by Lesley Davis
“Why the robes? I noticed no one else dressed up today,” Juliet said.
“It was Elton’s idea. He said we should bring a bit of showmanship to the proceedings. Everyone else had their name printed on a T-shirt, but we storm in wearing our Reaper robes. It makes us stand out.”
“Whether we win or lose, the crowd remembers the Reapers when the gaming is all done with,” Rick added.
“And the skull face?” Juliet looked over at Elton, who was in deep conversation with Monica.
“That’s Elton’s own special trademark. He’s the team captain, and he’s very aware that the face makeup unnerves some of the younger crowd we play against. He’s as purposely ghoulish as possible. He’s our version of those Maori rugby players who do the haka to frighten the opposition.” Trent signaled the passing waitress for another round of drinks and got a saucy wink in return. Trent caught Juliet looking from the waitress to her and back again.
“She seems to know you.”
“She should. We come here nearly every other week.”
“Didn’t you go out with her once?” Eddie asked around a mouth stuffed with pizza crust.
“Once,” Trent said stonily. She couldn’t remember how long it had been, but the encounter had been brief and characteristically one-sided. The waitress had thought it was a turn-on when Trent had purposely kept her hands pinned to stop her from touching her back. For Trent it had been necessary, but the sex had left her as unfulfilled and empty as always. One-sided sex was Trent’s way. It was quick and lacking in true intimacy, but it was the only way she would allow herself to be. She couldn’t afford to be vulnerable; she’d learned that lesson. Trent studied the pattern on her plate for a moment before turning the conversation away from herself. “So what line of work are you in, Juliet?”
“I work for a bank.”
Trent grimaced. “In this current climate? Not a safe bet for a long career.”
“True, but I’ve been with this company ever since I left college.”
“Several years in one job is a long time,” Trent said. “You must love your work.”
Juliet shrugged. “I used to love the challenges it created, but I can’t help wondering if I’m truly destined to stay there forever.”
“I love my job,” Trent said. “I work with a great group of people, get to talk games all day, and meet new folk to talk games with.”
“It’s perfect for you. You’re lucky to be so settled.”
“You’re not so settled?”
Juliet ran a hand through her hair which almost distracted Trent from her reply. “I’m bored. I can’t help but wonder if there’s something more.”
“There’s always something more. You just have to decide if you want to take it up on its offer when it presents itself to you.”
“Do you want more, Trent?”
Trent was stopped from answering by the waitress deliberately leaning over her to set her drink down on the table before her. By the time she had removed herself, Kayleigh had engaged Juliet in conversation and the moment was lost.
*
Once the meal was over, everyone started to ready themselves to leave. Trent worked her way around her friends saying good night and answering the kids’ questions while she slipped on her jacket and prepared to go back to clear up the hall. She was amused to find Elton with Kayleigh fast asleep in his arms, her head on his shoulder.
“Guess we wore her out,” she said as they walked back to Juliet’s car.
“She hardly slept all night, she was so excited about today.” Juliet opened the car door and Elton carefully lowered Kayleigh into the front seat and fastened her seat belt. She never made a murmur.
“When that kid sleeps, she’s dead to the world,” he said.
“The sleep of the innocent,” Monica said, hooking her arm back through Elton’s once his charge was settled.
Elton gave Trent a look she knew all too well. “I need to ask you a huge favor. Will you be able to finish up at the hall without me? I would really like to take Monica out for a drink.”
Trent nodded. “Sure, go ahead.”
“We’ll help you finish up, Trent,” Rick and Zoe said.
“Haven’t you got somewhere else to be?”
“No, not really. And Sam here can help wrap the controllers. We’ll see you in there.”
The threesome headed over toward the hall. Trent gave Elton the thumbs up. “There you go, all sorted. Those three will pick up your slack.”
“I owe you one,” Elton said.
Monica kissed Juliet’s cheek and promised not to wake her when she came home. She held out a gloved hand to Trent, who shook it dutifully.
