by Love, Sandra
“I just don’t want you to think I am taking advantage of you.”
She got off the couch and went to the kitchen, and she came back with two cokes. She handed me one. “I don’t think that. It was my idea.”
Then I started to think about Mitch. “I can’t leave Mitch out there, alone.”
“Do you really think my brother would leave him out there? Hell no. My brother is falling in love with him. Mitch agreed he would stay here, if you agreed to stay with me.”
The tears started to well up. “I am so glad we met you guys. But listen, I will get a job and I will start pulling my weight. I promise.”
“I’m not worried. Oh, speaking of jobs, I might have one for you.”
I was taken aback by that statement. “Wow, you work fast.”
She laughed. “It’s housekeeping at the Turner Hotel.”
“I can so do that.”
“Good, let me call my boss. Be right back.”
She walked outside, and I sat there on the couch just looking around. I started to wonder what Vanessa’s place looked like. I was pulled out of my thoughts by Mitch and Tony laughing. They walked in and Tony gasped.
“Wow, sweets, you look hot.”
I smiled and felt my face heat up again. “Thank you, and thank you so much for everything. I have agreed to stay with Vanessa.”
Mitch came and sat beside me. “Good, I will stay here then. But we will have to see each other every day.”
“Yes.” We watched Tony walk to the back of the trailer. Mitch put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a handful of pills. “Here, hurry up and put them in your pocket. That should get you through until I see Jason again.”
I put them in my pocket just in the nick of time, as Vanessa walked in with a big smile on her face. “So, Mr. Turner has agreed to see you tomorrow at one.”
“Wow, thank you so much.”
“Are you ready to go to my place?”
I looked at Mitch, and sadness filled me. This would be the first time I didn’t spend the night with him. I leaned over and gave him a huge hug. “I love you. If you need me, please get hold of me. We will stop by after my interview tomorrow.”
“Okay, baby girl. You go have fun.”
I got up, and Vanessa helped me with the bags. We walked out into the warm sun, and we loaded up the car and headed into town. I watched the people and thought to myself how things were looking up for me. I couldn’t be any happier.
Chapter Six
Jeb
After hanging up the phone with Vanessa, I got out the necessary paperwork that the new girl would need. I stopped to think. I really hoped this person worked out, because we were so short on help. After getting the last bit of paperwork out, Barb bust through the door as if there was a fire.
“I need five grand for this dress.”
I hung my head and shook it. “Why do you need this dress? And why don’t you ask your daddy?
She rolled her eyes. “He cut me off months ago. I am going to be your wife, so you have to support me.”
“Listen, Barb, I will not give you the money. I’m sorry, but really? Five grand for a dress you will only wear once?”
She dropped down into the chair across from my desk. “What am I going to wear to the gala tonight then?”
Shit, I forgot about my mother’s gala that night. My mother sold art for a living, and I promised her that Barb and I would show up to support her. I got my wallet out and gave her my credit card. I cringed when she smiled up at me. “Here, but please don’t go over five grand.”
“Thank you, baby. Now, go home and shave and get ready. We need to leave by six.”
After she left the office, I slammed my head down on the desk. Wincing at the slight pain radiated through my head, I cringed at the abuse my credit card would receive. I knew she was going to go over the amount I told her, and that pissed me off.
I finished up the little bit of paperwork and headed home. Once I got there, I went to get a nice, random suit out of the closet, not caring one way or the other. I jumped in the shower. Once I was shaved and showered, I went to the kitchen and I noticed my guitar out of the corner of my eye. I had the urge to play, so I walked over to it and lifted the lacquered wood into my hands. Raising my foot to rest on the coffee table, I balanced the instrument against my thigh and placed my fingertips on the strings. It felt good to hold the guitar, and I strummed the strings with my other hand. I smiled as the harmonious sound emanated throughout the room.
But, as I was about to strum the strings once more, a voice interrupted and I cringed. “Baby you should write me a song.”
