Page 66 of Southern Comfort
“This better work out, because you’renevergoing to think of something better,” Lex adds.
“Thanks for the encouragement.”
“He’s right,” Layton says, pointing at me. “Never. Okay. Things may be looking up. Barely. Says here a convertible nineteen-sixty-three Galaxie 500 sells between eight and twenty thousand. Depending on condition. Should we pray for a few dents and a ripped interior?”
“I couldn’t swing the twenty. But I could definitely do ten. Maybe. I just bought my house. Everything I’ve saved went into the down payment. Shit.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself. Find the car first. He has the VIN number I’m sure. If you can find it. And maybe we all can help pitch in.”
“I’m about to start a big job. If the seller could take payments that would work.”
Lex shakes his head.
“Are you fucking kidding? That won’t happen.”
“Yeah. Forget the upgrades in here for now. The money we collect could go for the car. That’s more important than new seating.”
The wheels inside my head are turning. It would be best if it could be my gift alone. But whatever I have to do to get the car, would be worth it. The car that meant so much. There are memories inside there. Crap. I have to make it happen.
My cell sounds and brings me back.
“I got to get this.”
Scraping the chair back, I head for the office.
“Hey, Hunter. How’s it goin’?”
“Bing’s here too.”
“Hi, Bing.”
“So Mom told us about the offer to help you move.”
Guess we’re skipping the small talk. Okay by me. I’d rather get to know each other more organically. Without the bullshit.
“I need to be out of my apartment by the third. I was going to hire day laborers, but I’d rather hire guys I know. Think you’d be interested?”
“What were you thinking money wise?”
I want to laugh because it sounds rehearsed. But I give it to the kid. It’s a valid question.
“Three hundred for both of you and a week’s free stay. You’d have to bring your own car, because I’ll be coming back before you.”
“That isn’t a problem,” Bing says.
“We’ll drive up on a Friday and move Saturday. I may need you for half a day Sunday. After that, you’re free to do whatever you want. Wish I could up the cash, but I’m tapped right now.”
“We accept.” Hunter says it quickly in case I suddenly change my mind.
“Whoo hoo!” Bing yells. “But we’re staying there for the whole week, right?”
“Yeah, with a few rules.”
“What sort of rules?” Hunter asks.
The hesitation makes sense. He’s dealing with his mother’s boyfriend. And technically he is an adult. But it is my house.
“I don’t want anybody sleeping in my bed or going into my room. There are two guest rooms. Otherwise you are welcome to make yourself at home.”