“It was wonderful to meet you, Trent.”
“Likewise, Monica. Something tells me I’m going to be seeing you a whole lot more.” She smirked at Elton’s uncharacteristic blush. “Elton, just make sure that trophy makes its way into work tomorrow unscathed. We’ll want it on display before the doors open.”
“I’ll remember.” They waved good-bye and began to walk away, already in deep conversation.
“It’s really a shame those two didn’t hit it off,” Trent mused at their departure. “I’m sure they would have made a lovely couple.”
“I’ve never seen Monica so instantly smitten. It’s nice to see her happy. She’s a good friend and deserves to find a nice guy.”
“Elton’s the best,” Trent said. “And he’s a gentleman, so Monica is in good hands.”
Juliet leaned back against her car. “So what are you going to do now after such an exciting day?”
Trent tucked her hands into her coat pockets and rocked back on her heels a little. “I’ve got to help pack everything away again. I’m usually chief cable layer. Now I get to roll everything back up.”
“And then?”
“Then I go home and prepare for a busy day at work tomorrow.”
“You have to work on a Sunday?”
“This week, yes. I’m covering for one of the guys there. He has a wedding to go to so I’m taking his shift.”
“That’s very nice of you.”
Trent shrugged. “I don’t have the same commitments as some of the others. I can usually swap or change at a moment’s notice.” Trent peered into the car window to make sure Kayleigh was still sleeping. “You sure she’s asleep?”
Juliet nodded. “She’s out for the count. Why?”
“Is it her birthday soon?”
“Next weekend,” Juliet said. “Is there nothing she didn’t tell you on that walk back home?”
She didn’t tell me just how beautiful you are, Trent thought as Juliet’s eyes danced with amusement. “Have you gotten her a present yet?”
“No. My parents and I are stumped as to what to buy her.”
Trent chewed her bottom lip and debated her next words. “I can tell you exactly what she wants, but she’s worried you won’t get it for her because of the whole moving thing and the fact you usually stick her with girly presents.”
Juliet rolled her eyes at Trent’s statement. “My parents can’t quite get used to having a more ‘energetic’ daughter this time around. I’m told I was much easier to look after.” Juliet closed her eyes a moment. “But then, they didn’t have me so late in life.”
“There does appear to be quite a gap between your ages.”
“Kayleigh was an ‘oops’ baby but very much wanted by my parents. They had her when I was seventeen, late in the day for both of them, and I regret that I was already way beyond wanting a little sister to tag along with me. But I love her to pieces and try to spend as much time as possible with her when I can.”
“She wants a game console for her birthday. I know exactly which one and what else you’ll need for her. I hasten to add this isn’t so I can make a sale here. It’s what she told me she wanted.”
“If I come into your shop could you set me up with her dream present?”
“I could do exactly that and make you the best big sister ever in her e
yes.”
“I could live with that. You say you’re in tomorrow? I could pop in then. Sunday shopping is a perfect time for me.”
“Do you know the Baydale Shopping Center?”
“I’m getting to. Monica does all her shopping there and delights in dragging me around every square inch of the place when I go with her.”
“We’re on the ground floor, opposite the food court. We open at eleven a.m. Come see me and I’ll hook you up with everything you need.”
“This is very sweet of you,” Juliet said softly. “After all, she’s just a kid you met by chance yesterday.”
“Everyone should have what they want if they want it hard enough.” Juliet’s undivided attention made Trent’s chest ache, and warmth began to radiate between her thighs.
“Is there anything that you want hard enough?” Juliet asked, her voice suddenly husky and low.
“At this precise moment I find myself quite content with my life.”
“You’re very lucky.”
“I had a really great time today. I’m so glad you came.” The smile Juliet gave her took Trent’s breath away and she was glad she’d given voice to her thoughts.
