Chapter 14 Bryce #2
The sun glowed in the sky, the perfect contrast to the cool breeze, and Casey introduced me to a few folks I didn’t know between saying hi to a lot of people I’d come to think of as friendly acquaintances in town.
By the time we’d made one whole loop, I couldn’t hold off any longer. “Your toe okay?”
Casey’s eyes shot to mine. After a moment, he grunted. “Yeah. Still sore, but I’ll live.”
“Listen, about—”
“We need to get to the table. I’ll have one of the guys bring us some food later.
Once the crowd dies down, we can head to the Roadhouse for drinks.
” Something must have shown on my face because Casey cleared his throat.
“Not that kind of drinkin’. Not for me anyway.
You can drink whatever the fuck you want. ”
I was so damn proud of him for the effort he was putting in to getting himself back to being healthy.
I knew it wasn’t easy, but he was working hard.
If I was honest, though, I worried he was heading toward a break.
Like he was so focused on the drinking, smoking, and healthier eating that he was missing something else.
All I could do was be there to support him if things went south.
I knew damn well, from personal experience with myself and others, he wasn’t going to make any real changes until it was his choice.
If he wasn’t willing to look at issues outside of the obvious, I’d have to be patient until he figured it out.
The next few hours were a blur of people, food, and laughs in the very best way possible. If I hadn’t already been aware the Riggs family was highly respected in Haven Grove, the Fall Fest would have proven it.
Folks from all over town dropped by our table to chat, ask about the gym, bring us goodies, play the strongman game, and basically just be around Casey Joe from what I could tell.
It was a strange phenomenon that the man could be so brusque yet pretty much loved by all in town.
Well, the preacher, Larry Holmes, didn’t seem too pleased with the piss and vinegar personality, but I had a strong suspicion the leader of the local flock took issue with Casey Joe and his boys for more than just Casey’s attitude.
Casey mumbling something about Brother Larry needing punched in the face again cemented my suspicions.
I had a feeling that was an interesting story.
When Brother Larry referred to himself as the good shepherd of Haven Grove and hinted perhaps he could work out at Armstrong Health & Fitness for free, I stepped in front of a growling Casey with what I hoped was a winning smile. “We’d love to offer you a discount, Preacher Holmes.”
Casey pinched my side, and I smothered my laugh with a cough.
“How about we give you the first month completely free, and I’ll even throw in some free personal training.
After that first month, you can work out an unlimited amount at…
” I tapped my chin, pretending to be deep in thought.
“For you, let’s do twenty percent off for six months.
” I leaned in, my words low. “But let’s keep that just between us, ya know? ”
Larry puffed up, his saggy jowls and ruddy cheeks making me think of a blushing basset hound.
“Well, now,” he drawled. “I don’t want it looking like you’re playing favorites—my flock are good people, and they deserve God’s will—but doing the Lord’s work is often thankless and tiring, so I humbly accept your offer.
” He placed a hand on his heaving chest. “Living as I do on such a limited income, the savings will be much appreciated.”
“Always willing to help those in need,” I said, handing him a clipboard. “Go ahead and put your information down there. We’ll make a note of your special discount and get in touch to finalize membership before the grand opening.”
Brother Larry all but frothed at the mouth as he scribbled down his information before shoving the clipboard at Casey and walking away from the table.
“Those in need?” Casey Joe hissed, his finger jabbing into my flank. “That asshole don’t live on a limited income,” Casey continued, anger lacing his words. “If anything, he’s probably fuckin’ stealin’ from his damn flock.”
I turned, grabbed the finger he’d been using to poke me, and leaned in close to Casey’s ear, knowing full-well I was playing with fire.
“The special discount I gave him is the exact same I’m offering to everyone who signs up today.
Same one I’m giving to anyone who signs up before we open.
” I paused to appreciate the heaving of Casey’s chest and the clean, citrusy scent of him.
“He’s not getting anything more than everyone else.
And I know folks like him. He’ll likely come a few days and then never come again.
Probably keep his membership for a while at least, but he’s too wrapped up in leading his flock to work in exercise.
We’ll make a decent amount from his membership and likely never have to see him. ”
Casey’s eyes flickered to my mouth before he snorted and backed away. “Leadin’ his flock, my ass. He’s never done a damn thing that wasn’t self-servin’ in his life.”
I swallowed thickly and forced myself to add more distance between us. “No harm at this point letting him think he’s getting something when he’s not. Probably no different than the way he’s treated some of his good people for years.”
Casey harumphed, but he seemed content to let the topic go for the time being.