Lunchtime Chronicles: Fire Roasted

by L. Loren

  “Absolutely not, but you and I were never friends.”

  Sia’s face turned a bright red as she tried to recover from my smart-ass comment. I hated when people tried to put on airs pretending to be something they are not. She would never get away with that kind of behavior with me. I fully intended to embarrass her with the hopes that she would find me rude and stop trying to talk to me. No such luck. The woman simply took a deep breath and smiled brightly. She slithered closer to me and attempted to sound seductive.

  “Oh Gryphon, you’re such a kidder. You know good and well we’re old friends. This year, I am the chair of the committee for the HCFD auction and I need your help. I won’t take no for an answer.”

  She reached her clawed hand out to touch my arm and I moved out of her grasp. Why did this woman think she could touch me at will? Her entitled attitude did nothing except fuel my disdain for her. Yet she kept smiling up at me and giving me what she must have thought were seductive eyes. They were anything but.

  “You don’t have a choice but to take no.”

  I walked away after giving her a death stare. There was no way I would participate in that auction. No way! Hell would have to freeze over and the devil himself do a triple toe loop before I said yes.

  “Gryphon Long!”

  Fuck! My captain was calling me by my given name. He only did that when he meant business. I pretended not to hear him, but before I could make my escape his giant mitt snagged me by the shoulder, halting my progress. I stopped, turned, and faced my old friend and mentor.

  “Yes, sir.”

  He looked me in the eyes and spoke to me in hushed tones so Sia couldn’t hear him. Cap pulled out his little stainless-steel vial that contained his supply of toothpicks, retrieved one and popped it in his mouth before continuing.

  “Listen, Gryph, I know you don’t usually go for things like this, but I need you to do this for me. That little woman over there has a shit ton of influence in this town. One word from her and they will cut the funding for the department. That means some of your brothers will be out of a job. We can’t let that happen. Plus, it really is for a good cause. The money goes to the kids in this area. They are building a youth center to give the kids somewhere to go so they can stay out of trouble.”

  “Well, with all the money that woman has, why can’t she just give a donation and build the damn thing herself?”

  He shook his head at me in disappointment.

  “That’s not how it works in a small town like this. People around here want to feel like they contributed in some way. Most can’t afford a huge donation so they give where they can. That’s why we need you to get up on that stage and shake your money maker. You know, for the kids.”

  I barked out a laugh at that remark. My captain was insane, but he had a great sense of humor. His little spiel had me thinking about changing my mind, but then he added the pièce de resistance.

  “Plus, I heard a rumor that a recent burn victim will be in attendance. You know the one who has been getting a flower delivery once a week from a certain firefighter.”

  “How did you know I was sending her flowers?”

  “Boy, we live in Haywood County, NC. Nothing goes on here that I don’t know about.”

  “Are you sure she’ll be there? She hasn’t been out of the house since she left the hospital a couple of weeks ago.”

  “Trust me. I heard it directly from the young lady’s mother. Miss Eugenia was buying a dress, shoes, the whole nine yards. She’ll be there.”

  “Alright, Cap. For you I’ll do it, but I refuse to smile and schmooze with the town muckety mucks.”

  I guess old Lucifer better sharpen his ice skates cause your boy is going to the auction. Damn!

  Five

  Pilar

  “Mama, for the millionth time, I am not going!”

  “Young lady, how many times do I have to tell you it is undignified to yell across the room? Especially at your own mother who is simply trying to make you happy.”

  I rolled my eyes at my mother’s antics. She was always tried to play the martyr when most of her angst was of her own doing. If she could find it in her to mind her own business, most of it could be avoided. I had forgotten how much I hated that part of her personality. It was one of the many reasons I went out of state for college and never came back.

  “I apologize for yelling in an undignified manner, Mother.” I smirked because I knew she hated it when I called her mother. Mom and mama were fine. Hell, she would answer to bitch before the word Mother. She felt as if the word was a slap in the face. It’s weird the way people latch onto things and make them an issue.

