Summer Fire
Page 110
“Why aren’t you answering my calls and texts, Cameron?” she asked, clearly irritated.
“I’ve been busy, Jayden, because you decided to take the high road.” He didn’t attempt to be cordial.
“Did you get a response from Chastity?” she immediately asked, dismissing his comment.
“I received a letter from her a couple of days ago,” he admitted, knowing he couldn’t keep blowing her off.
“Read it to me,” she demanded.
“It counts if I attempted the apology. Even if she didn’t accept it, it should count, Jayden.” He suddenly felt nervous.
“Read it to me,” she repeated.
“All it says is that I’m a soulless jackass. That’s it. Why would Chastity call me that? You read the letter I sent her. I said I was sorry, and it’s not my fault that she didn’t accept it!” He was starting to yell, which wasn’t going to get Jayden to play nice with him.
“Send her flowers, Cameron. Pick out a pretty arrangement, order them yourself, write something nice on the card, and splurge for delivery. Do not send them on behalf of Barron National—” The list she was reciting was pushing him over the edge.
“No! I’m not doing that.” He picked up a pen and winged it across the room.
“Bye, Cameron. Good luck at the trial.” When she hung up, he fought the urge to storm out the door and yank Samantha’s head off for putting the call through. Instead, he called Jayden to try and convince her he was sorry for losing his cool. Cameron had no clue how to make himself sound sincere. His call went directly to her voicemail.
“I’m currently unavailable. Please leave a message and I’ll get back to you.” He became even more ticked off. Cameron decided to leave a message, just so he could have the last word.
“I’ll send her the damn flowers. If that’s not good enough, maybe you can demand I buy her a new car. When will this end, Jayden?” He immediately received a text.
“When you make it up to her.”
“Really?!” Cameron cursed loudly, grabbed his suit jacket, and headed out the door. Samantha smiled at him, but he quickly turned his head. If he looked at her any longer than a glance, he’d tell her off.
He decided to walk to find a florist, for a couple of reasons: parking sucked in Detroit, and it was imperative for Cameron to release some energy. The steam building inside his head was going to make him blow any second. The longer Jayden stayed away from the office, the more his life seemed to unravel.
The city blocks he walked were long. When he was about to give up and turn around, he finally spotted a florist. All the fresh air he’d pulled into his lungs had paid off. His foul mood dropped a few notches, so he was no longer tempted to mow someone over. As a matter of fact, he was feeling a little relieved. Knowing that this would be the last act of kindness he’d have to show, to win over his secretary, he stepped inside Gordo Flowers.
Everyone seemed very busy, so Cameron headed over to the glass cooler and peered at the large selection of flowers. There were so many to choose from. He’d never actually sent flowers himself, so he looked around for assistance. He wanted to get this over with as soon as possible. If it were up to him, he’d send Chastity dead dandelions for all the trouble she’d caused.
“Can I help you?” asked an elderly lady, who walked up behind him.
“Definitely,” smiled Cameron. “I’m in a hurry though. I have to send flowers to an employee. Do you think you could help me pick something out?”
“Sure! My name is Anna, and I’d be happy to assist you. Is it for a birthday, or perhaps an achievement?”
Yes, she’s managed to become the bane of my existence. Got flowers for that? he wanted to blurt. “I was forc—tunate enough to be told by a devi—ne woman, who’s old—fashioned, to buy a nice arrangement to brighten the girl’s day.” Even alluding to Jayden, was difficult.
Anna strolled over to the counter and returned with a book. She opened the cover and pointed to a picture of a spring floral arrangement. “We have this,” she began as she turned the page, “Or—”
“Yep, that one’s perfect. Let’s send it.” He smiled as he removed his wallet from his pocket.
“We’ll make up the bouquet for you. Do you like any of those vases?” she asked, pointing to some shelves.
“How about you pick one out for me and then deliver the surprise as soon as possible.” Cameron wasn’t going to spend any more time on Chastity Whatever, whom he’d never met.
