“In Pierce.”
“It was a good rally this year.” He dug about in his cut pocket, then pulled out a battered packet of cigarettes. “Busy.”
“It’s always busy.”
“I guess you’re not one of the haters then.” He flipped the packet between his fingers. He had black stars tattooed on each of his knuckles.
“What do you mean?”
“A lot of the locals hate us, but it’s tough shit. We gotta right to go where we want in this great nation of ours, same as everyone else.”
“Of course.”
“And our cash is as good as everyone else’s. We spend, don’t we? In the stores, motels, bars.”
“You do.”
“Here’s your coffee.” Nina set a mug down in front of Leah and filled it. “Cream?”
“No, I’m good, thanks.”
“Behave, Taff.” Nina waggled his finger at him. “Carter ain’t a tolerant guy.”
“Ah, I ain’t doin’ no harm, am I, darlin’?”
“It’s okay.” Leah smiled at Nina. “Really.”
Nina raised her eyebrows and went back to wiping the shelves down.
“So.” Taff scooted a little closer. He smelled of beer and stale smoke. “You decided it was time to get with a real man, huh, not some soft white collar.”
She said nothing and sipped her coffee.
“Can’t say I blame you, but…” He tapped a cigarette out of the packet and put it between his lips. “But I wish I’d seen you first. Me and you would have been great together.” He waggled his eyebrows.
“Yeah, shame that.” She sipped her coffee again.
“But I don’t see no ring on that finger.” He leaned closer. “So we could hook up. I would show you the time of your fucking life.”
Leah glared at him. What an ass.
“Hey, Leah, come over here and shoot some pool,” Belle called.
Leah slid from the stool, and with coffee in hand, walked over. “Good timing,” she said to Belle.
“He’s an ass-wipe when it comes to women.” Belle rolled her eyes. “But if you can see past that, he’s solid.”
“Mmm.” Leah didn’t think she’d ever be able to see past it.
“Here.” Wyatt handed her a cue. “Take a shot. We’re only knocking about.”
She took the cue and set her coffee on a nearby table, the surface sticky with beer rings. “Haven’t played this for years.”
“Ah, Carter will get you playin’ if you hang out here often enough.”
She lined up the shot, hit the white into a red ball, and just missed the hole. “Oh well.”
“Try another.” Wyatt drained his beer.