by Jeff O'Brien
“Great,” said Kendall, and handed Curtis his debit card. He grimaced, but did his best to ignore the night manager’s additional commentary.
“I really wish I knew what the deal with that girl was,” said the lady in the pea coat. “I hope she’s going to be okay.”
“Darling,” began Curtis as he swiped Kendall’s card, “she’s just another kid all fucked up on dope. And like I said, that wasn’t the first time she’s run in here all fucked up like that. Look around you, will ya’. There’s not much to do here in Hollows Point other than druggin’ and boozin’ and fuckin’. So that’s what the kids do. Which reminds me, each of your rooms has a coin operated minibar.” Curtis handed Kendall his card back. “Anything else I can do for either of you?”
“You’ve already done more than I could have asked for,” said Kendall. “Thanks for helping me out with the car.”
“And you, dear?” Curtis asked young woman, smiling ear-to-ear.
“You’ve done quite enough,” she replied, far from reciprocating Curtis’s creepy smile. “Have a wonderful night.”
Kendall, followed by the lady in the pea coat whom he would eventually know by name, exited the lobby and turned left on the walkway toward the stairs.
“Something was definitely not right with that girl,” said Candy, just behind him. “And I don’t think it was drugs.”
“Mental illness is just as bad a problem as drugs these days,” said Kendall. “Though I feel wrong making an assumption like that.”
“I really don’t think it was that either,” she groaned in reply. “And you should have seen the way that slob at the desk was eyeing the poor girl. And me too, for that matter.”
“Well that I did notice. That Curtis fellow is definitely a creeper, no question about that. Glad he didn’t try to shake my hand. Though, I’m grateful he could help me with my car. I’m Kendall, by the way.”
Candy hesitated before giving her name. What were the chances this Kendall guy knew Rhino? Probably absolutely zero, she figured. But what if? Her paranoia was not abating.
“Steph,” she said, giving the shortened version of her middle name so as not to be fully telling a lie. Somehow she felt that little bending of honestly mattered. It was, after all, the name she gave Curtis when he signed her in for her room.
As they reached the stairs Kendall moved aside to allow her to go first, but Candy continued walking. Figuring she probably thought he was some kind of creep, he decided not to mention her going in the wrong direction as it was probably intentional.
“Well have a good night, Steph,” said Kendall.
Candy stopped and turned to him, looking as though she was thinking over whatever she was about to say. Sure, she didn’t want to take any chances with this guy, but he appeared genuinely kind and harmless. Even more so, she really didn’t want to walk back to her car in the pitch-black night all by herself.
Finally, after a few moments she said, “I’m going to go against my better judgment and assume you’re not some creep like Curtis back there, and I’m going to ask you if you wouldn’t mind helping me get my stuff out of my car. I see you packed much lighter than I did, so I’m guessing you’d be able to carry one of my travel suitcases. And since you’re sporting a Deicide shirt under that leather jacket, I’m pegging you for a metal head.”
“I’m a metal head indeed. Not into getting pegged though.”
He immediately regretted his joke, worrying it had completely blown his chances of having this girl’s company for the evening. But no sooner than he grew worried, she bellowed with laughter.
“Thanks!” she cried, snorting. “I needed that laugh.”
“My pleasure, Steph. But I’m afraid I might need some help from you too.” Kendall realized only a moment ago that he had taken just his messenger bag with him, and his travel suitcase was still in the trunk of his car with all his extra clothes and underwear and hygienic accessories still in it.
“And what might that be?”
“I’ll tell you what. I’ll gladly help you with your suitcases or whatever. But then…I’m going to ask you to have a drink with me, since these rooms offer the luxury of mini bars, and let me actually prove to you just what a creep I’m totally not. I’ve had a pretty rough day and night, and I could really use even a little company and the relief of some cheap, plastic-bottle bourbon. Then maybe you could drive me to my car so I can get all my clothes out of the trunk, since my dumb ass forgot to take them out, and I really don’t feel like walking another mile there and back again.”
Candy thought it over a moment. She had washed away any suspicion that Kendall could have anything to do with Rhino. Rhino might be a scary fucker and a woman beater, but he didn’t have spies. Kendall was also - she hated to admit she was thinking about it - a pretty decent looking guy, much smaller and far less intimidating than the ogres she was used to dating and having drinks with. Plus, as far as music and fashion go, they were kindred spirits. She had half a mind to tell him no way. But, the other half knew that she could really use a stiff drink and some conversation with a man who just might be an actual gentleman, not to mention an adorable one.
“Deal,” she said. “But what if your car gets towed by the time we make it there?”
“Well,” began Kendall, “he said the garage is right down the road in the opposite direction. I suppose that’s the only other place it could be. If it’s locked up inside the garage when we get there, then shit, I guess I’ll just have to wait until morning to enjoy the comfort of clean underwear.”
Candy couldn’t help but laugh at Kendall’s humble charm. She really had a hard time believing that this man could pose any threat to her now. She also knew she had once felt the same way about Rhino, and would be a fool to lower her guard so soon. She was craving the comfort of pleasant company just as much as this friendly stranger was. So, that was what she was going to do.
