Chapter 12: Michael
2142 Words
CHAPTER 12
Michael’s pov
Our friendship over the years has made it clear that matching Matt’s rage always created more problems. Standing two inches taller with broader shoulders would also not help my best friend calm his internal dragon, so I remained in my chair letting him have his physical power play. Taking a deep breath, I stifled a laugh that was trying to escape as the room of wide eyes watched as Matt rocked back and forth gripping the table with white knuckles. What are you trying to prove, man?
Watching the scene, half expecting smoke to roll out his nostrils, I placed my hand on Ri’s fingers that were digging into my thigh under the table. Matt’s my best friend but if he scares his sister any further, I’ll step in to protect her.
She’s not used to this side of him, and from the looks of it, neither is his family.
Matt’s behavior may be shocking to his family, but this is his typical rodeo attitude that I deal with every season when we’re not constantly performing at a high level. Usually he gets this way towards the end of the season when the point count is close. It's weird he's losing his sh*t before the season has started.
Matt has always tamed his anger by preying on others who don’t deserve his pissy attitude. His tantrums have little effect on most adults, but he sure does rattle the youngins ones who need to learn to stand tall and not tuck their tails like beaten dogs.
Keeping eye contact with my best friend, I eventually talked him down, making his focus on his horse and guiding him outside. There's something about the bond between a cowboy and his horse. Stomping his boots on the porch steps like a spoiled brat, I’ll blame the alcohol for blocking his common sense for now, but he’ll pay for it later when he’s forced to relive tonight.
What are friends for if we don’t remind each other when we act like fools?
Convincing Matt to drive back to our place for a drink provided a brief moment to figure out how to salvage the night. Then it hit me, his short fuse can be neutralized with one solution, transactions. Knowing he’s probably in need of an intoxicatingly long night, he agreed, reaching behind a bookcase for a small bottle of Jack, revealing one of his hiding places, thanks man.
Looking around our open-concept house, we're in need of groceries and alcohol, so unless he's ready to reveal more of his hidden treasures, our buzz will fade out before dinner. Sending a quick text to Ri about the change in plans, all I could do was hope she would understand after I had promised her a night to remember.
Downing a couple of shots, the bottle was almost empty as Matt's eyelids were getting heavy. Just like a mom adding a touch of whiskey to a teething kid's gums, my boy was in need of a long nap. Needing to babysit my best friend, I knew it was more important to fix things between Matt and I before the season opener. In the past, outside drama added layers of crap interfering with our performance and the one thing we can’t afford, fewer points.
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Rianne’s pov
My night took an unexpected turn with Michael babysitting my brother. I’m not sure what’s up with Matt’s arse, but he needs to figure his sh*t out. He’s never returned from our grandparents with such an attitude, and I know I’m not the only one who saw it. Too bad everyone acts like nothing happened.
On the one hand, I was glad Michael calmed him down, but the price I had to pay was not fair. On the other hand, it would be selfish of me to demand more of Michael’s time when we’re going to spend the upcoming months together.
After cleaning up the kitchen, I retreated to my room for a much-needed nap. Waking up to Michael's texts with a change of plans would have irritated me because everything was still centered around my brother, but at least Michael and I will be together tonight.
I love my brother, but part of my wonder if this was a preview of how this season was going to turn out.
Taking a warm shower, my hair took longer than usual because I opted to blow dry it with a brush, the natural look Michael prefers. Remembering how much he likes my curves, I wore jeans, boots and a maroon blouse. In a subtle way, it’ll show off my best assets.
If everything turns out as expected, I won’t be wearing this outfit for long. With blushed cheeks, I got excited thinking about how much he would like my black lacey bra and thong. Okay, he’s made me into a hussy.
Agreeing to meet at an older bar in town, I made plans to drive myself, knowing Heidi was getting a ride from Kemper. Without a bonfire tonight, the crowd at the bar would be similar to Kittleman’s party, which calmed my nerves being around people I know.
But then again, did it matter when my attention would be on Michael?
***** *****
Michael’s pov
Arriving at the bar and hearing my friends gab about Ri turning into a hot and sexy as f*ck female pissed me off. Okay, so I agreed with everything they said, but listening to their explicit fantasies and being unable to react was killing me.
Little did they know I had played out a couple of their fantasies with her and it was better than they could ever imagine.
Being the arses that they are, the dirty talk continued after Matt had arrived, setting off a couple of fireworks. Fists thrown and beers crashed to the floor before everyone agreed to avoid talking about Ri. Well, at least not when Matt was nearby. The only thing keeping me sane was knowing these boys would never touch my girl.
A pain in my gut insisted I made a mistake with Ri. Using Matt’s emotional blowup from earlier as an excuse to coddle his feelings sounded like a good idea at the time, but staring at the door like a watch dog as random patrons entered made me doubt myself.
