A/N Thanks so much for reading and following this little tale of love and romance, Dixon style. You guys are the best!
Alright now, y'all know what night this is, c'mon I know ya do. Oh well hell yes, a course it's Wednesday, if I'm tellin' ya stories it's Wednesday, sheesh
But KIDS, c'mon now, think about it. That's right, ya got it, it's the Wednesday night before the Thursday night that is NEW YEAR'S EVE!
We got ta get ourselves down ta that little tavern, don't be playin' now, actin' all innocent like ya ain't ever been there, hell I just seen ya there last week. It ain't nuthin' ta be ashamed of, everybody likes a good dive bar and the Mad Dawg is one a the best a the worst! That damn place smells like the inside a one a them garbage trucks, no one knows when was the last time the floor was swept, n I wish ta gawd someone would clean the damn john once in a while.
But hell, it ain't like Martha Stewart owns the joint, and we ain't goin' there ta breath, we're goin' there ta drink! Cuz we all know the beers are frosty as a witches' titty, an cheap as WalMart toilet paper, an Barkeep he just keeps settin' em up, well until ya tell him ya gotta get home an get that fuckin' Christmas tree outta the house cuz it's a damn fire hazard, or ya run outta money. If that happens get yer ass outta the way, there's another lowlife that wants yer stool.
Tonight is that calm interlude prior ta what's sure ta be an interestin' start ta the New Year at Hard Times tomorrow.
I'm just here tryin' ta keep my drinkin' muscles in shape, well that and them Dixon Brothers will be arrivin' any minute!
Daryl walked in the joint n there was Big Brother lookin' every kinda glum, what the fuck?
First thing was Barkeep set them boys up with a frosty one, the weather's pretty dry n we all gotta stay hydrated n what not.
Now ain't I always tellin' ya kids Daryl's the sensitive brother? So don't he just clap Merle on the back n inquire, "What the fuck's the matter with you dumbass?"
Now Big Brother he appreciates Little Brother's concern n he says, "Fuck you Daryl, I got bad trouble."
Can we pause here for just a minute while I tell ya what ya already know? Yeah, that's right, every lowlife ear in the joint is listenin' so hard, why they's pointed up, like one a them elf ears, ya know from that movie with the Hobbits? Yeah that one.
Well now Young Dixon he almost feels bad, almost, nobody wants ta be around a Merle that's feelin' all down n low. Shit the guy's ornery enough when he's happy. But Daryl ya know, it only happened once in a while, n when it did, he couldn't help bein' all smug n snarky n shit like that. So now what? Oh, what I'm talkin' about is when Daryl's the happier one a them two.
So he asks all consolin' like, "What the fuck happened, Big Ballbuster cut ya off?"
"Well fuck no, it ain't that bad, shit, a fuckin' zombie apocalypse wouldn't be that bad. Nah, it's that damn sister a hers, she's nuthin' but a train wreck n she's startin' ta cause trouble in my home. I won't be havin' none a that shit an my Cindy she agrees, we're gonna ship her out Sunday, sendin' her off ta their sister Viola, over outta Gatlinburg."
"Gladys? I thought she was gonna be helpin' Cindy with Earl, I thought this was s'posed ta be a good thing."
"Yeah well, turns out she drinks more'n you n me put together, an Cindy says she's seen her lookin' at me like I'm some kinda fuckin' snack. Now Cindy's feelin' all manner a jealous n she's half pissed off at me, but shit, I ain't interested in Gladys, hell I got all the woman I can handle with Cindy."
Oh don't ya know kids, them lowlifes was enjoyin' every fuckin' minute a this shit right here. Well hell, so was I an I'm only a lowlife in trainin'. And we all took a big pull on our brown bottle.
"Well I thought she was s'posed ta be watchin' Earl, not snackin' on you." Daryl just couldn't help hisself, this here was some good shit. Damn if he didn't start cacklin'.
Have any of all y'all noticed how damn much fun Young Dixon is havin' this evenin'? An let me just tell ya, he ain't bad ta look at either. Okay, I know, back ta the story.
