by Nicole Marsh
“Close the door, McKenzie,” Mr. Mouchard practically purrs, the words activating my flight instincts, my body screaming at me to run.
I push the door shut behind me with my heel, reluctant to turn my back on Mr. Mouchard. The sound of the latch clicking has me working double time to stifle my urge to flee. The noise is a distinct signifier I should go.
Instead, my eyes survey the office I was beckoned into. The room smells like a combination of cat litter and moth balls, making it that much harder to remain in the small space. One cracked, black, leather couch sits against the far wall with a coffee table in front of it, in the corner is a desk hosting an ancient computer and an assortment of papers. Next to the desk sits an enormous safe, which makes me want to laugh because I doubt the Motel’s income justifies such a massive piece of equipment.
Once my eyes reach him, Mr. Mouchard sits on the leather sofa and pats the space next to him, twice. “Come join me, McKenzie,” he commands, when he notices my feet glued to the dirty carpet near the door.
Wordlessly, I force my reluctant legs to move towards him, perching on the edge of the couch at the furthest point possible. I angle my legs in his direction to provide a buffer in case he attempts to close in on me.
Mr. Mouchard eyes my spot and looks like he intends to move closer, measuring the distance between our bodies with his gaze. I angle my body more in response, making a stronger barrier of my long legs, and he decides to stay in place. Lounging back into the couch, he finally speaks, “I’m sure you’re aware of the reason I called you in here.”
Thoughts whirl in my head, my brain has been on overdrive since the moment he motioned me with his hand in the lobby. I’m pretty sure he called me in here to fire me, but I don’t want to voice the words aloud. Maybe if I deny the truth, it won’t come to fruition.
With that in mind, I shake my head.
He somehow interprets my decline as an invitation and inches his way across the couch. The motion looks ridiculous, like a worm moving across the sidewalk, as his wiry frame scoots as close as possible to my knees angled in his direction. Mr. Mouchard places a clammy palm on my closer knee, the dampness seeping from his hand into the fabric of my work pants.
I force myself not to kick him, fixating a furious glare on him instead. He ignores the expression and continues speaking, his hand a heavy weight trapping me in place, “Well, McKenzie. I’m sure you’ve realized the motel doesn’t really need you anymore… now that Candy is working here. I’m afraid I don’t have any extra shifts to hand out.”
I move to get up, but Mr. Mouchard presses his hand down firmly with a surprising amount of strength, effectively locking me into place. A smarmy smile spreads across his face and he leans closer, the stench of his coffee breath fanning over me.
Forcing myself not to panic, I remain still as a statue, not flinching away from his stinking presence, even as he moves his torso in a way that places him practically on top of me. “I do have a different position I think you would be excellent at, though.” His eyes scan my body, lingering on my chest before returning to my face. If his words didn’t make his intentions clear, his expression definitely did.
I school my face into a neutral expression “I’m only seventeen,” I reply calmly, curious to see his reaction, but not expecting him to change his tune. Mr. Mouchard is a creep, he always has been, and now his true colors are on full display.
“Age doesn’t matter between friends, beautiful McKenzie,” he replies, scooting closer.
This time, I don’t allow Mr. Mouchard’s tight grip to stop me. I jump from the couch and square my shoulders before facing him. Surprise briefly flashes across his face, but he quickly flattens his features.
He slowly stands, occupying most of the foot of space between us despite his small stature. Mr. Mouchard is sleezy and skeevy, but not tall, so the move brings us practically nose to nose.
“Look here,” I start, cutting him off as his mouth opens to speak. “I appreciate you offering me a job last year when I really needed one, but I will NEVER accept your proposition. I am not that girl. I’m leaving this town, the first chance I get, and I don’t need you or your offers of charity.” I leave a brief pause, then spit out, “I quit.”
Spinning on my heel, I storm out of the office, feeling offended but also proud of myself. I know my values and when to stick to my guns. As I pass through the doorway, I hear Mr. Mouchard scoff, his belated reply reaching me just before I exit the lobby entirely, “You’ll be back. Look at Candy, she came crawling back.”
