Bottomed Out

by Brooke May

  “Mr. Hunt?”

  “Shit!” Springing away from my desk, I nearly topple over backward if it wasn’t for the brakes of my chair.

  “Jax?”

  “Y-Yes?” Righting myself, I smooth my hand over my hair that is probably ready to get cut.

  “You have someone from Piston Motor Sports here to see you.”

  “R-Really?” And once more, I’m a nervous, stuttering mess.

  “Shall I see her in?” I hear a hint of amusement in Michelle’s voice. I’m going to get slammed for this afterward.

  “Yes, please.” Running another hand through my hair, I straighten out my shirt and take my brakes off. My hands slip several times as I make my way around my desk to greet my visitor.

  So much for putting Len in the back of my mind.

  I’m like a deprived puppy who is stuck at home all day waiting for their new owner to come home and play with him.

  My body, at least the parts that can, quake with anticipation as my doorknob turns, and Michelle’s customary introduction comes from the crack.

  “It’s a little unexpected, Miss Bartin, but Mr. Hunt will be thrilled to see you.”

  Did she say Miss Bartin? As in Paige Bartin, not Lennox Austin?

  Once again, booted feet thump into my office, but this time, they aren’t carrying the sexy little woman I have fantasized about. Shoulders drooping, I fall back in my seat as a woman decked head to toe in black strides through the door.

  If I thought Len was the light, wearing pale colors and having white hair tipped in pink, then the woman before me now is the darkness. I’ve seen Paige Bartin in magazines and in passing from time to time, but this is the first I have seen her face-to-face.

  “Mr. Hunt?” A dark brow quirks as a hand stretches out.

  “Hi, yes. I’m Jax Hunt.” Grabbing her hand, I shake it with a little more vigor than necessary. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Miss Bartin.”

  “Please, call me Paige.” The dark makeup around her eyes is also the complete opposite of her friend. Her green eyes carry an air of wickedness while Len’s are filled with mischief. I prefer the light teasing compared to the darkness this woman holds.

  “What can I do for you, Paige?” I turn us to the table and gesture for her to take a seat.

  “I know you told Len you would send over the race schedules, but I was hoping to get them from you now. That way I have a little more time to go over it.”

  I gape at her, not sure what to say. Mainly because I’m not entirely certain that is the reason she is here.

  “Absolutely. Our race coordinators are still figuring out the heats, but we can try to go over what we have so far.”

  “Sounds good.” Grinning at me, she takes a seat and makes herself comfortable. “I’ll be honest, when Len told me that Double X was trying to get ahold of us, I was a little surprised.”

  “Why is that?”

  “Your company is huge. Park and I are just getting our shit together with what we want to do.”

  “But you two are somebodies in our world,” I interject.

  “That”—she snaps her fingers and points at me—“is why I sent Len. I wanted to see if you guys were serious and weren’t just after our slowly gaining fame.”

  I can’t help but laugh. “I’m sure that’s why my boss asked me but both Double X and Piston Motor Sports can benefit from a partnership. We get a decal on your bikes or gear, and you get your name attached to us. That will allow you to gain more visibility for your blooming company and career.”

  “I like you, Jax Hunt. You aren’t bullshitting me.”

  “I’ve never been big on blowing smoke up anyone’s ass, so I’m not about to start now.”

  “Good.” She leans forward, readying to either get down to business or leave. “Now, I have a quick question for you before we dive in.”

  “Yes?” I’m hesitant.

  “You weren’t expecting me, were you?” Tilting her head to one side, she lets her long dark hair fall. “No,” she answers for me while her eyes narrow. “You were hoping I was Lennox.” A grin that should make the devil worry and possibly piss himself creeps onto her strangely elegant face.

  “Wh-What do you mean?”

  “Oh, come on. You sounded eager when your assistant told you I was here. I kind of put the pieces together.”

  “What pieces?”

