Page 76 of Rigid

“That’s okay, it makes sense now that you’ve explained it.”

He tilted his bottle of beer toward Smokey. “I knew you’d understand. He’s hard-headed, and he gets mad really easy about dumb shi--” He paused and looked at Eddie. “Dumb stuff.”

“I’m standing right here, Nut. I can hear you.”

“It was all true, Smoke. You’re a hot-head. I’d say it to your face. Hell, I just did.”

Smokey waved his hand toward P-Nut and then sat down in the chair in the corner of the room. He looked at Eddie.

Dressed in cut-off jean shorts, Chucks, and a burnout tee, she looked adorable.

“When’s Dick get here?” Smokey asked.

Eddie glared at him and let out an exhaustive sigh. “Richard.”

He kicked his feet onto the ottoman. “When?”

She shoved her hands in the pockets of her shorts. “7:00-ish.”

“Tonight’s the night?” P-Nut asked.

Smokey nodded. “First potential date.”

“Oh, wow.” I looked at Eddie. “Tonight?”

She grinned and nodded. “He’s got to come talk to dad first.”

“That

“That’s exciting,” I said.

She wrinkled her nose. “Not really.”

“Want some help with your makeup or anything?”

She smiled. “Sure.”

“I wouldn’t go too far,” Smokey said. “They might not be going anywhere.”

“Dad!”

“If he’s a shit-head, he’s not taking you out of this house.”

“He’s not.”

“According to you.”

“He’s on the honor roll.”

“Nerds can be shit-heads,” Smokey said with a laugh.

“You’re impossible,” Eddie huffed.

“I’m a realist.”

“Can I stay,” P-Nut asked. “Just to watch.”

“Sure,” Smokey said.