Gunner (SBMC South Carolina #2)
Chapter 1
Gunner
There comes a time in every man’s life when you know it’s time to let something go. I let go of the past many years ago, but it’s back in the form of my ex, Val. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad she’s on the right track, but that wasn’t the case years ago. Val was an alcoholic. A bad one, too. She was into drugs and fucked half the county where we lived. I couldn’t do it anymore and sent her packing. That was the last time I saw her until she brought my daughter back home to me a year ago. She’s been around ever since. I shouldn’t complain, considering my daughter, Kiki, is getting to spend time with the new, improved version of Val. The sober version, that is.
“You look pissed,” Locke says as I eye Val from afar.
“Not pissed. Curious.”
“What about?”
“Her,” I answer, nodding toward Val. “Why is she still here?”
“She’s after you, brother. I’ve seen her around here lately flashin’ her ass and tits in your face.” I shake my head.
“That’s not what this is. She wants somethin’.”
“Yeah, to be ridin’ your cock again, Prez,” Remy chimes in. I flip him off but never take my eyes off her. She was something back in the day when we first met. She was a good woman then, but that all changed. I don’t know what got into her, but she turned to drugs and alcohol. I knew she cheated on me. I knew Kiki wasn’t mine, but that didn’t stop me from being a father to her.
“I don’t mind her bein’ around, but I don’t like there’s somethin’ up either.”
“How do you know somethin’s up? Maybe she just missed you,” Hodge, my son, tells me.
“Nah. She didn’t miss me. She hated this life back in the day. Hated everything about it.”
“Maybe she’s stickin’ around for Kiki,” Hodge adds.
“Maybe. Kiki is doin’ great now, though, and I’d hate to see Val fuck that up for her.”
“I don’t think she will. Kiki has a good head on her shoulders. She’s matured a lot since she’s been back,” Locke points out. He’s probably right. She wouldn’t let her mom drag her down again. That happened once, and I don’t see her letting it happen again.
“I need to get fucked,” I mumble under my breath as the guys laugh.
“You ain’t got shit?”
“No. Haven’t been lookin’ either, brother. Been too busy tryin’ to get that liquor store, and the new shop opened up.”
“Heard that, Prez. Maybe we need to throw a little pussy party just for you,” Remy adds, slapping a hand on my shoulder. I smirk at him and sigh.
“A party would be nice around here. It’s been a while since we’ve had one.”
“Then let’s do it. Let’s throw a party. Open the club doors to the public. Get some new girls runnin’ through here,” Locke says. I nod my head. Maybe that’s what I need.
“Yeah. I agree. Let’s do that. Get the word out,” I tell the guys before walking toward the bar to grab a beer. I pop the cap and take a long pull as I watch Val. I don’t know, maybe it’s nothing, but her being here so long is starting to wear me thin.
“You okay?” Kiki asks as she slips her arm around my waist and rests her head on my shoulder.
“Your mom actin’ okay?”
“You’re worried about mom?”
“I don’t want her fuckin’ you over, Kiki. You know you’re the only reason she’s here right now. If I had my way, she’d be out on her ass.”
“She’s trying, dad. I know you hate this, but I can’t thank you enough for letting her stick around. She’s … different, and I kinda like it.”
“Well, that’s all that matters to me, darlin’, your happiness,” I tell her.
“What about you? Aren’t you happy?”
“I’m happy you’re back. I’m happy you’re here. There’s just somethin’ missin’, yeah?”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know. I think I’m just an old man lookin’ to settle down,” I tell her. She laughs, and it’s music to my ears. She pulls away from me and smiles up at me.
“You want an old lady? Is that what this is?”
“Ain’t found one yet, but I wouldn’t be opposed to it. I’m gettin’ old, Kiki.”
“You are not. You’re not even fifty yet.”
“Damn near it. Hell, I thought I’d have already settled down by now.”
“You have plenty of time, Dad. Don’t rush into anything.”
“I don’t plan on it. Hell, there ain’t even anyone here I would want to take on as an old lady anyway.”
“You need some fresh meat.”
“That’s what your man says, too. Havin’ a little open party night, Friday. You up for it?” Her eyes light up as she nods her head.
“I’ve missed those. It shows the people we aren’t all that bad,” she says.
“You’re right. Also attracts assholes, though.”
“The guys can handle it. You ready for that?”
“I’m ready. Get some drinks, some laughs, and a good ass time. Yeah, I’m ready for that.”
“Good. It’ll be fun.”
“What are we talking about?” Val’s voice skates down my nerves. I don’t know why she’s bothering me now, but she is. I don’t even know what the problem is.
“We’re having a party Friday night. Maybe you can catch you a new man,” Kiki laughs. Val’s eyes shoot to mine as if I would say no. That ship has sailed a long time ago.
“Don’t look at me. I ain’t stoppin’ you.”
“Have you not thought about us?”
“About what? The times we hated each other? We weren’t happy, Val. Not even close, and I don’t plan on goin’ back to that shit. My life is calm right now, and that’s how I plan to keep it.”
“I’ve changed, Gunner.”
“I know you have, and I’m damn proud of you for that, but that doesn’t change us or our status.”
“Won’t you at least think about it?” she asks.
“No. I won’t. I’m sorry, darlin’.” With that I walk away from the two of them needing some space.