  “She hasn’t gotten this dopey look off her face since she came in to see you and then saw you at her brother’s gym. She’s said some things …” Trailing off, she looks over at my wall where I keep some of my old trophies.

  “What?”

  “I’m not going to tell you that. What my friend tells me is confidential,” she teases. “Anyway, let’s talk about this race. I have a week to prepare.”

  “Right, and Parker will want to know what jump heights we will have?”

  “Park doesn’t need to prep. He can jump anything even hung over.” I can’t help but laugh once more, but this time, she joins in. Like her, I’ve only seen Parker on TV or from afar, but I’ve heard things.

  Now that we have that out of the way, I dive into what she wants to know, but the entire time, the back of my mind is buzzing with the news Len has talked about me with her friend. I’m also wondering why she hasn’t reached out to me yet.

  Chapter Twelve

  Have you ever had a buzzing sensation in the base of your skull telling you something is about to happen?

  Yeah, you know you have.

  After ending my meeting with Paige, I got back to work answering a few more emails and starting the paperwork for the liquor license for our next event. It is bigger than the event next weekend in Beaver and slightly different. There won’t be any bikes in sight at it. Just a giant party for the Double X riders and friends.

  It took a great deal of self-control not to bring up Len at every opportunity presented to me when talking things over with Paige. I swear my cheek is sore from biting down on it. And even after she got ready and then left, I did my best.

  I did good to keep my mind occupied until it was time to clock out, and now, I’m ready to go burn some steam off. There is still hope fluttering around in my chest as I drive home. I’m ready to get changed and head over to the gym. Maybe Owen has lightened up a bit in the past few days and is going to have Len with him again.

  The pit of my stomach bottoms out when the front of the van points in the direction of the parking lot of the apartment complex. Axle’s truck and Levi’s car are parked in front of my place, framing my spot in the middle.

  I’m not surprised to see Axle is already home. His office is a lot closer than mine, and he is always running out of there right at the end of the day. And I honestly shouldn’t be surprised by Levi’s presence here either. He doesn’t have anything better to do with his time than to bug others.

  The world will turn upside down when he finally pulls his shit together and gets a job.

  Having the distinct feeling that I’m not going to make it to the gym today, I park in my space and embark on the tedious task of getting out and locking it up.

  There is no such thing as silence at any part of the day or night in Salt Lake City. Someone is always meandering about even in the early hours. It is especially so in the heart of the afterwork rush. Horns blare through the warm air, and my mouth instantly opens as the dry air causes my nose to dry out and then my mouth as well.

  Sometimes I wonder why anyone would have thought this was a great place to settle back in the day. And then I can’t imagine living anywhere else in the world. I’ve seen enough of it to think I would prefer another place, but this is home, and this is where I will remain.

  As I push the front door open, I’m greeted with boisterous laughter and the clinking of beer bottles.

  “Isn’t it a little early to start celebrating the weekend?”

  “There is never a better time,” Levi cheers.

  “Here, here.” Axle raises his bottle high into the air. “Freedom from th
e cum-sucking harpy and the hellhole I call a job for two days.”

  “I thought you said she refused to swallow?”

  “I’ll leave you two to it.” My wheels have barely made a half turn in the direction of my bedroom when the pair of them stop me.

  “I don’t think so, Wheels.”

  “We’re going out.”

  I have gotten used to the calluses on my hands from pushing myself around. I’ve adapted to getting myself dressed in a different fashion than my mom taught me when I was small. I’ve adjusted to every change in my life, but the one that is obviously standing in front of me.

  I do not care that both of my friends stand over me.

  “I was going to the gym.” It’s a lame excuse. It isn’t that I mind going out with them because it is always a ton of fun, but most of the time, I’m the designated driver, and that gets old. The last time I let myself go, I woke up on at beach south of the border, wearing nothing but a woman’s thong and had bottles littered around me.

  It was difficult explaining the situation at the border when I didn’t even have my wallet on me.

  Four days later, I was on my way home and pissed off.

