by M. A. Stone
“I am glad you are okay and that you went to Chloe’s. Did she tell you I am moving in and Matt is going to live here?” he asked.
“No, but that’s cool. Her place rocks!” I said, not really knowing what to say. Things seemed to change around here on a daily basis.
“This does not have to be awkward sweetheart,” he murmured, coming closer to me and hooking his thumb in the belt loop of my jeans. He kissed my neck and I shivered, even though it was warm and sunny outside.
“I felt like a cock tease jack,” I whispered. He snickered.
“Do you want me Bleu?” He nuzzled up to my neck again.
“Uh yeah. But I am scared,” I replied.
“Don’t be,” he whispered, into my neck. I stepped back a bit when we saw Skeeter peek out of the garage.
“So, did you give any thought to what I proposed yesterday? The tattoo?” he asked. Skeeter popped his head back in the garage.
“Yes. Let’s do it,” I replied. He smiled.
“Really?” he asked his brown eyes wide.
“Yes really,” I said with a laugh.
“That’s cool Bleu, thank you,” he replied. He hugged me and I sighed as I breathed him in. God he smelled so good.
“When do you want to start?” I asked. He looked thoughtful for a moment.
“Can you do it tonight after we close? Around ten? I had a cancellation and the shop won’t be so busy then.”
“Sounds good Jack, see you then,” I replied, turning away from the shop. He grabbed my arm and pulled me to him.
“You’re not working today?” he asked, concern in his eyes. I patted his arm and smiled.
“I have that whole thing with Abby remember?”I replied.
“Shit. I am sorry I forgot about that. I did not get much sleep last night. I could not stop thinking about you,” he replied. He kissed my lips softly, turned and walked inside. I stood there like an idiot, my fingers on my burning lips.
Abby was already at a table when I walked up. She was sitting at one of the outside tables. It was an absolutely beautiful day. She looked amazing as always in a little pink sundress and beige heels. Her hair was in a perfectly executed ponytail. My outfit was nice. A longish man’s shirt, white with navy blue pinstripes with a wide brown belt, navy blue leggings and brown flats. My hair was held back with a navy blue headband and I had on minimal make up. She looked me over and smiled in appreciation.
“What’s up baby cakes?” I asked. She smiled again as I sat down across from her. The waiter came over and I ordered a mocha latte and some fruit salad.
“So, why do your lips look like you have just been properly kissed?”She raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow. This bitch did not miss anything.
“Uh Jack kind of kissed me before I headed over here. I think I am allergic to him,” I replied. She laughed.
“You are crazy! So why are you bunking with him again?”
“Axel is AWOL. He blocked my calls, my text messages, you name it. He totally sided with Blowjob Barbie and God knows where he is. He is not talking to me and I left. No wait, he kicked me out. So I was going to stay with Jack. But that is really not a good idea,” I blurted out. She shook her head.
“What does that she devil have on him??!” she muttered. I shrugged.
“I have no clue and neither does anyone else at the shop. Its hurts though Abs, because I spent my whole damn life being there for him, sticking up for him. He’s my family! And the asshole ditches me without confiding in me. And to tell me to basically hit the road by text??!! What are we 12?” She looked at me as I took a huge sip of my latte. She was unusually quiet.
“That is cold Bleu. If I could I would kick his ass. This has got to be something serious, for him to just take off, leave the shop, his friends and family. This asshole-ish behavior is totally out of character for him.”
“Yeah that’s what I thought too. Jack said to just calm down and he would try to see what he could do. But apparently he got the same message from Axel too,” I replied.
“So Jack…”she asked.
“You are about as subtle as a freight train,” I muttered. She laughed.
“Well???”
“Calm down Abs. I was going to stay with him. But now, I am not so sure. He sets me on fire and makes my insides burn. I am scared.”
She practically jumped out of her seat and into my lap.
“Did you and he..? You know, did you give it up to him?” Her hands fluttered in the air and I laughed out loud.
