I hit ‘Send’ and hoped that they’d go for it.
I slid the dresser away from the door, opened it and walked cautiously down the short hall to the living room. I never knew what I’d find after one of my mother’s parties— a random dude, puke, naked bodies. I’d once found a live chicken in the house but, to my surprise, the living room appeared halfway clean this time. Of course, there was no food in the refrigerator and my gut growled.
I left a couple of hundred dollars on my mother’s nightstand then threw on some clothes. I was starving. The owl clock on the wall said it was one-thirty and I had an idea. I headed out the door, hopped into my car and drove down to the pizza joint for ten pepperoni pizzas and a case of sodas. I pulled into the basketball court and put the car in gear. Before I could even get out of the car, the kids surrounded me, wanting to know the results of the race. “Did you win? How much did you win?”
“Of course I won! Who wants pizza?” I handed the pizza boxes to the kids and left a few on the car hood. “Andre!”
The teenager gave me a big smile and walked over to see me. “What up, Fitz? I’ve been taking real good care of Ricky. Nobody messes with that kid.”
“That’s what I want to hear, thanks. This is for your trouble.” I slid him a few twenties and he put them in his pocket with a huge grin on his face. “Grab some—”
“Hey! Hey, boy. What the hell are you doing?” It was one of the neighborhood moms, but I couldn’t remember which. A tall, black woman who drove one of the school buses.
“Just stopped by, playing some ball, sharing some pizza. Would you like some, ma’am?” I pushed my sunglasses up to the top of my head.
“You, get lost,” she barked at Andre, “and don’t think I won’t be talking to your grandmother!”
Andre looked at me, then back at her, obviously confused. “What’s going on? Andre and I are hanging out. I just brought the kids some food. That’s it.” I stood with my arms folded across my chest and I could tell she had a problem, but I didn’t know what it was.
“I saw you pass that boy money. What are you doing? Selling drugs? Buying drugs? Why the hell else would you bring these kids pizza? They’ve got enough going against them without you coming over here and recruiting them for some gang or something. Leave these kids alone!”
“Hold on, hold on. I am not selling drugs and I’m not buying drugs. I gave this kid money…” I dropped my voice a little, “…to keep an eye out for the little kids. I don’t want to see them picked on or bullied. That’s it. As far as the pizza goes, I just wanted to share. There aren’t any strings attached.” I could tell she didn’t believe me, at least not at first. “Look, I promise you I would never do anything to hurt these kids. I just wanted to help.”
She backed off a little in her tone but she still didn’t seem convinced. “That’s fine. But don’t forget, I’m watching you.”
“You know where I live, right there on the corner. My name is Jack, Jack Fitzgerald. I swear to you, I’m not doing anything wrong.”
She seemed to soften up a little. “Jack? You must be Fitz, Nellie’s son. God bless her. Is that poor woman ever going to get clean? She’s going to drink herself to death if she isn’t careful.”
“I really hope so, ma’am, but I wouldn’t count on it.”
“My name is Elaina. Ricky is my son. That’s his best friend, Mario. You are all they talk about. They say you race cars. This car?”
I smiled at her. “Yes, I race this car—every chance I get. I promise—nothing is going on here. I’m just keeping an eye on the kids, at least for a few minutes when I can.”
“Alright, but I’ll be keeping an eye out. I’ve got to go to work now but I’ll be back soon. Ricky! You go to Mario’s house when you leave here. I’ll be home in a couple of hours.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
I walked on to the court. “Alright, who’s got the ball?” A friend of Andre’s tossed it my way and we played a friendly game of Horse. “Come on, Ricky. You’re up! Let’s see what you’ve got.” The kid stepped forward with a big smile on his face and stood on the line. “Take your time and make the shot. Tell you what, we’ll give you two chances since you aren’t as tall as the rest of us.”
“Okay, Fitzie. I got this.” Ricky squatted and put the ball between his legs to get a good curve. The concentration on his face was epic. He was determined.
“Take your time, Ricky. See the ball going through the hoop in your mind.”
Ricky tossed the ball and he missed the first time.
“Dang it! Okay, let me try it one more time. I’ll do it,” he vowed, and undeterred, he lined up for a second shot. The other boys cheered him on as he crouched to shoot again.