"Yeah well come Sunday she's gonna be snackin' on a bologna sandwich on a Greyhound bus ta Tennessee. I can't wait ta get her ass outta here."
Well not one a them lowlifes even knew Gladys, but they all lifted a brown bottle ta their lips an bid her adieu.
"Well who's gonna help with yer man Earl? Ya gonna hire one a them Nannies or sumthin?"
Everyone waited ta hear, what the hell? There wasn't nuthin' else ta listen in on, an we all took a swallow.
"Cindy's other sister Prudence is comin', she gets here on the bus tomorrow, thank god we're all goin' out."
"Geez brother, how many fuckin' sisters does Cindy got?"
"A lot it seems, kinda a bottomless pit a sisters. Anyway, Cindy says Prudence well she's a real plain Jane. Not like any a the other sisters at all. My Cindy says she's real quiet, don't hardly wear no make-up, kinda old maid-like."
"Anyway, we got her n Gladys a room together for tomorrow night, same hotel as all a us. Ruby's Mama is gonna come sit with Earl. We'll get Gladys drunk one last time, n I guess this sweet little old maid sister can sit at the table n drink cokes, or whatever the fuck it is old maids drink. Shit, she's only 28, ain't that too young ta be an old maid?"
Everyone took a big ol swallow contemplatin' how old ya are when ya become a old maid.
Daryl walked in that front door n there was little ol D.J. playin' with his new trucks, his old trucks, watchin' that train go 'round n watchin' a episode a The Backyardigans. That show baffled the holy livin' shit right outta Daryl, but hell D.J. liked it n that's all that mattered. "Hey Little Man Daddy's home, ain't that excitin'?"
I know y'all know, why little ol' D.J. he was a gigglin' n a clappin' n then he said it, he said, "Daddy." Daryl he picked that little man right up n he give him a big ol kiss n he said, "That's my boy, Daddy's gonna buy ya a real truck next!" An a course D.J. was a gigglin' an a clappin', who wouldn't?
He walked in the kitchen n there was his Sweet Baby standing there at the stove stirrin' a pot a sumthin' that smelled real damn good.
He walked up behind her, slid that open palm up the inside a her thigh, right on over ta his favorite place, he give it a little rub while he was nuzzlin' her neck n he whispered, "The Bad Boy wants ta get all manner a up close n personal with that pretty little thing right there."
She giggled softly while she turned around n got right in his arms, n didn't that pretty little hand slide right down there ta the front a him, n she give it a little squeeze n said, "Well I'm going to expect Bad Boy to work extra hard tonight cuz I am wantin' some lovin' Big Man." Damn she was hot and all he could think ta do was start ta kissin' on her n rubbin' on that tight little ass while he was rubbin' that Bad Boy on her, n she was startin' ta breath heavy, when D.J. walked in the kitchen n said, "Hungee Mama."
Daryl he bent down n tickled the little fella right in his tiny armpit, n he said, "I just told ya I's gonna buy ya a truck, n ya treat me like this? That ain't bein' grateful at all." An little ol D.J. he just clapped n giggled, cuz ya know, he's the happiest baby ever drew air.
They was havin' sumthin' she called linguine, he didn't know what the fuck that meant, but this shit was good, well a course it was, it had noodles in it. He n D.J. was lovin' that right there. She even took two bites of it, before she went back to her bowl a leafs.
Then he told her about Gladys wantin' ta snack on Merle n what not, n she was appropriately horrified that Cindy's sister would behave in such a way. Then he told her about the new sister comin', Prudence. An Sweet Baby, aw ya know she is a sweet one, n didn't she say, "Well gee that doesn't even sound like a sister of Cindy's, I'm anxious to meet her, we'll have to try and make her feel at home."
He an his man D.J. was playin' with the new trucks, the old trucks n the train, an watchin' a episode a Flying Wild Alaska, while she was cleanin' up that kitchen n talkin' ta Cindy on the phone. No doubt they was talkin' about what they was wearin' ta Hard Times tomorrow night, an how much fun they was gonna have.