“NO! When I have sex for the first time, it will be with someone I have genuine feelings for, not someone I barely know!”
“I am so proud of you, especially after all that I have been through. But don’t let the chance to have real love. You deserve it,” she said softly. She frowned and smacked my arm.
“Stop saying that!” she yelped.
“Saying what??” I asked, rubbing my arm.
“I barely know him...blah blah. That is such a bullshit excuse!!!! I am really tired of hearing it Bleu!” she said, practically biting my head off.
“Don’t glare at me like that Bleu Drawn,” she said angrily.
“You don’t understand,” I said softly.
“I will tell you what I do know. That man is sweet, kind and caring. He is also just as wounded as you are. Maybe more so. You had this incredible family to support you after your mom was killed. He had this awesome mom and his piece of shit dad. He went to jail after sticking up for his family. That is a huge sacrifice to me. Stop being such a little bitch about this whole thing. Carl, he sucked! I hated him. So did everyone else. Snap out of your whiny ass bitchy girl fest and fuck that man senseless!” she snapped. I studied her face and she glared at me.
“Okay then,” I said slowly. She nodded.
“I mean it Bleu. I love you. You are the sister I never had. Stop holding yourself back and sack the fuck up,” she whispered. I shook my head and she smiled, patting my hand.
I took a huge sip of my coffee and looked at her. I had no idea what to say to her. She just tore me a new one
“I have no idea what to say. Seriously. I had no idea you were holding back as much as you have been. Um, I am sorry?”
“Don’t apologize. Just do something with what I have told you,” she hissed. I nodded.
“I think you will be alright. And don’t keep shit from Jack or anyone else okay? Not like Axel has been,” she said softly.
“Ok. I promise. But I really don’t know what to do Abs, about Axel I mean. No clue. This is not like him. I mean, he is Mr. Tough Guy and he was always the one to push my Aunt’s buttons. But this, and being with her??!! I am stumped! And honestly the real problem is not her, it’s him. He has been acting like a complete douche nozzle!”
“Well there might be someone who can help you,” Abby said, looking down at the table.
“Who?”
“Your dad,” she replied.
“Are you kidding me? How can my Dad help with Axel? They immediately start puffing out their chests and acting like baboons when they are around one another, when they are around one another,” I replied.
“You still keep in touch with him right?” She looked at me and I nodded my head.
“I do. But again, why him?”
“Bleu, Axel is a lot like him, which would explain the whole posturing thing when they are together. I mean, your dad owned a Harley shop, was at every Bike Week and bike show. He was in a motorcycle club with your Uncle Sid. The only thing he did that was out of character was hook up with your Mom, a nurse, who was so different from him. I know Axel has a lot of anger and he tends to fixate it on your Dad. Even so, maybe your Dad can help you figure this situation with Axel out? ”
“You know, I had not thought of that. Anything involving those two will definitely not be easy, but it’s better than the alternative. Talk to Dad huh? Yeah. You are right,” I said thoughtfully.
“Axel is stubborn and he is going to do what he wants. He always has. You have alway
s protected him, even before your Mom died. And I know that you try so hard to remember good things about your Mom. But you were little. Besides, even though you were a lot like your Mom, you and your Dad have always seemed to click,” she said earnestly.
“I am going to make some phone calls today and see if I can work something out for this week Go to the prison to talk to Dad. Today is too short of a notice and besides I have some stuff to do tonight and I don’t want to rush my visit with him,” I replied. She nodded.
“What’s going on tonight? You know I am nosey, so spill it sister,” she said with a laugh.
“Well Jack is going to start on a tattoo for me. He made this amazing drawing and I agreed to let him tattoo it on me. I am excited!”
“Oooh, I am so glad that you decided let him give you some ink. He does amazing work. Have fun!”
“Plus I have to decide if I am going to stay with him.” I said.
“Don’t overthink things. Remember what I said not two minutes ago!”
“Yes Mom,” I said with a laugh.
