Page 82 of The Bitter Words

CALLUM/CASH

Then

Birthday Bruises & Guitar Scars

Some promises rot before they’re broken…and some devils know when you’re lying.

Bren moseys around in the hotel room I have. “You know, we’re making enough money now. I expected you to upgrade to a suite since Livianna’s coming to visit.”

“I was gonna, but we won’t need anything else other than the basics. I figured I’d use the extra dough to take her out to a nice restaurant or get her a massage for her birthday.”

“Still, you could’ve done both.” He plops onto the bed.

I tense but try to remain calm. “Hey, Guns, I help out my ma and uncle, so my situation isn’t the same as yours.”

That, and he isn’t giving half of everything he’s making to Leon, the fuckwad, Baker. I sit in one of the chairs that’s set up near a table in the corner of my room, trying to contain my rage.

Stop thinking about him, Cash.He’s not gonna ruin my weekend with her.

I glance around the tiny place. Livianna deserves more than this. She’s flying here to be with me and we’re celebrating her birthday.

I lower my head and shrink inside. “Do you think I should go see if I can get a bigger room?”

“No, bro. I was only giving you shit.”

“Yeah, right.” I bounce my knee up and down. “Now that I think about it, I’m gonna go to the front desk and see what they can do for me.”

“Really, Cash. I was just fucking with you.”

“I get that, but she’s used to living better than this.”

“True, but she won’t care. She’s too excited to see you.” He gestures to the minibar. “At least you have refreshments.”

I reach into my pocket and check my phone. “She should be here any minute.”

“I know, so why don’t you seem as happy about that as I’d think you would be?”

My chest empties and a wave of guilt drowns me. “We’ve been fighting a lot.”

“No shit. I’m around and hear it all. We have a little bit of time. Wanna talk about it?”

“Guns, I’m losing her.” I place my cell on the table. “I feel it in my bones, and I don’t know how to stop it.”

He stares at me for a moment, then huffs out a frustrated sigh. “Maybe if you were there for her more, you wouldn’t be where you are. Have you thought about that?”

“How can I be there for her when we’re on the road? We get a day off here or there but not enough time to go home to see her. And she can’t get off work.” I run my fingers through my hair. “It’s the situation. I can’t help it.”

“Uh-huh.”

I growl at his sarcastic tone. “Then go on and tell me how I’m letting her down. Isn’t that what you’re trying to say?”

“I wasn’t gonna say shit. But if you’re truly asking me how to get things back on track, I have a few ideas.”

“Lay it down for me. I could use all the help I can get.”

“First, try not to use so many drugs while she’s here. Then make some grand gesture.” He pushes off the bed and strides to the minibar. “I’m gonna steal a soda.”

“Fine by me. And I’m not high as much as you seem to think I am.” I run my sweaty palms down my jeans. “What kind of gesture do you mean? I already said I wanna get her set up with a massage.”