“Fair enough,” she said. “Now come on, muscles. We ladies don’t travel light, so a poor little thing like me needs your help.”
8
“What a fucking piece of shit,” groaned Kendall. He was seated in a chair in Candy’s room, sipping a Jim Beam on the rocks and smoking a cigarette by the open window. “At least I can say I highly doubt there’s any chance he’s going to find you up here in the middle of Nowhere, New Hampshire. We’re a hell of a drive from Kingsport. Fuck, I’ve never even heard of that place.”
“And to think I’m so paranoid I was suspicious you might know him,” said Candy from the bed. She was on her second vodka tonic and was already feeling the buzz. “I’m seriously that paranoid that I thought you could have been a spy.”
“It’s understandable. Guys just like Rhino have been after me once or twice, too. That’s dating in the metal scene, I guess. Lots of girls have jealous exes just like the piece of shit you’ve been dealing with. I can honestly say I know what it’s like to be worried you’ve got a beating waiting for you around every corner you turn.”
“It’s kind of refreshing to know that not all guys in the metal world are like Rhino. And that you don’t know him.”
“Nah, I honestly think shitbags like him are the minority. I’ve never really rolled with guys like Rhino. My friends are mostly other failed musicians with dull-as-fuck office jobs. And like I said, I’ve never even been to Kingsport or even heard of it before tonight.”
“Enough about me,” said Candy. “What brought you here to Hollows Point?”
“A broken down car, I guess. My plan was to keep driving and driving. I’m sort of on the run, too. Just not quite under the same circumstances as you.”
“Do tell,” said Candy. “And by the way, my name is Candy. I was still playing it extra safe when you introduced yourself.”
“Also understandable,” said Kendall after taking the last sip of his bourbon. “I basically fucked up for the last time at work today, was handed my walking papers, and after a few hours of self-reflection, I decided I was taking a one-man road trip.
As you can see I didn’t get too far from Melrose, Mass.”
“Bummer,” said Candy as she got up and made her way over to the minibar again. “Another drink for you?”
“You gonna be okay to drive me to my car?” asked Kendall.
“Shit, totally forgot about that,” said Candy. She took solace in the fact that Kendall was still thinking about getting to his car, and had made nothing in the way of sexual advances toward her. “I suppose one more drink won’t put me under.”
“Sounds good to me,” said Kendall. “Sure, what the hell. I’ll do another Jimmy Beam.”
“You’re really sure you’re okay to drive?” asked Kendall.
“No, but I’m not too worried about it,” replied Candy.
“I’d rather not meet my death here in Hollows Point wrapped around a tree.” Kendall fastened his seatbelt. “I suppose it would be better than being hog-tied and raped by a group of cousins in overalls, though. Regardless, this ride can wait until morning.”
“Oh, I’m not worried about either of us,” laughed Candy. “I know I can get us there and back just fine without driving off the road, silly. I might not pass a sobriety test though. But I’m not too worried about that. Those two cops are probably the only cops in this town, and they should be busy keeping that screaming girl safe right now. Jesus, I hope she’s okay. Anyways, I’ve talked my way out of a few tickets and DUI arrests in my day.”
“Oh really?”
“Hey, when you’re a stripper you don’t just learn how to use your best assets for making money. These tits come in handy in more ways than one. A little cleavage and a fake phone number can buy your way out of almost any infraction.”
“Roger that,” laughed Kendall.
Candy, feeling safer than she had ever expected to that night, pulled her car out of the parking lot and turned left onto Hollows Point Road.
“My car is the other way,” said Kendall.
“I figured we’d drive by the garage Curtis told us about first,” said Candy. “If it’s not there we’ll turn back around where you broke down. No point driving out farther into the scary woods if we don’t have to.”
“Good point,” Kendall agreed. “I’m a city boy and these woods are a tad unsettling. Walking from my car to the motel was no picnic.”
In just under a minute, Candy was pulling into what appeared to be a service station, judging by the big retractable garage doors in the front of the building.
“Doesn’t look like my car’s here,” said Kendall, unfastening his seatbelt. “I’ll hop out real quick and see if I can peek in the windows.”
Candy brought her car to a stop and watched Kendall get out, taking a good look at his backside as he did so.
Not bad. Kind of a nerd, but his butt does look mighty fine in those jeans. Not bad at all.
As Kendall’s form became shrouded in the darkness, Candy was suddenly taken over by fear and anxiety. She realized that she’d felt a sense of security with the guy, and didn’t want him to be away from her at all while she was in Hollows Point. She was already considering the one thing she swore she would abstain from tonight. Could she ask Kendall to stay in her room but not offer him her body? Would he accept that? He seemed like an actual gentleman, the kind of man who would keep her company and not expect anything in return. But she wanted to offer him that reward, whether he expected it or not. She wanted it for herself. This lust was her own, a kind of urge she had almost forgotten she could have, which made her want to jump Kendall’s bones all the more.
