Chapter 5

The two of them were my true friends and family. Without them, I really would be alone.

I sat down next to Jimmy with Jax across the table where he had the best view of Jimmy.

The server, a kid named Tom who’d told us a couple weeks ago he’d dropped out of college for a year, was at our table before I’d even got settled. We ordered, with only Jax having to look at the menu. Then Tom stood around a minute as if waiting for something else and then finally left.

“Jax was asking about my cuff and studs and…well, all the stuff you’ve made me over the years.” Jimmy put his hand over the ratty old braided leather cuff and rubbed like he was caressing it. He did that when he was excited or upset sometimes. It was almost like a habit or something.

“Oh? Yeah? How come?”

Jax leaned in toward us. Was he leaning closer to Jimmy? I wouldn’t be surprised.

“I really like them. The cuff in particular. How hard is it to make?”

“Not hard at all. I made this first one, when? A long time ago.”