CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT
(part four)

“I saw that guy harass you. At school,” Teddy said. “What’s his problem?”

“He makes fun of my Dad’s girlfriend. Calls her a slut, and a whore and stuff. Everybody joins in. Even my ex-best friend Tommy.” Nash scowled. Shaking his head, he shrugged. “Sandy’s really great. Beautiful. Well, you can see. She’s in the middle next the Valerie, the movie star.”

“She has a pretty smile.”

“Yeah, kind of lights up the room,” Nash said. “I hope my Dad marries her so she can be my mom. That kid says awful stuff to get me mad then pushes me around.”

“Bully,” Teddy said. “I hate that. They always pick on kids like us.”

“From the land of the fucked up?”

Nash felt a hand grab the back of his shirt. The big guy lifted him from sitting to hold Nash’s in front of his big scary face.

“See this?” The big guy rotated Nash to look at the women at the back of the room. “Ladies present. Watch your mouth. You want to be a thug? Talk like a thug. You want to make something of your life? Speak like a gentleman. And gentlemen don’t swear when ladies are present.”

The big guy set Nash down on the mat.

“Carry on.”

The big guy returned to the edge of the mat.

“You Ok, Nash?” Colin asked.

“Yes, sir,” Nash said.

Leaning into Nash, Colin whispered, “He means well.”

Nash nodded.

“All right,” Colin said. “We’re done. Remember to thank your partner with a bow.”

Nash and Teddy bowed to each other.

“Have a great Thanksgiving! I’ll see you Friday afternoon.”

After collecting Noelle and checking in with Sandy, Nash ran to catch up with Teddy.

“Teddy!”

Teddy was walking down the hallway with his massive guardian. The boy turned around in the hall.

“I can help you catch up. With school,” Nash said. “We have this whole weekend. Sandy’s working every day but tomorrow. That means we’ll be at the Castle. Why don’t you see if you can come over? I can help.”

Teddy smiled then nodded.

“Great! They have our number,” Nash said. “Just give me a call on Friday.”

Denver Cereal continues tomorrow….