Desire

by Jezebel Jorge

Lizzie wasn’t about to give him the satisfaction of knowing that she hadn’t heard a word from Billy since the day he had left. Well, except for the package that was still waiting to be opened.

  “How’s Carol Ann liking her new job?” Elena jumped in to ease the tension.

  “We’ve never been happier.” He flashed Elena his fake smile. “Could you please give me a few minutes alone with my daughter?”

  “Lizzie, do you want me to leave?”

  Lizzie shook her head and kept on chewing on her burger.

  “Sorry about that, Mr. Bryson.”

  “Cut the bullshit, Elena.”

  “Aw, Paul, relax and let the girls finish their dinner.” Mr. Weaver slapped his arm across her daddy’s back. “Come on, I’ll buy you a beer.”

  “She never mouthed off to me like that before Billy came around,” Paul said as he walked away.

  This was just great. Lizzie had driven half a day all for nothing. Now she was in a strange place with a wrecked car.

  “I feel like the world’s biggest fool,” Lizzie said as a tear slid down her cheek.

  “I’m sure Billy told you what was going on in a letter in that package of yours in the car. It’s awful expensive to make a phone call from Japan and the mail can be really slow.”

  “Why didn’t Carol Ann tell me?”

  “From the way it sounds I’m guessing Paul kept her in the dark too. What’s he got against Billy anyways? I thought he was really nice.”

  “He doesn’t like me around the wrestlers. Can you believe that he’s never taken me to the matches or let me travel with him? It’s not fair just because I’m a girl. Why, he was practically dragging my little brother all over the place until Carol Ann told him it was affecting his schoolwork.”

  “I think he means well, it’s just a lot of things happen on the road that he doesn’t think you ought to see or know of.”

  “Like?”

  “Don’t you even get me started.”

  “Billy’s probably over in Japan with some other girl right now.”

  “No, he’s not,” Elena insisted. “Billy is just crazy about you. He even told me so.”

  “Really?”

  Elena nodded. “I was talking to him on Christmas night and he told me all about having dinner with you that day. I could tell right then that he had a serious thing for you.”

  “A lot of good that does me now.” Lizzie blew a curl out of her eyes.

  The rainy weather had her hair frizzed up more than ever. As if that was the worst of her problems. Billy’s car was so messed up she didn’t even know how she was going to get home.

  Her daddy tried to act like he was having a serious conversation with Mr. Weaver, but his eyes kept boring right through Lizzie. It would be so easy to admit he was right and get him to fix this whole mess.

  The thing was, she wasn’t Daddy’s little girl anymore. Billy was right. He’d given her away the day he took her car and kicked her out of the house. If she could manage getting by on her own and survive losing a baby, she sure as hell could get through this… or so she hoped.

  “I’m so tired,” Lizzie said after polishing off the last of her burger. “I guess I should just get a room here and figure out something about my car tomorrow.”

  “Nonsense, you can stay over at my place. You don’t need to be by yourself tonight,” Elena said, “I’m off work tomorrow so I can take you over to my cousin’s garage and he’ll get Billy’s car all fixed up.”

  Her daddy watched them leave without saying a single word. Part of Lizzie wanted him to stop them. Part of her wanted to prove that she was a mature young lady who could get along just fine without his help.

  ***

  “Excuse the mess,” Elena said, leading Lizzie down the stairs to her basement apartment.

  Her apartment was even smaller than Lizzie’s. Just a bed and a few other pieces of mismatched worn furniture.

  “I just got downgraded from a bigger place on the second floor.”

  “I’m so worn out I could sleep on the floor,” Lizzie said before realizing that probably sounded rude, “I didn’t mean that in a bad way. I just recently got a new apartment too.”

  “Moving is a pain in the ass.” Elena flopped down on the bed. “We had a two bedroom until my roommate got into stewardess school and had to move to Atlanta. Katie could be a bitch to live with, but she always paid her half of the bills on time and was the resident neat freak.”

