Page 66 of DadBod

“Deal.” I sound a little defeated, but it’s because I don’t think Monica should get away with talking to Calvin like that. It’s one thing for her to give me a hard time; I’m an adult. But Cal, he’s just a sweet kid who likes to be helpful. And hell, hasn’t he been through enough? “When you’re ready, I really need your help. No joke.”

Calvin slides out of his seat like he’s melting, but he stands and gives me a weak smile. “I’ll help.”

Taking his hand, we head out to the drinks station, where I tell him what I need. He gets busy with the soda pop as I make my way back up to the bar. “He was in Rome’s office. He’s helping me.”

“What happened?”

“Monica happened.” Lifting the tray filled with cocktails, beer, and wine, I rest it on my right hand. “And he asked me not to tell his dad. He’s worried he won’t get to come back and help.”

Jeriann looks angry as she hisses, “Monica’s such a cun––”

And on that note, I’m off to my tables.

* * *

“I thoughtthe night would never end.” Talking to myself, I plop down at the table near the front again, waiting for Jeriann to finish closing out the registers for the night. Reaching into my apron pocket, I pull out a wad of cash. “At least the tips were good.” I’ll need to give Calvin his share. He helped a lot until his aunt Ophelia picked him up at nine o’clock just as the influx of people were finishing their meals. The timing was perfect.

“Who are you talking to?”

I look up as Monica struts up to the table.

“Myself.” What? Why do I care what she thinks of me?

“You’re pathetic.” Her voice is angry. Why? Why does she have to be that way?

I don’t bother responding as she walks past me and out the front door. “She’s bitchy.”

“You talkin’ to yourself again, honey bun?”

“Yeah.”

Jeriann sits beside me. “Makes you look kinda crazy when you do that.”

I shrug. “Don’t care. I’m too tired to give a rat’s ass.”

“Good point.”

We spend a few minutes counting our loot. “I sure do miss you during the week,” Jeriann says as she throws her arm over my shoulder and we wait for the train.

“Me too.” I really miss her. “I miss my apartment too.”

“I bet.” She pulls me in for a side hug. “Your place is da bomb.”

“Nobody says that.” At least that’s what Ryann says.

“I say it.” Jeriann scowls.

“I’m tired, and I’ve got to be at Rome’s early.”

“Why?”

“We’ve got an appointment.”

“We? As in––you and him?”

I blink several times, thinking about her question. “He wants me to get my Illinois driver’s license.”

“Why?”

“I’ll be able to run errands or something.” I sigh. “I don’t know.”

“He knows you don’t have wheels, right?”

“He knows. I guess I’ll use his if he really needs me to.”

“Nice.” Jeriann nods.

“Mm-hmm.” I’m not sure.

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