Page 67 of The Thug And His Doll

“Falling in love with her,” I admit, shocking myself with that revelation. I hadn’t admitted it to myself until just now, let alone someone else.

“You are?” he asks me with a soft chuckle.

I swipe a hand over my face. “Yeah, I am,” I reply, certain now that I’ve voiced my feelings out loud. “You know me, Walter, I don’t say something I don’t mean, and yeah, you’re probably thinking it’s too soon but I’m telling you, the second I laid eyes on her I knew she was special. What the fuck should I do?”

Walter grips my shoulder. “Son, I know I’m not Hubert, but I care about you so I’m going to give you a piece of advice.”

“I sure could use some,” I reply.

“When I met Dorothy, like you I knew immediately there would be no other woman for me.”

“You did?”

“Yeah, but I spent a long fucking time arguing with myself about all the reasons why I was the wrong man for her, until one night she gave me an ultimatum.”

“What was that?” I ask, eying him.

“Either I get over myself or she walks. I got over myself pretty damn quick.”

“What did you do?”

“I took her home and made love to her, and the following week we eloped. That’s what I did.”

“She ain’t ready for that. Her situation is complicated. I can’t just throw myself at her, let alone put a ring on her finger.”

“But you’ll sit here and watch all your friends dance with her instead? You’re wasting time, son, and God knows that’s not a given. Take action. Do it now.”

“I’m fucking nervous, okay? I ain’t used to feeling like this.”

“That’s not the only reason. Why are you sitting here like a bear with a sore head, instead of claiming what’s yours?”

“Because–”

“You’re not good enough for her?” he says, giving me a thoughtful look.

“I said so, didn’t I? Fuck, Walter, she’s so incredible, and I’m a just man with blood on my hands…”

“Wrong, you’re your father’s son. Hubert did a good job bringing you up.”

I laugh bitterly. “It doesn’t change the fact I’ve hurt people.”

“For good reason,” he counters.

“No, for your reasons. Yours, Robert’s and Carl’s, not mine. I do as I’m fucking told because I have no choice not too.”

Walter frowns. “What do you mean by that?”

“Ask Carl, I’m sure he’ll enlighten you,” I reply, making a decision as I push up from my seat. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m about to make a complete fucking fool of myself and dance with the woman I intend on making mine.”

Without waiting for a response, I stride over to Lia just as the band begins to play a cover of Love On The Brain originally sung by Rihanna. I’d laugh if I wasn’t so damn nervous.

“Can I cut in?” I ask, tapping Dalton on the shoulder.

“I was wondering when you would,” Dalton replies, slapping a hand on my back with a smirk before pecking Lia on the cheek. “Thank you for the dance, Lia, and the advice. I appreciate it.”

“Advice?” I ask as he heads towards the bar.

“Apparently someone’s caught Dalton’s attention.”

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