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I turned slightly in my chair to face him. “Hanging out. Studying, actually.” I held up my book.
“So, they let your sorry ass into college?”
“Late registration, yeah, for a night class.”
“Sweet.” He smacked my shoulder. “Scott’s heading our way. Three o’clock.”
I straightened on my barstool, thankful Bill and Hunter were here. Damn if my stomach didn’t just flip. I was working my way to getting Lizzie back, and meeting up with Walker could really leapfrog me forward on that.
Or kick me in the balls.
“What’s up, man?” Scott asked. “I thought Rain said he saw you here.”
“Hey man.” I held up my knuckles for him to bump.
He did, then asked, “What’s up Bill? Hunter?”
“My cholesterol,” Bill said, then laughed. “Catch ya later, guys.”
Above the music I heard him lumber away.
“Good seeing ya, D-man. Later Scott,” Hunter said.
“So, what’s with the book?” Scott asked, sitting next to me. “What the hell?”
“It’s called Braille.” I slapped the book shut.
“Heard what happened with Raymond. Just so you know, we kicked the shit out of one of his guys.” Scott huffed. “How dare that asshole go after one of ours?”
“I’m not one of yours, Scott.”
“Maybe notofficially, but you know we got your back.”
“Oh really? Checking up on me? Lizzie. Threats.”
“Look, man. This is a weird situation. For everyone. But Raymond, he had no right banging on you or your girl.”
“She’s not my girl anymore.”
“Noticed you weren’t with her much these past few months.”
“Keeping tabs.” I reached for my glass. My knuckles grazed the side, but I eventually found it.
“He tried to spread the word that you weren’t blind,” Scott said. “What the hell?”
“I don’t know what’s going on, other than I need to talk to Walker. I need him to spread the word that I’m off-limits. I’m not in with either of you guys.” I tapped my book. “I’m learning Braille and how to work with a service dog.”
“No shit. A dog? Where’s your cane?”
“Call it a cane again and I’ll shove it up your ass.”
Scott laughed and smacked me on the back. “You really want out, man? We can take care of you. Like we always did.”
“I can’t do it. Not like this, man. I’m worthless.” I drew in a deep breath. I didn’twantto be in the gang, but I didn’t tell him that. “And I’m no threat to you guys, either. I haven’t said anything about anything.”
“Noticed that,” Scott said, his voice quiet. “You know stuff, though, man. You were in.”
“Jumped in, survived that, and pretty much jumped out, didn’t I?” I pointed to my face. “Survived that—barely. Don’t know anything about anything other than I was jumped from behind after seeing Mom take a spill.”