“Listen, I need a favor from you,” she whispered. I looked around.
“Um why are we whispering?” I asked. She shrugged.
“My dad has been staying with us, at my house. I need your help,” she said.
“Um why is your Dad staying there?”
“He kind of set his house on fire,” she replied, looking down and playing with her spoon.
“What??!!” I cried.
“Quiet down! Everyone around here thinks it was faulty wiring. Being that he is a retired firefighter, they let it slide. He, uh, met some girl on the internet and he set the house on fire when he, um,”she stuttered.
“What did he do Abby?” I asked. The suspense was killing me.
“He lit candles in his bedroom and they fell off of the table when they were having sex. It set the carpet on fire and the whole bedroom pretty much. Dad got burned pretty badly and the house pretty much burned to the ground.”
“Holy shit!” I was laughing so hard that tears ran down my face. She glared at me.
“It’s not funny!”
“Oh yes it is! This is a man who grounded you and me for talking about humping in fourth grade! This is a man who would measure your skirts before you left the house!” I cannot stop laughing.
“I had to go get him at the hospital. Lamar made me do it because he said that he was not mature enough to do it himself. I am mortified.”
“But you said no one knows,” I pointed out.
“I cannot look my father in the face,” she muttered. I patted her hand.
“What do you need me to do?” I asked. She looked up and smiled.
“He is driving me nuts! He needs something to do Bleu. Anything! He got pretty good on computers before he retired. Maybe he can help you with the website for the school district?” she asked.
“Hmm maybe. I will stop over tonight after work if that’s cool. By the way, what happened to the girlfriend?” I asked. She frowned.
“I don’t want to talk about it,” she muttered.
After having coffee with Abby, I grabbed some doughnuts for the guys and rushed to work. I had agreed to meet up at Abby’s house around seven, she was cooking. When I walked in the door, Chloe was manning the desk, and she smiled at me.
“Yay doughnuts!” she said happily, hopping up and down on her tiny feet. She took them from me and I set my bag under the desk. She walked to the back with them and plopped them down on one of the drafting tables. Matt’s head popped up from his station and I laughed. He walked over and grabbed two, wrapping them in a napkin and holding them up in thanks.
“I swear it’s like they never get fed!” she huffed.
The waiting room was full. A pair of men in business suits were reading magazines, a few girls chatted with one another, and a man in a construction worker’s uniform sat closest to the desk, his hard hat on his lap. The office door was open, but Jack was not inside. He was in his station I guess. Skeeter walked in the door. Skeeter is about six three and super skinny. He has dirty blond hair that was curly and short. He wore navy blue Dickies and a gray button down work shirt with the shop’s name on the left pocket. He wiped his hands on a shop rag and ambled over to me with a lazy smile.
“Hey Bleu. Anyone waiting for me?” he asked. I nodded over to the two girls; he smiled in thanks and walked over to them. After a few minutes of conversation, he led them out to the garage, the door closing behind them. One of the men in the suits looked up and smiled at me as I walked behind the desk.
“Who are you here to see?” I asked him.
“Matt. My buddy here is waiting for Jack.” He replied.
“Alright, I will let them know you are here,” I said with a smile.
“I am here to see Chloe,” said the construction work in a gruff voice.
“I will let her know too!” Taking the phone with me, I walked in the back. Matt wiped his client’s arm down and applied shiny ointment on his fresh ink. He wrapped the arm in what looked like plastic wrap. They talked for a minute, shook hands and the man walked to the front. Matt stopped when he saw me standing there.
“What’s up Bleu?” he asked.
“There is a man out front who has an appointment with you,” I said. He nodded.
“Give me ten minutes to clean up in here, and I will grab him,” he replied.
“Could you tell Chloe her client is here too?” I asked. He nodded and I walked out to the front. The guy that Matt had just finished with paid and left a huge tip for Matt. Matt came up to the front and greeted his client, and I handed him a cup of coffee. He smiled in thanks and grabbed another doughnut. Chloe wasn’t kidding; the guys around here were bottomless pits. I walked over to the office. Jack was inside doing something on the computer, but looked up when I stood in the doorway.