“Follow me to the counter, and I’ll get you all squared away. Delivery is extra, and so is the vase. Fill out one of these small cards to make it a little more special.” Anna started to show him the different greetings, but Cameron swiped the first one he laid his eyes on, removed a pen from his shirt pocket, and began to write:
I hope your day is wonderful!
Cameron Barron
He stuffed it in the envelope and wrote her name on the front. The second Anna started punching numbers into the register, Cameron held out his credit card.
“Before I ring up your total, I have to input the delivery information. The price depends on how far the driver has to go.” He pulled the information up on his phone, then turned the screen towards Anna. Once Chastity got the flowers, he’d happily delete it.
Anna told him when the delivery could be expected, and handed him his receipt. He was tempted to call Jayden so she’d finally be satisfied, but he felt utterly drained. Cameron didn’t have the energy to fight with her, or the will to listen to more absurd instructions. As he strolled towards the office, all he could think about was Chastity jumping for joy when the flowers were delivered tomorrow afternoon. She’d be the one to apologize to him, for overreacting to whatever it was that caused her panties to get in a bunch.
All he could do now was wait and see what happened. He was either going to be groveling at Chastity’s feet, or, God forbid, making a call to the prosecutor’s office to inform them about evidence Ms. Borski was withholding. Cameron suddenly spotted a liquor store on the corner. He couldn’t get there fast enough.
Chapter Five
Chastity was limping when she got up this morning. She blamed it mostly on the stress from yesterday. Every time she thought about Cameron Barron, and the freaking letter he’d sent, her whole body tensed. Fortunately, he wasn’t there to get the satisfaction he sought from her every grimace or struggle. If he could get her to crawl inside a shell and stay there, he’d dance with joy. Dance. Hopefully, whoever they picked to attend the stupid event, would trip the bastard and cause him to land face first in front of everyone. Too bad he wasn’t standing beside her right now, because he wouldn’t be happy at all. After a few stretches, Chastity slipped on her sneakers and went out the door, promising herself not to spend any more time thinking about the monster. She forced herself to concentrate on her muscles and maintaining a slow pace, until her leg relaxed.
Normally, Chastity would walk all the way to the market and pick up a few things to bring home, but today she wouldn’t be able to go as far. If she overdid it, she’d be in pain all day. When she got home she’d rest, and then go walking again this evening. It was important to keep moving, but Chastity knew her limits. A muscle injury right now would damage her in more ways than one.
The stronger she was becoming, the higher her spirits lifted. Tomorrow, if her body cooperated, she’d walk into town and get a haircut. Maybe she’d stop at the thrift store and buy a pair of jeans. Chastity didn’t want to part with the money, especially since she didn’t have a job, but she’d accomplished a lot over the past year. Having clothes that actually fit her, hadn’t happened since she started losing weight. When she was big, everything fit, because her skin pushed against the seams.
Chastity could have pampered herself, occasionally, when she was making a decent wage at Barron National, but the injury and depression caused her to stop caring about herself. Perhaps that’s why she excelled at her job. All her energy went into becoming the best, and most efficient, worker in th
e mailroom. Delivering the mail on time, keeping the department tidy, never missing a day or showing up late, was what defined her. Her appearance wasn’t even on her list.
Now, things were changing. Though Chastity was still dressing in ratty sweatpants and big t-shirts, she no longer avoided her reflection. After her shower each evening, she’d wipe the condensation off the mirror, and stare at her face. Her cheeks were more defined, and the double chin was barely noticeable. She’d smile at herself, knowing she no longer resembled a beach ball. Thirty more pounds and she’d be where she was pre-accident. She would reach her goal, and no one was going to stop her.
Her first instinct, when she’d received the letter from Cameron Barron, was to reach for comfort food. But Chastity had discarded it all and filled the apartment with fruit and veggies. It was a good thing she did, too. If she’d scarfed down a bag of chips or eaten half a cake, which were her favorite vices, she wouldn’t be able to forgive herself. Eating would take over her life again. For all the misery she’d had to endure, a healthy reward, or two, was in order.