“Ricky!—Ricky!—Ricky!” The ball left his hands and drew a perfect arc through the air until it hit the backboard, dropped onto the rim and rolled around it a couple of times before gravity finally dragged it down.
“I did it!” Ricky yelled. He rushed forward to catch it as it fell through the hoop, but Andre was already on his way to do the same and he accidentally knocked Ricky to the ground.
“Shit, man! I’m sorry, I didn’t see you coming. Are you okay?” Andre leaned down to Ricky on the ground. The poor little guy was moaning and holding his head as I walked towards him.
“Hey, Ricky. Talk to me.” I crouched in front of him and could see he had a nasty gash on his forehead. Blood oozed through his fingers from the cut and the boy began to panic and cry. I pulled off my shirt and pressed it against the wound.
“It’s okay, Ricky. It’s just a cut. We’ll have your mom look at it.”
“She can’t, she’s at work,” Ricky sobbed.
“Yeah, right. So who’s taking care of you?” I couldn’t believe he was left home alone.
“I don’t know. Don’t nobody take care of me but my mama. I’m supposed to go to Mario’s, but his mama ain’t home, either.”
I removed the shirt and looked at the gash. Nope, it was still bleeding badly and he was going to need stitches. “Alright, come on with me. We’ll go to the clinic around the corner. I’m sure they’ll help you out.”
I opened the car door and buckled him in. “Mario, when your mom gets home, tell her that Ricky is okay, but he had an accident and I’m taking him to the clinic around the corner. Okay?” He nodded and took off running, his lighted tennis shoes blinking like crazy.
Ricky cried and I tried to cheer him up. The clinic was only a few blocks away, but I couldn’t walk through the streets with him bleeding. “See that? You’re the first kid to ride in my car. That’s something, huh?” He weakly grinned at me with his one available eye. “Here we are! Nothing to worry about. These people will help you.”
“Don’t leave me, Fitz. Okay?”
“Of course not. I’ll be right here the whole time.” I parked in front of the clinic and helped Ricky out of the car. I didn’t even have a shirt on but I did have a jacket I’d forgotten in the back seat. I slid it on my arms but didn’t take time to zip it up. I picked the kid up and carried him into the clinic. A petite, blonde nurse met me at the door, pulling it open for me.
Wow. I could hardly believe it—she was the girl in the car I’d almost hit. And she worked here? I would’ve thought she was some rich kid from the other side of town by the looks of that Beemer she drove.
“Oh, my! What happened? Is this your son?” Her big blue eyes met mine and I realized I’d dreamt about her last night. She led us to the triage room, and since I’d been in here a few times growing up, I kind of knew my way around.
“No, he’s a neighbor kid. We were playing basketball. He made the basket and the guys were cheering, and—I think he might need a few stitches.” Ricky began to wail in panic at the news.
The nurse patted the paper-covered bench and said, “You can put him here. What’s your name?” she asked. “Jack. Jack Fitzgerald.”
She rolled her eyes at me. “I was talking to your friend, here.”
“I’m Ricky,
ma’am.”
“It’s going to be just fine, Ricky, I promise. Now, let’s move that cloth and let me take a look before Dr. Hopkins comes in here. He’s a very nice man—you’ll like him. When we are all done, I have lollipops. What is your favorite color?”
“Green!”
“Mine, too! Okay, let me take a look. I won’t touch it, I promise. I see. Okay, you’re going to need just a few stitches, but it isn’t bad at all. Your eyeball isn’t hanging out and you won’t have to wear a patch.” She laughed playfully.
“I’d like to wear a patch. That would be cool.” Ricky stopped crying and wiped at his nose. I handed him a box of tissue.
“Yes, that would be. First thing I need to do is clean the spot and then we will ask Dr. Hopkins to come in and fix you up. Sound alright?” The little boy nodded and looked at himself in the mirror across from him.
“What’s your name?” Ricky asked.
“It’s Mollie. Does your Mom know you are here, Ricky?” She gathered the supplies she needed to clean the wound. I must have looked like a dork as I leaned on the cabinet with a huge grin on my face. I didn’t care—her name was Mollie and she was the most beautiful, kind girl I’d ever met. Maybe the old adage that cute kids were chick magnets was true.
