The rest of the night is pretty boring. It’s Sunday, so it’s not very busy.
I close up an hour early because no one has come in for a half hour. The chances of someone showing up now are slim.
I turn the radio on and shocker, the radio is taunting me also.
Garth Brooks -The Dancecomes on. I stand where I am at the bar, a rag in my hand and belt out the lyrics. By the end, I’m crying.Ugh.I wipe the few tears away that have fallen after the song ends and turn the radio off. That was a dumb idea. Why does country music repeatedly have to call me out?
I turn the lights out, grab the pizza I cooked while I was cleaning and go to my apartment. I haven’t even been by to see my parents, so I’m living off of bar food again.
WHEN YOU'RE READY
135
Chapter Twenty-Three
Grayson
THE LOUD BANGING ON my door startles me away. My eyes blur as they open. The last time this happened, Sharkbait was bothering people. If that cat is up to no good again, I swear. Not that I would do anything, but ya know. I might reprimand him, sternly.
I roll out of bed and slide some sweats over my briefs but forgo a shirt this time. I don’t have the energy.
The banging starts again, and I hear Chris say my name. My steps pick up, and I swing the door open right as he was about to hit it again.
“Dude. Where’s your phone? I have been calling you all morning.”
He seems panicked.
I look around and remember that I turned it off and never turned it back on.
“It’s turned off. Why?
His arm lowers and his brows fall. He takes a deep breath and that’s when I notice his eyes are red.
138
T. SPEAR
“It’s Lenard man.” His hand comes to his mouth, and I can tell he’s having hard time getting it out. My heart drops a little.
“What about him?”
“He collapsed last night. His buddy found him this morning.”
“Is he okay?”
“No man.” He shakes his head and a couple of tears fall from his eyes. “He didn’t make it.”
It’s like a heat wave hits my whole body then sucks back out, taking anything, I had left, with it. I stumble back and grab my chest. I didn’t think the organ in it could hurt anymore.
“I’m sorry, Grayson.”
I’ve known Lenard for damn near my whole life. He’s like a grandfather to me and now he’s… he’s gone? Just like that? No warning, nothing?
I turn, leaving the door open and sit on my bed. I put my face in my hands and cry. I feel the bed dip next to me, Chris puts his hand on my back. He doesn’t move it; he leaves it there. It’s a small gesture, letting me know he is here.
My tears stop, and my hands in my hair turn to fists. I pull and bolt up.
“What the fuck, man.” I say and start pacing the room, my arms moving with my words.