Page 40 of The Hot Shot

The truth irks. I resent that she’s seen any dick on this team but mine. I resent that the guys view it as some sort of joke they can snicker over, but there isn’t a damn thing I can do about it.

“Chess is my friend.” I gesture toward the direction Wooster left. “I don’t let people talk shit about my friends.”

Rolondo slowly grins. “I see that.”

I give a short nod.

“Just one question,” Rolondo asks.

“What?”

“Your dick know you’re just friends?” He laughs as I swipe at him, easily evading the hit. “That the best you got?”

We duck each other’s half-hearted swings for a few, both of us needing to shake off the pall Wooster threw over the room.

Laughing, Rolondo reaches for his pack that he’d left by the leg press. “I’m heading out.”

Strange how his words seem to highlight how damn quiet the place is. In the far distance, a phone rings then cuts off. I’m not creeped out, but I don’t want to linger in a ghost town, either.

“What are you doing now?” I ask him.

“My ma’s in town.”

“No shit?”

“Yeah, I’m taking her to Commander’s Palacefor dinner.” He grins. “The woman’s been after me to go since she got off the damn plane.”

“I know how that goes. My mom was the same. Had to go there and to Galatoire’s.”

Rolondo chuckles. “Went there the other night.”

We both laugh. Suddenly, I miss my mother. Which doesn’t make a bit of sense, since I’m a grown man, she’s been annoying the hell out of me lately, and I’ve been avoiding her.

Rolondo goes to shower, and I’m left staring at the weights without really seeing them. I don’t want to be here. I don’t know where the hell I want to be. But one thing is clear.

I pull out my phone.

BigManny:Can I interest you in a po’boy?

Chess answers almost immediately.

ChesterCopperpot:Do you actually know any poor boys?

BigManny:Cute. Fine, can I interest you in eating a sandwich with this here rich boy?

ChesterCopperpot:I’m at a party right now. Dinner in the form of finger foods and cocktails

Disappointment swims in my chest. I swallow past that self-pitying lump and man up.

BigManny:Another night then. Have fun, party girl

I head toward the locker room where I’ve left my keys. I’ll grab a po’boy and watch some basketball. Tired as I am, a nightlazing on the couch sounds about right. I’m almost at my car when my phone buzzes.

ChesterCopperpot:You should come here. There’s plenty of food.

I halt, staring down at the screen. Chess texts again.

ChesterCopperpot:I promise no one will grope you unless you ask.