wanted to do. But I had to do it to protect the both of them.
“Sheriff Buckley told me it was because of overcrowding. I have a sneaking suspicion that something is going on behind the scenes. Have you seen Carter since he got out?”
Here we go, Taylor. Keep a straight face and mean it. “Nope I had no idea he was even out.”
My dad narrowed his eyes at me and twisted his head to the side. “Well I don't want you around that man. He's bad news.”
“Of course, Daddy. I've been done with him for years.”
Now if only I could convince myself of that .
“And one more thing.” My dad produced an envelope from his jacket pocket and set it down on the coffee table between us. “Here's your allowance for the month.”
I picked up the envelope and didn't even bother to look at the check inside. It was always the same amount every month. I felt silly taking an allowance from him but it was the only way to keep painting without getting a full-time job.
“We should go out and celebrate. I can take you to that sushi place you love.”
“I'd love to, Daddy, but I really have to finish my painting.” I pointed over to the brown tarp covering the canvas.
My father stood and walked towards it. “Can I get a look at it?”
The last thing I wanted was for him to find out that I had done nothing so far. “No, Daddy. I want it to be surprise.”
That seemed to satisfy him for now. We embraced and my father finally left. Did he actually believe me about not seeing Carter?
After all these strange encounters in a row, my body had a strange energy about it. I couldn't put my finger on it. But I knew what to do with it.
I pulled off the tarp to reveal the blank canvas. I knew exactly what to paint for the art show now.
Carter
Four Years Ago
The day was like any other. Blue skies with floating puffy white clouds. The MC needed me to pick up protection money from the various businesses in Saint Marks. I rode the streets on my black and chrome Harley Sportster 1200 Low, my sunglasses on and bucket-style helmet covering my head. Just another day in paradise. The Dark Souls owned this town.
After picking up the last bit of money from the local hardware store, I stopped by Taylor's before dropping off the cash at the clubhouse. She was the only woman that could make me see straight. I'd been through hundreds of women who were only good for one night of fucking. But Taylor was different. I wanted to fuck that sweet slit of hers every night for the rest of my life.
I pulled up to her dorm building and parked my bike. Taylor was going to college for an art degree and I wasn't even good enough to finish high school. What did she see in me anyways? I swaggered through the halls of the all-girls dorm. Loud music boomed out from every room while girls shuffled by me only wearing white towels and slippers. I could fuck a different hot chick every night for the next year and I still wouldn't have even broken the surface. But I was a different man now. There was only one woman for me.
I knocked on Taylor's door and it creaked open to a sliver. Ivy's brown hair and disappointed face were the only things visible. “Taylor around, Ivy?”
“What do you want, Carter?” she growled.
Taylor called from inside, “Open the door, Ivy.”
Ivy sighed and opened the door. “I'm going to go to the library and leave you two alone.” I don't know why Ivy was so hostile against me. I'd never done anything to her.
Taylor jumped off her twin-sized bed and right into my arms. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too, baby. How are classes going?”
“I've been studying like crazy for this Art History 101 exam. All these years are getting jumbled up in my head. I'd really like to go out and get coffee.”
Before we could leave the dorm, two officers wearing black uniforms stormed inside with guns drawn. My initial reaction was to run for it.