“A tent? I don’t know….”
Raul chuckled. “Not like the tents you’re thinking of. A nice one with air conditioning, lights, floor, dance floor, the whole bit. It’ll be beautiful. It’ll cost you, but you’ll have a great venue, and the kids can run around outdoors.”
“Sounds good. I can’t visualize it, but I know you won’t let me down. How much are you gonna steal from me?”
“You’re desperate, which is a great position for a vendor to have a buyer in, but for you I’ll give you the friendship price.”
Muerto groaned jokingly. “I think I’m gonna wish I had the stranger price when this is all done.”
“Don’t worry, bro. I’ll take care of everything. It’s gonna be beautiful.”
“It better fuckin’ be. We’ll go out drinking after the party’s behind us. It’ll be on me. Say hi to Linda for me. How’s she been?”
“Busy with the kids and telling me all the things I’m supposed to do and fix around the house.”
He sniggered. “You’re the one who wanted to get married.”
“And I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’ll tell her you said hi. I’ll be in touch with you about the pricing. We gotta move fast on this.”
“Later, dude.” Relief washed over him as he slid the phone in his pocket. Raul was a good buddy he could always depend on, even though they didn’t see each other as much as they used to. Once Raul married and started having kids, he became more preoccupied with his business and family. Muerto got it, and he was always glad that he wasn’t the one saddled down with a wife and kids, but at that moment, after speaking to him, he felt a prick of restlessness.
“Hiya, handsome.” Ruby walked over to his Harley. “Are you going for a ride in this heat?” She ran her long fingers over the handlebars, slightly brushing against his hand.
“Nah, I’m going over to my sister’s. How’ve you been?”
“Horny for you. What gives? None of us girls have been with you for almost a month. You fucking someone in town? Not that that ever stopped you before.” She giggled and leaned in closer to him, her plunging neckline leaving little to the imagination.
“Just been busy with work and family stuff.”
“You got time for a little fun before you take off? I’ve missed you.”
“Not today. I’m already late.”
“When are you gonna take me for a ride on your bike? Skull took Kelly for a ride down Highway 36 and she said it was so fuckin’ cool.”
Shaking his head, he adjusted his sunglasses. “I don’t take chicks on my bike. No exceptions. That’s the way I roll. Now I gotta get outta here. See ya.” The Harley roared to life and Ruby jumped back. With her waving enthusiastically, he rode away.
As he headed to Laura’s house, he made a sharp turn on Trail Ridge Road. It was as if the bike were directing him instead of the other way around. Before he knew it, he was in front of the duplex, his bike vibrating under him. Changing his mind, he started to pull away from the curb when he heard Raven call out, “Hey, Muerto.”
He killed the engine and swung his leg over. “Hey. I was just in the neighborhood. What’re you doing?”
“Working on my painting. I heard your bike. It’s weird but I can tell it’s you from the sound of your Harley.”
“That’s not weird. Different bikes have a different sound. You still painting the woman who chops off the balls of the men she desires?”
Her laughter was like the sweet tinkling of wind chimes. “Still working on it. I just stepped out for some fresh, albeit hot-as-hell, air. I have a pitcher of Arnold Palmer if you want a glass.”
“What the hell is that?”
“Half lemonade and half iced tea.”
“Throw a shot of Jack in mine and I’ll be good.” Again her soft laugh made him smile. He walked up to her porch.
“I’ll be right back with that shot.”
Settling on the cushion of the bamboo chair, he lifted his feet and placed them on the ottoman. His phone pinged again. Laura. Not in the mood to talk, he shot her a quick text telling her he was tied up and would get in touch with her later.
“Here you are.” She placed a glass full of amber liquid on the side table next to him.