  “Don’t you call me that name. I will beat the black off you. Now come over here and try on this dress. I picked it especially for you.”

  “Mama, I have no desire to try on that dress. It is beautiful. You have impeccable taste, but I will not be wearing it.”

  “Girl, get up off your tail and come get this dress. I will not say it again.”

  There was no use arguing with my mom. She was as stubborn as they come. It seemed she was hell bent on me trying on that stupid dress and going to that stupid ball so she could parade me around the room like she did when I was younger. There was just one flaw with her plan. Nobody wanted to see the fire roasted version of a former beauty queen. Oh, I was still the talk of the town, but now a days I was the Frankenstein version of Honey Boo Bo, only black.

  Tired of hearing the demanding tone of Eugenia Coates, I dragged myself from the comfort of the chaise and stomped over to the mirror where she was waiting with that infamous dress. I had to give it to her, mama knew how to shop. The gown was gorgeous. Guaranteed to catch the eye of any man within a five-mile radius. couldn’t she see that was the whole problem with me wearing it?

  “Pia, this dress is going to make you the belle of the ball. Every single man in the room is going to be panting after you and half of the married ones too. It’s a good thing your brother will be there to help fend them off.”

  “Mama, the dress is gorg, but did you have to pick red? I will stand out like a sore thumb.”

  “That’s the whole point. Ever since that accident you have been hiding away in this house. As your mom it is my duty to make sure you are happy. You won’t find happiness hiding away like some recluse.”

  “Who says I want happiness? I just want be left alone.”

  “And what’s the alternative? You, sitting up in this house stewing in misery. I won’t allow it. Not on my watch. Pilar, with your socialite status and our good family name behind you, the men of this county will be fighting for your attention. You can have any man you want. All you have to do is believe it to be so.”

  “Mama, I don’t want some man falling all over himself running behind me because of my name and inheritance. If I decide to date at all, it will be because I like the man with hopes that I can love him one day. I don’t have time to play political games.”

  “Sometimes I wonder if I gave birth to you at all. Pilar, that is how things work in our world. Have I taught you nothing?”

  “Oh, you taught me very well. You also taught me that looks were everything and I foolishly believed you. Now look at me. Half of my face is roasted and the majority of my self-esteem along with it.”

  “Oh, darling, with your money the men won’t care about a small thing like a scar from a fire. Plus, I’ve been talking to an old friend who lives out in LA about getting you an appointment with a world-famous plastic surgeon. I am sure he can work wonders for you.”

  I looked at my mother in total disbelief. The tears that formed in my eyes refused to stay hidden and began leaking down my face. I was never good enough when I was young and beautiful. Now, I was an embarrassment to her. All she ever did was criticize me.

  “Now don’t start with the waterworks. If the surgeon can’t work his magic, then mama can show you how to hide your flaws. With age you learn that beauty an illusion. With makeup I can show you how to mask your imperfections
. You can look as good as you ever did. Just never let your man see you without your makeup.”

  “How is that even possible?”

  “Trust me, it can be done. Your father hasn’t seen this face uncovered since I discovered crow’s feet in my early forties.”

  “Mama, that’s sad.”

  “No, that’s life! Now enough about me. Get your tail into this dress so I can make sure it fits properly. You’ll need a strapless bra. I’ll call the boutique and order you some foundations.”

  “No thank you. I don’t need my mom to buy me under garments. Please just let me handle this. Besides, with this split all the way up my thigh, I doubt there will be room for panties.”

  “You are shameless. What have they been teaching you down there in Georgia? You will wear panties, my dear. They just need to be flesh tone. Don’t worry about a thing. Mama’s got you covered.”

  Six

  Gryphon

  Tonight is the night of the charity ball where I will be displayed onstage as a piece of meat for all the desperate women in the county to shoot their shot. I have never understood why a woman would try to buy the affection of a man disguising it as a charitable act. Here’s a hint, ladies, if you have to pay for a man’s time, he’s just not into you.

