“Fuck you, Ballard,” I snap.
He just wiggles his eyebrows. “I think your friend might just do that. Just like your sister wants to.”
“For the record,” Misty says, her hand up, “I don’t.”
The look on Wylie’s face makes my anger slip just a bit. “Didn’t expect that, did you?” I ask. “Go back to your shithole side of town, Wylie. It’s time to go kiss Daddy’s ass, isn’t it? Might wanna make sure to do it while you still can.”
“And what the fuck do you mean by that?”
“Everyone knows Butch killed Johnny, and when I have the proof of it, you won’t have Daddy around to save your ass anymore.”
“God, it must really suck to be you. Johnny died, and Butch wants nothing to do with you. You’ve always been just a bit jealous of me, haven’t you? Not just because I’m better looking but because I have a dad, and you don’t. You know, since Butch never claimed you.”
Snorting, I shake my head. “The last person I want as a father is Butch Ballard. Hell, he probably realized what a disappointment you were and couldn’t risk taking a chance with a second. Lucky me.”
“Yeah, if that makes you feel better at night. As for your threat about killing Butch? Good fucking luck. That shit was an accident, and you just can’t accept it.”
“There are no accidents when your dad is involved. And I will kill Butch one day. Then I just need a good reason to kill you, too, and I’ll be the happiest man alive.”
He just laughs. “Good luck getting laid tonight. Not sure your lady is the type to fuck a murderer.”
Shit. I kind of forgot about Misty hearing all that as he walks away. “Misty—”
“He’s your brother?”
“Half,” I say. “Mama had a one-night stand with Butch.”
“And you think Butch killed Johnny. Who’sJohnny?”
Licking my lips, I lock my eyes on the table. I tell her all about Johnny. How he was the only father I’ve had in my life. How much I miss him every fucking day.
The things you don’t normally tell your fuck buddy.
“And you really think your biological father killed him?”
I nod. “Yep. I know he did.”
“Holy shit.”
“Maybe coming out tonight was a mistake.”
I wouldn’t blame her if she’s scared of me now. If she decides it’s better to run.
Wylie whistles to get our attention, and we both look to see him gyrating behind Lainey while winking at Misty. Lainey pushes him just as I’m about to stand, knocking him over a chair, and I’d go punch him if Nancy wouldn’t kick my ass out.
“Hey, come with me,” Misty says, pulling my fisted hand.
We stand, and she leads me down the hallway. Toward the side exit.
I expect the night air to hit me, but she pulls me into the men’s room instead, guiding us into the handicap stall.
“What are we doing in here?”
Looking around, she looks both amused and impressed. “This is much cleaner than I expected.”
“I suppose Nan takes better care of her place than other bars.”
Her lips find mine, and I tangle my fingers in her hair. I can’t take her here in the bathroom, but I appreciate her willingness to get me away from the asshole I share DNA with before I do something I regret.
