Crazy Butte

3

I wake up the next morning with puffy, red eyes, every muscle from my waist down is sore. I dress and go to the grocery store. After putting up the food and eating breakfast, I go to work.

Hours later Vic comes in and sits at his usual spot. I carry him a beer. "Morning darlin', how is everything here?"

"The usual! You?"

"You know me. Winning all the beauty pageants and turning down offers for porn movies."

"I totally believe that."

"So you want to tell me what happened after we left last night?"

"Nope!"

"Why?"

"Because I'm not the type to cry over spilled milk. I don't tell people my problems." I looked away from him as the door opens. "My problems are mine." I go to get the newcomers drinks. Then busy myself wiping tables that are already clean.

Slasher comes in after a few hours. I got him a beer and walked away. He looks from me to Vic. "I guess you told Vic about last night. Cause he ain't looking too happy with me right now."

I shook my head. "No she didn't. She refuses to tell me anything. But I know that some thing is wrong. She was happy when we left. Then comes in this mornin looking like she's been cryin. Wanna explain why she's upset? Or do I beat it outta of you?"

"I thought that she lied to me. I screwed up. I will fix it."

"Boy you better! That girl is special. Nobody deserves what she's gone through. I won't have her hurt. If you ain't serious, let her go now. I'll find her a man who will treat her right."

"She's mine! I claimed her."

"Then fix it!" Vic hit the table with his fist. He never lets emotion show.

"Yes sir."

I go to refill the drinks of the strangers. George decided to see the stock room while I was wiping tables. I pour the drinks and deliver them. Then I get refills for Vic and Slasher.

"Honey, where is George?"

"I'm guessing the store room."

Vic stands to go to the store room as I turn away. "I'll be back. This shit is over."

"Baby, come here."

I turned back to Slasher. "Please don't call me that. Danny called me baby or babe. I hated it then and I hate it now."

He nodded. "Come here little bit."

I walked back to the table, but I won't sit on his lap. "What can I get for you?"

"I'm sorry for not trusting you. Every woman except for mom, and Lana has lied to me. It is what I'm used to. Forgive me?"

"I'm not like everyone else. I'm me. Just plain old Tara. No more, no less. But I'm always one hundred percent honest and faithful."

"Understood! Forgive me and let's get married."

"I think that we should hold off on marrying for at least a few weeks."

"If that's what you want."

"It is. I forgive you, but it hurt. The only thing that hurt me more than that, was losing my baby. If you ever hurt me like that again, I will leave forever."

"Thank you sweetheart!" He hugged me close. "I'm not going to be a perfect husband. I don't know how to be. But I will try."

"Same with me." I looked around. "Where is Vic? He shouldn't have taken that long to find George."