“Hey, is Tyler home?” Tyler appears behind Chad before he can answer.
“I’m going out. Do you need anything?”
He looks confused as he shakes his head. “No, I’m good.”
“Where are you going?” Chad questions.
“I’m thinking about getting a job.”
Chad chuckles. “Good for you.”
“I’m bored,” I say as I walk past them and wander inside of their apartment. “What are you guys doing today?”
“Working,” Tyler states loudly.
“You delayed him yesterday.” Chad grins as he looks over at Tyler.
“Really? What kind of job do you have?”
Tyler stares at me for several long moments before he sighs. “I’m a corporate investigator.”
“That’s awesome. Let me see your badge.” I smile, walking over to him as Chad busts out laughing.
“I don’t have a badge,” Tyler mumbles.
“What kind of investigator doesn’t have a badge?”
Tyler groans again. “A corporate one.”
“O...kay.” I do nothing to mask my confusion.
Tyler shakes his head. “I’m hired by companies as a third party to investigate their business. To ensure no one is doing anything they shouldn’t.”
“Cool, and you do that from here?” I glance around the apartment.
“Yeah, I do everything from that.” He points to a high-tech looking computer.
“Really?”
Tyler shakes his head in a way that makes it clear he’d rather not have to talk to me. “I go in through a back door. I don’t leave a trace. Therefore, other than the person who’s hired me, no one is the wiser.” He shrugs before looking over at his roommate.
“Impressive, however, it makes asking you out for drinks later a little awkward.” Tyler’s eyes shoot back to me as a frown forms on his face. “It’s been a while since I’ve been out with a man who has experience using the back door.” Chad bust out laughing as the corner of Tyler’s mouth turns up.
“I better go find that job. I need to prove to my sister I can be a respectable member of society.”
“Goodbye.” Chad gives me a shit-eating smile as I walk to the door. “I’ll see you later, Tyler,” I holler, but I don’t need to glance at him to know the look he’s giving me. It’s the same look I’ve seen a thousand times before.
***
I DRIVE ALL AROUND MY old stomping grounds, trying to decide what I should do to fill the void of being back in Dallas. I didn’t graduate college—hell, I barely managed a high school degree—but even if I had, boring, stuffy office jobs are not my thing. I like being around people. I like jobs where I might actually be able to help a person. When I’m about to give up, I see a billboard calling my name. I turn my car around and head straight to an animal shelter.
“Hello, sweetheart. Can I help you?” I don’t always judge a book by its cover, but I can tell a lot about a person by the way they greet me. In a lot of places, including this one, I stand out.
“Yes. I’m actually here for a job.”
The woman’s face falls. “Sorry, honey. We don’t even have enough money to buy the proper amount of food we need for the animals. Almost everyone here works on a volunteer basis.”
“Okay, great. I’ll do that.”
The woman’s eyes narrow. “You understand that volunteer means you don’t get paid?”
I crack a smile. “Yes, I get it. You could use the help, right?”
“Oh, dear heavens, yes.”
“Then I want the job—the volunteer job.”
“Okay, well, in that case, I’m Carla. When can you start?”
“Nice to meet you, Carla. I’m Lennie, and I can start right now if you need me.”
The woman sags with relief. “You’re a lifesaver, Lennie.”
“No, unfortunately, I can’t save lives. But you’re in luck because I love animals probably more than I love humans.”
Carla smiles. “Then you’re in the right place, but how about you come back in the morning and start the day fresh. I’ll have some paperwork for you to fill out then you should be good to go.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
I hate Dallas. Being here is mentally exhausting. Pretending my life isn’t on the verge of altering and possibly ruining the people who claim to love me is enough of a reason that I head straight to a bar instead of Jodi’s.
I need any distraction that life can offer, the kind I won’t find in my sister’s apartment. Several hours and drinks later, I find the peace I was looking for.