  I thought about faking an illness, but I don’t need the bad juju. The only thing that will make tonight bearable will be seeing Pilar again. That mother of hers is a piece of work. I have tried calling, writing, and stopping by to see Pilar, but dear old mom always thwarts my attempts. She has had it out for me since Pia and I were kids. Mrs. Coates may have run me out of the hospital once she realized who I was, but she won’t be able to stop me tonight. Neither her nor that asshole son of hers will keep me from Pilar.

  Gazing in the mirror, I checked my tie to ensure it was straight, spritzed on some Old Spice. It was a tradition in the Long family. My father wore it to all special events, as did his. Once I confirmed I was looking good and smelling even better, I grabbed my keys and headed to the event. It was being held at the local country club. A place I was never welcomed until now.

  I’m not gonna lie, I had a little bit of anxiety walking into that place. In my mind’s eye all I saw was the skinny kid who had holes in his shoes being laughed at and bullied. I dare any of those meatheads to try that shit now.

  “Gry-phon!”

  Damn it all to hell! My feet hadn’t even cleared the front door before Sia started screeching my name. What was this woman’s deal? I know the mask I was given to wear didn’t cover my entire face, but it still weirded me out that she recognized me right off the bat. She’s a stalker! I pray to God she doesn’t bid on me tonight in this auction. I might not make it out alive. Spinning on my heels, I slid behind a bald fat man who I had never seen before. It was enough to put some much-needed distance between me and the shrew. Picking up my pace I was able to outmaneuver the crazed woman for now. As I rounded the corner, I ran smack dead into my boy Doc. Thank God!

  “Doc! Man, you’re a sight for sore eyes. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I thought I was on a solo ride.”

  “You know I couldn’t let my man hang out to dry all by himself. Plus, I want to see which of these thirsty chicks gets to take you home.”

  “Oh, no. They get one date and that’s it. Dinner, maybe a movie and I take their ass home.”

  “So you’re telling me you don’t plan to give the woman a little something for spending all her hard-earned cash?”

  “Doc, I am not a gigolo. I do not fuck for money. Dinner, movie, and straight home. Sex is not on the menu.”

  “Whatever man. You need to get laid, and this is the perfect opportunity.”

  “How do you know I need to get laid?”

  Doc stood there smirking at me while giving me the side eye. True enough it had been a while since I had been with a woman, but that was none of his business. I never talked about the women I was with, but I made it a point never to sleep with anyone from Haywood County. The single women around this town were known for hopping around from man to man. It would be like dipping my dick in a cesspool. Half of the married ones were just as bad. I wanted absolutely nothing to do with those bunnies.

  “Man, it is easy to tell. Your mood always improves after you get some. Some days you even let a smile grace the corners of your face. That’s when I know you had a good time. You’ve been grumbling around the station for months now. Admit it. You ain’t getting none.”

  I shook my head at his revelation. He was right. I stayed in a perpetual state of grouchiness. It was almost to the point that Cap was thinking about changing my nickname to “Oscar the Grouch”. Good thing for me, once you get a moniker it is permanent.

  “Yeah, whatever man.”

  It was my snappy comeback. Not a very good one, but it was all I had at the moment.

  “Let’s head over to the bar. Something tells me, you’re gonna need all the liquid courage you can get tonight.”

  We strolled over to the open bar and snagged a couple of shots of whiskey and a beer each. I didn’t want to get wasted, but Doc was right, I needed something to take the edge off. We took our shots to the head, but before I could get a taste of my beer, I smelled this god-awful perfume emanating across the bar. It smelled like old lady and regret. None other than Sia Darlington appeared from the mist of funk. She used that perfume by the famous movie star that had about six or seven husbands back in the day. It came in a purple bottle and all the older ladies loved it. The problem was, they didn’t know when to say when. Sia was no different. It smelled like the woman used half the bottle, along with the lotion, body wash and powder. It was horrible.

