by Tyla Walker
“ Look, Cindy,” I say. “We’re almost done here, and these guys seem to know what they are doing. Why don’t we finish cleaning up, and you can go home and put your feet up and watch some bad TV. Does anyone else have the keys to lock up?”
“Sarah does, I guess, and she has done it before. But I hate to leave you with all the work, especially on your first day.”
“It’s no problem, honey,” Sarah says, as she comes over and gives Cindy a big hug. “You have driven me home so many times. I owe you one.”
“Alright” Cindy says. “I’m going to make sure Ashley is finished putting the dining room back in order and then I guess I will head out. I’ll see you all tomorrow. Thanks for watching my back.”
I go back to cleaning the grills, as Ernesto comes over and starts getting rid of the ash from the smoker. Juan puts on some music, and dances back to the sink and Sarah tidies up the prep table. I figure just a few minutes more and we should be out of here. It will be good to get home and put my new place in order. There are still a lots of boxes to unpack and I hate chaos and disorder.
About twenty minutes later, it’s just me and Sarah left. She knows where all the light switches are, so I just stand there and watch her run around and do some last minute checks before we head out the door.
“It was a life saver having you around today,” Sarah says, as she finishes locking the front door. “It’s not always this crazy around here, but it was good to have a steady hand on the team. I think you are going to fit in famously with this crew. I can tell already that they really like you. And Cindy may not admit it, but she is feeling the stress of running this place.”
“Well, thanks for that vote of confidence. I hope I live up to James’ high standards,” I say. “Can I give you a lift home?”
“Thanks, but I’m heading over to the Eagle Saloon for a tall glass of Jack and Ginger before I tuck myself in,” she says as she heads off in the opposite direction. I turn and head towards my truck and see another car still in the parking lot. And damn, if that doesn’t look like Cindy sitting on the driver’s side by herself.
I go around to the passenger side and gently tap on the window, cause I don’t want to startle her. She looks up at me and I can see that she has been crying. She puts her face in her hands as I open the door.
“Can I come in?” I say, leaning into the car. She nods, and I slide in next to her. I figure I will let her do the talking first, cause she seems real upset. We sit like this for a few minutes until she finally brings her hands down.
“I was doing so well,” she says, without looking at me. “I had my life back together. I raised my son by myself with the help of Uncle James. I got off those damn pills. I run a busy barbecue place and I’m good at it. I’m fuckin’ good at it. And then he has to show up.” She slams the steering wheel. Now, that pity has turned to anger.
“Did you not know he was back in town?” I ask the obvious, just looking for something to say.
“I hadn’t even heard from him for four years and then he just appears out of the blue, like a turd in a punch bowl.” She slams the wheel again. “I made something of myself. No thanks to him. It was hard growing up here.” There’s clearly more, so I just sit quiet and wait.
“My daddy left after mom died. I was fourteen, and Uncle James took me in and raised me. I never did fit in anywhere. My daddy was black, and my mom was white and I didn’t know where I belonged or who wanted me.” Now the tears come again, as she bites her lip and tries to hold them back.
“Here,” I say as I hand her a handkerchief from my pocket. “It’s clean.” She takes it from me and dabs her eyes. After a few minutes she looks at me.
“Why are you so nice? You don’t even know me,” she says, as she hands me back my handkerchief. “Are you always this nice or are you trying to impress me so that I won’t fire you when you fuck up?” This makes me laugh and helps to break some of the tension.
“Why do you think Andrew came back to town now?” I ask.
“Because he probably spent all of his daddy’s money and he figured he could try to get some out of me. He sure as hell didn’t come back for Nathan, because he never was a father to that boy from the day he was born. He was always out drinkin’ with his posse and whorin’ around with some bimbo. I practically raised Nathan all by myself even before he left.”
“Speaking of Nathan” I say, trying to be the practical one, “You should probably get home and make sure that he is alright.”
“That’s the problem,” she says. “I was going home, and my car wouldn’t start. Did you think I was sitting out here crying when I could be in my nice cozy house crying?”
“Turn the engine over,” I say, as I get out to pop the hood. She does and from the click I can tell that her battery is dead. “I’m going to give you a jump.” I go to my truck and bring it around to face hers.
After a few minutes I realize it’s not happening. I slide back into the passenger side.
“Well, I don’t think your battery is taking a charge. Looks like you may need a new one,” I say, as I give her a little comforting smile. “Why don’t I give you a ride home?”
“I’m sorry I dumped all of that on you,” she says. “But I’m really happy you were here today.”
“My pleasure” I say. “Let’s get you home.”
Eight
Cindy
Why did I have to make such a fool of myself and tell my whole damn history to this beautiful man? And, why does he keep staring at me like that? He’s going to make me cry again if he’s not careful.”
“You’re shivering,” he says, as he takes both of my hands in his and starts to rub them. After a few minutes he leans in and blows on them, and I can feel his sweet, hot breath wash over me for a second. “Let’s get you in my truck so you can warm up a bit.”
I nod, and gather up my stuff while he opens up his truck. I open the passenger door and wait for him to scoop up a bunch of CD’s from the seat and stow them in the glove compartment.