She glanced around, off into the darkness beyond her car, again fearing that Rhino might be standing there lurking in the shadows. Kendall was less than fifteen feet away, close enough that she felt he could save her if Rhino suddenly charged at the car from out of the shadows. But could he save her? She wanted Kendall back by her side for his own safety too. Unless her new friend was some kind of secret government trained assassin, Rhino would squash him like mosquito in record time.
Kendall got back in the car a moment later.
“Doesn’t look like there are any cars in there at all, let alone mine,” he said.
“Then out into the dark and scary wilderness we go,” said Candy, depressing the brake and rolling back out onto the road.
“Got any music?” asked Kendall. “I know this is going to be a short drive, but it’s too goddamn quiet out here.”
“Sure thing,” said Candy, and hit a button on her car stereo.
Kendall recognized the band immediately.
“Supernatural Addiction,” said Kendall. “This is one of my favorite albums ever. You like Deceased?”
“Shit yeah!” cried Candy. “I actually think this album is their best.”
“Me too! I like their early death stuff all well and good, but like…”
“The thrashier direction of this album and the later stuff really makes them stand out among all the other death bands.”
“Fuck, Candy. That’s pretty much exactly what I was gonna say.”
They both stopped in awkward silence for several moments. Cliché bullshit lines like saying this meeting was meant to be, or too good to be true, or anything else along those lines ran through their heads. Neither dared speak them, though. But both were fairly sure they were thinking loud enough to be heard by the other.
Candy was the first to break the silence.
“When you told me you were a failed musician, I pictured you shredding leads. Might be why I warmed up to you so quickly.”
“Played a little rhythm guitar when necessary but I really just used the guitar for writing the songs. I was mostly just a singer.”
“A grunter?”
“Absolutely!”
“What was the name of your band?”
“Hah, you’re gonna laugh at this. Altar of Sodomy.”
“No fucking way!” cried Candy. “Seriously, I’ve seen your band. You look… different.”
“Yeah, I sold out for the office world, shaved the beard and cut my hair.”
“Sing me a line from “Rape of Angels” just so I know you’re not bullshitting me.”
“Hah!” cried Kendall. “Not a chance. Though I must admit I’m tickled pink to know that someone remembers not only my old band, but one of our songs.”
“So come on, then. Grunt me a line or two.”
Kendall laughed and shook his head. “Not happening. Been too long. I’d sound like a schoolgirl at this point.”
“Oh, come on. I’d be soooo impressed. And how else would I know you’re not lying about being the singer from Altar of Sodomy?”
“If I were going to lie to you about something like that, don’t you think I’d say I used to be in Cannibal Corpse or Morbid Angel or some band or other that actually made it?”
“Ugh, fuck Morbid Angel. What the fuck happened to them? Have you heard those last few albums?”
“Can we be friends?” asked Kendall, meaning to say it as a joke, but realizing how childish and dorky his question sounded regardless of intent, the moment it passed his lips.
Candy broke out into laughter, causing Kendall to blush and grit his teeth.
“Yeah, I think we can be friends, dork,” she said through chuckles. “I wish I had more guys like you in my life anyways.”
“What kind of guys do you have in your life?” asked Kendall, instantly regretting the question.
“I think you already know that,” said Candy.
“You’re right,” said Kendall. “Sorry, that was a really fucking thoughtless question. I guess I’ve been enjoying your company so much I forgot about your boyfriend.”
“Ex-boyfriend,” said Candy. “I mean, I didn’t officially break up with him, nor do I plan to. The plan is to never have to see him again. It’s over whether he hears me say it or not.”
“Sounds like the best option to me.”
Kendall briefly considered telling Candy she was welcome to stay with him at his apartment in Melrose, but knew that such an offer would be inappropriate t
o someone whom he hadn’t met more than a couple hours ago. He really wanted to make the offer since it would put her a whole state away from her abusive ex, in a town the guy was likely never to visit. But still…too damn soon.
“So what’s your plan?” he asked.
“Still trying to figure that one out,” replied Candy. “The good thing about stripping is I have enough cash to afford me food and hotel rooms for a couple weeks. The other good thing is, if I should find another strip club and get hired right away, the money starts pouring in the same night, so it’s easy to pick right back up and get my life started again. Even on slow weeks I can make first and last month’s rent in two or three nights.”
“Makes me wish I’d been born with a nice pair of tits and some rhythm,” said Kendall.
“It hasn’t always been beneficial, you know,” replied Candy.
“Once again, I stick my foot right in my fucking mouth.”
“Relax,” laughed Candy, reaching over to pat Kendall gently on the shoulder. “You’re harmless…and kind of adorable. You haven’t even come close to offending me tonight.”
“That’s a relief. Maybe this could be your new location. I can’t imagine any jealous exes would ever find you here. Though I have a feeling there aren’t any strip clubs in Hollows Point.”
“Nor would I want to stay here if there were,” said Candy, then pointed off into the distance. “That your car right there?”
“That’s the one,” said Kendall. Candy pulled a quick U-turn and pulled up behind the broken down car. “I’ll just hop out again and grab my suitcase from the trunk. Then let’s get back inside, hit up that mini bar, and not face the outdoors again until we’ve got some sunshine and the vampires and werewolves retreat for the day.”
