“Yeah! If I get hurt.. Oh. Get your mind out of the gutter, boy!”
“I’m not a boy.”
“Hmm. Why is it that women can be referred to as girls much longer than males will permit themselves to be called boys?”
“Not sure. I don’t have all the answers. In fact, lately, it feels like I have none.”
“Right there with you on that. Let’s go.”
* * *
We have a great time at the shooting range. I’ve always been a decent shot, but Rob gives me a few pointers, and by the time we’ve finished, I’m feeling a lot more comfortable with the gun in my hand.
“You did great,” Rob says. “You might want to start coming regularly. If you can. At least once a week. I know you’re busier now with your job. How’s it going?”
I grin at him. “Actually, the best part is my new friend Cherise.”
He groans.
“I’m not teasing either.”
“I didn’t think you were. Wow. No, that’s good. I really like that diner, so I’ve taken a few other girls there before. I’ve seen her looks, and we’ve flirted before, and that’s no excuse for my asking her out in front of you immediately after we broke off. Total asshole move there.”
“Definitely asshat. You were a complete douchecanoe.”
He blinks a few times. “Right, but, ah, my point is that I’m not surprised you and Cherise hit it off. When I’m not an ass, she was fun to talk to, to flirt with.”
“Well, I wouldn’t know about the flirting bit, but she is fun.”
“I’m glad…”
“That your venting to her didn’t turn her off me?” I ask.
He rubs the back of his neck. “She really did tell you everything, huh?”
“Yes. Girl code. We have no secrets.”
“There you go calling yourself a girl.”
"One of those things where I'm allowed to but you aren't."
“So fair.”
I snort. “As if life is fair.”
“Most certainly not.” He looks away.
“Hey,” I say softly. “If you want me to come with you the next time you check on your mom, I will. If not, no worries, but I’m here for you either way as much as you let me. I can’t help if you don’t let me in, but if you do, I’ll help you with everything you need.”
“Thank you,” he murmurs. Then he rubs his hands together before patting his belly. “I’m hungry. Are you? Where do you want to go?”
“I haven’t been paid yet,” I inform him.
“It’ll be my treat.”
“Where do you get your money from?” I ask. “You don’t have a job I don’t know about, do you?”
“I’ve been working since I abandoned my mom.”