Should I be doing this? I hesitate just a beat before climbing in. Would it have been better if I just called a cab like a big girl and gone home on my own? Am I being too forward, putting him out like this?
I’ve always been second guessing myself. When I was growing up I constantly worried whether someone was going to be nice to me. Or, what they were thinking about me because of my family situation.
“Hey, hop on in,” he says, as he leans over and pats the seat with his hand. No rings on that hand or his other one, I notice. No jewelry either. He’s a simple guy, at least on the surface. I like that. He’s not full of bluster and hot air like that asshole, Andrew. His friendly tone puts me at ease and I slide in next to him.
His cab is neater than most pickups that I’ve been in. No coffee cups or candy wrappers, or beer cans tossed around. And no weird voodoo dolls hanging from the rearview mirror. The cab smells a lot like him; a combination of manly musk and those spices that he carries around with him. He reaches out and lays a friendly hand on my shoulder.
“Where would you like me to take you?”
Oh shit. Nathan is still at Uncle James. It would be really rude to ask him to drive out to Uncle James’ to pick up Nathan and then drive us back home. I better make a call while it’s still early enough.
“I think you can just drive me home. It’s not too far away” I say, as I rummage in my bag for my cell phone. “I’ll call Uncle James and tell him to keep Nathan for the night. I don’t want you to have to drive all the way out there first.”
“Are you sure? It really wouldn’t be a bother to me,” he says. But, I can tell that he is relieved. He’s so damn polite.
“It won’t be a problem. Nathan loves staying there cause he gets to stay up later. And, Uncle James loves the company. It will be good for both of them, especially after what happened today.”
“Sounds good to me.” He starts the truck up and waits for me to finish the call so that he knows which direction to head. I ma
ke the call quickly and give him a big smile.
“Make a left out of the parking lot and I’ll direct you from there,” I say. He eases it into gear and slowly leaves the lot. The streets are fairly empty and the town is quiet. He pops an old Dixie Chicks CD into the deck.
Is he trying to get a read on me? See what I like?
I don’t comment.
Country music is not my thing, but let him keep on guessing. Better to be mysterious.
“Sorry you had to see all of that today with Andrew,” I finally blurt out. I might as well bring up the subject, because there is no denying the shit he saw with his own eyes. “He’s the only one in the whole world who can make me that crazy. It’s kinda scary. I mean, the things I could do to him if he pushed me too far.”
“I thought you were pretty restrained, given the way he was acting. I could tell he enjoyed yankin’ your chain. I think he was trying to get you to do something stupid in front of Nate.” Then he added, rather seriously, “You know you are going to have to deal with him whether you like it or not.”
“What do you mean?” I ask, trying not to sound scared.
“Well, unless you get a restraining order or get something in writing, you’re going to have to let him see his kid. You’re just going to have to make it work, somehow.”
“Turn right at the next light,” I say, happy to change the subject. “That’s my street. 43 West Durning.” He turns down the street and slowly looks for the address. I let him find it on his own, trying to decide what to say next.
“So, would you want to come in and have a drink?” I finally say, trying to sound super casual. “It’s been a fucked up day and I’m all wound up. I don’t think I’ll be able to fall asleep very soon, anyway. And, I’m pretty sure I have some whiskey left.”
“Sure, I’d love to,” he says, “as long as it’s not against company policy.” And he cocks his head in just the cutest way.
“I’ll make sure your boss doesn’t find out. I hear she can be a real bitch at times.” I smirk, bouncing out of the truck and head up the walkway.
I open the front door and turn on some lights. Thank god I put all that laundry away last night. And the place doesn’t smell too bad after all. I head into the kitchen and open up the booze closet. Luckily, I have half a bottle of cheap bourbon left. He follows me in and leans against the counter. I can feel him watching me while I pour two glasses. I like it.
“I just don’t understand punks like Andrew,” he says, when I hand him his glass. “They don’t know a good thing when it’s staring them right in the face. You have so much going for you. You’re beautiful, and you’re smart and you’re a great mom. I mean, any guy in the world would kill to have a girlfriend or a wife like you.”
“Well, I think you are a pretty fine example of what a real man is, yourself. Cowboy.” I say, as I attempt to clink glasses with him. Unfortunately, my aim is a little off and I wind up spilling half of his drink down his shirt. He laughs which makes me laugh too.
“I’m so sorry,” I say, as I wipe him down with a kitchen towel. “I think I’m a little nervous. My grandad used to say ‘as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs’. He used to say that all the time and I never forgot it.” I look up at him and smile. “I guess that’s me, a long-tailed pussycat.”
He just looks down at me with those deep, deep eyes and I know he wants to kiss me. And, I know he’s afraid to make the first move. So, I slowly reach my hand up until it's behind his head and I pull his lips down to mine. His lips are so soft, as he lets me set the pace. There’s no grinding of lips and teeth, just the lightest touch as I fold into him.
His one hand is resting on my hip. Slowly, his other hand reaches around my back to pull me gently to him, as he slips his bourbon flavored tongue into my mouth. I get a jolt, like someone sent a charge of electricity through my body. This is all happening a little too fast, but I don’t care. It’s been way too long since someone kissed me this passionately.