His words barely penetrate my anger or resolve, despite my surprise. Did Candy used to work here?
Pushing the thought aside, I stomp all the way to the curb where I was dropped off, not wanting to be seen by Mr. Mouchard after his disgusting offer. I flip open my ancient, clunky cell phone, I bought with honest, hard work. My fingers fly over the number pad as I rapidly dial Collin. To my relief, he answers after two rings. “McKenzie are you okay?”
Am I okay? No, no I’m not.
But to Collin I reply, “Uh yeah. My shift got cut and my boss forgot to text me—”
Collin interrupts, “I’m turning around right now. I’ll be there in ten to pick you up.”
I didn’t realize how tense my shoulders had gotten until his words cause all my tension to flee. Every muscle relaxes, dragging them down from my ears, restoring their normal position. With a deep breath, I nod my head even though he can’t see me. “Thanks,” I whisper.
We hang up, but I keep my phone in both hands, cradled against my stomach, in case I need to call for help while I pace the small strip of sidewalk. Thankfully, Mr. Mouchard stays inside and Collin arrives in under ten minutes.
His massive SUV effortlessly slides up to the curb beside me. I can see him move to put the car in park, but I spring forward and tug the door open, not wanting to spend one second more of my life near this building.
“Is everything okay?” he drawls, his tone and eyes peppered with concern, along with their usual warmth.
“Yeah,” I reply on a sigh. After a pause, I tell him a portion of the truth, “My boss pulled me aside and basically said he’s overstaffed, and they don’t need me anymore.”
Collin turns his head to eye me for a beat. “What are you going to do now? Do you need to find another job?” he asks, as his gaze returns to the road.
I nod, then realize he might not catch the movement since his gaze is focused elsewhere. “I’m fine. I don’t know what I’m going to do yet... I do need to find a new job as soon as possible. I’m paid ahead on my lot rent, but I’m running a little short on emergency funds—in case anything else comes up. I haven’t worked in over a week, so all I have is a small savings from the beginning of summer.”
His warm palm finds my knee and gives a quick squeeze. He doesn’t immediately pull away, his hand lingering against my work pants as he softly swipes his thumb up and down. It’s a mimic of Mr. Mouchard’s actions, but instead of making my skin crawl, his touch erases the unpleasant memory. I focus on the contact, using the affection to replace the imprint of my disgusting boss’s hand.
I’m so focused on the feelings of safety and comfort Collin’s touch evokes, that I almost miss his half-whispered words. “I think you should tutor my brother, like my parents were talking about on Thursday. He could use the help; you could use the money. It’s a win for everyone.” His volume and tone sound like he’s trying to coax a scared cat out of hiding.
I move past the infliction allowing the words to sink in, so I can mull them over. I’m already taking advantage of the Franzen’s hospitality; I have been since the very beginning, as my place in their life is all due to a scheme with my neighbor. I don’t want to lose Collin, but I need to tell him the truth, especially if I plan to become further involved with his family.
My brain tries to form the words several times, unsuccessfully. I finally open my mouth, intending to delve into the conversation, my brow furrowed with focus. Prior to voicing the words,
Collin’s arm bands across my chest, pushing me against the seat.
“Crap, hard stop, sorry.” His words punctuate the SUV screeching to a halt. The momentum of the large vehicle pauses just in time; barely avoiding a collision with a car stopped in the middle of the road.
My heart pounds in my chest from the sudden rush of adrenaline, but Collin keeps me locked into place with his arm as we both observe the scene on the road ahead of us. The driver door of a car is propped open, and the owner of the vehicle is rummaging in their trunk for something.
Collin’s tense muscles slowly relax, his palm returning to my knee, as we watch the driver sort through his messy vehicle. Collin appears content with patiently waiting for the person to finish their task before we resume driving, and my heart warms at another example of his compassion. It makes me optimistic the discussion about my arrangement with Derek might not go as poorly as I’ve been imagining it will.