  “Tough shit, we are going out. Drop whatever shit you need, change, and let’s get out of here.” Axle gets out of my way, and Levi gestures for me to continue to my room. Instead of exchanging my work clothes for workout gear, I dress in a pair of loose jeans, a tight Henley, and boots. I don’t keep them waiting any longer than necessary.

  “Let’s get this shitshow on the road.” I don’t stop to wait for them. We will be taking my van either way.

  I don’t need their instructions about what bar we will be visiting tonight. It’s always the same one where there are always plenty of women to entertain us. There are also several more handicap spaces there than most of the other bars and clubs in the area.

  “Lead the way, Jax.” Rolling my eyes at Axle’s comment, I lead the charge into the bar and find us a table. Since they insisted on getting here so early, the place is mostly empty, and we are allowed to get a few under the belt before the afterwork crowd starts to filter in.

  I even have a couple since I know we are going to be here for a while. I’ll be able to have something to eat between them, especially since I’m pacing myself.

  As the evening carries on, our table is visited by some familiar female faces and others who were new. I’m ready to call it an evening by ten when Levi disappeared with a blonde, or was it two? And Axle is sucking face with some chick who I believe is too drunk to even know her name or whatever cover story she possibly came up with for the night because she keeps bouncing between Cami and Tara.

  How the hell do you confuse those two names?

  As the girls visited, hoping for something from each of my friends, they overlook me and moved on when neither Levi or Axle showed interest in what they were selling.

  I’m honestly getting shit full of all of this.

  I have ended up staring down at the condensation cascading down my glass of water and cold nachos, envisioning Len’s face when she first saw me. Like all others, there was the initial surprise of seeing me in a permanent seat, but what made Len stand apart, besides her looks and the teasing personality that I admit I’m holding a torch for, is how she treated me like a normal person. Because I am.

  “Can. I. Get. You. Another?”

  “What?” Lifting my head, I find a woman. Not bad looking with a low-cut top and her purchased tits nearly tumbling out as she bends to speak to me, but her wide eyes and the slow way she asks me if I want another has me ready to jerk my friend out of this place.

  Fuck Levi. He can figure his own ride out.

  “Can. I. Get. You. Another. One?” She points down at my glass that is only half-full.

  I’m a pretty relaxed guy, not as much as Levi but I’m nowhere near Axle’s level of anger unless something happens to set me off. Moments like this, no matter who is talking to me, pisses me the fuck off.

  “I’m good. Actually,” I push away from the table, “I believe I’m done for the evening.” I’d love to toss out some big words to see the shocked expression roll over her overly painted face, but I can’t think of anything at this moment that isn’t a cuss word.

  “Oh, okay, honey. Do you need me to call your bus?”

  I’m a gentleman. I don’t care for being an asshole to women, but this woman has been changing that tone.

  “I don’t need a fucking bus, lady. I can drive better than you with both your goddamn legs.” I nod down to the toned sticks that are attached to a pair of sky-high lime green pumps. “I can wipe my own ass too, so thank you but no thanks.”

  Grabbing Axle, I somehow end up jerking not only him but also the girl out the door. Knowing Axle’s rule of never having a girl over at our place, Megan aside, I stop the chick before she can reach my van.

  “Sorry, you’ll have to find another ride for the night.”

  “What the fuck, Jax?” Axle slurs, swaying from side to side like a giant tree about ready to topple over with one good gust.

  “Like hell I’m going to come pick you up tomorrow when you find yourself tethered to another woman’s bed and I have to play the part of a jilted lover.” Been there, done that, and do not want the fucking T-shirt.

  Chapter Thirteen

  My phone rests lifeless on my nightstand.

  Getting back up, I pull myself back into my seat and stare down at my phone, waiting to see if the little blue light in the corner will flash. I know my phone isn’t on silent, so I should have heard if I had anything come in.

  All weekend, the damn little nearly flat electronic has felt like it isn’t getting any service, and the moment something does come in, I do my best to dive for it only to see Josie is making sure I will make it to church on time.