I PULL MY HEADPHONES OFF when I hear someone knock on our door. I groan, knowing it has to be the crazy woman from across the hall. I can’t recall the last time anyone visited us. However, since Lennie appeared a couple of days ago, it seems like someone is consistently here. When I open the door, however, I find the normal sister.
“Is Lennie here?”
I shake my head. “No.”
She breathes out a long sigh. “She didn’t come home last night.”
My chest unexpectedly tightens in concern. “Oh.”
Chad walks in and is caught off guard when he sees Jodi. “Lennie is missing,” I inform him.
“What?” he says, locking his eyes on Jodi, who starts shaking her head.
“No, she’s not missing. This is what she does. She’s...unpredictable.”
Unpredictable seems like the perfect way to describe the woman I met. “Did you try calling her?” Chad suggests.
“Of course, but she didn’t answer. She’s probably out screwing some guy she met.” I have no idea why, but Jodi’s comment causes my stomach to turn. I’d have to be blind not to notice how gorgeous Lennie is, but she’s not my type, so I force myself to push down the strange feeling.
“She’s like a storm. You just have to wait for whatever mood she’s in to pass. I’m sorry for bothering you. I thought...I thought since she was over here yesterday...” She trails off as she carefully watches me before Chad speaks up.
“I’m Chad Davis. I don’t think we’ve properly met before.”
Jodi smiles as she shakes Chad’s hand. “Yes, I’ve heard...of you, but you’re correct, I don’t think we’ve properly met.”
Chad’s eyes go wide as he stumbles out, “Oh, good, and yeah. I’ve seen you at a few work functions.” This time, it’s my turn to laugh. In Chad’s younger days, say a year ago, he was quite the man whore.
Chad holds a decent job at an investment firm, but I’m guessing by Jodi’s comment she’s heard about the kind of women he likes to bed and not the job he actually does.
“Sorry again for bothering you, and if Lennie becomes a problem, just let me know.”
Jodi walks out the door as Chad rubs his hands over his face. “Shit. That’s just...fanfuckingtastic.” He’s been waiting over eight months to make his move, and now he just let a perfectly good opportunity slip past.
“Maybe she’s heard of your firm?” Chad shoots me a disgusted look. “How do you know she’s not secretly a whore who could give you a run for your money?”
“Just stop talking.” He groans before walking down the hallway to his bedroom.
This is why I don’t date. If you have nothing to give, you have nothing to lose.
***
TWO DAYS PASS WITHOUT ANY visitors. On Tuesday, while I’m in the middle of solving a fraud case, I hear a knock at the door. I know before I open it who it is on the other side. In addition to rarely having guests, it’s even rarer for someone to stop by during the week.
“Oh good, you’re home.” As well as being correct, I’m greeted with the biggest smile a person could have.
“Yep, like normal. I’m home.”
Lennie breezes past me and into my apartment. It’s not until she sits down on the couch that I realize she’s not alone. “I’m working, too, so I figured we might as well work together.”
“What the hell is that?”
“Don’t be dense. It�
��s not attractive,” Lennie says before turning back to the cat she has in her lap.
“You have a cat?” Animals aren’t allowed in our complex, and Jodi doesn’t strike me as the type of woman to have a pet in the first place. “Does your sister know you have a cat?”
The sound of Lennie’s laughter fills the room. “No, but Cricket isn’t mine. I’m only babysitting.”
“Cricket?”
“Oh, baby, I don’t think he likes your name,” she coos to the ratty looking animal.
“Since when is playing with a cat considered working?”
“I got a job at an animal shelter. I get to play with animals all day.”
My eyes thin. “And they pay you to do that?”
“Of course not.” She chuckles again before rolling her eyes. “I’m a volunteer, but to be honest, I should probably pay them because this is the best job a person could have.”
“Ummm.” I pause, unsure if I should even attempt to reason with her.
“People who like to pay their bills might disagree.”