  A huge black cat jumped into Elena’s lap, purring so hard Lizzie could hear it from where she stood.

  “At least I’ve got my Boo.” Elena stroked the cat’s head. “Have a seat so I can give you the grand tour,” she patted to a spot on the other side of the bed. “This is the bedroom, living room, entertainment area and there’s the kitchen.” She pointed towards the fridge, “and that’s the maid’s quarters,” she said with a laugh. “Actually it’s the bathroom slash closet. Saves me steps on getting ready for work.”

  Not wanting her to think she was some kind of snob, Lizzie said, “My apartment is so small I can practically cook breakfast without getting out of bed.”

  “Really? I always pictured Paul Bryson’s family living in some big brick house at the top of a hill where he could look down on all his loyal subjects, er fans.”

  Lizzie had to laugh. “You just described the house I grew up in. He’s going to sell it and officially move in with Carol Ann after they get married. I helped her pick out a really cute little house and she’s got it fixed up so nice.”

  “I don’t know how she kept that kid a secret from him for so long. I babysat for her a couple of times when he was 4-5 and even then I thought he looked just like Paul.”

  “Oh, I know he looks just like Daddy.”

  Lizzie had been doing good until his name came up. Now she had to dig into her purse for a tissue to swipe at her nose.

  “I didn’t mean to upset you.” Elena picked up the still unopened package Lizzie had dropped by her suitcase, shaking it as she handed it over, “Go on and open it. I bet that will cheer you up.”

  Tearing apart the box, Lizzie opened the notecard on top of a pile of blue tissue paper and read out loud,

  “Dearest Lizzie,

  Looks like I’m gonna have to be over here a little longer. William said he will call and let you know my schedule when he gets back from Hawaii. He told me this was an offer I couldn’t refuse, so I had to stay. I’m going to come home with a heap of money so I can take care of you the way you deserve to be treated. Go on and plan the wedding. I can’t wait to make you my wife. You’re the first thing I think of every morning and I miss you so bad I dream about you every night.

  Love, Billy.”

  “How sweet,” Elena gushed. “I told you he’s crazy in love with you.”

  Lizzie unwrapped the folds of tissue paper to reveal a gorgeous silk kimono.

  “Ooh! Try it on,” Elena squealed.

  Lizzie wrapped her body in the soft blue fabric wishing it was Billy’s big strong arms. This was one night she sure could of used that taking care of he’d mentioned.

  “It’s beautiful,” Elena ran a hand down the sleeve, “and look at that embroidery. This thing must have cost him an arm and a leg.”

  "It is really pretty."

  “I know,” Elena went into the bathroom and returned with a curling iron and hair brush, “Sit down, and I’ll put up your hair in one of those fancy buns.”

  Lizzie couldn’t believe the transformation when Elena handed her a mirror. Her hair was slicked back in an elaborate twist with just a couple of tendrils of curls framing her face. “My hair looks so pretty I hate to mess it up by sleeping on it.”

  “Don’t worry. I can redo it in the morning,” Elena said, “I’m sure you’re ready to crash.”

  ***

  Lizzie woke up the next morning to the shrill ringing of a telephone. The accompanying unmistakable sizzle and smell of frying bacon was the only thing that kept her from pressing a pillow over her hea
d and going back to dreamland. She was so out of it that it took a few minutes to come to her senses enough to realize where she was and where Billy wasn’t.

  “If I do happen to see her, I’ll be sure to tell her to call your room,” Elena said, hanging up the phone. “Your Daddy is looking for you. There, now he can’t call me a liar. I passed on his message.”

  Lizzie sat up in bed, pulling the kimono tight around her chest. She had slept with it on to feel some type of connection to Billy.

  “Why does Daddy have your number?”

  “It’s the same number I had upstairs. You want the truth or do you want me to sugar coat it?”

  “The truth would be nice.”

  “He has it because every time Carol Ann got mad and cut him off, he called Katie.” Elena snorted with disgust. “Didn’t matter what time of the day or night. She would drop everything and go running over there to see him.”