  And if I don’t stop to stare at my phone, I will be late for service.

  Sighing, I put the fucking thing on my lap and wheel around to grab a tie and whip it around my neck.

  “Hey, Ax?”

  Thumps slam their way down the hallway and stop in my open door.

  “Yeah?”

  Finishing up the knot, I look at him through the reflection of my full-length mirror. “Are you sure you don’t want to go with me?”

  He snorts, and I know, even as I turn back to my own reflection to fix my collar, he is rolling his eyes at me and my attempt to get him to go to church with me. Like so many other things in his warped life, he has pushed away any form of religion.

  “Thanks, but no.” Kicking off the doorframe, he strides in to hand me my jacket. “I don’t understand why you want to subject yourself to your mom’s cold shoulder in front of the congregation week after week.”

  “I sit with my sister and her family.” I do my best to talk to my mom, but it never ends well.

  “Yeah, all right.” He doesn’t sound convinced. “Your mom doesn’t even look at you.”

  “I know.” My shoulders slump in defeat, but it isn’t enough to keep me from going. “Thank you.” Putting my jacket on, I lead the way out to the living room, but I don’t stop. “I’ll be back later.”

  Waving a hand over my head, I make my way out to my van, and the wheels don’t stop turning until I’m pulling to a stop in the only open handicap spot in front of the church I was baptized in.

  The majority of the members are very thoughtful toward me, and even Mr. Wilson, the double amputee war veteran, makes sure I have one of the handicap spots. This is even after I told him not to worry about me, and I would find another way to park so he could have the spot, but he refuses me. Typically, I try to get here before him so he can have the spot.

  It never ceases to amaze me how many people will park in a handicap spot and not be handicap.

  As I get out, I’m barely about to turn around to head up the ramp when the cutest little girl in pigtails sprints up to me. Her little light yellow dress flutters around her as her mother chases after her.

  “Ruby, not in your ne
w shoes!”

  “Uncy!” Her giggle is infectious. Opening my arms for her, she springs and settles onto my lap. “Uncy!” Squeezing my face, she places a sloppy kiss on my nose and then cuddles closer.

  “Good morning, Ruby.” Careful not to mess with her hair, I pat her head and start to guide us in my sister’s direction. “Morning, Josie.”

  “Morning, Jax.” Bending down, she gives me a kiss on the cheek, then wipes her pale pink lipstick off and checks over her daughter’s hair.

  “She looks fine, Jos.” Batting her hand away, I start to push up to the church doors where my brother-in-law waits for us. “Hi, Nolan.”

  “Hey, Jax. Nugget, did you find Uncle Jax for us?”

  “Yeah!” she cheers, not leaving my lap.

  Following my family into the building, I keep an eye out for my parents, but my search is halted every few feet by someone wanting to ask me how I’ve been. I see everyone once a week; the only time I didn’t was when I was in the hospital.

  By the time we make it to our usual pew, the service is ready to begin, and I finally locate my parents in the front like always.

  One thing I never realized about my mom before my accident was how important image has always been. You would think that nearly losing her son to a horrible accident would have made her want to keep me close, but that isn’t the case.

  Taking a deep breath, I allow my thoughts to shut down as the minister starts talking. Through the entire service, Ruby squirms and wriggles on my lap. This is typical of her. Usually she bounces between my lap, Nolan’s, and Josie’s so much so that Josie ends up taking her to the children’s room.

  But today, the little girl has decided to only fiddle with her hem line on my lap and randomly look up at me with her round face and grin.

  When the service ends, several parents hurry away with their children to Sunday school while others head to the dining area for coffee and cakes. I wheel myself alongside Nolan while Josie takes Ruby to her class. I’m braced for what is about to come.

  “I heard about the event you’re in charge of in Beaver.” Nolan is a great guy. He is a wonderful man to my sister, an awesome dad, and God love him, he’s good around my mom, but he doesn’t know anything about what I do or what I love in life. Not many in my family do.