She come in the livin' room n said, "It's bath time for Daddy and D.J." Well Daryl kinda perked up, shit, was she gonna give him a bath? That was a new one. But nah, she ruined it for him when she said, "Daryl why don't you hop in the shower while I give D.J. his bath." And she smiled n all, but still, why did D.J. get ta have all the fun?
"Sweet Baby, I forgot ta tell ya my New Year's resolution." He had that crooked little grin and he looked quite pleased with hisself.
"Oh yeah Big Man, and what would that be?" She smiled her own crooked little grin.
"I'm resolvin' ta only shower once a week." He was pretty proud til she smiled n said, "Well I guess you only want lovin' once a week."
Dammit, she beat him every time. He went in the bathroom and spiffed himself right up. A course he hurried cuz he didn't wanna be late for story time, I told ya before, he loves that shit.
D.J. was pickin' out his story from the bookcase n he come up with one a Daddy's favorites, Green Eggs n Ham. Course D.J. only made it halfway through before he was sound asleep, Daryl kinda wanted her ta keep readin' it anyway.
Then she give him that look an he just picked her up an carried her in that bedroom, set her down n started ta kissin' on her, n he was a rubbin' every part a her, n she was a rubbin' every part a him, an then he was gettin' her clothes offa her, quick as could be, n she was a gettin' his clothes offa him, quick as could be, n he was pickin' her up n puttin' her on that bed, n then his mouth was on that right titty, and his hand was on that left titty, and then he switched it up, cuz ya got be fair n all, an then his mouth was down on her tummy, an then his mouth was between her legs, n then she got there, an then he got on top a her, n then they rolled over n she was on top a him, then they rolled over onta the floor, n he was grateful she was on top cuz he knew the weight a him woulda squished her little self. An then they started rollin' all over that floor like a couple a kids on a grass hill, n they was a gigglin' an havin' a real good time with their lovin'. Then Daryl got all serious, n he made sure Sweet Baby got there a couple more times, then he got there. An they was layin' there on that bedroom floor, n when he caught his breath he asked her, "Sweet Baby why do we even got a bed?"
He got outta work early that next day, hell Big Boss closed the joint down at noon, which made all the fellas happy as could be.
He went right home ta Sweet Baby, shit it was D.J.'s nap time, maybe he could get some good lovin' in. Well guess what, Sweet Baby thought it would be a good idea if they took a shower together an washed each other up, n maybe accidentally they'd have some lovin' while they was doin' all that cleanin'. Those kinda showers was the only ones he liked.
He put on his back jeans, that new black shirt, his motorcycle boots, his angel wing vest, and he was ready.
When he saw Sweet Baby he was sure his eyes would pop right outta his head. She was wearin' the tiniest little pair a black shorts ya ever did see, an they was all lacy. Damn, he had ta do it, it had ta be done, he slid a hand right up in the leg a one. She just smiled at him. She had on a tiny silky white blouse, sleeveless, with thin straps, an it came up higher in the front so her little bellybutton was showin', an she was wearin' knee high black boots.
He didn't think she should be seen in public in that get up, she looked way too fuckin' hot, but dammit, he wanted ta keep lookin' at her in it, so he warned her, "I'ma be stuck to ya like gum on your shoe Sweet Baby." She just give him a little rubbin' an said, "Good, that's what I like Big Man." And Bad Boy was startin' ta act up again.
She looked at him an said, "C'mon, we gotta get D.J. ta Mama and Daddy's so we can meet your brother and all of his women for dinner."
Daryl leaned over n roughed the boys head an he asked him, "Ya wanna go see Grandma an Grandpa?"
A course D.J. he giggled n he clapped cuz he knew he an Grandpa would be ringin' in the New Year with big bowls a vanilla ice cream, 'bout 7:00.
