Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 88317 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 442(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88317 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 442(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
“Does he always do that?” One of the cops chuckled.
“He wants to take a bath,” I tried to explain. “He’s not very subtle.”
“Okay, we’ll let you get on with your evening,” he said, looking uncomfortable.
After the door shut, Josh lifted his shirt off and threw it. “I’ve never been happier to get naked in my life.” He laughed. “Come on, Scottie! Let’s go take a shower!”
“Manshower party!” I laughed.
Josh then realized he hadn’t brought a change of clothes, so he went into Wayne’s old closet and grabbed a few things for him and Scottie.
After they disappeared into the bathroom, I could hear the music blasting through the door. It was a true celebration in there. All of the emotions from the past couple of days seemed to hit me at once. Lorraine had gone into the kitchen to prepare Scottie’s chicken, and I sat down on the couch and sobbed into my hands. We’d been so lucky today. So very lucky.
When Josh and Scottie emerged, they both had wet hair and were wearing Wayne’s clothes, which were too tight.
Josh shook my shoulders playfully and teased, “No offense, but lemons aren’t gonna cut it after forty-eight hours, Pumpkin. I think you need to shower next.”
“Thanks for the advice. And I concur. You’re right this time. Let me go see if I can find something to wear, too.”
I went into Wayne’s room in search of anything I could possibly throw on. When I checked the drawers, I couldn’t believe my luck. I’d apparently left behind a single thong the last time I was here. I got one of Wayne’s green plaid shirts and a pair of his drawstring shorts, so I’d be okay until I had a chance to go to the store tomorrow, or wash the outfit I’d arrived in.
A hot shower had never felt so good. As the water rained down on me, I spoke to God, formally thanking Him or Her for bringing Scottie back safely today. Then, I spoke to Brad and Wayne and promised them I would do whatever I could to make sure this never happened again. Despite all the emotions, it was probably the best shower of my life, not only for the level of gratitude I held in my heart, but because I couldn’t ever remember going two days without taking one.
When I came out, Lorraine was in the kitchen. Scottie was already at the table eating his chicken.
She glanced over at me. “Oh my, don’t you look interesting.”
I looked down at my checkered plaid shirt. “I think you mean ridiculous.” I laughed. “How did you make that chicken so fast?”
“I’ve been making a lot, freezing it, and taking them over to the group home in batches. I still had some in my freezer, so I brought it with me. I figured he’d be starving.”
It was the fastest I’d ever seen Scottie devour his food. And I’d never been happier to witness anyone eating in my life.
“Where’s Josh?” I asked.
“He went to get some of Scottie’s things at the group home, and to the store to get some spare clothes and other things you and he might need.”
Just as Scottie finished his supper, Josh returned, and Lorraine went back to her house.
It was just the three of us again, like no time had passed.
Not only had Josh scooped up the majority of Scottie’s belongings, but he’d also gotten takeout for us and some stuff from Walmart.
“What did you get from Walmart?” I asked.
“I bought myself a few items of clothing. I figured you might want to pick out your own stuff tomorrow, but I bought you some spare underwear, some pajamas for tonight, and an outfit that won’t make you look like Howdy Doody.”
I looked down at Wayne’s checkered-plaid shirt again and chuckled. “What are you trying to say?”
He winked. “I also got you some lemons for your pits, some coffee, and stuff for breakfast. You know, the essentials.”
“How did you even know my underwear size?”
“There was this woman who looked about your size, so I asked her what size underwear she wore. She thought I was a perv.”
“Seriously?”
“No.” He laughed.
“I was gonna say, that woman was probably excited that a guy who looked like you was interested in her underwear.”
“I ripped open one of the packages and made my best guess. But I’ve also fondled your underwear in the past, so I kind of knew your size.”
I shook my head and laughed.
We took our takeout into the living room so we could sit by Scottie, neither of us willing to leave his side for very long.
“What’s the plan?” I asked after we’d finished eating.
Josh turned to me. “I have no idea, Pumpkin.” He smiled. “How about sleep? That sounds like a good plan for starters.”
I yawned. “That I definitely can’t wait to do.”
“I know that’s not what you were asking, though. Hopefully, I’ll have a better idea what to do about Scottie and the living situation once I’ve got a clear head again. But that won’t be until tomorrow at the earliest.”