Lennie shakes her head. “That’s exactly what’s wrong with the world. Everything comes down to money.” She turns away from me and cuddles the cat.
“I actually agree with you.” Her eyes snap back to mine. “But the bottom line is, people need money to survive, and that’s what jobs provide.” I hate being around people who are only focused on how much money they have, but unfortunately, a lot of people are wired that way.
She stays quiet, closely watching me. “I actually need to be working myself.” I gesture with my hand towards my computer.
“Okay.” She grins but makes no attempt to leave.
With a deep, calming breath, I walk back to my computer. Moments later, my brain is back on what I should be doing.
An hour passes before I glance over my shoulder to see Lennie and that damn catnapping on the couch. I get up and slowly make my way over to her. Asleep she seems peaceful, almost approachable.
Lennie is the exact opposite of any woman I’ve met, but at the same time, she intrigues me, and that hasn’t happened in a very long time.
“WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO tell Mom and Dad you’re back?”
My body tightens. “I don’t know. Maybe never.”
“Lennie,” Jodi shouts, clearly frustrated with me. “You’ve been here for almost a week. When they find out, they’re going to be pissed at me for not telling them.”
“Fine,” I huff. “I’ll go see them today after work.” Jodi rolls her eyes at the mention of my job. As far as she’s concerned, I’m not working. I’m playing. My sister isn’t money hungry or snobby, but she stresses herself to be the best at everything she does, especially when it comes to her career.
“I think the cute guy across the hall likes you.”
Jodi stops messing with her dress and looks over at me. “Tyler?”
“No, the other one, Chad.”
Jodi’s brows bunch. “Why do you think that?”
“The fact that he couldn’t take his eyes off of you.”
Jodi shakes her head. “Whatever. Leave them alone. The last thing I need is to be at odds with my neighbors, especially after you take off again.”
Jodi’s comment feels like a blow to my heart. I’ve worked hard to keep my family at arm’s length, and knowing I’ve been successful—at least where Jodi is concerned—is painful. “I promise no one will hate you, least of all the hottie across the hall that is desperate for you to notice him.”
“Go see Mom and Dad. I’m going to work. I’ll be in court most of the day, but I’ll check my cell when I can.”
“Yes, Mom.” Jodi doesn’t bother responding before she walks out the door. The longer I sit around Jodi’s apartment, the more dread sinks in. I hate visiting my parents, but I can’t allow Jodi to take another blow for me.
***
“OH MY GOD...YOU’RE HERE.” My mother pulls me in for a tight hug. “James,” she screams in my ear.
“Ouch.” I laugh.
“Sorry. I just can’t believe you’re actually here.” My mother’s face beams with excitement as my dad walks in the room and stumbles when he sees me.
“Lennie.”
My parents think I avoid them as a form of punishment, and on some level, that might be true.
“I packed up my things. I’m staying with Jodi for a while.”
“Oh. You plan to leave afterward?” Afterward. In some ways, I’m very predictable.
“I thought maybe you’d stay, especially if you get the news we’re hoping for.”
I start shaking my head. “Dallas doesn’t really feel like home anymore.”
My mom sighs before settling in next to me on the couch. “Where does home feel like to you?”
I force a smile. My parents don’t understand me, and I doubt they ever will. “Home isn’t a location. It’s a feeling.”
My dad huffs, “It’s been over ten years, Lennie.”
I look up to see my dad brooding. “Believe me, I know exactly how long it’s been.”
“Really? Because you’re always so damn preoccupied moving from one city to the next. Where were you living this last time before you crashed into your sister’s life?”
“James, stop,” Mom pleads. His eyebrows shoot up as he glares at her.
I turn towards my mom. “It was great to see you,” I lie.
“Stay, please.”
I wince at her mournful tone. “I’ll be in Dallas for a while. I even got a job.”
Mom’s eyes light up. “That’s great. You and Jodi can come this Sunday, and we’ll have a family dinner.”