The salon wasn’t busy. Jackie, the sweet stylist, removed the band that held her pony tail, letting her long hair cascade down her back. She didn’t make any negative comments, which Chastity was expecting.
“What would you like done today?” Jackie was a plump, middle-aged woman with light brown hair. She talked about her kids and boyfriend, and before Chastity knew it, she was telling her all about the skiing accident. Maybe it really is easier to talk to strangers.
“I’m better now,” explained Chastity, as she watched chunks of her hair fall to the floor. She closed her eyes, feeling like she’d been given a second chance at life. For too long, all she’d done was exist. Barely.
When Jackie spun the chair around, so Chastity could look in the mirror, a single tear slid down her cheek. Her hair was cut in layers, to just below her shoulders and full of body. She looked like the woman she hadn’t seen in a very long time. But her clothes stood out like a Halloween costume in summer.
Chastity paid and tipped Jackie, then hurried the half-block to the thrift store with her head down. Her sweatpants and stained t-shirt were ruining the moment. The muscles in her leg were protesting the fast pace, but she didn’t care. She kept her eyes on the ground, until she reached the shop. Once inside, Chastity pulled clothes, in various sizes, off the rack and hurried to the dressing room. She couldn’t get undressed fast enough.
As she tried on the different outfits, Chastity wished she would have kept the things she’d grown out of. They would still be too small, but not for long. The jeans she tried on were a bit snug, but as she shed more pounds, they’d fit her perfectly. The short-sleeve, peach-colored sweater made her self-esteem soar when she slid it on. Chastity picked out two more pairs of jeans and three more tops, and when she walked out of the thrift shop, wearing the first outfit she’d tried on, she held her chin up and smiled at everyone who looked at her.
As she approached her apartment, she noticed that someone had delivered flowers to her address. There must have been a mistake, she thought. She’d make sure they got to the correct recipient. Chastity carried the arrangement inside and set it on her kitchen table. The flowers were gorgeous and they smelled divine. Too bad they belonged to someone else. She read the name of the florist, which was printed on the plastic wrapping. “Gordo Flowers.” She’d gone by there several times, while riding the bus to work, but never went in their store. She could call the florist, but her phone no longer worked since she threw it. While she thought about the closest payphone, the suspense became too much. Carefully reaching inside, she pulled the small envelope from the plastic holder. “Chastity Newberry?” she read out loud, clearly baffled. Who in heck would send me flowers? Jayden? They have to be from her, or maybe even Kayla. Those were the only ones she could think of.
Before reading the card, she removed the cellophane and pulled the pretty green vase out of its cardboard enclosure, exposing the whole arrangement. It was very colorful and bright, and a huge smile spread across her face. Chastity carried it to the kitchen counter, by the window, then opened the envelope and read the card. “I hope your day is wonderful…Cameron Barron?! I don’t think so, you son of a bitch!” She swept the arrangement off the counter, listening to the glass shatter on the worn linoleum. The harassment wasn’t going to stop. Furious, Chastity hurried out the door, limping up the street. She would have to find a job and move. There was no other option. Even if she had to suffer working in a restaurant, she would.
When she reached downtown, Chastity walked by several restaurants and peered through the windows at the waitresses. She filled with dismay. There was no chance in hell that someone would want her waiting on their customers. Regardless of how badly she needed money, her leg wasn’t strong enough to run around like them. The only thing left to do was to stop inside the market, buy a newspaper, and scour the classifieds.
“Can I help you?” greeted the woman, cheerfully.
“Hello, Elaine,” replied Chastity, as she read the woman’s nametag. “I was wondering if I could buy a newspaper?”
“I’m sorry, but we’re all sold out,” she frowned.
Chastity thanked her and began to walk away. She had no idea who else sold the paper, nor could she waste her time trying to find out if they still had copies. She went back inside the store and asked Elaine if she knew of any offices that were hiring.
“We have a position open if you’d like to apply. Do you know how to run a register?” She licked her thumb before pulling an application from the drawer.
