Page 64 of Southern Comfort
“Too much money. It’s a good idea, but I need to pay for other things. Necessities.”
“Let’s put it on the list then. Maybe not for this time, but whenever I visit I can tackle something. The place is looking a little ragged.”
He looks at me with tenderness.
“Son, I don’t want you to have to work every time you visit. Then we’d miss our talks.”
Kim’s eyes and tilt of her head say she is moved. Yeah, I am too. We used to talk about anything. Everything. When did we lose the habit? I know exactly when. Mom.
He pivots back to his rescue, who chews on the bone.
“Some girl thinks she wants to disappear. But I know she really wants to be found. Isn’t that so, Dolly dear?”
Attention turns to the dog, but it is the goodness in the man that I see. Why is it getting me emotional?
“Okay, now I’m really off. Bye, babe.”
“Bye now.” Dad wiggles his fingers in an exaggerated feminine wave that makes me laugh.
“What’s wrong with you, man?”
Kim sends a more interesting farewell. She points to herself, shapes a heart with her fingers and kisses the air. I’ll return it tonight.
Mom's during daylight has a whole other vibe. The five outside tables are usually taken by riders passing through Smyrna. The ones who read biker magazines. A bar that has lasted decades is one thing. The fact it has changed so little is another draw. I need to keep that in mind when I suggest upgrades. The old mood sits well with lifelong riders.
Days here suit me better. People are rarely a hundred percent drunk off their asses. In sunlight hours you don’t have to break up a fight, or refuse service as often. I catch Layton’s eye and signal I’m coming over.
“Frank, I’m taking a break.”
He doesn’t respond and I don’t expect one. I hang the towel on a hook and head for the group. Lex calls across the room.
“Shannon! Bring beer.”
The woman excuses being summoned by men who don’t think it is an insult. The good tips she gets from them balance any annoyance she might feel. That’s what she says, anyway. It isn’t right, but everybody is happy. Not my battle. She doesn’t take it from every man, which is a clear sign of who makes it worth her while and who doesn’t.
I pull the chair back and take a seat.
“You look like shit,” Layton says half laughing.
“But he feels really good,” Lex adds chuckling.
They know Kim and I are rolling in the deep. I just smile.
“Recognize that look? You had it. Have it.” Layton nods to Lex.
“So what’s happening? Did Ronnie agree to the plan to refurbish the booths and get a new paint job?”
“Sort of. I brought it up and he said it was too expensive. Wants to be included in any change. It might be better to hold off for now.”
“That was the whole idea, though. It was going to be a birthday gift from all the guys. He wouldn’t have to pay a cent.”
“I know, but I’m rethinking it. He has felt out of control for awhile. In his mind this would prove it.”
“I get that,” Lex says, leaning back in the chair. “Maybe we should come up with another idea.”
“We could collect money from whoever wants to contribute and say it’s for the repairs. He could do them when he wants.”
“There’s gonna be a party, right?”