I nod my head as I stand up. “I’ll talk to Jodi.”
Mom squeezes my hand as her eyes water. “I’ve missed you.”
Her words pierce another layer I’ve built around my heart. I’ve avoided my family because it will be better for them in the long run, but now I’m starting to question who I’m actually protecting. Them or me?
I turn my attention to my dad. “I’ll see you Sunday.” He nods his head but doesn’t say anything.
“I can’t wait, sweetie,” Mom adds.
I grab my bag then I get the hell out of their house. I’ve yet to leave from visiting my parents without feeling like a piece of shit. This was the first time my dad didn’t make a remark about my tattoos so maybe...maybe it’s a step in the right direction.
***
I BANG TWICE ON TYLER’S door before I turn the doorknob and walk in.
“Yes, please come in,” he mumbles dryly on his way to the door. Tyler’s wearing dark jeans and a gray button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, but it’s the annoyed expression he’s wearing that causes me to smile.
“You’re cute. Has anyone ever told you that?”
His mouth opens and closes a few times before he answers. “Yes, I believe my grandmother mentioned that once.”
I laugh as I walk past him and into the living room. “Okay, less cute and more...sexy.” Tyler frowns, but unfortunately, that only makes him hotter. “What’s going on with you?” I wave my hand towards him. “A little Italian? Mexican maybe?”
Tyler has jet-black hair, dark, brooding eyes, and a beautiful tan skin color. The corner of his mouth turns up. “My mother is half Italian.”
“Wow, it’s a good thing you don’t smile more often.” His eyes thin as he tilts his head. “When you smile it’s like someone dials up your sex appeal.” I swear he blushes, which only captivates my attention more.
“Tyler, do you have a girlfriend?”
“No.” He nervously clears his throat. “Not that it’s any of your business.”
“When was the last time you had sex?”
His eyes bug as he shakes his head. “That’s definitely none of your business.”
“I didn’t say it was my business. I just asked a question.”
“Which is none of your business.”
I laugh. “It’s been that long, huh?”
He groans in frust
ration. “Why are you here?”
“Why are you here?” I counter.
“I live here!” he shouts.
“Yeah, but why here?” I wave my hand around the room. “This apartment complex is like a retirement home. I went to use the pool yesterday and it was the ‘over fifty’ hour.” Tyler shakes his head and sighs.
“You need to be out having fun. Enjoying life and not surrounding yourself with people who are near death.”
“I enjoy my dull life. I don’t need you or anyone else messing with it.”
“At least you can admit your life is dull. That’s usually the first step in the right direction.”
Tyler takes a deep breath. “Why do you care?”
“Because I like you.” I pause while he watches me closely. “And I can tell when someone is living a lie. I don’t know what you’re afraid of, but I know it’s not worth the price you’re paying.”
His eyes flash, but he doesn’t argue with me.
I’ve mastered the art of hiding in plain sight. Spotting someone else doing the same thing is easy. I might not be in Dallas for long, but I plan to be here long enough to help my new friend figure out how to have fun.
I GREW UP WITH FOUR older brothers. By the time I hit my teen years, my parents didn’t care what I did as long as it didn’t involve jail time. I’m used to slipping under the radar, especially since I graduated college. And to be honest, no matter how ridiculous it sounds where my family is concerned, I like going unnoticed.
“I’m taking off. I probably won’t be home until late. I have a client that can’t come until after she’s off work.”
“A client? Is that what you’re calling them now?”
Chad chuckles before he grabs his keys and opens the door, but within seconds, my peaceful morning is shot to hell.
“Good morning,” Lennie sings as she walks past Chad and into our apartment.
“Good morning to you.” Chad smirks. “I’d love to stay and chat, but work is calling my name. You two kids have fun.”
“Oh, we will. Have a great day.” Lennie smiles, like everything is perfect in her world.
Meeting The Unpredictable Page 2
