CharlieI had to stop talking to wait for the cheering and applauding to end. I understood the excitement of my team and I was as glad as any of them to never have to see that misogynistic ass hat again.Once they all were quiet, I continued. “I have a few housekeeping things to note as well. I’ve seen to fixing the fridge in the break room. The filtered water is now back up and running. Thank you Travis for using your handy HVAC skills to make that happen. Also, we now have a new selection of some premium liquors and an extra page of drinks in our specials menu, thanks to Janie for her creativity. If you’re looking for something strong and simple, try her Goose Ringer. It’s delicious but not for the faint of heart.”I paused to try and remember if there was anything else I needed to say. When I came up empty I flashed them my best smile. “I think that’s all for tonight, you guys. Once again thank you for showing up as your beautiful selves. I hope you all have the best night and make

BenjiRick’s jaw flexed. “I’ll think about it.”“Well don’t think too long. The race is tomorrow. I’ve got to run. Thanks for the beer, man.”“Don’t mention it. See you around.”“See you tomorrow,” I said, knowing Rick wasn’t going to turn down the invite or the chance to be in the same vicinity as Harley Cross.I crossed the driveway once more and returned to my truck parked at the curb. I’d purchased the big black beast the same week the shelter opened. I needed something to haul big loads and pick up furniture. I was constantly bringing in new things and having a car was no longer practical. I missed the speed and handling to be sure, but I didn’t miss it more than I wanted my kids to have a safe place to stay.The stereo blasted rock music as I pulled away from the curb and headed home. It was nearing full dark now and all the street lights had flickered on. The dotted lines on the road disappeared on either side of the truck as I cut through traffic. The racer in me still had a h

CharlieMy boots crunched on the loose stones underfoot as a couple of men catcalled me. I ignored them and kept on walking with my chin high.At the end of the line at the registration table I was forced to cut through the crowd. Men slid aside as I elbowed my way through, muttering apologies as I went. Some of them tried to get my attention and asked me to keep them company while they waited. Like the catcallers they were only ignored.I finally escaped the mass of drivers and arrived at the front of the line where Harley was chatting with a guy she seemed to know well enough. The conversation was light and friendly as I stepped around to her side of the table.Harley looked up at me. Her blue eyes, normally bright and almost aquamarine in the day, were like sapphires at night. Her tanned skin was covered in swirling dark tattoos and her lips were dark red.“Charlie!” Harley got to her feet and threw her arms around my shoulders. She gave me a tight squeeze before stepping back and

BenjiCharlie gave me the impression that she didn’t smile often. Not around strangers at least. Her hardened exterior was probably in place for a reason and it reminded me of some of the kids in my shelter.Kids like Luke.The other night with him had been a shit show. Poor kid.His mother had showed up out of the blue after being out of his life for months. Now, for some kids this would be a good thing. Their parent coming back to them was something they dreamed about. But for Luke it was a nightmare because whenever his mother came a calling it was because she wanted something.And this time she wanted money. Straight up cash. As much as he could give her.Luke had no money. That was why he was staying at my shelter. Sure, he probably had twenty bucks or something, but that was money he’d made from pan handling or playing his harmonica on a street corner with some of the other kids who had musical instruments. It was enough for him to keep himself fed and he didn’t have to worry ab

CharlieWe heard the cars coming back before we saw them. The roar of their engines echoed off the overpasses and bounced around down to the streets below. Everyone rushed to the sidelines and waited for the first car to come around the corner at the end of the street.When it came the crowd exploded with cheering.I nearly jumped out of my skin.Harley threw her hands up in the air and cheered right along with them. She tried to get me to join in but I kept my lips firmly sealed and watched as the lead car, a baby blue coupe, came peeling toward the line. He had the lead by at least three car lengths and from where I was standing there was no way someone else would overtake him before he crossed the line.I was right.The car flew over the finish line. The cheering somehow grew louder. The other cars reached the line and slowed down once they passed. After all the cars had crossed the line the crowd spilled out onto the street to greet the drivers.Harley and I stayed where we were.