Page 21 of Nuts

This is weird.

“What can I…what did you need?”

With his eyes still fixed on the random bits of chrome, he shook his head. “Just need the bolt that goes into the highway peg. Lock nut, too. Mine vibrated out. I want the one that’s got the H-D stamped in the end, not one of those Chinese ones.”

I knew that his bike was an early 2000’s Heritage Softail, I didn’t need to ask. After just a moment, I found the bolt’s part number, checked against our stock, and found that we had the bolt in stock.

“It comes as a set. Two bolts, and the nylon lock nuts. Is there anything else?”

He lowered his gaze, fixed his eyes on mine, and then swallowed heavily. “Nope.”

“Okay, let me grab it.”

I was a lot of things, but naïve wasn’t one of them.

Percy was nervous.

Instead of being embarrassed, I found it cute. I was sure that he’d seen his fair share of topless women in his clubhouse, and in strip clubs – but somehow, me and my cleavage had made him uncomfortable.

I grabbed the bolt from the back of the shop and quickly returned.

I handed him the bolts. “Here you go.”

“What do I owe you?”

“Too much for a couple of bolts. $9.37.”

He handed me a $10 bill. “This ought to do it.”

“So, what’s on the agenda today?”

“Riding to Chula Vista to look at a big set.”

“Anything good?”

“There’s a ’91 Chipper Jones Topps Tiffany rookie. Looked good in pics, we’ll see when I get there.”

“I hope it’s in good shape.”

“I hope I can get the set at a good price. We’ll see. The guy’s not dumb, but he needs money for a remodel. I’m going to hook him up with Smoke on the remodel, which might get me into the set a little cheaper. We’re headed that way as soon as I get my fucking peg mounted.”

“You’d look funny with one foot on your highway peg, and the other dangling off to the side.”

“Got that right. Well, I better hit the road.” He raised the bolt set. “Good lookin’ out, Smudge.”

I grinned. “No problem. Good luck with the Chipper Jones.”

He clenched his fist and extended his arm.

I pressed my fist into his.

He gave a sharp nod and turned toward the door. As he walked away, an odd sense of confidence washed over me. My cleavage was no longer my main concern. In fact, at that moment, I had no concerns.

As I often did after spending time with Percy, I closed my eyes, drifted away, and at least for that fleeting moment, felt normal.

Chapter Eight

P-Nut