She didn't complain.
She leaned in against me, her head on my shoulder.
No one saw the tears that fell.
I only felt it on my skin.
That day.
One that lone stretch of road.
I earned my road name all over again.
I stole Arlys back from her piece of shit ex and I made her my wife the day her divorce became final.
Epilogue
ARLYS
I worked until the last possible minute in the shop.
That included bringing on another barber who thought she was just passing through.
One of the prospects that had been assigned to hang around and make sure that things ran smoothly couldn't help but watch Regan as we worked in the shop. I had a feeling he was just waiting to become a member before asking her out.
It was sweet, really.
But I had a feeling that Logan had a hand in it.
Regan was like my little sister now and Logan had probably put the fear of God into Crosswalk when I mentioned the longing looks between the two of them.
Now, he sat dutifully in the corner just beyond the front door, keeping a pleasant and watchful eye on the comings and goings of Close Cuts.
The bell over the front door jingled and I was glad to hear it.
Regan had barred me from sweeping or wiping, basically anything that got me up off of my feet.
Seeing Joe Roberts come through the door was like a fresh breath of air.
"Joe!"
He grinned at me and held up a small cooler that looked like it would hold half a dozen beers. "I went fishing yesterday and I brought you some catfish."
My stomach grumbled loudly. "Thanks! The last time you brought fish I barely managed to save some for Logan."
"Ah," Joe waved his hand and his face settled into a grumpy look, "you eat it all if you want." He lifted his chin in my direction. "You've got baby to make happy, that man can sit and stew."
I knew that Joe didn't really mean it. He was barely hiding a smile from me.
"I can always catch more," he reassured me. "You're the only one I share with who likes catfish as much as I do."
I bit into my lip and put my hands on the counter. "I'm the only one you share with, Uncle Joe."
He nodded. "That is true." He gestured toward the back. "You want me to put it in the refrigerator for you?"
I nodded. "Sure, but I'll come with you."
All the heads in the room swung around toward me.