This goes on for some time because I really don’t want it to end. So, I grind my hips a little harder against him and I can feel his bulge pushing against me. Nice. I move with him as he lets out a slight moan. I try to decide whether to reach in his pants and hold his cock, or just enjoy it rubbing against my pussy. But then, he grabs my ass with both hands and pulls me closer. That answers my question for the moment.
Suddenly, his hands are moving down my legs and pulling my skirt up so that his hands are back on my ass, but with only my silk panties in between. Now, it’s my turn to do the moaning as those lovely hands are moving inside my panties and are working them down my legs a bit.
I am wet as hell, and I have lost whatever self-control I thought I had. But I don’t care. This feels too good to stop now. And I’m just a tingling mess.
He has worked his way down the front of my body as he pulls my underwear down with him. They are finally on the floor and I step out of them. Now, his head is under my skirt and he is holding my ass, as his tongue lightly licks my slit. I am about to explode before I gently raise him up to look at me.
“Let’s finish this in the bedroom,” I say, as I take him by the hand. “I’m getting a little weak in the knees.”
Nine
Hank
Shit. I roll over and look at the clock. 2am. Ma’s gonna be worried. I told her I’d call after my first day and tell her how the day went. I can only imagine the conversation now.
‘Went great, Ma. For starters, my boss is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. She’s got a troubled kid and a loud, potentially dangerous ex-husband who showed up out of the blue. But that didn’t stop me from bringing her home. Slowly removing her clothes, carefully running my hands along the inside of her thighs, kissing up her smooth skin to taste her wetness....’
I groan softly and look over at Cindy, asleep next to me. It’s nice to see her finally relaxed after the day she had. I close my eyes and indulge in small smile of satisfaction as I think about making her cum. ‘Oh god, oh god, oh god,’ she cried as my tongue made circles against her clit. Her thighs held my head in place like a vise when she broke over. It was perfect.
She was already fighting sleep when I crawled up next to her, pulled her into my chest, and ran my fingers gently up and down her spine. Looking at her now, I can’t help thinking of Sarah’s words back at the restaurant. “Hasn’t seen anyone since her ex.”
Has it really been four years since Cindy’s been with anyone?
If so, it’s a damn shame. And if so, come daybreak she may just regret jumping into bed with her newest employee. Probably best to give her some space.
I climb out of Cindy’s bed as gently as I can, willing my cock to settle down as I readjust my jeans and T-shirt. I find my boots at the foot of Cindy’s bed and sit to put them on, looking at the pictures of Nate on the bedside table. There’s one of him as a baby, wearing a cowboy hat that’s far too big and covering his eyes. There’s another when he must be about eight. He’s in a boat with James, beaming as he holds up a small sunfish on the end of his line.
There are three or four other pictures of Nate around the room, and a few books on Cindy’s nightstand. The How-Tos of Restaurant Management and The Single Parent. Quite the reading list. It’s clear Nate has been Cindy’s whole world since her ex left. Nate and the restaurant. No wonder she hasn’t had any time for relationships.
I dig in my pocket to find a discarded order slip from the restaurant and grab a pen Cindy’s been using to underline passages in her books.
Had to go check on ma. Thank you for letting me...
I cross it out and start again.
Went to check on my ma. I’ll see you at the restaurant.
That’ll do. Simple. To the point. But will she think I’m running out? Or will she be relieved I’m not here when she wakes up? Before I lose my nerve I quickly add:
Give me a call if you need a ride.
And I scribble my phone number at the bottom. I hope it doesn’
t seem too desperate. I’m surprised by how badly I want her to call.
* * *
After a visit to my apartment, a shower, and some strong coffee, I make my way to Ma’s around 7. Despite being retired, she can’t break herself from the routine of a school teacher, so she’s always up early. I give her a kiss on the cheek and join her at the kitchen table where she’s picking at some eggs.
“Thought I’d hear from you yesterday.”
“I know. I know. The day sorta got away from me.”
“And the job,” she asks.
“Good. Good.” I get up from the table and pour myself a cup of coffee, then bring the pot over to fill up Ma’s mug. Trying to make my voice sound as casual as I can, I ask, “Do you know Cindy Washington? James’ niece?”
“Of course. Poor thing’s been in a tough spot for a few years. Caring for that boy without a husband. Trying to keep that restaurant going. Tough as nails, though. She give you a hard time?”
“You could say that.” I feel myself blushing and turn away to put the coffee pot back. I sit down at the table again, looking over at Ma.
“Her husband’s back. Or ex-husband. He showed up at the restaurant yesterday.”
Ma whistles, something she always does when she hears big news. I remember her whistling when I brought home an A on my school tests. And she whistled over the phone when I told her about winning first place at the Barbecue Festival.
“That man’s bad news. He’s older than her. Started eyeing her up when she was still in high school,” she shakes her head. “He charmed her with his rodeo act and his daddy’s money. He married her when she was only eighteen. Then runs off and takes up with another woman. How’d Cindy take it when he showed up?”
