stands back and films us as we work quickly. I swear, I almost vomit twice when Clyde reaches in to pull out a clog, then holds it in my face to show me what he found. Remy is chuckling behind us as he starts the next one, a soft gag ending his laugh shortly after he starts. The three of us work together and get the job done, tying the rancid bag shut once we’re finished.
When we’re done, David has us sign the release paperwork, which we do without thought, then disappears through the doors. We’re alone, and for the first time, none of us knows what to say.
“So…” I trail off, starting the conversation. “Ya’ll got it bad for Bets, too?”
“It doesn’t matter right now,” Clyde says, washing his hands in the sink. “But yeah, always have.” His jaw is working, then he adds under his breath, “Always will.”
Remy grunts, not looking at any of us. “Grown up Betsy should have come with a warning. I wasn’t ready for her to be… well,her.”
I laugh and smack him on the shoulder. “Bets let us know who she was from day one. Apparently, aside from Clyde, we didn’t realize it. I don’t know how it’s gonna work out, but fornow, I think if we work together, we can fix this issue and go from there. I don’t know ‘bout you guys, but I’m gonna go have that conversation with her I wanted to have earlier.”
“Whatcha gonna do?” Clyde asks, more curious than anything.
Smiling at him, I come up with a plan. “I’m gonna take her out to the pond and make her listen. Then I’m gonna remind her why I’ve always been her favorite.”
He seems ready to argue with me, but only nods. “I’ll give you time, but then I’m comin’ out there, too.”
“Same,” Remy adds.
Shrugging, I turn away from them and head toward the exit. “Ya’ll do what you need to do, but give me a minute first.”
I throw the doors open to the barn and immediately find the girl I need and make a beeline right for her. Making my way toward her, she sees me coming and I grin when she opens her mouth to lay into me. I ignore it, throwing her over my shoulder and walking toward her truck. I know her keys are always in there, so as soon as I plant her ass in the passenger seat, I shut the door on her red, furious face, then march around to the driver’s side. Once I’m inside, I turn to her.
“I know you’re pissed about me handlin’ ya, but I need you to get over it for a few minutes. I’m gonna make this right, and you’re gonna listen. You hear me, Bets? You’re gonna shut that mouth and give me ten minutes to speak my mind.”
Huffing in irritation, she whips her head away from me, mumbling insults under her breath. I grin as I start the engine, then drive out to the pond on the back part of the property. I love her fire and have no problems getting a bit burned before the night is through.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Flashback
~ about 5 years ago ~ Betsy
Dragging the barrel across the yard, I wipe my hand across my forehead, then brace my legs and tug again.
