“That I may die without ever telling you how much I love you.”
Jesus. I feel tears build up in my eyes. I want to fight them, but this is important shit. “I love you too, Prudence. So fucking much.”
We kiss in the back of the ambulance until someone clears their throat. “You’re all set here.” The paramedic smiles. “The police want to ask you a few more questions.”
* * *
As soon asshe’s recounted the incident a hundred more times, the cops let her go home with the warning that they may have more questions later. Laura was able to download all the video from the moment Barbie stepped into the shop to the end when the cops had her pinned to the counter. They said the store will have to remain closed for a few days due to the investigation. It’s why I decided to take time off myself. I need to be with her. When traumatic shit like that happens, it often takes a while for it all to sink in.
When my kids heard about it, they called me immediately. They finally met Prudence last Sunday at my place. I had a barbecue and invited all the usual suspects. Jackie, Brett, and the rest of the guys from the shop, and Nathan and his girl came. Zoe was there, of course, with some asshole she’s been seein’. I was tempted to sharpen a knife in front of him as a warning what would happen to him if he hurts my baby girl, or knocks her up, but I thought that could upset Prudence, so I spent most of the day glaring daggers at him instead. Not as impactful as the knife, but it’ll have to do for now.
Not surprising, everyone loved Prudence. What’s not to love? She and Jackie got on like a house on fire, which I’m both happy and apprehensive about. Jackie has stories. Stories I’d prefer Prudence not know about, but since Jackie has wanted this to work out between us, maybe she’ll only stick to the good ones.
Fucking fingers crossed.
So, here we are at Prudence’s place curled up on her bed. She’s been sleeping fitfully, so I’m glad I’m here in case she wakes up. I made us a frozen pizza when we got back, but she barely ate a slice. She was pretending to be all right with everything, but I know she’s full of shit. The other issue at hand is that fucking asshole of an ex keeps calling her. My guess is either the cops notified him, or Barbie used her one phone call on him. A waste if you ask me. Either way, he’s been blowin’ up Prudence’s cell for over an hour.
When it rings again, I can’t take it anymore. I slip out of bed, grabbing her phone as I go. In the kitchen, I press the answer key and snap, “What?”
He must register who’s on the line because he bypasses any niceties with “I need to speak to Prudie.”
“What about?” I want to laugh at my own question, but this is serious.
“I want to know what she did to provoke Barbie.”
I press the red button and end the call. What is wrong with that piece of shit ex-husband? The phone rings again. I contemplate letting it go to voice mail but think better of it. The last thing Prudence needs are messages from this prick. “What?” I answer again.
“I need to speak to Prudie.”
“No.”
“It’s either over the phone or through our attorneys.”
“The attorney route is a good one. How do you feel about restraining orders?”
“Restrain––what are you talking about.”
“If you don’t stop bothering Prudence, she’s gettin’ one.”
“She’s got no grounds.”
“Your baby mama tried to kill her today. That’s grounds if you ask me.”
“I had nothing to do with that.”
“I believe you had everything to do with that. But I’m sure you’ll get to see the video footage during Barbie’s trial.”
“Barbie’s innocent.”
Does he not know? “Barbie’s the one who ran over your mother.”
“What are you talking about? That’s impossible.”
“She admitted it. On tape.”
“I––I…”
I’m so tempted to mock him especially when I hear him sniffle. “Jesus, grow a pair, dude.”