  Lizzie had to ask out of some sort of morbid curiosity. “Is she pretty?”

  “Beautiful, all pale like you with natural blond hair and skinny as a rail. Not the brightest girl you’ll ever meet, not that she had to be looking like that.” Elena sighed. “We both took the test for stewardess school and my score was higher than hers. They didn’t hire me because I’m 10 lbs. over the weight limit.”

  “That’s not fair.”

  “They only want tall skinny bitches walking the aisle. Guess they thought I was fat enough to crash a plane.”

  “Sounds like my mother was their HR manager. She was always on to me about how awful it would be for me to put on weight.”

  “Geez, I bet you don’t even weigh 100 lbs. soaking wet.” Elena handed Lizzie a plate loaded with eggs, bacon, grits, and a couple of biscuits. “Here, to hell with them, let’s eat up.”

  “I don’t think you’re fat at all,” Lizzie said, a little jealous of Elena’s curves as she sat down with her own plate of food.

  “At least all the fat is in my tits.” She laughed. "Doesn’t matter if I have a homely face because guys never look above my chest.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with-” the phone started ringing again.

  “If that’s your Daddy,” Elena said, before getting up to answer the phone. “I told you I don’t know… oh hey Carol Ann… I’m not sure, let me check,” She held the phone to her chest, “She wants to talk to you.”

  Lizzie took the phone, “Hey.”

  “I had no idea that Billy was still in Japan. I promise I wouldn’t have lied to you about something like that.”

  “It’s okay, I believe you.”

  “Your Daddy is terribly worried about you. Are you okay?”

  “I wrecked Billy’s car.”

  “Oh no, were you hurt?”

  “No, but his car is messed up bad.”

  “The important thing is you’re okay.” Typical Carol Ann always cool as a cucumber. “I wish you would call Paul over at the motel and let him straighten this all out for you.”

  “Elena is going to help me. Her cousin is going to get it fixed up for me to drive home.”

  “Well, I’m glad she’s with you. Elena is a nice girl with a good head on her shoulders.”

  “I know she’s been so sweet, especially since the accident was my fault.”

  Carol Ann actually laughed. “You met Elena by hitting her car? I swear your guardian angel must be working overtime these last few weeks."

  “I know, I guess I was lucky to make friends with her.”

  “Call the auto club.” She gave Lizzie the number and said, “Your Daddy still has you on his insurance. I know because I mailed the bill for him just a couple of days ago.”

  “Okay.”

  “Tell them you’re out of town and this is an emergency so they had better get an adjuster out there this afternoon. If it’s not repaired enough to drive by tomorrow, I’ll come up and get you.”

  Lizzie meant it when she said, “You’re the greatest almost step-mom ever.”

  “Don’t try buttering me up. Paul’s going to find out when he sees the next insurance bill so you had better go ahead and tell him.”

  “No, I don’t want him to know. How about if I call William and get him to get Billy’s insurance for me?”

  Carol Ann sighed. “I know he sometimes has a funny way of showing it, but your daddy loves you and would want to help you. If you keep lying to him, it’s only going to make matters worse.”

  “I know you mean well, but-”

  “If you don’t call him right now, I’m going to do it myself.”

  “Okay, I’ll call him.” Lizzie caved in, more than a little relieved that she wouldn’t have to handle getting the car fixed all by herself.

  “I promise he’ll appreciate you telling him the truth,” Carol Ann assured her. “Oh, and Happy Birthday.”

  Lizzie had totally forgotten it was her twenty-third birthday.

  ***

  “Can I ask you a huge favor?”

  “Sure,” Elena said.

  “Please, don’t leave me alone with Daddy.” He had been super nice and calm when Lizzie had called him, but she didn’t want to take any chances on having to ride back home with him.”

  “I’ll pretend like I’m waiting to visit with Ivan after they decide what they need to do with your car.”

  “We need to get your car fixed, too. I’m going to pay you for the damages.”

