Page 51 of Rough
Grabbing an empty chair, I set it next to Remy and interrupt. “Where we at?”
“Just lettin’ them know we made some incorrect assumptions about what was goin’ on over there.” Renee is setting down a plate of sandwiches on the table as he fills me in.
With a hand on his shoulder, she reaches over and squeezes mine, too. “You boys need anythin’? Conversation looks intense.”
“Could I get a glass of lemonade?” Trina asks as she drags a chair over to sit next to me. The hand on my shoulder digs in harder, but I know she’s just trying to channel her annoyance.
With a smile, she points to the other side of the lawn. “Sure thing, darlin’. Drinks are set up right over there. Got lemonade and sweet tea. Help yourself.”
Clyde wipes a hand over his mouth to hide his smile and Renee’s dismissal. Shereallydoesn’t like our PR girl. At least Trina is smart enough to not come back with a retort. Honestly, ever since we got here, it’s become glaringly obvious that she isn’t the person she’s always portrayed herself to be. Bit spoiled, if you ask me.
“Back to what you were sayin’. I gotta tell ya, it was hurtin’ my pockets not workin’ out there.” That comes from the kid named Emmett.
Lifting my chin at him, I ask, “You been workin’ there for a while?”
“Yeah. ‘Bout a year now. Miss Betsy put word out at the school that anyone who wanted to learn the ropes and make some cash could come on out whenever we had the time. She don’t let us work past seven or eight at night, ‘specially on weekdays ‘cuz of school. And we gotta show her our grades, so she knows we ain’t fallin’ behind.”
Another one of the boys lets out a chuckle. “I failed a math test last semester and when I showed up, she told me to grab my books and sat me in her kitchen until I got caught up on my assignments. Still paid me for half a day ‘cuz accordin’ to her, nothin’s harder work than doin’ algebra in this world.”
It’s clear that these guys respect the fuck out of Betsy and appreciate what she’s trying to do for them. “You boys got plans for the rest of the day?” Clyde asks, and they all twist around to see him standing a few feet from the table.
“Not really. Just this. There’s a party we’re goin’ to later, but that ain’t ‘til after it gets dark.”
Smacking my hands on my thighs, I give them an easy smile. “You all wanna slip out and head over there now? See if she needs a hand?”
Emmett eyes me curiously. “Ya’ll aren’t gonna throw a fuss if we do? ‘Cuz last ya said was if we—”
“We know what we said.” Remy cuts him off. “Like I was sayin’, we misunderstood things and wanna make it right.”
I almost forgot that Renee was standing behind him, but when she pats his shoulder and leans down to press a kiss to his cheek, I know she’s happy. Looking over at the boys from school, she smiles gently. “I’ll pack up some food for all of you to take over. I’m sure your parents won’t mind you sneakin’ out. There’s a cooler in the kitchen with extra drinks you can take as well.”
“Thank ya, ma’am.” That comes from a kid I’ve never met before today, but I’ll remember him going forward. Politeness has always gone a long way with Renee Landry.
The group of them leave within fifteen minutes, a tote bag full of food on one of their shoulders, the cooler being carried between another two. Following behind, I grab Emmett’s shoulder.
“Hey, lemme give you my number. Text me and let me know how she’s doin’, would ya?”
It’s obvious he isn’t sure about trusting me, but he still pulls his phone out and hands it over. “I’ll text ya, but I ain’t gonna answer personal questions ‘bout her business.” Puffing out his chest, he stands tall. “Never should’ve let ya’ll talk me out of workin’ there in the first place. Miss Betsy’s always been loyal.”
Glancing up from his phone, I look him in the eyes as I hand it back. “I hear you, man. Promise, got no ill-intentions where she’s concerned.”
“We’ll see,” he mutters before catching up to his friends.
I’m standing between Remy and Clyde as we watch them leave. I yank my ball cap out of my pocket and turn it around to put on backwards. “Well, that’s one fuck up fixed. Now we gotta pay the lady and figure out a way to start apologizin’.”
“What?” Trina screeches from behind us. “You’re giving her your money?”
“Not that it’s your business, but yeah,” Remy bites out, her question rubbing both him and me the wrong way. “We fucked some shit up and owe her compensation.”
With narrowed eyes, she opens her mouth and I just know she’s going to ask for details. I’d tell her, but she doesn’t need to know what kind of funds Betsy is about to come into. It’s none of Trina’s business.
“Don’t ask what for or how much. It’s a done deal.” Her teeth click when she slams her mouth shut. I close down the conversation. “Come on. We should go help Renee. I’m sure people are gonna start headin’ out soon.”
The rest of the afternoon goes as well as it can. Lots of hugs and tears from neighbors, both Clyde and I sticking next to Remy throughout all of it. After a few hours, I feel an odd mix of relief and guilt when I read a text from Emmett.
Things are fine here. Shit got backed up pretty bad. No idea how she’s been making do without help, but we’re gonna come back tomorrow and put in a full day.
Then I chuckle as the second text comes through.
