Free Riding and Regrets by Bailey Bradford Page B

Carlos sat down with a plate of food to eat with him.
    His surprise must have shown on his face because Carlos offered a quick explanation. “Wanted to talk about the lawyer and all that.”
    “I’ll pay you back for it,” Jody said immediately, setting his fork down. “Y’all can keep my pay, except what I need for Prissy’s daycare and food. That oughta be covered by the Social Security she’ll be getting whenever the government gets around to giving it to her for her mama’s death. Least Elena had been working, so there’s something for Prissy.”
    Carlos picked up a piece of bacon and took a bite. “I don’t know how all that works, but I’m glad you’ll be getting some financial help with her. As for the lawyer, naw, you don’t worry about that. I did find a trailer you might be interested in for you and Prissy. It ain’t fancy, but it’s not a piece of shit, either. We can help you get it financed and set up out here, maybe not too far from the house but with enough room for a fenced off area for Prissy to play in. You interested?”
    Jody sniffled and had to press his palms to his eyes. “Everyone’s being so nice, I can’t—”
    “I’m betting you didn’t have enough nice wherever you came from,” Carlos said, then he surprised Jody by gently patting his back. “That’s okay. Most of us come out of a rough spot, and we’re good men anyway. We’ve learned to help each other out, and be loyal to our friends. Troy, Will and me, we’re all big ol’ mama hens, but if you tell anyone that, I’ll mama you right quick and tan your backside.”
    Jody laughed and found himself relaxing around Carlos like he’d never done before. For the first time in a very long while, Jody began to think he could have a good life.
    * * * *
    Noel was getting worried by the time he saw Jody pull up at the daycare. He was afraid that something had happened, but at half past seven, Jody walked in with Prissy jabbering away at his side. The little girl’s braids were crooked and she was dressed in clashing pants and shirt—they clashed to Noel, anyway. Burnt orange and bright green made him think of pumpkins.
    “Hey, Noel, morning,” Jody offered, a sweet smile pulling at his lips. “Miss Prissy here dressed herself today. Don’t she look beautiful?”
    “She does,” Noel agreed. “Makes me think of pumpkin pie.” Or close enough to it.
    Jody snickered. “Yeah, she was more like a berry pie until she spilled syrup on her shirt and pants this morning. That’s why we’re late.”
    Prissy beamed at Noel. “I was helpin’ Dwake set the table!”
    “Awesome!” Noel clapped for her. “I bet he was so glad you could help. Did you sneak any bites of food?”
    Prissy bobbed her head. “Sywup. It’s good. I spilled it on my puhple pants and top. Daddy said a bad word and had to let me change.”
    “Daddy said a bad word?” Noel whispered, grinning at Jody. “Uh-oh. He might need a stern talking to.”
    “Uncle Will said he had to pay money for saying it,” Prissy informed him, her face set in a serious expression. “I didn’t make him say it.”
    “No, you didn’t,” Jody said. “That was all my fault. I’m responsible for what comes out of my mouth, and I decided to say a bad word. Daddy has a bad mouth, but he’s working on it.”
    “I like Daddy’s mouth,” Noel said, then he realised how that had sounded and screwed up his face. “Oh, oh, man, that— I mean—”
    Jody was too busy turning beet red to help him out.
    Noel huffed and tried again. “I mean, I like that your daddy is trying to watch his mouth. That’s what I meant.”
    “Uh-huh,” came from behind him, Seana coming out from the classrooms. “I’ll just take this child with me while you two fumble and stumble your way through flirting.”
    “Seana!” Prissy let go of Jody’s hand and ran to her. “Let’s play!”
    “Go give your daddy a goody-bye kiss,” Seana said, turning Prissy back around.
    Prissy ran over