Page 18 of Property of Player

“You said it, not me,” I spit.

“Well, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, kid.”

“I’m a lot of things, but stubborn isn’t one of them.”

He laughs. “If I’m the king of stubborn, you are the prince.”

“Disagree.”

Our food comes, and we drop it and eat.

“So, when are you going to drop the bomb on Sissy about selling the house?”

“Hell, I think I’ve had enough for one day.”

“You better tell her before Beck or Pony do it for you. Unless that’s what you’re hoping for—let them do the dirty work.”

“Maybe I will. Maybe then she’ll fucking text me back.”

We eat for a few more minutes.

“So, what’s the deal with you and Taylor?” he finally breaks the silence to ask.

“What do you mean? There’s no deal between us.”

“Don’t try that shit with me. That flame is still burning, from what I saw.”

“I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.”

“That bullshit might work with your brothers, but it won’t work with me.”

“Just drop it.”

“I know you waylaid her at the bar. And from the bloody knuckles you came back with, I’d say you punched a wall.”

I grind my teeth because he is so fucking observant.

“See, I know you like the back of my hand, because you are me, kid. So tell me the truth. You plan to take up with her again?” He sips his coffee. “Because I can tell you she’s not going to stand for Molly being around.”

“Molly is not an issue.”

“Oh, really? Tell that to Molly.” He points his finger at me. “Don’t underestimate that girl. She’s got her sights on you, and I saw the look she gave Taylor today. She’s not going to just give up.”

“I’ll handle her.”

“Famous last words.” He scoops the check up and stands, digging a clip of bills from his hip pocket, peeling off a twenty, and tossing it on the table. “Come on, Romeo. Let’s hit the road.”

We don’t realize until we get to the casino that it's opening day for live harness racing, and there’s a lot of activity out at the paddock area.

We park and head inside. We find the boys near the slots.

My father is not interested in the one-armed bandits, and we head straight to the bar.

He orders us both a beer, and Drae joins us, gesturing toward a craps table. “The rest of the guys are here.”

We turn and spot Money, our treasurer, Slaughter, our enforcer, Deacon, Conman, Lynch, Python, and Thief. The only ones not here are the prospects, Sleaze, Billy-Jack, and Booze.

With every patched member of our chapter in house, we’re attracting all kinds of attention from security. If Gage didn’t personally know the manager, I’d figure we’d be kicked out soon.