Cherry Hill 1-A Place to Call Home

by Dixie Lynn Dwyer Dixie Lynn Dwyer Dixie Lynn Dwyer

  * * * *

  “I’m desperate. I can’t believe that Cass would do this to me. She gone and went and quit just like that. Shit,” Harper said as she threw down the papers she was working on with orders for the distributor.

  “What do you want to do? Maybe call around and see who we can grab?” Maya asked her. She worked behind the bar now and the place was getting crowded for a Thursday.

  “I need someone with experience, and of course good looks, not these young things like Cass who look for a good time and can’t make drinks worth a shit. God damn, I need this like a hole in the head. The fight is Saturday night and this place will be jammed packed.”

  “What about that brunette in town you mentioned?” Maya asked.

  “Hannah? Yeah, she’s really shy, yet I heard she does a great job at Spark’s.”

  “She works out at the dojo. Is really good from what I heard, that can be a plus around here sometimes.”

  “I have to find out if she knows anything about bartending. I could always pull Cheris from the floor and instead of waitressing, she can bartend with you.”

  “Shit, she hates bartending and she isn’t very friendly when the guys start hitting on her.”

  “Who is? Ade will be back there anyway,” Harper told her.

  “Well then, find out where that woman lives and go knock on her door and beg her to help out. She might like working in town instead of commuting to work on the bus.”

  “I think she chose to work out of town for a reason. Could see something in her eyes, ya know?”

  “Oh boy, your sixth sense kicking in again?” Maya asked and smiled as she crossed her arms in front of her chest.

  “Instincts, Maya. Comes with age.”

  Maya laughed. “You’re twenty-five, how much more instincts can you have than me at twenty-one?”

  “A lot. I’ve seen the type of men that interest you, and I’m just waiting for the trouble.”

  Maya gasped and gave Harper’s arm a slap. She chuckled. “You didn’t go out with Benny, right?”

  “Hell no. He walked me to my car and then grabbed me around the waist and kissed me. I had to shove him back and tell him I wasn’t that type of woman. That we didn’t even go out on a date. And he told me Connor said he fooled around with me in the back parking lot and things got heavy fast. That was plain bullshit. I didn’t even let Connor kiss me.”

  “Men are pigs, Maya. I keep telling you that. Just hold off until the right man or men come along, will ya? Something tells me a few good ones have their eyes on you.”

  Maya rolled her eyes. “Well I’m not getting any younger, ya know?”

  Harper laughed. “I need to take a drive. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

  “You got it, boss,” Maya said, and then Harper told Ade where she was heading, and then she walked out of the dance hall and to her black pickup truck. The Gaynors’ farm was a mile from town.

  * * * *

  Athena had been watching from the window as Mrs. Gaynor began to plant some flowers along the walkway of the garage leading up to the apartment. She had flats of flowers, her wheelbarrow, bags of dirt, and fertilizer and other tools. The urge to go out and help, to have some human contact and to do something so simple as plant flowers got her off her ass and heading outside. Cynthia Gaynor was friendly, but tough, and she liked that about her.

  They worked side by side not saying much, and she appreciated that from Cynthia.

  “You looking for other work besides Spark’s two days a week?” she asked Athena.

  “Not really. I just got the job to not be too bored.”

  “You need to work though, to make money, and feed yourself. Got no family I gather, since you hardly leave the apartment.”

  “No, ma’am, no family, and I like to keep to myself. It’s peaceful out here.”

  “Can get lonely though? You’re young, gorgeous too, you should be enjoying life.”

  “I get my socializing in on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Spark’s.”

  Cynthia smiled. “I love their empanadas. Best around. Clay loves the chili.”

  “Those are pretty popular,” she replied.

  “My specialty is country fried chicken. You ever have that before? I know you said you’re from the northeast.”

  “I haven’t had that before. Sounds good.’

  “Oh it is. I drizzle a little bit of local honey on it, bake it nice and crisp, and serve it with mashed potatoes and some gravy. Maybe a side of corn and baked apples with cinnamon and drizzled caramel.”

  “Oh God, that sounds so good.”

  “You have to come over for supper one night. Maybe Sunday?” she asked.

  Athena felt tears in her eyes and Cynthia squinted at her.

  “You okay?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Cynthia, remember? We’re friends now.” She patted Athena’s leg and then went back to shoveling and planting flowers as Athena helped.

  * * * *

  When Harper pulled through the main gates to the Gaynors’ farm, she could see Hannah outside by the separate garage, way across from the main house. Mrs. Gaynor was with her. They were planting flowers. Maybe Hannah wasn’t so shy after all. She hoped not, because she needed help at the dance hall, and for tomorrow and Saturday night. Plus, she had a feeling that Hannah went through something. She was resistant to making friends, avoided talking about herself, yet came across friendly and likable.

  Both women stood up as Harper parked the black pickup truck on the gravel driveway in front of the garage. She got out and gave a wave.

  “Afternoon,” she said, and Mrs. Gaynor smiled.

  “Harper, how are you, hun?” she asked, and Harper kissed Cynthia’s cheek hello.

  “I’m doing all right, but hoping to do even better once I talk to Hannah.”

