The Dancer

by Jordan Silver

  “What’s the kid’s story?” I filled him in on Travis and what I knew so far. That was something else I was going to have to get in front of soon. If the kid was planning on staying I’d have to figure some shit out.

  We pulled up to the building and I got out, my mind already a mile ahead. This is one of those times mom would come in handy. She’d take one look at the situation and know what to do.

  But I couldn’t see interrupting her vacation for this. Maybe I’d have shit sorted by the time she got back in a few weeks. I can always talk to her over the phone. But knowing her ass she’d want to be here.

  If she knows that I’ve invited a female to live with me there’s no doubt in my mind that she’d go all out. She’d start counting grandkids and shit in her head and ride my ass until I become daft.

  Nope, it was better to leave her where she is. One annoying ass female on my plate right now was enough. As to the future, I’ll wait and see which way the wind blows.

  If mom likes her, they’d gang up on my ass forever, if she didn’t, which I didn’t see any reason why she wouldn’t, but if she didn’t like my girl, then my life was going to be truly fucked.

  Upstairs, I walked in on a surprise. She was sitting at the kitchen island while her brother was cooking something on the stovetop. How very domestic.

  They didn’t hear me come in since the door is so far away from the kitchen, and I didn’t alert them to my presence. I stepped back out of the doorway but stayed where I could see without being seen.

  “Sis, he’s a nice guy. I told you, I used to read up about him when he played ball. He’s one of the good guys.”

  “Those things are full of lies. He probably paid for all that good press.” Cynical little thing isn’t she?

  “Usually I’d agree with you, but not this time. What other athletic star gives to charity but doesn’t make a big deal out of it?”

  “He actually goes out of his way to hide the fact that he does good deeds.” The kid started rattling off all the things that I’d done behind the scenes in the last few years.

  “How do you know if it’s such a big secret?”

  “Because somebody’s always digging into his shit.”

  “Watch your mouth.” I actually quirked my brow at that one. Imagine her telling someone to watch their mouth.

  “Sorry!”

  “Well lots of people give to charity, that doesn’t mean they’re nice. It’s a tax write off you know.” “Sis hear me out okay. I’m here now, what can he do to you?”

  “You’re going back on Sunday.”

  “I already told you I’m not. After what happened to you how can you ask me to leave?”

  “I never should’ve told you about that.”

  “Yeah well you did, besides, it’s not like I ran away. I left a note.”

  “Travis, you’re not being reasonable. What about school, that game that you’re so in love with? I can’t let you uproot your life now…”

  “Isn’t that what you did? Didn’t you give up dancing because you thought being an engineer would be more stable? Didn’t you do that for me? I’m not fifteen any more and I know right from wrong.”

  “Travis we’ve already had this argument and I’ve told you none of this is your fault. Even if what you say is true, it’s my choice. You don’t have to do the same or else it’s pointless.”

  “Sis, I’m not going back. I already checked out the schools here. I can finish this semester on line, it’ll just mean I miss practice and a few games, no biggie.”

  “That’s a lie. It’s your last year of high school. If you want to play college ball…”

  “I’ve already been scouted.”

  “You have? Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I thought I did, anyway, that’s not important now. We were talking about Max and you staying here which is a hundred times better than where you were.”

  “It’s not that simple Travis.”

  “I know you like him.” There was dead air for the

  next minute or so.

  “What? What are you talking about?”

  “Look at your face, all red.” He laughed and pointed the spatula in his hand at her.

  “I know you better than anyone remember? If you like him why are you giving him such a hard time?” Go kid. Wait, she likes me? My ears were pricked for her answer.

  “Because we just met and it’s stupid. Besides, he doesn’t seem like the settling down type and I’m not into casual affairs.”

  “See, you didn’t deny liking him. I think you’re just scared. Scared that he might turn out to be like dad. Not all men are like that. I’m his son and I know I’m not, guy’s an asshole.”

  “Travis, watch your mouth, he’s still your father.”

  “Whatever, we’re not talking about him now either. Look, the way I see it, you can stay here in this nice safe place, or go back to that hellhole. Dad needs his ass kicked for that alone.”

  “I don’t get the creep vibe from Max, and he gave you your own room. Even before he knew I was here he’d set it up like that, so you know he wasn’t planning anything funny. I think he’s just trying to help.”

  “But why?”

  “Damn, have you become so jaded that even an act of kindness is suspect? What kind of life lesson are you teaching your little brother? You trusted aunt Pam and uncle Don to look after me.”

  “It’s not the same thing and you know it.”

  “Fine, I guess I should learn not to trust relationships either. Maybe the two of us can get an apartment together.”

  “We’ll grow old together with a house full of cats, or maybe dogs. All the kids in the neighborhood will make up horror stories about us. The two hermits who never come outside, and never interact with anyone.”

  “What are you talking about now?”

  “Well, since you never plan to trust anyone ever again that means you’re never getting married, never having any kids.”

  “Since it was our dad who made you this way I can’t let you carry the burden on your own. So, we’ll be two distrusting hermits together.” The kid is good.