“Hey beautiful,” he said. He smiled. My stomach filled with butterflies.
“Hey yourself. Your appointment is here. Just wanted to let you know,” I replied. He nodded.
“I think we need to talk later,” I replied. He patted me on the shoulder as he walked by me and I felt that little buzz of electricity again.
Business was steady for the rest of the day for both the shop and the garage. Around three, I went and grabbed the food that everyone had ordered from the Chinese food place two blocks over. The guys went in back with their food, while Chloe and I went to sit near the drafting tables. She kicked off her platform sandals and sat crossed legged on the floor, digging into her lo mein. I grabbed my food, and sat beside her.
“How do you work in those things?” I asked, pointing to her high as hell platforms. She grinned.
“I have been wearing shoes like that since I can remember. It’s a piece of cake!” she chirped.
“Today was crazy huh?” I remarked. She nodded. She swallowed her mouthful of noodles and looked over at the guys who were huddled around a couch that they had put near the stations. They were laughing and talking quietly.
“A meeting of the minds over there,” she remarked and we both laughed. The guys looked up at us for a moment and then went back to eating.
“I heard from a little birdie that Jack is working on a tattoo for you tonight,” she said sweetly. I raised an eyebrow.
“A little birdie huh?” She nodded.
“Bleu this place is like high school wrapped in a small town. The guys are big mouths, they can’t keep a secret to save their asses,” she said.
“Yeah he is. After the shop closes,” I admitted.
“Well that’s convenient though, seeing as how you will be living with us,” she said. I choked on lo mein.
“Uh what???” I exclaimed. She laughed again, putting her carton of lo mein down beside her. She wiped her hands on the paper towel in her lap.
“I know things are like a circus for you right now. So I have been thinking, let me take some of the pressure off of your back. Move in with us,” she said, patting my shoulder and then drawing me in for a hug.
“Who is this us you are referring to?”
“Jack and I. He was planning on moving in with me anyways. I have too much room and honestly I cannot afford all of it by myself,” she stated matter of fact.
“Yeah Jack mentioned that Matt was moving in above the shop. I did not think Jack and I were a package deal,” I said with a laugh.
“Yeah Matt staying with me was only temporary. He is a pretty private guy and I am too nosey for his liking. Though he would never say it to my face,” she replied with a laugh.
“Well now how can I say no to my favorite naughty fairy?” I asked. She laughed.
“When is Jack moving in?” I asked.
“Tomorrow.”
“Oh wow! Talk about needing an answer sooner rather than later! I don’t see it as being a problem, besides the majority of my stuff is at Jack’s, uh, Matt’s place anyways,” I said with a shrug.
“Is that a yes?” she asked. I nodded. She hugged me and I almost dropped all of my lo mein.
“Remind me to give you a key later. I am so excited!!!!” she then planted a kiss on my cheek. I laughed loudly.
“Dude, are they making out over there?” asked Matt .Chloe stuck her tongue out at them. I frowned playfully.
“You guys are retarded,” she said. They all grinned like a bunch of jackals and then went back to their food. We finished eating lunch and got back to work.
With the shop being so busy, Jack and I did not have a chance to talk, except for me to tell him that his appointments were here. I hadn’t planned on have the “talk” at the shop anyway, but I will admit that I was anxious to get it over and done with. It was hard to go with the flow and mellow out when I was anticipating the conversation that had to take place later on. At around seven, I checked out and climbed into my car.
Abby lived in a small subdivision at the edge of town. Her house was cute really. It’s gray with blue shutters and I think it has three bedrooms. Lamar, her husband, was standing on the front porch in jeans and a green polo shirt, smoking a cigarette. He waved as I pulled in.
“Hey there Bleu, what’s going on?” he asked. I gave him a hug.
“Abby recruited me to help with Blake,” I replied.