  Hannah’s eyes widened. “Me?” she asked.

  “Yes. I need some help. I know I mentioned to you about working at Harper’s.”

  “Oh, no, I have a little job already.”

  “I know you do, honey, but I’m desperate. Cal went and quit on me, Bernice is pregnant, and her men are going to make her quit in another week or two. I need someone strong, a hard worker who isn’t lazy and knows how to bartend. Please tell me you do.”

  “Well, I haven’t bartended in several years. I did in college some.”

  “That’s perfect, anything you need help with Maya and Ade can assist. I’ll pay you what I pay them since you’re helping me in a pinch.”

  “It really isn’t my thing. I don’t like crowds and I’m pretty shy,” she said, and looked away.

  “I think you’ll do great. You’re easy on the eyes, have a great smile and demeanor, and you aren’t lazy. I need a hard worker. It isn’t easy work at all.”

  “I could imagine.”

  “You could pull in five or so a night.”

  “$500.00?” Hannah asked.

  Harper chuckled. “Yes, we run a great establishment and Saturday night is fight night on TV, and we’ve got the things set up for that event. I would need you Friday and Saturday. Thinking maybe you could come by today and check things out. Or tonight, and do a run through? Whatever works for you, Hannah.”

  “You should, Hannah. Everyone helps one another around Cherry Hill. You could use the extra money, and to get to know more people, and Harper is good people. She’ll watch over you and treat you right,” Cynthia said, and Harper smiled.

  “What do you say? Help a neighbor out?”

  “I can’t make any promises. It’s been forever since I’ve bartended, and I really do like to keep to myself.”

  “Come by and give it a try. See how you feel. I’ll respect your decision, and then I’ll need to haul ass to find someone for Friday and Saturday if it isn’t your thing. But please, give it a try.” Hannah nodded, and Harper smiled wide. “I owe you one, doll. Big time.”

  * * * *

  Athena nearly chickened out, and now an hour into what was supposed to be a tria
l run to learn the bar, turned into full-fledged work night. Another bartender didn’t show up and they were down to two. Ade and Maya, and that wasn’t feasible at all.

  Athena nearly said her name was Athena instead of Hannah several times, she was so busy and trying to not give too much information about herself. All lies of course, and she needed to keep up with those lies and maintain them. Was it her or was her section more crowded than the others?

  “Hey, gorgeous. You have a knack for this thing, and for people. Harper is not going to let you slip through her fingers,” Ade said to her, and gave her hip a tap. He was drop dead gorgeous. Like total hot guy, blond hair, blue eyes, muscles, a few tattoos and funny. So very funny that he had her laughing within ten minutes of meeting the man. He also had three brothers and they were at the other end of the bar in Maya’s section.

  “Hey, gorgeous. Another round of beers and three more of those special drinks you made the ladies. They’re downing them like candy,” one big guy with a beard said, and gave her a wink.

  She quickly got what he needed and then started making the mixed drinks. “You new around town, right?” he asked.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Damn, baby, don’t make me feel so old. The name’s Ike. Pleasure meeting you, honey.” He smiled wide and looked at her chest.

  Thank goodness she wasn’t wearing a Harper’s T-shirt or tank top. She wasn’t sure she would even fit into one. She was well endowed, and despite losing a lot of weight, the martial arts classes made everything tight and defined, including her abs that were defined perfectly. She remained in great physical condition, did a lot of running too in the back fields and side roads, as to not gain attention in town. She wanted to be ready, and that included having money and supplies stashed away from the apartment and someplace safe.

  She poured the concoctions into the three glasses and then added a cherry and piece of pineapple.

  He started passing out the drinks. His buddies saying something to him about moving to a table. “I think I’ll stay right here. The view is perfect,” he said, and then winked at her.

  She immediately felt on guard and turned away. Her eyes landed on Ade. She gave the guy Ike a look as Ade grabbed her arm and lowered down to whisper to her. “Stay clear of him, and his brothers. They’re trouble.”

  “Got it. Thanks,” she said, and for the rest of the evening she went back and forth, debating about keeping this job and helping Harper out.

  She was really nice, and young like maybe twenty-six tops, and apparently her family owned the place. She had a few brothers and an uncle all involved, but her brothers were some kind of military guys doing private work for the government. She didn’t ask questions because then she would get asked questions. The thing was, she liked the people here. Maya was a riot and very friendly and flirty. Ade was good-looking and had kind of taken on a protective role of her and Maya, and even the waitresses, too. For the most part, the guys kept to themselves and she was used to turning men down for dates, so working here meant she just may need to do that more often. Her funds were getting lower. She wanted to keep a good amount in case she needed to leave in a hurry. She might as well work here, but only if Harper could pay her off the books. That was something she would need to discuss with her tonight.

  * * * *

  “She is really good,” York told Harper at the end of the night. She was assistant manager for Harper’s and a good friend. “I had a feeling she would be. She was getting a lot of attention from the men though, and that isn’t her thing.”

  “What do you mean?” York asked with concern.