They got ta the restaurant 'bout the same time as Merle n the gals, an let me just say, Daryl an Beth was both surprised as hell when they seen Prudence. Yeah well, she didn't look like an old maid, an she didn't look much like Cindy or Gladys. She was a tiny thing, bout Beth's size, her hair was long an wavy and a kinda reddish blond color, she had big green eyes and it was true, she had almost no make-up on, she didn't need it, she was real pretty. She was wearin' tight black jeans, short black boots, and little pink tank top.
When Cindy introduced her ta them she smiled real sweet and put out a little hand to shake. Beth give her a hug straight away, "Welcome Prudence, we're so glad to have you here."
Then Beth looked up and seen Gladys was starin' hard at Daryl and she was hopin' she wasn't gonna have ta kick ass later, this was a new outfit.
They had a real nice dinner, well everyone except Beth n Prudence, they both ate big bowls a leafs. Then they was all off ta the Hard Times ta ring in the New Year. YeeHaw!
A course as soon as they got there all the ladies went right ta the rest room, the men always wondered just what the fuck it was they was all doin' in there.
In comes Tyrese, shit no one has seen him anywhere but at work or the buildin' supply store since chapter 12. Daryl and Merle they go right over ta shake the man's hand, and Daryl asks him, "Ya done with it finally?" And don't Tyrese make a big ol' smile an says, "Finally Little Boss, I got it all done n it looks real, real nice. Gonna have a party a couple weeks after Heath n Giselle get married up, have everybody over."
That's right, Tyrese had bought a nice house, well it was a damn wreck when he bought it, that's why ain't no one seen him, he's been fixin' it up. Good ta know it's done n we're all goin' to a party over there.
Now all the sudden Daryl notices Tyrese ain't payin' no attention ta him, Merle or anyone else, his eyes are trackin' someone walkin' their way. Daryl turns ta look an it's none other than Prudence n she an Tyrese they got their eyes locked tight ta one another.
She comes right over ta them n says ta Daryl, in a real shy way, cheeks all rosy, "Will ya introduce me to your friend?"
And that there was all it took boys n girls, them too couldn't take their eyes offa each other the rest a the night.
So now meanwhile, Tyrese is just hangin' onta sweet little Prudence n she seems ta be lovin' every minute a that. He's sippin' a beer, n she's sippin' on a wine an he can't stop smilin' at her an her little hand is up on his chest, an yep, I'm pretty sure it's love.
The juke box starts ta play an it's kind of a fast song, but Tyrese is dancin' with her real slow an it's like she kinda disappears right inta him. Merle he looks ta Daryl an says, "Shit, I wonder how that's all gonna work out in the sack." Daryl he just shrugs n wonders that hisself. An they weren't bein' smart asses, they was just puzzled as all get out. Well shit, everyone was.
In the meantime, sumthin' else was afoot. Gladys was apparently not aware that these women was all a might jealous a their men, well shit the men was worse about the ladies, but that's a whole other story. So she's just scopin' out all them fellas, n all them gals is thinkin' if she goes near their man she's gonna wish ta god she never woulda.
She come up ta Daryl n was bein' all flirtatious an what not, n Beth gave her a warnin', she was goin' easy on her only because she's Cindy's sister n all. She grabs the woman by the arm an she tells her, "You stay the hell away from my man or I will beat you so bad your sister in Gatlinburg will feel it." Gladys smartly moved along. Daryl bent down n planted a big ol kiss on Sweet Baby's lips an said, "Thanks for savin' me from that ol hoochie Sweet Baby." An he mighta rubbed her ass, just a little. It was all the fault a them shorts.
Gladys why she even had the nerve ta go sashayin' up ta Merle lookin' all ready for trouble. Her sister grabbed a handful of her hair, pulled it real hard while tellin' her. "Ya get yer own fuckin' man sister, this one here belongs ta me." Merle he kissed her like they was alone in the bedroom, an I swear he copped a feel. Merle he loves his Cindy.
Ol Gladys she cooled it for a while after the incident with Cindy, her head was kinda hurtin'. She got her another drink or two at the bar, where she seemed to be kinda fascinated by Abraham.
