A muscle ticking in his jaw, Diesel snatched the cigarette from his mouth and set it in the ashtray. “She fucks a lot. She was just with me, you, and Cash, three days ago.”
Stretch wouldn’t tell Diesel that Daphne had been with six or seven other men since then.
He, on the other hand, hadn’t been able to touch her. Figuring she’d gone along with Cash’s claim about Saturday night for sex and money, Stretch slipped her a hundred dollars to pretend on his behalf. As long as Cash believed Stretch had fucked Daphne, there wouldn’t be a slew of questions about why he couldn’t.
Saturday night in his room kept running through his head. He wanted that. He didn’t want meaningless sex with meaningless people.
It had surprised Stretch when Cash announced they’d fuck Daphne one at a time and in private. As he’d thought about it, though, and his turn had come with her, Stretch realized he’d been granted a reprieve. He wouldn’t have to perform if no one watched him.
“I’m bored.”
Stretch rubbed his knee, attempting to alleviate the stiffness. “You don’t have homework?”
“I do, but it’s not even two yet.” Diesel blew out a frustrated breath. “I was hoping I could sneak with Daphne before I went home.”
“Sneak, huh?” Stretch shook his head. “That’s not a good way to live. If you have to hide what you’re doing, then you know you shouldn’t be doing it.” Words he knew too well.
“I know.”
“Ask Outlaw to arrange it.”
For a moment, Diesel went silent, chewing on his lower lip and considering Stretch. “Before I do that, I’m going to ask you the same thing I asked Cash the other day.”
“I’m not as talkative as Cash.”
“I never would’ve guessed.”
Stretch narrowed his eyes at Diesel, the smart-mouthed little motherfucker. “What’s the question?”
“Do you think Uncle Chris is disappointed in me?”
“No.” Stretch figured a full explanation as to why he gave that answer was warranted. Except he had his own problems. He couldn’t delve into some kid’s.
A few moments of silence went by before Diesel scratched his chin. “That’s it? You’re not adding anything else?”
Irritation surged into Stretch. “You didn’t ask for my opinion. You asked me a direct question. I gave you an answer.”
Diesel huffed and folded his arms. “What do you think he felt about me going with Daphne, you, and Cash?”
“I’m not Outlaw, so I don’t know.” Besides, whatever fallout Diesel faced would’ve already come. “I’d say not to stress too much.”
“I already talked to Uncle Chris, and he said it’s fine, but I’m still worried. I can’t lose him and Aunt Meggie. Cash says he was wishing he could come with us.”
“Don’t believe that. Outlaw’s happy where he’s at.”
It didn’t seem Diesel intended to leave any time soon, so Stretch got up and went behind the bar, grabbing two beers from the cooler. He opened them and slid one to Diesel. “I don’t like talking about shit that’s not my business.”
“If I’m asking—”
He returned to his seat. “You’ve already asked Cash.”
“I-I just feel a little guilty. If I knew I had his complete approval, I would’ve called being with Daphne a big score for me.”
Since Diesel’s arrival, Stretch had rarely spoken to him. He’d filled out a lot in the months he’d been living with Outlaw. The type of man brimming with testosterone who’d dislike Stretch if he knew the truth.
He took a deep draft from the bottle. “One thing we both know about Outlaw is he lives without regret. If you enjoyed yourself with Daphne, don’t let guilt ruin it.”
Diesel nodded. “Cash told me about his background. What about yours?”
“My parents are bible-quoting, straight-laced, blue-collar people. I don’t talk to them and haven’t in years.” He wouldn’t mention how much he missed them sometimes and hoped one day to repair their relationship.
“Oh, man, that’s tough.” Silence and then, “I don’t remember my mother. She left years ago.”
“You have a family now.”
“We both do. Do you know Outlaw told Meggie about the other day?”
“I can believe that. He tells her everything.”
Diesel finished his cigarette, then took a sip of beer. “She gave me a long lecture.” He grinned. “She’d thought I was a virgin.”
“Women like to think their sons are angels.”