“What were you going to say?” Collin asks, his warm, emerald gaze connecting with mine as his car idles on the road behind the stopped vehicle.
Deciding to table the serious conversation for a time when I have his full attention, I simply reply, “I’ll do it. I’d really appreciate the opportunity to tutor your brother.”
Chapter 25
Monday arrives quickly, after a weekend spent cuddling under the covers with Collin. He seemed morally offended by my lack of movie knowledge, so we spent the majority of our time watching a slew of old western movies Collin deemed “classics”.
He also practically force-fed me waffles for almost every meal, after discovering they’re my all-time favorite food. Not that I’m complaining about the obscene amount of fluffy goodness I consumed in a forty-eight-hour period.
Somehow, between all the cuddles and waffles, there was never an appropriate time to come clean and tell Collin about the deal. But I will, soon. I know I need to… it’s just been surprisingly difficult to force the words past my lips. It’s like fear is holding the confession inside me; my body fighting to enjoy as much time with Collin as possible before uttering the truth.
Now, with the early rays of the sun seeping into my light blue room at the Franzen’s, I stand next to my borrowed bed, feeling like my new reality is too good to be true. The royal blue and black cheerleading uniform given to me on Friday is laid out, ready to be worn in its first official capacity. Today, we have a spirit assembly in the afternoon, where we stand around and pep up the crowd for our first football game, so I have to wear it to school.
I get to wear it to school.
Donning the uniform feels surreal and I treasure the moment I pull on the blended polyester and spandex fabric. Cherishing the feelings that come with the opportunity, like pride and elation. I didn’t expect a chance to cheer in high school, not with my family’s tight funds, then later my absentee mother making funds practically non-existent.
Earning a place on the squad was truly a dream come true.
Once I’m fully clothed, I use the mirror hanging off the closet door to check my appearance. The uniform is perfect. The fitted top accentuates my small waist, with the flared skirt making my figure appear curvier than it actually is. My hair hangs down in an inky sheet, which is allowed for the school assemblies. I use the black and blue ribbon scrunchie Katie gave me anyways, to tie the dark strands of my hair away from my face into a high ponytail. It makes the uniform feel more official.
As a final touch, I swipe a bright red lipstick on to my lips, adding color to my face. I strike a pose in the mirror, watching my reflection pop its hip with the tips of my hair swishing around my lower back. My lips fall into a deep pout and I feel like I look like a stereotypical, bitchy cheerleader. I love it.
“The uniform looks good on you, McKenzie,” a familiar, warm voice drawls from the doorway.
Heat crests my cheeks, but I aim to contain my embarrassment as I twirl to face him. Collin’s gem colored eyes sparkle with mirth at my expense. His teasing manner and smug attitude suddenly have me determined to make him eat his words.
Channeling my inner seductress, I strut towards Collin, stepping forward on my tiptoes to highlight my long, toned legs. I assess his reaction, observing as his eyes fill with heat and he struggles to keep his gaze fixed on my face. I barely contain the urge to gloat over my victory.
When I reach him, I lightly trail my fingers down his chest towards his belt, but keep my eyes locked on his scorching emerald orbs. Swaying closer, I place my mouth near his ear, my lips lightly caressing his skin as they move. “Do you like what you see, Franzen?”
His swallow is audible as I lean back, placing my hand on his shoulder for balance while my face hovers near his. Collin waits half a second before he closes the distance between us, his lips connecting with mine in a searing kiss.
Despite being on the receiving end of at least a dozen hot, drugging kisses from Collin this weekend, I still get lost in his lips as they graze mine. I gasp as he devours my mouth like a man deprived; like the only thing that can sustain him is the connection between our lips. My eyes seal shut as his mouth caresses mine and I reciprocate his movements with fervor.
I lose myself in the seduction that is Collin Franzen.
“Hey guys, I need a ride today can we—“
The words break through my haze of lust and I reel away from Collin. With his eyes still shut, his face chases after mine until Luke resumes talking. “Gross guys. Can you do that later? I want to be on time for class.”
