“Well, to start with, I ran into the sheriff this morning, and we all know how much that fucker hates me.”
Liz says, “True, but he’s always had it out for you. Pissing him off gives you great joy, so what else happened?”
I pull a cigarette out of my pocket and twirl it between my fingers. “I ran into Beau.”
All of them go completely silent, but I can see them exchanging glances with each other.
Liz finally speaks. “I guess it didn’t go well?”
“Not even a little bit. Number one, none of you told me how much he changed. When did he turn into an Adonis?”
Ronnie replies, “I’m not really sure. He left for college and came back totally different.”
“You guys also left out the part where he absolutely hates me.”
Michelle asks, “He hates you?”
“Yes. He made that very clear. It was a long time ago. I didn’t think he would be holding a grudge.”
“Did you get into it?” Ronnie questions.
“No, I was too surprised. I just stood there like an idiot while he pretty much told me to go fuck myself.”
She says, “That doesn’t sound like you. I’m surprised you didn’t punch him.”
Usually, yes, that would sound like me, but this is Beau. He was such a big part of my life for so long. Yes, I left town rather abruptly, but I had my reasons.
Seeing him when I came home was something I was looking forward to. I guess that’s not true anymore.
I clear my throat as though it’ll also clear my emotions. “It is what it is.”
“Jo,” Liz begins, but I stop her.
“Really, guys, I’m fine. I was surprised, but after a good night’s sleep, I’ll be ready to take on the world. Don’t worry about me.”
I stick the cigarette in my mouth. The moment I light it and take a puff, I hear an angry, “Joanna Leigh! You put that out right now!”
With an eye roll, I do as my mother orders.
She’s walks out to join us and says, “I came out to tell you I found you a job.”
“What? Where?”
“Jack has agreed to let you work part time at the auto shop. And before you give me any excuses, you know a decent amount about cars, and Jack has offered to teach you what you don’t know. And you can pick up some hours at the bar too.”
“Are you also going to pick a husband for me?” I joke.
“Not yet, but don’t tempt me. I’m positive I’d pick better than you.”
I could argue with her, but in that fight, I don’t have a leg to stand on.
When she walks back inside, all of my siblings follow except Ronnie.
“Hey,” she starts. “I think you need to know that Beau is working at the auto shop.”
“What?”
“Yeah, for a few years now.”