I turned to see Barb dressed and ready to go. She was wearing a silver cocktail dress, that was really low cut, and I swore her boobs were going to pop out. How had she found that attractive? Her long blonde hair was pulled up in a tight bun, making it look like she was trying to create a slutty-nurse motif. “Yeah, maybe.”
She walked over to me and put a hand on my arm. “Well, you can write me a song for our wedding.”
The thought of marrying her made me sad. I just wished this business deal would hurry up. I really didn’t want to waste any more time with her. “We aren’t getting married for a long time.”
“Oh Jeb, we will be getting married before you know it. If you don’t marry me, my father won’t go in with that business deal with your father.”
“Jesus, Barb, do you really need to keep throwing that in my face? As a matter of fact, the only reason you want to marry me is because you will get money.” I got up and walked around the living room. “You know what? I don’t have time to argue with you. Let’s just go to this damn gala to get it over with.”
She had a smirk on her face, and I only wished I could smack it off. Though, truth be told, I probably wouldn’t be able to go through with it. I didn’t believe in hitting women, even if they were the most irritating bitch on the planet. We walked to the car in silence. I was so ready to have a guys’ night, and couldn’t wait for Sean to arrive.
Once we got to the gala, the valet took the car and we walked in. The first person I saw was my mother. I smiled and walked toward her. She looked stunning. Her red hair was in a high bun, and she was wearing a blue cocktail dress that drooped in a U-shape between her breasts, but in a modest way that adding dimension to the gown.
I gave her a hug. “Mother, you look stunning tonight.”
She kissed my cheek and pulled out of the hug. “My son. Where is the bride to be?”
I rolled my eyes. “Who cares where she is.”
“Jeb Marcus Turner, don’t speak about her that way.”
“Mom, I swear she is the devil, and she only wants the money.”
She sighed. “I know, sweetheart, but just think, once this deal is over with you can release her.”
“Yeah, but she will get half of everything. Maybe more if she has it her way.”
“We won’t let that happen. So, do tell me how are things at work?”
“Very well. I am meeting a potential employee tomorrow. We are short staff in the housekeeping department. Oh, and guess who is coming up for the weekend? Sean.”
“Yes, I heard that. He is getting married.” Wow, word got to her fast about the wedding. I wondered if Sean had called her. My mom always loved Sean as if he was her son. Knowing Sean, he had probably called her first.
I sighed and ran my hand through my hair. “He’s a lucky bastard. Marrying a girl he loves.”
“Stop now. Let us walk and greet the other guests.”
I walked with my mother for the entire night. Barb was off doing only God knew what. But I didn’t care, as long as she stayed away from me. The night went by very fast and it was fun to meet new people, and my mother looked very happy. But when we got home, Barb started in on me again.
“I have a date set; you have two weeks to marry me.” She started to walk away, but stopped and turned around. “Oh, and your father helped me with that date. Now come have sex with me.”
I closed my eyes and followed her into the room. That night, I had sex with her, but it wasn’t her face I was picturing. It was my mystery girl. My goal was to find the angel before I married the devil.
Chapter Seven
Toria
“Toria? Why are you sleeping on the porch?”
Vanessa woke me from a dead sleep. I opened my eyes and noticed the sun was coming up. Last night, I was having problems getting to sleep. The couch was really comfortable, but I was so used to sleeping outside that I couldn’t fall asleep. So I decided to sleep on the porch.
I sat up and felt embarrassed. “Vanessa, you have to understand that I am so used to sleeping outside. I couldn’t fall asleep, so I brought this stuff out here.”
She sighed and helped me grab the pillow and blanket. “Well, please don’t sleep out here again. I can give you some chamomile tea to help you sleep at night if you need it.”
What I needed was to double up on the oxy to help me sleep. “Thank you.”
