Page 185 of Rags's Awakening
“Larry. That figures. I knew she wasn’t in town to play nurse to her mom.” Rags shook his head. “Julie never did anything for anyone that didn’t benefit her.”
“You’re right. She’s a heartless bitch.”
“I told you that years ago,” he said, clutching the yellow bowl. “Who’s gonna take care of Glenda?”
Megan shrugged. “Julie said she was trying to get her mom government assistance, but nothing’s come of that. Something about her mom has too many assets.”
“I’ll stop by and see Glenda. She’s a cool lady. We always got along. I’ll see if I can’t get her some help.”
His sister came over and gave him a strong hug. He shuffled back and looked away.
“I know hugging’s not your thing, but underneath your rough and gruff ‘fuck the world’ attitude, you’re a nice guy.” She laughed. “Don’t give me that stern look. And don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone what a great guy you are.” She crossed her heart with her finger. “Promise.” A glint of glee sparked in her eyes.
“Your promise means shit,” he muttered. “I better take this damn salad out back.”
His sister’s soft laughter followed him as he stomped out of the kitchen.
“What took you so long to bring out the potato salad?” His mom asked when he stepped onto the patio.
“Megan and I were rapping.” He gave his dad a chin lift then sauntered over.
“Casey was telling me about your new grill,” his dad said, a smile twitching on his lips. “Trying to compete with your old man.”
“I just thought we needed a grill, that’s all,” Rags said, shrugging.
“I like her,” his dad said in a low voice. “She’s a keeper.”
Rags’s eyes drifted to Casey, who was chatting with his mother and Clara while helping set the table. “Yeah, she is.”
As if sensing their conversation, Casey glanced over and held his gaze. A warm smile lit her face, and his heart skipped a beat,the realization hitting him in the gut: He wanted their lives to stretch into forever.
“How are the brisket and steaks doing?” his mother asked.
“Perfect, as always,” his dad replied. “And they’re just about finished.”
For the next two hours, his family took Casey in. Jeremy and Megan kept her laughing with embarrassing stories about his childhood, most of them exaggerated. Watching Casey laugh beneath the shade of the oak tree, Rags felt a deep, unfamiliar sense of total peace.
As the sun dipped behind the jagged mountain peaks, the air turned cold. Clara grasped Casey’s hand and filtered into the house followed by other members of his family to escape the chill. Rags flipped the top of the cooler and took out another beer. He took a long pull, leaning his hip against the patio’s wooden railing.
The screen door creaked behind him. His mother stepped out, a soft, relaxed expression on her face. She walked over to the railing and stood next to him.
“I like Casey. She is lovely and genuine. I can tell she’s a good person, Chase,” his mother whispered, her voice thick. “I’m happy you found each other.”
“Yeah,” Rags said in a low voice. He took another pull of beer.
“She’ll treat you right, and be at your side through the good and the hard times.”
“I know,” he murmured.
“It’s good to see you happy again. After what Julie did to you, your dad and I didn’t think you’d ever trust another woman again.” She covered his hand with hers. “We’re elated that you did. You know I worry about you.”
Rags looked at her sideways. “It’s your job to worry about us, Mom.”
She squeezed his hand. “You’re a good son with a big heart.”
I knew Megan told Mom about me paying off Julie’s debt.
“Well, I know how you don’t like this mushy stuff, so I’ll go in and see how your dad’s doing.” She patted his cheek and walked away.
