Page 105 of Rough

He tilted his head back slightly. “Which one of you two fuck-bubbles picked out the paint?” he shouted.

Scratch pointed at Duckett. “He picked it out.”

“Both of you two dumb fucks come here,” Crip howled. “Move!”

Duckett hopped off his ladder, and Scratch laid his roller to the side. They both scrambled to where we were standing and looked at Crip no differently than kids who had been called to the principal’s office.

“You.” He pointed at Scratch’s chest. “Are on my shit-list for being a snitch. Never snitch out another man. You should have kept your fucking mouth shut.”

He pointed at Duckett. “And you are on my shit-list for picking out the wrong fucking color. What color did I say?”

Duckett lowered his head. “White.”

Crip nodded toward the painted wall. “And that’s beige?”

Duckett nodded.

“Is beige white?”

“No, Sir.”

“It sure as fuck isn’t,” Crip hissed. “I said I wanted white, and I want white. We’re not having a fucking kegger, you dumb fuck. This isn’t a club barbeque, and it’s not some home fucking makeover television show. It’s a god damned anniversary party. White and fucking gold. White and motherfucking gold. Go get some new god damned paint and repaint this entire fucking shop.”

They stood wide-eyed, and stared.

“Go!” Crip shouted.

The two men scattered like rats.

“I thought it looked good,” I said.

He gazed at the wall and shook his head. “Beige and gold would look like shit. No contrast. It’s got to be white.”

“If you say so.”

“Your parents have been married fifty fucking years, Peeb. I want this to be a special day for ‘em.”

I pulled Tegan close. “It will be.”

Crip looked at Peyton, and then at Tegan. “And you two are in charge of decorations. I’ve got a grand set aside in the safe for whatever you want, as long as it’s gold. Go to the Lobby Hobby or whatever it’s called in La Mesa, or wherever, and get a bunch of shit to spruce this place up.”

Tegan looked at Peyton and grinned. “I’ve got some ideas, but maybe we’ll go somewhere else.”

“I got ideas, too,” Peyton said.

“Follow me,” Crip said.

They followed him to the safe, and he gave them the money. Peyton walked to the Jeep, and Tegan came and gave me a kiss.

“See you in a few,” she said.

I kissed her again. “Okay.”

“Well, aren’t you two just fucking cute?” Crip said, his voice thick with sarcasm.

Tegan stepped behind him and rolled her eyes.

Crip’s sixth sense kicked in. He didn’t even turn around. “Stop making fucking faces, and go get decorations, Crash.”