Page 227 of Remiss

Out front, CJ sat on one of the benches, grabbed his cigarette from behind his ear and lit it, happier than he had been in days.

Mom and Rebel were back. Last night, they’d all sat down at the table and ate a meal as a family, then they went to the den, where Mom handed out souvenirs and the gifts she’d purchased for everyone. She told them about her visit with Rule and his friend, Bianca, who he’d not mentioned to any of them when they called him.

Although Diesel joined them, he hadn’t brought Jana around since the day he introduced her. He kept her in the treehouse.

Rebel and Diesel were cordial, but they basically ignored each other. As for his divorce from Tabitha, the motherfucker was silent. Hopefully, Diesel got himself together. His little sister also kept her distance with Dad.

Tonight, they were doing karaoke after dinner. CJ and his brothers had a bet about Dad. He didn’t think Dad would sing. The Triplets swore he would just to keep Mom happy.

CJ had seven hundred fifty bucks riding on the bet. He hoped Dad didn’t disappoint him. Axel intended to invite Diesel to join.

If not for Harley, life would be good again. But he was worried about her. Sitting out here on the bench reminded CJ ofall the times Harley would be waiting for him. He missed that as much as he missed her.

However, he needed to figure out what was going on with her before he started thinking about anything else. At the top of his list to help her was talking to Uncle Mort.

Jamming his cigarette in the corner of his mouth, CJ pulled out his phone and sent his uncle a text.

CJ: Can I stop in to talk to you in about an hour?

Uncle Mort: I’m at Tee’s with Harley. I’ll hit you up when I get home.

CJ breathed a sigh of relief. Hopefully, Harley would talk to her dad and tell him what was wrong. It would make CJ’s job so much easier.

He’d finish his smoke and—

“Hey, White Boy,” Nardo called, sauntering out of Clark Hall as if he owned the fucking world. He still wore his school uniform, unlike CJ who’d changed into sweats after he showered post workout. “I have a bone to pick with you.”

CJ flicked away his cigarette. “Fuck off,” he scoffed, getting to his feet.

Nardo planted himself inches away from CJ, almost in his fucking face. It gave him an opportunity to try and discern what the fuck Harley saw in him.

“I got something to tell you,” Nardo sneered.

To a girl, he was probably nice looking. He resembled that actor who’d starred in that movie,Fruitvale Station. CJ preferred theCreedmovies, but that was just his personal preference.

“Stay the fuck away from my girlfriend if you know what’s good for you.”

“If you’re referring to Harley, you have no fucking control over what she does when she’s away from you.”

“I don’t fucking share,White Boy.”

“Yawn, motherfucker. Come up with something new. That isn’t the insult you think it is. I’m white and I’m a boy. Would you like me to return the favor and call you the name I fucking see you as?”

Anger darkened Nardo’s face.

“A fuckface fuckbag,” CJ said.

Surprise marched across the motherfucker’s face before his anger returned.

CJ smirked. That motherfucker expected something entirely different. “Your low opinion of me is crushing.”

“Harley doesn’t want you,” he sneered. “If you don’t back off, I’m telling my old man and my big brother, so they can help me take care of you.”

“Ooooo, I’m fucking shaking.”

“You should be. My old man is hardcore. He served hard time. He’s not a bitch-ass wannabe.”

“That’s strictlyyourfucking specialty, so I guess he isn’t.”