  “Who’s wearing a bucket of perfume?” Doc barked out very loudly. We both detested the woman. I burst into laughter not caring if I hurt her feeling or not. I wanted her gone.

  “Good evening gentlemen. How are we this fine night? Gryphon, I hope you’re ready to raise some money for the poor unfortunate children of the community.”

  “It’s the only reason I am here Sia, but you already knew that.”

  “And I do appreciate you agreeing to the bachelor auction. I hear tale you’re the hot ticket tonight. I can’t wait to see how much money you bring in.”

  “Great. Did you need something else?”

  I couldn’t see her face, thank God, behind her mask, but I could read the hurt in her eyes. It didn’t phase me. That woman put me through hell throughout high school. There was no way I would be nice to her now. Especially because she never changed her evil ways. She wanted something from me and was attempting to manipulate me to get it. Once she was done, she would discard me like an old newspaper. That wasn’t happening on my watch. I had way more sense now than when I was as a shy teen.

  Just as she opened her carrot-colored lips to say something else, I glanced up at the door and near bout dropped my beer. She was here! The most beautiful woman to ever grace the earth floated into the room. She was like Moses, parting a sea of black and white in her form fitting red ensemble made for a goddess.

  “Gorgeous!”

  The word tumbled out of my mouth as it hung wide open in awe. Everyone else in the room disappeared. Poof! Pilar was the only one who had my attention. I needed this woman in the worst way. Nothing or no one could stop me from getting to her. Especially not Mrs. Coates with her mean ways. Not tonight. I will have her tonight. I also knew that once I touched her, once would never be enough.

  It was imperative that I find my way into Pilar’s life permanently. I had loved the girl since we were kids. She was the most special woman I had ever known. If she was going to stay in this town, I knew her mother would try to marry her off to the first asshole who came sniffing. Since Mrs. Coates hated the sight of me, I was sure she would do her best to keep me away from Pia, but she didn’t know the kind of determination I possessed. I worked hard to get everything in my life so I would face this problem with the same tenacity.

  “Uggh, I can’t believe Pilar had the nerve to sh
ow up here tonight. Have you seen her face? I heard half of it is burnt to a crisp. If I had half a face, I would never leave the house.”

  That snapped me back to reality. Was this pea-brained, thirsty bitch really standing here talking shit about my Pia? Oh she had to die, and I mean now! In my head one of those anvils from the old school Roadrunner cartoons dropped from the sky and crushed the stupid woman. It brought a smile to my face just thinking about it. I turned to the wretch and glared at her.

  “I don’t know how you leave your dungeon now, with a face like yours. Burning half if it would be an improvement.”

  The shrew stomped off in a huff leaving me room to breathe. Abandoning Doc at the bar, I made my way toward that red dress. Pilar was a vision in that sexy gown that showed off her delicate shoulders with a one sleeve strappy thing that made me want to plant kisses down her neck until I reached those full breasts. The waist was cinched bringing my attention to those round hips, but the coup de grâce was the split that stopped just shy of showing me her panties. My god the woman knew how to entice a man. The look was classy, yet sexy as hell. All I could think about was getting her out of that dress and how she would look in the throws of ecstasy.

  Seven

  Pilar

  Nerves racked my body as I stood at the entrance of the country club. It felt like everyone, and their mama was looking at me. As I was fidgeting with my dress, my mom slapped my hand. Ouch!

  “What was that for?”

  “Stop fidgeting. It makes you look nervous. What is the one rule I gave you tonight?”

  “Own the room.”

  “Damn right! We are going to show these people that you are as confident as ever. Now, stand up straight, push those perky breasts of your out and smile. Mama’s gonna find you a husband tonight.”

  I rolled my eyes before she could turn around and then did as she instructed.

  “Mama, why did you tell me to smile when I am wearing this big ole mask?”