Page 80 of Rigid

“Sir? Did I say my name was ‘Sir’?”

“No, P-Nut.”

“One kiss on the porch, or if one fucking hair on her head is out of place--”

Eddie’s bedroom door opened.

“P-Nut!” she shouted.

P-Nut spun around. An oh shit look covered his face.

“Stop it,” she barked.

P-Nut looked at her, and then shot Richard a glare. “I meant what I said,” he whispered.

Eddie looked at P-Nut and then at me. “What are you two doing? I could hear the cussing in my room.”

I shrugged. “I asked him a few questions. P-Nut wanted to say something before you guys left, and things got a little out of hand.”

Her eyes went wide. “We get to go? Tonight?”

“Do you have any questions for him, Sandy?”

She tilted her head to the side. “Have fun.”

“But not too much,” P-Nut said.

“Hold up. Before you go…” I reached for my wallet, opened it, and pulled out a $100 bill. “This one’s on me.”

He shook his head. “Mr. Wallace, I can’t--”

“You can. Just this once.”

“Thank you, but I can’t. I wouldn’t be much of a man if I did.”

“Just take it.”

“No, Sir. I will not. I’m sorry if you find it offensive, but I find it equally offensive to take it.”

Impressive.

“What time will you have her home?”

“Midnight?” he squeaked.

Eddie looked at me with hopeful eyes.

“12:30, and if it’s a minute later, you’ll not take her out again until she’s 18.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

Sandy grinned.

P-Nut glared.

I let out a sigh. “Have a good time.”

On her way to the door, Eddie glanced over her shoulder and mouthed the words thank you.