“I don’t think Kayleigh would have let me not bring her.” Juliet walked around her car to get in.
“Then I owe your sister. Until tomorrow, then?”
Juliet nodded. She unlocked her door and started to get in but at the last minute stopped. “Trent? I had a wonderful day too. Thank you.”
It was my pleasure, Trent thought as Juliet got in her car and started the engine. Trent stayed to wave her off and didn’t move until the car turned at the end of the road and disappeared from her sight. She shifted uncomfortably at the steady thrum of arousal radiating over her body. “Oh, she is way out of my league,” she mumbled to herself and kicked at the pavement petulantly. She forced herself to take a deep breath. “Okay, she’s gone now, time to get your brain in gear and go clear up the gaming hall.” Trent wandered back to the civic hall. “So maybe I’ll see her again tomorrow. Maybe I won’t. Maybe I’ll just get one of the other guys to just deal with her and I won’t have to see her again.” She swallowed against the excitement the mere thought of seeing Juliet caused and the unwelcome rush of unease that followed it.
“This had better not put me off my game.”
Chapter Five
Trent tried not to be obvious about the fact that every four seconds she was checking out the customers entering the store. She busied herself by neatly arranging the empty game boxes on their shelves. She made a concerted effort to keep her hands busy and her focus away from the front of the shop. Elton finally caught her.
“Are you waiting for someone in particular or just looking to make your escape from the hordes of Sunday shoppers?”
Trent leaned her hip against the counter and straightened her tie, unconsciously fidgeting to make herself presentable. Elton stilled her hand as she fiddled with her name tag.
“Okay, now you’re making me nervous. Have we got a visit from the head office that I haven’t been warned about?”
Trent ignored him as a flash of blond hair distracted her at the door. One of the guys behind her made a comment about the new arrival. It was sexist and derogatory and Trent was grateful he was just a temp because she wanted to kick his ass out the shop that very second. Any thoughts she had about hiding in the storeroom until Juliet had left were shattered; there was no way she was leaving her to the mercies of a Neanderthal.
“Back off, Greg. This one is all mine,” she said.
Elton peered over to where Juliet was making her way through the shop.
“God, no wonder you’ve been antsy all morning.” He leaned his chin on Trent’s shoulder as they both stared in her direction. “She really is a pretty lady.”
“Yes, she is.” Trent stepped forward to make her presence noticed. Her heart raced at the smile she received when Juliet caught sight of her. She couldn’t stop her answering one.
“Good morning, how may I help you?” Trent fell into her customer service training deliberately, trying not to be distracted by the simple lilac sun dress Juliet wore that showed off her creamy skin to perfection. She purposely kept her eyes way above the cleavage that Juliet was modestly displaying. She hoped by being professional she wouldn’t have time to wonder what scent Juliet wore that was teasing her nostrils and making her slightly giddy.
“You can cut the salesperson’s spiel and show me what it is my sister wants.”
Trent led the way to the middle of the shop and set about explaining what Kayleigh had mentioned.
Juliet nodded as Trent pointed out everything that would be a part of the bundle she recommended. “And how about the games themselves?”
Trent recommended which games she thought Kayleigh would get the most enjoyment from. “Of course, the machine comes with a free game in it. It has the bowling that you proved to be very talented at yesterday.”
“I never came close to Kayleigh’s score.”
“True, but it was your first time and practice makes perfect. Which is why I am recommending that you get an extra set of controllers.” Trent took a step back, aware that she had been leaning ever closer to Juliet, so close she could smell the faint perfume of her hair. Trent forced herself to take a deep breath and try to be impartial, but she couldn’t seem to help but be drawn to Juliet. She’s so beautiful and I really should know better. This woman isn’t a one-time only kind of lover; she’s an all or nothing. I cannot afford to get involved with that kind of woman. She tried desperately to focus on the job at hand.
“So if I buy all this, what is the damage to myself and my parents who have promised to go halves with me.”
