Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 88080 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88080 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
“You’re not alone, Jordy. You never have been. When you finally realize that and start to rely on other people, you’ll see. It can only go up from here.”
I’m barely out of the pen and I’m getting in fights, driving a stolen car, and am so close to sticking my dick in Roux.
Shit can only go down from here.
“Break time’s over,” I grunt, giving them both a nod. “See you around.”
“You will.”
His promise makes my blood curdle. The last thing I need is a cop trying to be buddy-buddy with me. I don’t even want to know what Renaldo would do.
Fuck.
Why can’t my life just be normal?
I’m minding my own business, pulling hot plates out of the dishwasher, when Bob checks in on me again.
“Frederick quit,” Bob says, scowling. “What do you know about cooking?”
“A lot more than doing dishes.”
His eyes skim over my work. I spent the better part of my first day of work last week fixing the disorganization the last dumbass who worked here left for me.
“You ever cooked on a big grill?”
“No, but I cooked at OSP for whiney-ass inmates. Also been cooking with my mom since I was little.”
He nods. “You’re fired from dishwashing and hired as a cook. Tomorrow grab an apron and shadow me. I need someone reliable.”
How he knows I’m reliable after one week of work is beyond me. I do, however, need this job to keep my parole officer happy.
“Yeah, man, I can do it.”
He opens his mouth to say something when we’re interrupted by a waitress named Sheila. “We need a mop!”
Bob slaps me on the shoulder. “Today you’re still a dishwasher. Go clean that shit up.”
I roll my eyes at him but do as I’m told. Once I have the mop, I saunter back out into the dining room. The lunch rush is over, so the crowd is thinning out. A brunette woman, sitting in a booth with her back to me, is fussing over a toddler in a booster seat beside her. An empty glass sits on the table and the mess has been cleared away there by Sheila. The floor is still soaked.
With my head down, I start mopping. The woman gasps, drawing my attention to her.
“Jordy?”
I let my eyes skim over her face. “Sidney.”
She’s stiff as she takes in my appearance. I’m not exactly a revered hero in this town. Especially not to her. I used to be such a dick to Sidney.
“Got knocked up, I see.” I guess I still am a dick to Sidney.
She scowls at me. Sidney’s always been beautiful with her bright green eyes and shiny brown hair. She’s also a bit of a skank, especially where my friends are concerned.
“Don’t be rude. I’m married. We have a son together.” She crosses her arms over her tits that have grown. It’s then I realize she’s barely showing, pregnant again.
“Who the fuck married you?”
“Fuckfuckfuck,” the little kid parrots.
Whoops.
“Sebban, sweetie, that’s a no-no word.”
“Nononono.”
“Who’s the dad?” I know the kid sure as fuck isn’t mine. I never fucked Sidney, though she tried to get me there on more than one occasion. He’s not dark-skinned like Terrence. But those eyes…
“Gio,” she says with a huff. “Duh.”
“Hmph.”
“Don’t hmph me, Jordy. I see you judging me. I’m not the same person as before.” It’s then I take in her appearance. She was always trash like the rest of us. Poor as fuck, but at least had good looks on her side. Now, she really is different. Seemingly more mature and put together.
“Gio took his certifications. He’s selling insurance now. Does really well. If you need car insurance, he could hook you up.” She sighs. “He wanted to go into finance and go to college, but with the baby, that wasn’t an option.”
“Does the nerd still drive a minivan?”
She rolls her eyes but lets a smirk tug at her lips. “God no. I made him trade that in the second we were married.” A genuine smile tugs at her lips. “He’s a good dad, you know. I know you guys used to give him hell in high school, but Gio’s a good man.”
Guilt niggles at me. We were all such dicks to poor Sidney. All she wanted was attention and for someone to love her. None of the Hoodlums had it in us to love her. Glad the nerd stepped up. She’s not a bad person and it looks like he really pulled the good parts out of her.
“Stay-at-home mom?”
She bristles. “Yes. Have a problem with that? I want to go to dental school to be a hygienist, but Sebban needs me. He’s busy and likes to hide. I don’t think a babysitter could keep an eye on him like I do.”
“My mom stayed home with us when we were little. Not knocking it, Sid.” I finish mopping and then lean the handle against a vacant table. “I’m sorry I was a dick to you back then.”