“No, she had to go to work. Hey, did you know Fitz is a racecar driver? He won a race last night! I rode in his car here. It’s really cool and fast and the music is awesome.” Mollie froze at the counter. Her hands gripped the tray tightly and she looked at me. Here it goes. She recognizes me. Fuck!
“Are you—?”
“—yeah, about last night. I’m really sorry. I’d just left the race, I wasn’t paying attention and I’m just glad you ladies weren’t hurt. I feel really bad about the whole thing.”
“So, that was you?” she scoffed. Her eyes widened, but she didn’t miss a beat. In silence, she slid her wheeled chair next to Ricky. She ignored me, keeping her attention on the kid. “Alright, Ricky. I’ve got a few things here. This is a numbing cream and this is an antibiotic. This is just gauze bandages. They won’t hurt you because the numbing cream takes the pain away.” Mollie rolled her gloves on and began to dab the cream on Ricky’s cut with cotton swabs. He winced a few times, but he acted bravely. I zipped up my jacket and watched her work.
“You did great, Ricky. No, don’t touch it! Leave it clean, okay. You know what? You did so well, I’m going to give you that lollipop, now.” She took the tray of supplies, tossed the used material away and replaced the others. She opened a big, glass jar on the counter and pulled out a green sucker. “Here you go, kiddo. Now, we just have to wait for the doctor. I’ll go tell him you’re waiting.” Then she turned to me and said, “Usually, we don’t take minors without their parent’s authorization. Can you get a hold of his mom or dad? I’ll need them to come in and sign some papers.”
Ricky piped in, “I don’t got no daddy and my mama is at work! Fitz can sign for me. He’s a’ight.”
God, her smile… “Sure. Uh, Ricky? Do you know your mom’s number?”
“No. Mario’s mom has it, though.”
I stuck out my hand to take the papers. “I can run back to the house and see if I can get her number. I mean —”
“No, that may not be necessary right now. I may need you to fill in his contact information, though. At least as much as you know.”
“Sure.” Mollie left us, leaving her sweet scent of delicious behind.
“She’s pretty nice. You should ask her out, Fitz. You know… on a date?”
I tousled his hair and opened his sucker for him. “What do you know about dating?” I handed him the candy.
“I know enough. I like her. If you don’t ask her out, I will.” Ricky gave me a serious stare as he licked on his lollipop. I had to admit, the kid made me laugh.
“—Ricky? Are you okay?” Elaina rushed into the room, plopping her purse down on the counter. “What happened? Mario said you got hurt. What were you doing? ”
“Mama, I made a basket and the kids were cheering!”
Elaina looked at me and mouthed, ‘thank you’. She didn’t seem so worried about my alleged drug dealing anymore. She hugged Ricky and he pulled away, more excited than hurt. “Don’t worry, Mama. Fitz took care of me. I got to ride in his car!” He looked over at me and added, “Please don’t be mad, but I think I got blood on your seat.”
“Not a problem, Ricky. I’m just glad you’re okay.” I looked at his mom; it was the first time I’d really noticed her. She was light-skinned and had a peculiar look to her, almost exotic. I could see Ricky in her face. Funny how I’d never noticed her before. God, where had I been? Ricky’s mom was fucking beautiful. “It could be worse than a few stitches. Elaina, I’m sorry this happened. It was really weird.” I stopped leaning and stood up. Her big, brown eyes moved from Ricky’s face to mine. “The ball hit the rim and rolled in. He and Andre both went for it. You know Andre’s a big guy and knocked this little one over. I know this doesn’t look good, but I swear it was an accident.”
“How old are you, Jack?” She held her son close and smoothed his hair.
“Twenty-five. Why?” Before she could answer, Mollie returned with a doctor.
The doc was friendly to Ricky and I tried to remember if he’d ever worked on me before. He must’ve been pretty new because he didn’t look too much older than I was. “Hi, there! Miss Mollie tells me that you have a nice cut on your forehead. Yes, I see that. I think one or two will be sufficient. Good news, Mom. I’m guessing you are Mom. It’s not even going to leave a scar.”
