Heather runs her finger along the waistband of my jeans, her fingernail grazing over my skin. “I don’t have anywhere to be tomorrow,” she hints.

My stomach muscles twitch under her touch, begging for more. My body isn’t exactly on the same page as my brain.

“Is that right?”

Her hand slides a bit further into my pants. “I’ll do all the work,” she coos. “You can just lay there and enjoy the ride.”

I grab her hand and pull it out of my jeans. “That’s not how I like it, sweetheart.”

“How do you like it?”

“Not easy.”

I’m not sure if she gets the double meaning of my answer, but she tries one more time.

“I don’t mind it rough.”

Most women say that without having any idea what they’re asking for. Cheap sheets are rough. An unpaved road is rough. A slap on the ass, some handcuffs, a hard pounding – that’s not rough. That’s fun.

I can feel Kenzi’s eyes on me without even having to look over at her, and I wonder if she saw Heather attempting to do a cock dive into my jeans.

“I’m on a break,” I finally say.

“A what?”

“A break,” I repeat, finishing my beer. I want to go home. Alone. Heather might be fun for a few hours, but in the morning, I’d have to find a way to get rid of her and not see her again. I don’t want to be a douche like that.

“What does that mean, exactly?”

“It means my dick is on a vacation.”

Heather scratches her head and looks around us, trying to find someone else to do all the work on, most likely. “Well…that’s a new one, and I think I’ll pass on asking for the details of what that might mean and why. Have a good one, Toren.”

As I watch her practically run away from me, I wonder what the hell I’m doing to myself. I’m on a path to sure social suicide.

9

Kenzi

Kenzi ~ age ten

Toren ~ age twenty-five (in jail for assault)

Dear Uncle Tor,

I miss you and hope you come home soon. Daddy said I can write to you every week. I’m using the special pen and ink you gave me.

I am cleaning the bunny cage every Saturday just like I promised.

I threw a penny in a puddle and wished you to be back, but it didn’t work. I think it only works with deeper waters.

Don’t forget me while you are gone.

I love you the most,

Kenzi

——————————————————————————

Dear Kenzi,

I’ll be home soon, I promise. Your writing is beautiful, and the parchment paper was very nice. A letter from you every week would make me happy. I’m sorry I’m not there to help you with Snuggles. I’ll be back in a few months. Save some pennies for when I get there and we’ll make wishes together. I don’t think puddles will work, but thanks for trying.

I could never forget you, Angel.

Be good for Mommy and Daddy.

I love you forever and longer,

Uncle Tor

Kenzi

I always thought the last day of school would be exciting and I’d walk out the school doors for the last time with a huge smile, hugging Chloe, and we’d race off to get frappuccinos to discuss our plans for an amazing summer together.

But instead, I’m standing under a tree on the front lawn of the school with my hoodie over my head, alone, in the rain. Chloe took off with Brendan to celebrate, and now I don’t have a ride home. Six miles is going to feel like twelve in this weather, if I walk.

I call my father on his cell, but it goes straight to voicemail. I frown, vaguely remembering him telling me he was going to the city today for a grief counseling meet up.

Rayne is working, so she won’t be able to come get me. I quickly flip through my contacts on my cell phone. I have Sailor’s number saved, but I don’t know him well enough to beg for a ride and I don’t want him to see me looking like a gutter rat. Aunt Sydni isn’t good at last minute plans and probably isn’t even awake yet. I don’t want to bother any of my dad’s brothers, as they’re all usually pretty busy.

I hit Tor’s number, and he picks up on the second ring.

“Hey, you. Happy last day.”

“Thanks. I seem to be without a ride home. What a great way for me to launch into adulting.”

“You’re in luck; I’m in the truck on my way to pick up a stray. I’ll grab you first if you don’t mind coming with me?”

“Not at all. Now you can pick up two strays. I’m out front.”

Ten minutes later he pulls in front of the school, and I climb into his truck wearing a big grateful smile.

“You’re a life saver,” I lean across the front seat to kiss his cheek. “I’m talking to Dad tonight about getting a car. This is stupid.”