“Okay well, would you like pancakes or waffles for breakfast? Oh, do you like tea or coffee?” She just rambled on for about five minutes. When she was done talking, I finally answered her.
“I would love pancakes and coffee, please.”
“You got it.”
I helped her get breakfast ready. We sat at the little table that was big enough for two people. I started to eat and I let out a moan.
“These are fantastic. It’s been so long since I had pancakes.”
“Can I ask you something? You don’t have to answer; I was just curious.”
“Yes.” I suddenly became nervous.
“How did you become homeless?”
I closed my eyes. “When I was seventeen, I went to a party. I met a guy who came off smooth and hot. Well, he offered me a pill, a prescription drug. I was hesitant at first, but then I thought you only live once. So I took it, I took the poison that now consumes my life. The high was the best feeling ever, even though I know it’s destroying me. But I can’t stop, I need it to live. Well, my parents found out, and they said I was ruining my life and they didn’t want to see me live like that. So they kicked me out.”
I looked at Vanessa, and she had tears in her eyes. “Are you still addicted?”
“I won’t lie to you; yes, I am. I am also addicted to Oxy. It helps me sleep at night.”
She sighed. “Would you consider getting help?”
“Maybe one day, but right now, this is my life. I can’t breathe without it. There was a time where I couldn’t get any. The withdrawals were horrible; it felt as if I was dying. I need to be high. I just have to be high.”
She took my hand. “I am here for you, and I will not judge you. But when that day comes when you want help, don’t hesitate. I am here for you.”
I smiled at her. “You, missy, are too kind. Thank you.”
After we had finished eating, we watched a couple movies and she showed me around. I found out she was a huge reader with a large selection of books. She told me I could read any of her books, which made me excited. I hadn’t read in so long. I picked out a book called Until Death Do I Part by Genevieve Scholl. I had never heard of her before, but I liked the sound of the book so I began to read it. The story was so sad. The main character found out she had stage four breast cancer. I wanted to finish it, but I had to get ready for the interview. I got up, and Vanessa helped me pick out an outfit. We decided on a blue sundress with a pair of black flats. The good thing was we were the same size, which made it perfect. She helped me curl my hair, and when she was done, I looked in the mirror. I looked like a totally different person. I decided I wanted to keep my hair long.
“Thank you for doing this for me.”
“Not a problem. Oh, and wait until you see Mr. Turner. Wow, he is a God.”
I laughed. “A God?”
“Yep, he is so swoon-worthy, and hot. Sad thing is he’s engaged… to a bitch.”
“Well, good thing I am not looking for a date.”
“HA! Yeah I agree. Are you ready?”
We left, and the drive to the hotel was so peaceful. I found out she was a huge pop fan. She was listening to the new Taylor Swift CD. I really loved the song Blank Space. We pulled up to the hotel and my mouth dropped.
“I really hope I am good enough.”
“You will be. I will sit outside the door in case you need me.”
“Thank you.”
We rode the elevator up in silence. We got off and walked toward Mr. Turner’s door. I knocked and looked back at Vanessa. She gave me a thumbs-up and smiled.
“Come in.”
I slowly opened the door, and when I walked in, he was standing at the window looking out at the city. When he turned around, I was stunned. It was him. It was the guy from the other day. Great, he knew I was homeless. There goes my chances of ever getting this job, I thought. I started to back away, but stopped when he spoke.
“Hello. Please come in and have a seat.”
Chapter Eight
Jeb
Holy shit. This can’t be true. No, this is not happening to me.
My mystery girl was standing right in front of me, and she was beautiful. Her long chocolate hair was cascading down her back and over her shoulders in waves, and the dress she was wearing made her small curves really stand out. I watched as she took a seat in the chair. She looked really nervous and scared.
I walked toward her and held out my hand. “Hello. I am Jeb Turner, the owner of this establishment. Can you please tell me your name?”
I could practically hear her heart beating in her chest, and I could see her breathing was elevated. “I’m… I’m Toria Jacobs.”