  “You’re not making any sense, and who said I don’t trust anyone or never will again?”

  “Well, if you plan on trusting someone why not Max? He’s already given you a job, set you up in a nice place and hey, he even let me tag along.”

  “I don’t know, I think he’s a player.” She had him there. I waited to see what answer he’d give her as he stopped stirring whatever was in the pot.

  “I think maybe he has been, but that’s not the vibe I get. As far as I know he’s never lived with anyone before. His relationships never got that far if I remember correctly. I think this might be all new to him as well so cut the guy some slack.”

  “You’re just saying that because of who he is.”

  “You really believe that? That I’d sell my sister out like that?”

  “Of course not, I’m kidding.”

  “I’m not. I will never let anyone hurt you, not as long as I’m around. I’m a guy, I know how guys are. I know you don’t have much experience.” They both turned red in the face.

  “This guy, Max, is the real deal.”

  “How do you know?”

  “Trust me, I know. What’s more I think you do too you’re just scared. What if you pass up this chance and it’s your one chance at the real thing?”

  I chose that moment to walk in and make my presence known. “What smells so good in here?” They were both startled, but pulled themselves together quickly enough.

  “Oh Max you’re back. You’re just in time for my spaghetti bolognaise. Sis don’t forget you’ve got

  garlic bread duty. She makes a killer garlic parmesan bread.” The kid’s a smooth one alright.

  She got up and skirted around me without uttering a word. I was already content with the fact that she was still here and hadn’t pulled a runner, so I wasn’t about to complain.

  “So, what have you two been up to?
Are you all settled in? Annabelle if there’s anything you need just let me know.” The look she gave me spoke volumes and I was only saved from the sharp edge of her tongue because of her brother’s presence I’m sure.

  “So Max, I’ve been looking into schools. I’m thinking your alma mater might be the best fit for me, but it’s so far. I already checked on Google maps. It’ll take me almost two hours to get there and another two to get back by train.”

  “I know, I used to hate that shit, not to mention I’m not catholic. But it does have one of the best football teams near the city, it’s seeded number four in the state.”

  “Yeah I saw all that, but isn’t there something closer and cheaper? Or maybe it doesn’t matter where I go since I’ve already been scouted. I

  just don’t want too much time to go by in between practice.”

  “It might not matter, let me think about some things. My mom lives on the island now so you might not have to make that trip. Do you drive?”

  He reached in his pocket for his wallet and showed off his brand new driver’s license. “I do, and I can drive without a licensed adult before sundown.” This kid really had no plans on going back. It looks like he’d come prepared.

  “What are you saying to him? Don’t encourage him, he’s going home…”

  “I’m not. And if you make me I’ll just run away again. And I’ll keep running until you listen to reason.”

  ‘Travis!”

  “I’m not leaving you. You’re the only family I have left. Uncle Don and aunt Pam are nice, but they’re not my family. Besides, they have their own kids to worry about, I’m just a fifth wheel.”

  I’m not sure if he was putting on an act for her benefit or if it was real, but his words and tone sounded more like a child’s than the assertive young man I’d overheard just now.

  “I know that but…”

  “No buts sis, I’ve decided, we have to stick together.” That look was all man, he wasn’t about to budge. Good for you kid. Maybe I can pick up some pointers on how to deal with her hardheaded ass.

  I stayed out of it for now, but if shit went in the opposite direction from where I wanted it to I’d step in. Since I knew the kid was on board it will be a piece of cake to out maneuver her stubborn ass if the two of us put our heads together.

  “I’ll make some calls on Monday…wait a second.” I held up my hand as my phone went off with mom’s ringtone. I answered as I left the room.

  “Hi momma, sorry I didn’t call you yet today I kinda got distracted.”

  “So I’ve heard. I’ve already booked my flight back for Sunday evening, we’ll talk when I get there.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I spoke to Tony. I know you have a mess on your hands so I’m coming back to take care of things before you screw up.”

  Fucking Tony. “What exactly did that idiot tell you?”

  “Enough for me to know that you need me.”

  “Mom, I don’t want to interrupt your vacation.”

  It’s scary how our minds work alike sometimes. I’d played around with the idea of calling her back to help with the kid, but thought better of it. Who knew Tony would run with that shit?

  “I know enough of the particulars already just leave the rest to me. I can call Mrs. Astor and have her put in a good word for us, it will be no problem.” Damn, Tony really does stay on top of shit.

  Mrs. Astor is the lady mom used to work for years ago. It was she who’d got me into the prestigious prep school that my mother could never have afforded without her help.

  Mom had cleaned her home and raised her kids for almost twenty years and the two still kept in touch although mom had left the job when I went pro and could take care of her.

  What she was suggesting would make things that much easier, but I didn’t like the idea of her cutting her trip short. “I could call Arty, I’m sure he’d do me a favor.”

  My old coach was still there and the amount of money I donate to the school and the football program each year was more than enough to keep the two of us on good terms.