What if she doesn’t understand?
Downing a couple of beers, I shook off the weird feelings, noticing Matt was calmer and finally under control. With our drunk friends talking about Ri again pissed me off. At least Matt was finally seeing a major positive side to traveling with her. We’d have her back.
Okay, so I planned to have her on her back, but he didn’t need to know that.
The odds of being close to Ri this season increased even more when Matt stated, “If this is how idiots act around my sister, there’s no way she’s leaving this county without one of us near.” Fist-bumping, I made a promise to keep her away from the idiots realizing he hadn’t put me in their forbidden category.
Hell, if I had it my way, I’d be driving her trailer and having her wake up in my arms.
Situating myself so there was a wall of friends who were ready to take the fall when horny and willing bunnies approached, I rotated my attention between my phone, just in case Ri texted back, and the door, hoping she’d arrive soon. We'd stay for a bit, then leave to have our private night.
My plan fell through when a drunk Ash walked up with pain in her eyes. Tank and I took care of her deadbeat dad and worthless brothers, so why did she look defeated? Finishing my beer before pulling her aside, her body language relaxed a bit as I laughed at my friends’ pathetic attempts at flirting. Unlike Ri, I recently found out Ash had rolled through a couple of my friends’ beds. Another reason to keep her at arm’s length. Apparently, no flirting was needed to claim Ash as a transaction.
Placing my empty bottle on the table, I stared into Ash’s eyes, our unspoken understanding that we were going somewhere private. Finding an empty break room in the back, I locked the door and waited for her to speak. “Mike, I hate to bug you, but I’m in trouble.” She only comes around when she needs a favor. Crossing my arms, prepared to hear her latest problem, I waited while she paced the room.
How much longer am I going to be here for her?
Pausing, but refusing to make eye contact with me, she whispered, “I’m pregnant.” Barking back silenced her, “Then why are you drinking?” She looked up with alligator tears, “I’m not keeping it.” Pissed that she would be this irresponsible, I preached, “It’s not an it, it’s a baby, a living human being.”
Shaking her head with an eye, she spoke to the wall as she turned around, “I’m not fit to be a mom, I could never give a child the life it deserves.” Replying, I said, “Then maybe you should be more careful with who you sleep with.”
Spinning on her heels with a slight sway, she spit out, “I don’t need you judging me. It’s not like you’re a saint, for all we know, you have a couple of kids running around.”
Getting nowhere with her, I defended myself, “Yeah, I’m not one to talk but I’m not the one in trouble here, am I?” Shoulder slumped, she pleaded, “I know I made a mistake. I just need your help so I can get rid of it.”
Reminding her, “There’s other options like adoption.” Laughing, she turned around, “It’s my decision.” I countered, “And the father?” She blurted, “He doesn’t know.” She dropped her head then admitted, “I don’t even know who to tell.”
Silence filled the room while my mind spun in circles. Taking a deep breath, disappointed in who Ash had become, I wondered if my help over the years contributed to her current state. I always provided a fix to her problems but, was I just enabling her?
And this time, I don’t agree with her decision.
Whispering the question, I will probably regret, “How can I help?” Looking up with puppy dog eyes, she approached me slowly, “If I could make eight hundred dollars, everything would be okay.”
Here’s the kicker, I know she will regret this decision one day.
Watching her pacing back and forth was starting to irritate me, my patience was at its limit. “I’m leaving town soon. I won’t have the money for about a month." I turned to look at her with a finger pointed at her chest. "If I do this for you, it’s the last time I help you out, do you understand?”
Turning to grab my hands, attempting to plead her case, she whined, “With your help, we could make the money, all of it tonight and I promise I’ll never ask for your help again.” Regretting getting involved this much, I had to ask, “What are you talking about?”
Standing taller but keeping her puppy dog eyes on me, she explained, “The club is having an all-male show. The place will be packed with females, mostly from out-of-towers, so no one will know you.” She works at a strep club.
Wait, does she expect me to get up on stage?
Reading my body language, she added, “Just one night Mike. That’s all I’m asking.”
I stripped once as a joke at a bonfire because I had lost a bet. If I did this tonight, I’d be doing it willingly.
I can’t believe I’m giving this any thought. “And you’d be on stage with me?” A premature victory smile beamed from her face, “No, the crowd is expecting guys. I’ll be serving drinks.” What? Seriously? “Can’t I serve drinks too?” Her smile faltered, “No, I need money and the only way to make a lot is getting you up on stage.”
Oh, here are those alligator tears again.
I caved, “One song, that’s it. No more, no less, you hear? And then you and I are done, no more help.” Screams and bouncing hugs sealed the deal. Suddenly, her somber mood had changed. What have I gotten myself into?
Ushering us out the back exit, I planned to avoid letting my friends know we were leaving.
The last thing I need is for them to witness this sh*t.
- Writer
