Chapter 34

If he only knew the truth. He’d have all the ammunition he needs to cut me off from the family altogether, Ted thought. Ted looked around the table at his mother and brothers. Did he really want to take a chance on that? Well, I’m far enough away, and given the circles Harold runs in, he’s not likely to discover I’m a rent boy and a porn actor. Still, as tentative as his relationships with home were due to his stepfather’s attitude toward him, the loss of his family would be a terrible price to pay. Damn, I wish I didn’t need the money so bad. I’d quit and get a respectable job.

As Ted took Dixie for a walk that night, Dixie sniffing at every tree where some dog or another had left a message for her, Ted realized how much he had missed her.

Maybe I’ll take her back with me. I know mom has never cared for dogs, and Harold…well he’s hated her ever since I found her wandering the streets and brought her home. He’d be glad to have her out.