“So tell me why you want this job,” I said as I moved back behind my desk.
“Well, you know by now I am homeless. Well, except last night Vanessa let me stay at her house. I am sorry if I am wasting your time.”
I cut her off. “You are not wasting my time.”
“I will understand if you don’t hire me. I have no job experience. I am only twenty years old. But I am dependable, and I really need this job, Mr. Turner.”
I sat back in my chair and looked at her. Her lips looked dry and cracked, probably because she was dehydrated. She looked really sad, and I really wanted to get to know her—to know her story. Something was off about this girl. She seemed on edge, and she couldn’t sit still. I’d seen plenty of nervous people, but no one like that.
“So, can you start on Monday? I will be unavailable this weekend, and I will like to be the one that walks you through the building.”
Her eyes got big and a smile crept across her face. “Really? You are going to give me the job?”
“Yep. I need you to fill out this paperwork.” I got up and walked toward her with a stack of paperwork.
“Um, Mr. Turner.”
“Please, call me Jeb.”
“Okay Jeb, I have no home or ID.”
“Just fill out as much as you can, and on Monday come in at one and I will help you with the rest.”
“I hope I am not a burden.”
“No, you’re not.”
My arm brushed up against her and I got goose bumps, and not in a bad way. I had the urge to put her on the desk and fuck her. I shook my head to get that image out of my head. I didn’t want to scare her away when I just found her. There was a knock at the door, and Sean walked in.
“Oh, dude, I am sorry. I didn’t know you had someone in here. Wait a second, do I know you?”
Toria looked up, and then put her head down back down quickly. “Mr. Turner, I will see you Monday.”
She got up and bolted for the door. I looked after her and then looked back to Sean. He was watching her. How did her know her? I was curious.
“Oh oh, no way. I thought I knew that girl. Don’t tell me that she works here.”
“Why? As a matter of fact, I just hired her.”
He started to laugh. “Wow, dude, you’re a brave soul. Is her name… hold on, let me thin
k… Toria?”
I was wondering what the hell was going on. “Yes.”
“No, man, you need to fire whoria Toria. That was her name when I knew her. I heard she was homeless and is a crack whore.”
I walked over to the window and looked down. I saw her walking with Vanessa, and she had her head hung. Now I was wondering if I made a mistake hiring her. I knew part of what Sean was telling me was true. I knew she was homeless, but a crack whore?
“Sean, how do you know her?”
Sean sat in the chair and he sighed. “I met her at a party my sister was at. She was going around offering people drugs. She was high out of her mind. Then she tried to suck my dick in the middle of the party. I was not letting that mouth near my junk.”
I still couldn’t believe what I was hearing. My heart was literally breaking. Maybe what I was hearing was a lie.
“Are you even listening to me?”
“Oh, yeah, sorry, just taking this all in.”
“Don’t let the little slut get to you. You have that hot piece of ass at home.”
I laughed. “Speaking of her, I have some shit to tell you.”
I told him that I was basically getting forced to married Barb so my dad could get a shit ton of money from a business deal. I told him that once the contract was signed, I was going to let her go. He told me Maddie’s sister was single, but my mind was on one girl and one girl only. Toria. Something about her just had me on edge. I just needed to know her story. I needed to know that what Sean had told me was a lie. I just had to know.
We finally left and went out. I just needed a guy night out to get my mind off women, period.
Chapter Nine
Toria
After Vanessa and I left the hotel, we drove to her house in silence. I told her I had a headache and wanted to lie down. She said she would help me with the paperwork after I got a nap. I started to shake, and I knew what that meant. I needed an Adderall. My forehead started to form sweat beads, and all I wanted was for her to speed. Once we got to her house, I went into the bathroom and took two pills out of my pants packet and swallowed them whole. I stuck my mouth under the faucet to get some water. I started to shake, so I sat on the side of the bath tub. I needed the pill to work soon.
