JOHN
First thing I did after getting to the old man’s house was to get myself a cold beer.
“Man, it’s hot outside,” I moaned, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand.
“It is, isn’t it?” Chrissy concurred.
“So, what’s the deal?” I asked the boss when he came into the kitchen.
“Would you give us a minute, love? See what Annie’s doing, would you?”
“You got it, sugar.”
She left but not before making sure I got a good look at the thin straps of her thong coming out of the tiny jeans she was wearing. I shook my head in disbelief.
“Alright,” I said. “So, what sort of deal do they want?”
“They want a truce.”
“Go on.”
He sat down at the hardwood table and began picking imaginary crumbs as he spoke.
“I think they might be trying to play us, but I’m not sure. All I know is they want to talk.”
“Right. So, do they come here or what?”
“We agreed on neutral territory. Neither of our turfs.”
“Are you nuts? That’s, like, at least a day away.”
“I know, Mad. But if we don’t show up, it’s full on war. You know this, don’t you?”
“I ain’t letting Liz alone for a day. Hell, I ain’t letting her alone for an hour! Speaking of which, would you mind if I left after I finish this beer?”
He chuckled dryly. “Look, Mad, I get it. But you are needed there, since it’s you that started this whole situation. And…”
“Now, that’s wrong, boss. And you know it,” I interrupted him. “I know I have my part in this, I do, but, with all due respect, boss, he started it by saying those things about my woman. And I don’t appreciate you telling me it was my fault.”
“I’m sorry, Mad. I shouldn’t have said that. You’re right. But you have to see my point too, here.”
I nodded. “I know. I see it, but I can’t leave Liz, old man. Put yourself in my situation. What if they’re playing us, like you say, and just want to get us away from here? What then?”
“I thought of that. We’ll leave guys to watch Liz. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of that.”
“Alright. When do we need to leave?” I said, having a hard time accepting the situation. In truth, I had no choice in the matter. I had been the one to bring this upon the brotherhood, even indirectly, and had to deal with the consequences. The only thing that hurt more than being forced to do something I felt was unfair was knowing that Liz was in danger and I couldn’t do anything about it.
“Tonight. We’re waiting on Red Boy to get here, then we leave. Call your woman, tell her.”
I liked this idea even less, but gritted my teeth and took it like a man.
I went outside and dialed Liz. While waiting for her to pick up, I kicked all the rubbish cluttering the old man’s lawn to deal with my frustration.
“Hi, baby,” I finally heard her voice. “When are you coming home?” That simple question broke my heart.
“Not tonight, honey. Don’t be upset.”
There was a pause in place of the ranting I expected. Something was wrong.
“Are you still feeling sick, Lizzy?”
She cleared her throat. “It’s not as bad. I just didn’t want to be alone in the house.”
“For fuck’s sake, I’m telling the old man I’m not coming. Give me a minute, baby.”
“John, don’t be a child. I’ll be fine, I’ll call Chrissy. Besides, Dad’s nurses called. I have to get down there tomorrow and sign for some change of treatment or something. I’ll sort it, it’s something that’ll get me out of the house.”
“You’re not going anywhere, Lizzy. We’ll put some guys stand guard at the house and you’re waiting there until I get back. Do you understand? They can keep him on the old treatment or whatever for a couple of days.”
“I think I’m supposed to go first thing tomorrow, babe. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”
“I’m not spending my time worrying if you’ll be fine, baby. I want to make sure you will be. Don’t argue with me, please. Stay home, there’s no emergency.”
I heard her giggle and felt a little better instantly. “Since when you’re asking me nicely not to argue?”
“Please, Lizzy, promise me.”
“What if I don’t promise?”
“Don’t tease me, woman.”
“Fine, fine. I promise. Seriously.”
That made everything seem better, even in these hardest of circumstances. I trusted that, unless there was some sort of natural disaster or the equivalent of one, my woman will not leave the house until I was back.
“Thank you, baby. Take care of yourself, alright?”
“You too. Don’t bring no trouble home to me, you hear me?”
“You’ll try my best.” I hang up with a smile on my face. With everything she did, my girlfriend reconfirmed the fact that she was my soul mate and that I loved her like a madman. It was nice to know that as certainly as I did.