“Yes, I’m Ricky’s mother. That is good news, thank you.”
Mollie said, “Come on, Jack. You can wait in the lobby. It won’t take but a few minutes,” and I followed her out the door. “So that was you?”
I wanted to lean down and kiss her pink lips, but I resisted the urge. “Yeah, it was me, and I’m really glad you girls weren’t hurt. Listen, can I pay for Ricky’s treatment before his mom comes out? She kind of left him in my care today, on the court, so I feel somewhat responsible in all this.” I dug in my back pocket for my wallet.
“Sure, I can take care of that.”She wrote some figures down on a billing invoice and added them up before presenting it to me. I pulled money out of my wallet and tossed the bills on the counter. “Don’t get the wrong idea about me. I’m just taking care of this ‘cause the little guy got hurt.”
“Did you intentionally knock Ricky down? Did you intentionally drive me off the road? I don’t think you’re as bad as you think you are.” She accepted the cash, made change and slid it across the counter to me.
I snickered and looked at her, a half-smile on my face. “I’m pretty sure your friend would disagree with you—the girl with the dark hair. I think if she’d had a chance, she would have run me over, at least two or three times.”
“Lucky for you, she wasn’t driving,” she flirted. “I did notice you took off when the cops got close. Why? Are you a wanted man? Should I be calling the police right now?” Mollie had a sly smile on her face, like she wanted to pry, but I guessed she was joking.
I shuffled against the counter. “No, I’m not wanted for anything. Let’s just say the cops and I don’t always get along and I’d think of it as a personal favor if you didn’t call them. Like I said, I’m really not a nice guy.” Ricky ran up to me, pointing to his stitches. They looked tidy; the doctor had done a good job. I’d seen and done much worse with stitches. “Wow. You did good, kid.”
Elaina leaned across the counter and handed Mollie a paper. “No worries, Mrs. Williams. Ricky is all taken care of. Just keep it clean and dry, apply antibiotic cream once or twice a day, and that’s it. Come back in two weeks and we will take those stitches out. If it gets red and swollen after a few days, just bring him back.” She winked at Ricky who showed her his green, candy-coated teeth.
“Are we done? Was it free? You know I don’t have any insurance.”
“Yes, it’s all taken care of. This gentle
man took care of the bill. You’re all set.” Mollie slid Elaina a copy of the receipt to take home.
Elaina looked at me and smiled. “I don’t know what to say…thank you, Jack.”
Fuck, between these two ladies right now, I didn’t know what to do. “No problem. It was the least I could do, since he was with me when it happened. Sorry about that.” Elaina hugged me, much to my surprise. I wasn’t used to receiving hugs or any other physical contact except the occasional sexual encounter. I patted her shoulder like a robot and waved goodbye to Ricky.
“Well, it looks like someone forgot to tell them.” Mollie walked around the counter and stood next to me, offering me a sucker. I took a red one.
“Tell them what?” I asked curiously.
“That you aren’t a nice guy.”
I stuffed the candy in my pocket and slid my sunglasses down over my eyes. It was time to go. Mollie was beautiful, with a sweet, heart-shaped face, big blue eyes the color of the summer sky and a perfectly curved figure. When I looked at her, I wasn’t thinking of being a nice guy. In fact, I was thinking some pretty bad things—all of which involved her.
“Believe me, Mollie. I haven’t got a nice bone in my body.” I opened the door and walked out, leaving her staring behind me.
Chapter Six — Mollie
Natalie and I met for sushi at the Takami Room—it was kind of a monthly tradition for us. I arrived first, slid off my shoes and followed the socked hostess to a low table. I liked the traditionalist way they served the food; it made dining there feel so special. Natalie arrived in a blur of excitement—I could tell she’d heard good news, and although I had tons to share with her, I let her have her moment first.
“I can't believe it, Mollie. He really loved it, especially the gypsy-style skirts and blouses. I’m so glad I added that detailing at the waist. My reworking of the old style from the baggy, poufy material to the looser crepe style is what did it. I just know it is! Girl, I love my clothing, but I can't lie. It feels amazing to hear that someone else does, too.”
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