Among other things.

I ain’t decided yet.

Literally ain’t nothin’ wrong with my face

a few teenage boys gettin’ hammered after they won a championship game. Nothin’ that hasn’t been done a thousand times. But the kid drivin’ ... well, he had a bit too much. Tyler was in the passenger seat.”

As if on cue, he takes a sip from his glass. This is a hard conversation —- but no one ever asks him about his son, it’s like they’re afraid to. He won’t shy from it. “I was sober until after the funeral. Disgusted by it. It’s what killed him, you know ... just »

Ahhh. You poor thing. I have you to remember shit for me, darlin’. What else do you wanna say about my mouth?

Hm. Omelet sounds good —— lots of cheese an’ whatever meat I got in the fridge. Yeah, just ... give me a minute. Let me clean up.

Better? Shit. It’s only gotten worse. I’m a shell of whoever I used to be. The good parts of me died with him.

Could always drop me. I always do what you tell me, by the way.

That might be okay.

It’ll be 18 years next month. Feels like yesterday most days.

Tyler. His name was Tyler.

A little smile when the kiss is placed on his cheek. “Me too. Thanks for takin’ a chance on me, I’ve had fun.” His lips twitch into a genuine grin, glancing up at her.

She has low standards. He watches her with a huff of amusement, reclining back in his chair. Heard it was her birthday, there’s her present.

I think that might be the Taco Bell that’s combined with the jiffy lube, pal —- or as I like to call it ... Taco Lube. I ain’t seein’ the nuggets.

Cue him handing over the joint, which is now about half the size.

Was that so hard?

If anyone needs me I’ll be at the combination taco bell and urgent care.

Guess you can fuck off then.

He rolls his eyes and passes her the bone. She can have the rest if she wants.