Boom. She leans in, lowers her voice in case Ethan is on his way back from the bathroom.
“Well!” She literally licks her lips. “What about Nellie, hm? I know you two like each other!”
Luke shifts his weight from one foot to the other, digs his hands in his pockets. He’s squirming, his neck blooming with red streaks. “Like I said the other day, your daughter’s cool, but—”
Charleigh wants to grab him by the shoulders, shake him, scold him, bark,Hey, you little shit! Just take my goddamn daughter out! On a date! One date! What is the matter with you?
Ethan’s been gone long enough; he should’ve been back by now, unless, well,eww. But she doesn’t have much time.
“Look. I know Nellie isdifferent. You are, too. So, whaddya say? One date? Make a girl’s day? Her month? Her whole year?” She inches even closer, goes in for the kill. “What’ll it take? I know you’re not in town for shits and giggles. I havea lotto offer.”
As he fidgets, working the chain that runs from his belt loop to his wallet, Charleigh walks over to the counter to fetch her purse.
She slides out her wallet, snaps it open. Tugs out five one-hundred-dollar bills. “This is what I have on me.”
Luke eyes the bills, gulps. “Ummm, I don’t know how I feel about this—”
“I also have a checkbook. I can write you a check for more. Just one date,” Charleigh presses.
He continues staring at the money, at her purse. She’s got him.
But then he shakes his shaggy hair, scoffs. Throws his palmsup, backs away. “Nothing against your daughter. Honestly, ma’am, and I could really use the cash, but…this…this is all… creepy andgross.”
Charleigh whips out her checkbook. She can’t risk fucking around here. “I will write you a check for five grand. For one date.”
His lips part; he scratches the back of his neck, apparently reconsidering. “For just the one date?”
“Yes. But arealdate. Flowers, wine—or whatever y’all drink—give her attention. And give her a chance. You might find out you like her.”
“This is still creepy and gross. But yeah, I’ll do it.”
Charleigh scribbles out the check. Signs Alexander’s name, which is something she does regularly. But especially now, just in case. If this ever gets out, Nellie won’t be able to blame this on her. She getssomuch less angry at Alexander.
She folds it, passes it over to him before he changes his mind. “And Luke, one last thing: You’re not to tell asoulabout this. And I meananybody.”
72
Nellie
I stand there, my fingers gripping the Glock, squinting at Dad’s head.
Ever so slightly, I squeeze the trigger.
Though not all the way. I want to but can’t make my fingers follow through.
As if he can sense me, Dad freezes, spins around, sticks his hands up as if I’m holding him at gunpoint, which, obviously, I am. His face warps into a contorted mask. “What thefuck, Nellie!”
I keep the Glock trained on him.
I can’t help it; torturing him right now feelssogood after what he did to Mom. Tous.
He takes a step forward, hands still raised, face scrunched up like he’s confused.
My heart is racing now, and my hands start to shake.
“Nellie!” he shouts. “Put the goddamn gun down! Have you lost your mind?” His eyes are pleading and sad. And—best of all—scared shitless.
After a few long seconds, I lower my arm, set the gun on the shelf.