Meantime boys an girls, we are at the Hard Times an everyone was over indulgin', ya know, just a little. Or maybe a lot. Hell it ain't polite ta take notice a these things.
Axel passed around a tray covered with shot glasses filled with ta the brim Fireball. Yeah, that ain't gonna cause trouble.
The music was playin', everyone was a dancin', rubbin' up on one another, touchin' parts a each other they should probably wait an touch later. Oh they thought they was bein' discreet, but seriously? pft
Tyrese was still just a huggin' up ta Prudence, Axel n Doc Carol was dancin' like they was tryin' ta get pregnant again. Daryl n Sweet Baby, well their dance moves are legendary – he could not keep his hands off the ass a them little shorts an Sweet Baby could not keep her hands off the ass a his jeans. Merle was provin' ta Cindy how much he loved that big ol soft body, Ruby an Oscar was dancing so close it was like they was Velcroed together, and Health was playing tonsil hockey with Giselle. Why everyone seemed to be havin' a real Happy New Year's Eve.
Rosita went to clear some beer bottles off one a the tables, an Abe he'd walked from behind the bar to help deliver more Fireball shots. As soon as he set that tray down, ah kids, ya can't believe it, Gladys went right over n grabbed that package a his.
His mouth dropped open an Rosita went into action. Ya know how that fiery little gal can get about her Abe, she was out ta kill. Rosita don't take no prisoners. Cindy she was so damn mad she grabbed her own sister an held her while Rosita took a punch, an maybe a kick, but then Gladys got away and started to hit back, an that was it kids, all them women in that bar was havin' a big ol free for all. Why even little Prudence went right up ta Gladys an threw a haymaker, but before Gladys could swing back, Tyrese had plucked Prudence right up and outta the fray.
Daryl was not lettin' his Sweet Baby get hurt, she was standin' in front a him n he had his arms wrapped tight around her, keepin' her right close.
Now Abe he wasn't gonna let all these women get hurt again, especially not his Rosita, he had big plans ta ring in the New Year with her later. So he went right behind the bar an started up that National Anthem. Everyone stopped, turned ta the flag, an held their hand over their heart.
As soon as they was all done salutin' the country, Cindy took Gladys by the hair a the head an had Abe lock her in the little cleanin' supply closet.
Then the party really got started. Why the Fireball was goin' down n the dancin' was gettin' done. There was feelin' n touchin' n kissin' n huggin'. Then Abe turned the lights down, a horn blew n it was midnight. An boys n girls, the the kissin' an the touchin' got kinda dirty, in a real fun way. No wonder Abe turned the lights down.
He had Rosita sittin' up on the bar n he was standin' between her legs he had her face pulled ta his n he was kissin' her hard. They could hear Gladys bangin on that door tryin' ta get out, n that was just turnin' them on more.
Daryl was sittin' in a chair an Sweet Baby was sittin' in his lap n they was kissin' like the lovebirds they are, an Merle n Cindy was in the chair right next ta them n they was up ta the same thing, when Tyrese n Prudence come up ta them.
Prudence she smiles all sweet n shy an her cheeks are all pink n she says ta Cindy, "I'm sorry ta let you down sister, but I'm only gonna be able ta watch Earl weekdays from 7:30 ta 4:00, while Tyrese is at work. He's gonna want me home with him, n that's where I'm gonna wanna be. I'm movin' in with him."
Now Beth she buried her face in Daryl's chest, she was tryin' not ta laugh out loud, an Daryl why even he was smilin' ear ta ear. They was thinkin' about how their eyes locked that night at the bar, he moved her right in, an they been together ever since. Daryl he's squeezin' her real tight, an they're feelin' all manner of affectionate.
An Little Brother he looks over at Merle an says, "Ya best just hire one a them Nannies."
A/N That's exactly how it all happened, I can't make this stuff up. Love was in the air at Hard Times. A Very Happy New Year to all y'all. Thanks so much for reading, please comment/review xo