Chapter 167: Back to the Cowboy's B&G

Gwen seemed to be pretty far out of her comfort zone. I could tell that the rough talking cowboys were striking fear into her heart. Most likely she needed Earl to come along on any future visits to CB&G. I had no idea. if there would be any more visits, I was just thinking ahead.

"You are the woman that they are making the TV show about, aren't you?" A late twenties or early thirties woman with wild chestnut colored hair asked.

"I guess I am, there might be more than one, but I think I'm the only one around here." I said it smiling. "And who are you?"

"I'm Amy," She said shyly.

"Amy, you seem kind of quiet to be in a place like this?" I know it was a silly variation of 'What's a nice girl like you doing in a place like this.' but at least it was a little less trite.

"I like to come in and dance once in a while," she said looking down. Dear god, what a pure submissive chick, and she most likely has no idea. I doubted that she would even know what I meant, if I said it right out to her.

"So Amy, are you married?" I asked.

"I was, but now I'm single," she said smiling gently.

"Any children?"

"Yes I have a son seven and a daughter five, they are with their dad tonight." she explained without being asked. "I noticed you walk with a cane, can I ask what happened."

"I got shot a while ago. It's not as bad as it looks. I have done a lot of healing already." I informed her.

"How did you get shot?" she asked.

"It's kind of a long complicated story. It's not really all that interesting," I said trying to play it down.

"I heard you carry a gun. Is that true?" she asked.

"I do sometimes, not always." I replied. I didn't tell her that the only time I didn't was, when I had no place to hide it.

"And you broke Eddie's nose?" she asked.

"So that's his name. I heard that Melvin is the one who pulled the knife on me, no one mentioned the name of the guy who got his nose broke.

"Eddie was drunk and shouldn't have been talking so mean to your friend," she said.

"He isn't that kind of friend. He is with the TV show crowd." I explained.

"Ah, then you wouldn't mind introducing me to him?" she asked with that shy smile of hers.

"No, I wouldn't mind at all, but it most likely won't be here. I don't think bringing him back would be a good idea. I'm sure there are some hard feelings." I said quietly.

"Probably with Tommy," She saw the look on my face. Tommy is the one he knocked down with one blow. Tommy is a real bad ass, he would most likely want a second try." she said.

"Well you can tell all these guys that Earl might look like a TV wimp, but he comes from the West Virginia coal mines. They might want to rethink trying to get even." I said it pretty casually. I didn't know if he was really a tough guy or not, but it wouldn't hurt if the, would be, bad asses who hung out in the CB&G thought he was.

"Oh my, how exciting," Amy said. She was totally hopeless. Too bad she was so straight. I couldn't be a thousand percent sure, but I was nine hundred and ninety nine percent sure. I didn't even consider hitting on her. She might be Earl's type, but I liked my women with a little more aggression. Actually the men I fell for were strong, aggressive, but intelligent types as well.

"Yes, I suppose so," I said in agreement. I looked around then added, "Doesn't seem that too many guys what to dance with a gimp."

"Oh, I just think it's that they know what to make of you yet. Some of them think you are a man hating lesbian. Some of the women are afraid for that reason as well. They think you might force them into having sex with you somehow."

"You might want to tell them that lesbian rape is extreme rare." I should have added that they dropped the charges for lack of evidence, but I was afraid that she wouldn't get the joke.

"Oh my," she said again looking at the door. I turned to see who had entered. I could hardly believe my eyes. It was Earl dressed in faded and badly worn jeans. He was also wearing a faded blue work shirt. Instead of a cowboy hat, that would make the outfit complete, he wore a plain, sweat shirt gray baseball type cap.

"Is he with you?" the bartender asked.

"Does it matter?" I answered. Just as she had answered me earlier.

"Tell him no more fights, or I call the cops," the bartender insisted.

I turned away then whispered to Gwen, "Relay that last message from the bartender to Earl." I looked up to see her turn my way and nod. "Also tell him this chick beside me wants to meet him." I demanded. Gwen knew that we were having the discussion, but I wasn't sure she would pass on the message unless I asked.

It took him a few minutes, but he came to join Amy and I at the bar. "Good evening Maxine, who is your friend?" he asked.

"Earl this is Amy. Amy this is Earl. I am going home now. You two take care of each other and may God have mercy on your souls." I said it with a laugh.

In the parking lot of the bar I ran into Marvin. "Are we going to go another round?" I asked.

"No Ma'am, I been watchin' those Internet videos. I just wanted you to know I am sorry I pulled that blade on you. I won't be doing anything like that again, I promise."

"Marvin, it takes real courage for a man to apologize to a woman. Don't worry I'm not the kind to Gloat." I said.

"Thanks, and next time you come in, I would love to buy you a drink or even a cup of coffee," he said with a smile.