Trent reeled off the total and was pleased Juliet didn’t balk at the cost.
“Sold. I’ll also take the two games you said would be perfect too.”
“You don’t have to get them all today. You could always come back.” Trent hoped like crazy that none of her fellow assistants had overheard her say that. Making the sale was the ultimate goal in retail.
Juliet just shook her head. “I think it’s a safe bet I’ll be in here more often than not with Kayleigh in tow wanting to spend her birthday money, her allowance money, and any other money she can wrangle out of the folks.” She made a wry face. “She is way more savvy than I ever was at her age.” Juliet’s attention shifted as she looked over Trent’s shoulder. “Hi, Elton.”
“Juliet, it’s good to see you again. Did Trent here convert you into becoming a believer?”
Juliet stared at him for a moment, then laughed. “No, this is for the convert already at home. Apparently, this is what Kayleigh wants for her birthday and she told Trent all about it.” She turned back to Trent. “I’m glad she did; otherwise we’d have been none the wiser. For a chatty kid she can keep quiet at the strangest of times. She’s not your usual little girl.”
Elton grunted. “Trent would know all about that.” His attention was distracted by another customer. “She wasn’t a normal little girl either.” He walked away to deal with someone else.
Trent stared at his retreating back. “Elton and I go way back. We grew up as kids together.”
“No wonder you are so close.”
“He’s my big brother and best friend all rolled into one.”
“You’re lucky to have that.”
“Yes, I am.” Desperate to change the conversation, Trent quickly rubbed her hands together. “So how about I go get your console and extras and we go run it through the till?” She disappeared to the storeroom to find everything that Juliet had picked out. She picked up a new console box and gathered the extras and the games. Then she stopped, aware that her breathing was patchy and her palms were damp. She leaned back against one of the shelving units and took a moment to just think.
“I can do this. She will buy this stuff, and I probably won’t ever see her again. I really like her, but she is not what I can afford to start dealing with in my life right now.
My life is settled and I like it that way.” Trent knew she was deluding herself, but she’d used the excuses so many times that she was starting to believe them herself. “Besides, she’s probably just flirting because I’m the first new lesbian she’s seen for a while. She’s beautiful and she’s smart and she’s out of my league.” Trent gathered all the items up into her arms. She hastened back toward the shop floor and halted again in the process of opening the door. But God, she’s so damn gorgeous. She groaned out loud and resisted the urge to bang her head off the door. Trent straightened her posture and prepared to re-enter the shop. “Just make the sale.”
Juliet was waiting when Trent came out with all her goods. She reached into her handbag to get out her wallet as Trent guided her to the counter to pay.
Trent busied herself in the routine of scanning all the objects and packing them up. “You’re going to need a lot of wrapping paper,” she said.
Juliet agreed. “Are you due a break soon?”
Trent nodded. “I could be. I could walk you to your car with this. It’s not heavy, but it’s bulky.”
“I’d like to ask you something out of the din of the shop.”
Trent finished up the sale and caught Elton’s eye. “Can I have fifteen minutes, please?”
Elton nodded and shooed Zoe in to take Trent’s place at the counter. Trent gathered up the bag and escorted Juliet out. “I feel like I’m absconding with half the shop,” she said, waiting for Juliet to lead the way.
“Thank you for doing this.” Juliet reached out to touch Trent’s arm. “I wanted to invite you to Kayleigh’s birthday party.”
“Birthday party?” Trent repeated dumbly.
“You’ve got to come. You’re Kayleigh’s newest and bestest friend.”
Trent’s chest tightened at the thought of having to be social with strangers. She looked into Juliet’s face, argued with herself, and then caved in. So much for keeping your distance, Trent. “Will there be cake?”
“Cake, ice cream, sandwiches, and it’s just a few of us. Mainly my parents and me, although Monica has said she will pop in, but she doesn’t ‘do’ my parents. They’re a little distracted by her look.”