  It wasn’t too long ago that York had been a victim of a sexual assault. She was with some college friends at a concert, and then went to the bar in the hotel. She and another friend were grabbed by some drunk guys and forced into a room. It was a bad situation, and thank God Sheriff McCabe and some friends were able to help out with the investigation and catch the guys responsible. They ensured that York and her friend got the best care and therapy afterward. It was amazing how that man stepped in and assisted. That was two years ago, and since then, Harper had seen Kane and his brothers help out many members of the community. He was great at his job.

  It was late and the bar was now closed. Hannah was coming out from behind the bar with Ade and Maya smiling and chatting away.

  “You did awesome, Hannah. You don’t know how much I appreciate you staying tonight and doing the job before we discussed things.”

  “I could tell you needed the help, and I guess the best way to clean the rust is to start doing the job.”

  “So you’re in?” Maya asked with a smile.

  “Sure she’s in. You think I would let her slip through my fingers after the work she did tonight? No way. Let’s talk, Hannah, and then I can give you a ride home.”

  “Oh, you don’t need to. I have my bike.”

  “Bike?” Ade asked, eyes furrowed. “No fucking way are you—“

  Harper raised her palm up. “I got her, Ade. She’ll catch a ride with me.” They said goodnight and then Harper grabbed her things, and they all locked up and headed out for the night.

  They got into her truck and Harper smiled. “So, Friday and Saturday nights good for you to start? You get an hourly wage for the books, and then you split cash tips with the other bartenders, and the waitresses give you ten percent of their tips for making their drinks. How does that sound?”

  She noticed Hannah was quiet a moment and then she turned in the seat slightly. “No paying on the books, cash only, and I’m fine with that being from the tips alone, and you got a deal.” She put out her hand to shake.

  “Shit,” Harper said, and shook her head then gripped the wheel. She should have known this was too good to be true. That Hannah had reasons for keeping her distance and laying low.

  “How bad, Hannah?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “How bad of a situation are you in? I mean, will cops be coming?” Harper asked, and she felt that tightness in her gut.

  “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “Sure you do, and I get it. I do. The way you keep to yourself, never go into town, work two days at Spark’s, a town away from Cherry Hill, how you avoid deep conversations, and now you don’t want to get paid on the books. No money trail, no way of tracking you down. Now I’m not stupid. I may be twenty-five years old but I’ve seen shit, dealt with shit or have family and friends who have. And I can tell when a person is hiding out, keeping low and maybe running from something. What are you running from?” She just pulled onto the side road leading to the Gaynor’s entrance to the farm.

  “I’m not running from anything. I’ve been here in Cherry Hill for a year?”

  “What sent you this way?”

  “Change.”

  “Come on now, girl, do I look stupid?”

  “No.”

  “If it’s not anything criminal then it must be a man.” She saw the change in her body language. The way Hannah turned away and wrung her fingers together. She took a deep breath and exhaled. “Is he going to show up looking for you?”

  “I don’t know what you mean, or what you want to hear from me as a reply.”

  “The truth would be nice. You can trust me, Hannah.” She shook her head.

  “No offense, Harper, but I don’t trust anyone. Haven’t in a very long time, and it doesn’t matter what people show me, how they act, what kind words or actions they do, I just don’t trust easily. I keep to myself. So if this is a problem, then I have to decline the job.”

  Harper pulled into the driveway and toward the garage and apartment Hannah was renting. Cash for sure. “God damn, man. Fine, cash only. No records on the books of your existence. However,” she said as Hannah nodded and opened the side door. Hannah turned back. “If anything changes. If you need help, need a friend, you let me know. I’m willing to take a chance with very little information on you, so maybe someday you’ll be willing to take a chance on me, as a friend who could help?”
>
  Hannah nodded.

  “I’ll drop the uniform off to you tomorrow for tomorrow night. I’ll give you two shirts and two tank tops. As you know it gets hot in there. Wear jeans or shorts, your choice, and comfortable shoes.”

  “Got it. Thank you, Harper, and see you tomorrow.”

  Harper watched her climbed the stairs to the dark, empty apartment. It was a nice spot though, and the Gaynor’s were good people. She looked around as she pulled down the dirt driveway and hoped that she made the right decision. She liked Hannah though and hoped her personality, her smile and demeanor, weren’t an act, and that really she was trouble. If she was, then she would handle it accordingly along with Sheriff McCabe.

  Chapter 3

  Matias Garcia looked out the window and the city skyline. Back in New York six months after her disappearance—now a year in total—it was Wednesday, a day for any updates on his Athena. He would wait, not so patiently, in the beginning for any news of her location. Sightings that wouldn’t turn out to be false. Anything at all with the people he paid to watch her brothers and father round the clock. Nothing. Not a thing, and he knew today would be the same outcome. That the call of a possible sighting in Georgia would be false. If he’d learned anything over the last year about Athena, was that she was resourceful and smart. Smarter than his investigators he paid, smarter than the trackers he sent after her, more capable than any woman he had ever known, ever met, or ever would. He tried to get her out of his head. A man in need, he brought in others to replace her in his bed. To play a role and pretend they were his Athena. They were told ahead of time who they were to be but none of them were anything like his Athena.