I giggle to cover the awkwardness of getting caught making out by Collin’s younger brother, watching under hooded lids as Collin takes a deep breath and reluctantly opens his eyes. When he sees my attention focused on him, he winks, and wraps an arm low around my waist, ushering me out into the hall. I grab my backpack hanging near the door as we exit, then the three of us trek to the car together.
“Do you want the front?” I offer Luke, hovering just outside the door flooded with guilt over imposing on their regular routine, and potentially stealing his seat.
“Nah,” Luke says then clambers into the back of the SUV unceremoniously.
Shrugging off his reaction, I heave myself into the passenger seat. Fiddling with the radio knobs briefly, I find some music and twist the dial, allowing the crooning of the radio to fill the silence. I turn my head to glance at Luke, eager to engage him in conversation since I’ll be his new tutor soon, but his gaze is focused on his phone, fingers flying across the screen at a rapid pace.
My attention shifts briefly to Collin, and he slides a quick, small grin my way, intertwining our fingers then returning his gaze to the windshield. I interpret the motion to mean this is typical for their car rides, and allow my body to relax into the plush leather seat. The three of us remain silent during the short drive, with pop music keeping some of the awkwardness at bay.
As soon as Collin pulls into a parking spot at school, Luke jumps out and scurries away. He joins a group of other kids that also look like freshmen on the stairs leading into the school.
“Does he always act that way?” I ask, worried I’m causing tension between the two brothers. Like maybe he feels threatened by me stealing all of Collin’s attention or something.
Collin shrugs. “Yeah, he’s had an attitude problem, lately. I think he’s just mad mom and dad won’t buy him a car.”
“But he’s only a freshman,” I contest, confused why he would need a car already.
“Yeah, he gets his permit in December, after he turns fifteen, and he wants to have his own car to practice in. It seems like he’s going to act like an unmitigated jerk until he finally gets his way,” Collin says with another shrug, his eyes watching his brother through the window for a brief second.
I refrain from commenting, worried I’ll say something like “he sounds like a spoiled brat”. I don’t want to insult Collin or his brother after their family has been so generous to me. Instead, I jump out of the SUV and round the front of the vehicle. Collin meets me at the hood, slinging his arm arou
nd my shoulder and guiding us towards the brick building.
We stroll into the school together like we own the place. Connected by Collin’s arm, we pass cheerleaders and footballers, waving and exchanging cheerful hellos as we stop by each of our lockers.
I grab my chemistry book, shoving it into my backpack with Collin leaning against the locker next to me. A flash of red hair catches my peripherals, seconds before Katie is wrapping me in a side hug. She separates quickly with a small squeal and I’m unable reciprocate the gesture fully.
“OH MY GOSH. Our first assembly of senior year. Aren’t you so excited?” She jumps up and down, punctuating each of her peppy words with a bounce. “I’m so glad you made the team. Assembly today, game Friday, and I’m having a party on Saturday. You two absolutely have to come.” She turns to face Collin, her next stream of words directed at him. “No offense, but I’m going to steal your girlfriend for most of Saturday. I need her help to get ready for the party, yay!”
Collin intertwines his fingers with mine, tugging me into his side. Tucking me under his arm, his eyes sparkle at me before he fixes his gaze on Katie and drawls out, “You can borrow her for the day, but I doubt you could steal her even if you tried. I’m pretty sure she’s stuck with me for a while.”
Katie release a deep, swoony sigh as she stares at the two of us together. “I feel like I’m looking at the future Prom King and Queen. You two are the cutest.” She brings her fingers up into a fake camera and mocks snapping a photo of us standing together.
Collin surprises me when he extends his hand with his cellphone in it. “Here, take a real one. I want a picture of me with my girl in uniform. I don’t have any yet and I need to fix that,” he drawls. “She looks like a total goddess, actually she looks that way without the uniform, but I still want a photo.”