  Her daddy was already talking with the insurance man when they pulled up to the garage. When Paul Bryson calls the auto club, they must race to serve him.

  “Hey Pumpkin.” He greeted her with an over enthusiastic hug and kiss on the forehead before walking over to take a look at the damage to Elena’s Rambler.

  “If you had to go and have a wreck, I’m glad you picked a good person to hit.” He flashed Elena that fake smile that never quite reaches his eyes. “I appreciate you looking after my baby girl.”

  “We’ve had a really good time and if it’s okay with you, Mr. Bryson, I was hoping Lizzie could stay over with me again tonight. It’s my day off so I was going to show her around town and maybe do some shopping since it’s her birthday and all.”

  “You know that sounds like a swell idea.” Daddy reached for his wallet, “Why don’t you girls go out to dinner and maybe catch a movie tonight? My treat, of course.”

  Lizzie couldn’t get over how nice he was being all of a sudden.

  “I’ve already taken care of the deductible, so all Elena needs to do is leave her car here with her cousin and he can get it all fixed up for her.”

  “Thank you,” Elena replied with her own equally fake smile.

  “You know Lizzie, I was just thinking,” he put his arm around his daughter, steering her away from everyone else. “PJ is going to be driving in a couple of months so why don’t we let him have your Spider and I’ll buy you a new car for your birthday.”

  “What about Billy’s car?”

  “The adjuster is going to write it off as totaled so we’ll just send him the check. I’m sorry he broke your heart, but you can’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  “My heart is just fine.”

  “Sweetie, I hate to be the one to tell you this. Billy is not coming back to the states any time soon. He knocked up the promoter’s daughter. I’m afraid he’s going to have to marry the poor girl before they will give his passport back to him.”

  “I don’t believe you,” Lizzie said, backing away from him.

  “How many times has he called or written to you while he’s been gone?”

  “I got a package from him yesterday.”

  “Really? Then why did you drive all the way up here thinking he was going to be on that plane?”

  “I didn’t open it until I got here. You know how slow the mail is and it’s terribly expensive to call long distance.”

  “The office covers a phone call the day you get there and the day before you leave. I called Carol Ann when I was there, and you know I always called you and your mom from my previous tours.”
>
  He was right. He had always called them every time he’d gone over there. What if he wasn’t lying to her? What if Billy had cheated on her with some Japanese girl? Maybe she got him into that dojo so he wouldn’t leave her. Lizzie knew good and well that not just any American wrestler got to train over there like that.

  “Aw, Pumpkin, he’s not worth crying over.”

  Lizzie hadn’t even realized the tears were already welling up in her eyes.

  “I’m going to take you over to Strickland’s and get you a nice car. They sponsor our show so I’m sure they will cut me a deal.” He wrapped a protective arm around her. “You need a sedan to drive your clients around now that you’re selling all those houses. I’m so proud of my baby girl.”

  The next thing Lizzie knew, Paul had her pulling off the lot behind the wheel of a brand new electric blue Riviera. He had even agreed to put the title in her name. It had white wall tires, creamy leather seats, an air conditioner, a top of the line radio and even a tape deck. Daddy’s money might not buy love, but it sure did get her one sweet ride.

  ***

  “Do you think Daddy was telling me the truth? Do you really think he got some Japanese girl pregnant?”

  Elena chewed contemplatively on her brownie before answering, “I would hate to think your own father would lie to you about something that serious.”

  They had gone back to Elena’s apartment to crash after an evening of cruising around Raleigh in her new car. To celebrate Lizzie’s birthday they had gotten ice cream and Elena had made a huge pan of brownies.

  “The way I see it, don’t get all mad at Billy until you hear it straight from him. I’ve learned the hard way not to believe a word any of the wrestlers tell me, except for my brother of course.”

  “Who’s your brother?”

  “Vlad, he doesn’t wrestle here, at least not yet.”

  Elena pulled a box out from under the bed to show Lizzie a photo of a big burly bear of a man with a head of dark hair that looked even more out of control than her curls.