  “My way is easier and faster.” She had a point. The Astor family damn near owned the school and it was her policy to sponsor a student or two each year.

  I’m not sure how much money mom had paid out of pocket for me to go there if any, but I know it was nowhere near the fees they asked for.

  The only drawback for me had been the distance. But since mom worked not too far away back then, it hadn’t been so bad. We’d taken the train in and back together everyday, even on days I had to stay late for practice.

  Looking back, those were some of the best days of my life. It had helped forge the bond between mom and I, the hours spent in commute.

  She’d been there every step of the way supporting me and my dream to play ball. The school wasn’t too bad academically either, which was a plus.

  I finished my conversation with her knowing that there was no use arguing with her. I’ll deal with Tony’s meddling ass later. It scares me when the two of them gang up on me. Two know-it-alls who always think they know what’s best for me.

  Back in the kitchen the siblings were whispering and I could tell they were in the middle of some kind of standoff.

  They pulled apart when they noticed that I was back. Like two fighters heading back to their corners after the bell. I looked from one to the other but they both kept it zipped.

  “That was my mother. She’s offered to come back early from her trip to help sort you out Travis. If we go that route, you’ll probably end up staying with her during the week and spending weekends here.”

  “You only have another semester left after winter break, you can stick it out right.” Or I can get him a car and he can drive the hour in and back that it would take. I’ll wait and see which idea fits best.

  I didn’t even look at misery when I said that shit, but I could imagine the looks she was giving me. I’d already figured out that sometimes the only way to deal with her was to go full steam ahead. She has an opinion on every damn thing.

  “I can do that, is your mom nice?”

  “Hello, Mr. Steamroller, just because I let you bully me into coming here doesn’t mean I’ll let you do the same with my brother.”

  “Do you have a better idea? You heard him, he’ll just keep running away if we send him back.”

  “Who’s we? How do you even fit into this picture?” That didn’t even deserve an answer.

  Chapter 20

  My house was like a warzone for the rest of the weekend. It was clear where the battle lines were drawn and who was on whose side. She was outnumbered and out talked, and I knew once mom showed up it was only going to get worst.

  That Friday night after dinner, Travis excused himself to go take a shower because as he said, he cooked so we had clean up duty. She’d kept silent throughout the meal while us guys talked the game.

  That’s when I learned that she really had no idea who I was. She didn’t know anything about the game either, though she’d gone to watch her brother play and had even cheered him on.

  I kinda liked that she didn’t know anything about me to be honest. All my attachments since high school had been women who were just as fascinated with my game play, and money as they were with me the man.

  Her interest was just in an average Joe who she happened to meet. That’s if she really was interested. With the cold freeze coming from her side of the table, I could almost forget the taste of her kisses or that we’d shared any.

  I helped her stack the dishwasher while she pretended I wasn’t in the room. I kept my eyes on the knives and left her to her inner thoughts, which weren’t too hard to read going by the way she slammed the dishwasher door after we were done.

  I stood at the sink drying my hands and waited for the explosion. No one can hold in that much temper for long or they’d combust no doubt. It wasn’t long in coming.

  “How dare you?” She slammed her hand down on the island top behind me, causing
me to turn. Here we go. Her little face was tight and there was no mistaking the anger she no longer tried to hide.

  “How dare me what?” I leaned back against the sink and folded my arms waiting for whatever hell she was about to rain down on my head.

  “Why are you putting that nonsense in his head? I barely have enough room in my place for one. I’m at work or at school everyday, I barely get four hours of sleep at night, when am I supposed to have time to take care of him?”

  “You only get four hours of sleep?”

  “Not what we’re discussing.” She advanced on me and got herself in trouble. Since I had nowhere to move she only ended up getting way too close, close enough for me to touch.

  She caught herself and moved to step back, but I stopped her with a hand on her hip.

  “Hands off.” She swatted at my hand but I caught her hand in mine. My mind was still on the horrifying fact that she wasn’t getting any sleep.

  That and the fact that my body had a weird fucking response to her yelling shit. Hard as a fucking pike. She’d probably castrate my ass if I tried anything so I ignored that little anomaly and focused on the other thing.

  “You can’t live on four hours sleep baby, no way. We’ll cut down on your hours at the restaurant.” Apparently that was the wrong thing to say. You’d think I said I was going to fire her.

  “How many times must I tell you? I need to work. Keep your grubby hands off my hours. And before you start, I can’t drop any of my classes. I’m in an accelerated program that won’t allow that. Plus I’ve had to double up because…”

  She cut herself off there, but I got the idea. Because she’d missed the first year she was playing catch up. I brushed the hair back from her face wishing I could do more for her. If she only knew that every word she said only made me more determined to take care of her.

  “That sounds like way too much. Why won’t you let me help you?” I sound like a fucking broken record. Who knew it would be this hard to help someone who was obviously in need? Can she be any more like Sophia Carrington?

  “Answer me, why won’t you accept my help?” I kept my tone nice and even. The way you do with anything that was cornered.