Do what? Play me for the fool?“I’ll take what you said into consideration.” My voice must’ve sounded sharper than I intended because a few minutes later, Sam calls.
Using Slate’s example, she skips a greeting. “I can’t believe she did it again.”
Sighing, I flip down the toilet lid and sit. “Thanks, but group therapy just ended. How about we discuss the fentanyl, instead. Did you learn anything?”
“Working on it. Sorry. Here’s Suds. He wants to talk to you.” She says something in the background then her husband comes on the line.
“How’s it hanging, bro?”
“As good as can be expected.” He should’ve told me about Rose’s past.
One drunken night, I told him all about my dad. It wouldn’t take a rocket scientist to put two and two together and know I’d be pissed as fuck.
After glancing at the angry guy in the mirror, I shake my head, and reenter the main room, barely bigger than the two double beds.
With her back against a headboard closest to the door, the con artist glares my way. Her jutting chin dares me to say something which I won’t. I’m not a complete idiot. My heart and my cock are dumber than a post but thankfully, a few brain cells still fire.
Like I did Slate and Hands, I fill in Suds, emphasizing caution. “Keep a close watch on your family.”
“Copy that.”
“Later, dude. Call me if you learn anything.” After hanging up, I sigh, and recall how in the past I kidded him about his wife being a danger magnet. It’s not so funny anymore.
“Might as well get comfortable. We’re going to be here for a while.” Not expecting a response, I jump on the other bed and open my laptop while Rose commandeers the TV.
It’s not often I find large blocks of time to work on my fundraising project. Smiling, I post pictures of me skating on my prosthetic at Rockefeller Center. I chat with a few vets online and help them fill out forms to apply for aide.
The red tape keeps me busy for hours and I lose track of time. Rose orders a pizza from a local joint and as I’m taking a last bite, my phone rings.
“Whazzup?” I never expect Slate to say hello and he doesn’t disappoint.
“The fentanyl is some high-end designer shit and stumped my chemist. Whatever it is, it must’ve cost a fortune to manufacture. Stay watchful, my friend.”
Chapter 14
Rose
Wheels shakes his head, gives me a dirty look, and hangs up the phone.
“What?” This is the first word I’ve uttered in hours, but still, he ignores me and focuses back on his computer.
“Fine, be like that.” If I watch one more reality TV show, my brain will explode.
I’m not used to being cooped up, especially with a body-grouch. Ready to scream, I grab a pillow, bring it into the bathroom, and run the shower. After making sure the door is locked, I place the soft rectangle next to the sink and make a thick crease for the mouth. Then, I pluck the cotton, creating eyes and nose.
“Perfect.” Sitting on the john, I face the grimacing Dr. Downy who waits for me to begin.
“Well, I did it again.”
My psychiatrist doesn’t show any judgement, which under the circumstances, is quite professional.
“I know, I know. I shouldn’t’ve told him the way I did, but he was being such a bossy asshole. What? …Oh, sorry, let me back up. I forgot we haven’t talked for a while. I really do appreciate you taking time from your busy schedule to squeeze me in.”
Worried that Wheels might be able to listen in, I lower my voice and run the water in the sink. It’s far better to be wasteful than have him think my puffy-therapy ridiculous.
“So, I met this amazingly hot guy at Mia’s Christmas party, but he drives me crazy… Why you ask? Oh, let’s see… How much time do we have? First of all, he kissed me, and it was the best night of my entire life. Then, what does he do? He bolts, leaves me all alone, and all I can do is wonder what I did wrong.”
Dr. Downy remains reflective and offers no advice which is my cue to continue.