“No, I don’t have any experience with a register, but I’m a very fast learner. I wouldn’t need much training,” Chastity responded. “I could start immediately.” She wasn’t afraid to display a lot of energy and enthusiasm. That’s what got her hired at Barron National.
“I’ll get the manager for you. Here’s an application you can get started on.” Elaine disappeared into the office, then returned with an elderly man at her side. He was slightly hunched over, but his smile was contagious. Chastity pulled a pen out of her purse and wrote neatly, but fast.
“I hear you’re interested in the register position?” He offered his hand. “Stan Melbourne.”
“Chastity Newberry,” she said, as she shook his hand.
“Once you’re finished filling that out,” he explained, pointing to the application, “Elaine will bring you into the office, so we can chat.”
After listening to the history of Melbourne’s Market, and signing forms, Chastity got the register position working the afternoon shift. Though the pay was less than she expected, at least she’d have an income. Today, Chastity would start her week of training with the girl she was replacing. Her name was Rachel, and she was nice, but it was obvious she was ready to quit her job.
“Don’t expect to get out of here at ten. The store closes at that time, but there’s still work we have to do. Do you have a car?” Rachel asked, with a serious expression.
“No, I walk.” Chastity could tell where the conversation was leading.
“You can’t walk in this neighborhood at night. If you can get to the corner by ten-thirty, you can catch the bus, but you’ll have to hurry with your closing duties.”
Not a problem, thought Chastity, as she recalled how fast she moved in the mailroom. Not a problem at all.
*
“I don’t know if she got them, Jayden.” Cameron wanted to hang up, but he knew better. He yawned into the phone. “You don’t have to keep calling me, you know. If I hear from Chastity, I’ll contact you immediately.” He yawned again.
“You could stop by her apartment. It’d be a special touch, Cam.” Jayden offered.
“Yeah, I’ll do that when I feel like getting assaulted.” He laughed at her suggestion. “I gotta go. I have things to do and people to meet. Later.” As soon as he got rid of Jayden, his phone rang again. He figured she was calling back with another bright idea.
“Having fun in Detro
it?” asked the familiar voice. He hadn’t heard from his best friend, Joey Duffy, since he’d left L.A. The two had been buddies since first grade.
“Joe!” Cameron leaned back and rested his feet on the desk. “You have no idea how good it feels to talk to someone who doesn’t want something from me.”
“How’s the legal shit going?” Joey went to law school, while Cameron ventured off into business, but still they remained close over the years.
“Fab. Secretary walked out and I now know more about the mailroom than I ever wanted. I should say screw it, and come home.” He missed his friend and their Friday night visits to Miller’s Tavern.
“You need to get laid,” laughed Joey. “Aren’t there any bars around you? Pick yourself up a nice, trashy blonde.”
“The last female I picked up for a one-nighter asked for fifty bucks before she left.” Cameron remembered her well. When you’re that drunk, it’s never a good outcome.
“Prostitutes rarely give freebies.” He was still going to raz him after all these years. “Cam, I wanted to let you know I’m in Dearborn.”
“For real?!” Dearborn wasn’t too far from Detroit. Cameron sat up in his chair. “When did you get in?”
“This morning. Jetlag sucks, but a long nap cleared my head. Are you free tonight? There’s a decent bar downstairs off the hotel lobby.”
“I’ll be there.” Cameron wrote down the directions and agreed to meet him at eight. He stepped out of his office to let Samantha know he’d be leaving at seven this evening.
“I’m sorry,” she said, the second she laid eyes on him.
“Why are you apologizing?” He didn’t really want to know. “I only came out here to tell you I’m leaving at seven.”
“For the coffee mishap.” Cameron looked at the pile of coffee-stained napkins next to her keyboard.
“Well, call downstairs and have it replaced. Who you should talk to, I have no clue.” To help her out, Cameron walked around her desk, picked up all the coffee-soaked napkins, and tossed them in the trash. He couldn’t wait to get out of there.