“Don’t play stupid, Molly. I know you’ve done the nasty on the phone, and over Skype is the same concept. The only benefit is getting to see one another. And yes, I mean all of each other.” She laughed, letting a naughty smile appear on her face.
“I know. I just never got the whole phone concept kind of thing. Sex, to me, is a participation sport. If I have to do it alone, I don’t want to talk; just get the job done.”
“There is nothing sexier than a man telling you where to touch yourself, giving you the details on what he would be doing if he was in the room with you right then.”
“Yeah, talking takes work and I would rather just flip a damn switch and shove it in.”
“You are so romantic, Molly.” Megan laughed, shaking her head and heading for the door.
“Romance has nothing to do with it, Megan. Molly is a one woman USO. She doesn’t need a man to get the job done,” Danielle snickered, tossing a black shirt at my head.
“You are absolutely right, Danielle. My only problem is what vibrator I am going to use and if it has a fresh set of batteries.” Megan and Danielle both started laughing with that last line. Weird conversations always went better with laughter.
“So why don’t you want to sit in on this meet?”
“Because it goes against everything that I stand for,” I said with a heavy sigh.
“Molly, all you have to do it sit there, listen, say yes or no, and then say goodbye. You don’t have to do anything other than that.” Danielle stopped digging through the racks and sat down in the makeup chair next to me. “I know your family is kind of psycho, and last time it didn’t go over to well……………..but…………………you can’t just walk away from it all.”
“Yeah, I can.” I snorted, tossing the magazine up on the counter. Rubbing my hands over my eyes harshly, I tilted my head backward and stared at the ceiling. This really shouldn’t be complicated, but it totally was. “I don’t want to have to sit there, have them watch me, silently judging me for the million reasons they believe I am a horrible person. Danielle, I can’t take another go around with my mother or sister. They are miserable people and I refuse to be sucked back into that lifestyle.”
“Just because you are sitting in on a meeting does not make you like them, Molly. Yeah, they might judge you, but what does it really matter anyway? You are an assistant manager, touring with one of the hottest bands in the country right now. So, you may not look the part of their southern heritage, but shit girl, you are one hell of a fantastic bitch. Don’t let them rain on your parade, because they don’t deserve the pain or tears you can’t give them.”
“Nothing good is going to come of this meeting,” I groaned, still fixating on the stupid ceiling tiles.
“Well, we can plop you in front of the laptop, slap some fancy makeup on, maybe a rockin yellow blazer, and some booty shorts since they can’t see your lower half.” Danielle smirked.
“What would I do without you?”
“I don’t know. Probably end up dressed like an idiot and there is also a large chance you would possibly let the weasel Brantley back between your legs. Other than that, I’m sure you would turn out okay.” She shrugged, pulling herself back out of the chair and over to another clothing rack.
“Yeah, yeah,” I rambled, flashing a small smile. The meeting might suck, but at least I had a kickass friend to complain to afterward.
I was beginning to realize why Stephanie had her cell phone always attached to her face as I walked down the corridor looking for Allen. Why anyone could not follow direction or think for themselves was the million dollar question I would kill to solve. Yelling and shouting broke me from a rather large email of doom, instantly snapping my head up to watch an ugly event transpire in front of me.
“Hey! Flag on the play, boys! F-L-A-G on the damn play,” I shouted while trying to shove my phone into my back pocket. Flying down the hallway as fast as my stupid feet would take me, I came face to face with Chance and the members of Pleasure Revenge getting ready to exchange blows.
“Back up,” I threatened, stepping between Chance and Zain’s bodies. Sure, it probably was a stupid move for a short, scrawny chick like myself standing between two rather fit musicians, but when have I ever considered myself smart. “I said, back up!”
“Tell this stupid mother fucker to get his shit figured out. This is my tour, asshole; not yours,” Chance growled, inching closer once again to Zain.
“Fuck off, Chance,” Zain exclaimed, giving a smartass smirk to the enraged Chance. That smile almost sent Chance overboard, as I was swiftly moved aside in one swooping motion and the guys were nose to nose once again.
“Security,” I screamed, glancing around for anyone other than bandmates to help me out. I noticed two guards sprinting down the hallway toward us, but knew damn well they wouldn’t get here in time. I was about to witness a WWE match go down in the hallway, and I had no clue on how to break it up.
Fear is a fickle thing. My immediate response in tough situations was flight. Run like hell the other way, and pray that it doesn’t catch up with you in the end. Avoiding things at all costs has granted me survival till this point, until now. Without thinking, I chuck my phone at the back of Chance, hitting him square in the back of the head.
“What the fuck?” Chance roared, whirling around instantly.
There I stood, looking like a little lost sheep waiting to be eaten by the big bad wolf. Did I really just chuck my cellphone at him?
“What in the world did you throw at me?” Chance questioned, looking around for the culprit.
“Um………..my phone?” I said sheepishly, giving him a tight forced smile. At least it broke the tension between the two idiots in the pissing match.
“A phone?”
“Maybe………………”
“Oh Molly, you are really something else.” Chance laughed, shaking his head and walking away just as security arrived.
“You guys okay here?” Bruno, one of our security detail asked.
“Yep, just tell that fucker to stay away from our girls,” Chance pointed directly at Zain, narrowing his eyes for dramatic flair.
“This is over girls? You have got to be kidding, you immature little assholes,” I groaned, offering an embarrassed smile to the security guards. “I’m so sorry.”
“You guys go back to your dressing room, and I don’t want to see you before your set. Got it?” I threatened the members of Pleasure Revenge.
“And Chance,” I yelled down the hallway, “keep it in your damn pants.”
Chapter 6
Lifestyles of the rich and famous. Maybe I should just be a porn star?
I would rather be anywhere but sitting at this table, staring at the computer screen, waiting for that call. All I had to do was click the accept button, and I would be transported to my own personal hell. Personally, I would rather stab my eyes out with an unsharpened pencil then sit in on this video call, but what options did I have. I could click the ignore button, and go about my merry way, but that would give my mother the satisfaction of claiming I didn’t care. Technically, I really don’t care, but I can’t let that spiteful bitch win. Everyone tried to one up you in that type of world, and just being present for the meeting would piss my mother off in the end. Pathetic and petty? Sure, but at that moment I really didn’t care.
The screen lit up with my father’s company logo, asking me to accept or reject the call. Mentally, I clicked the little red button as my hand hovered over and accepted the call. My stomach plummeted while waiting for the call to connect. This is fucking stupid.
“Hello Molly Anne McGlenister,” my father’s associate, Peter, said as his image appeared over the screen.
“Good morning Mr. Thompson.”
“I am glad you were able to join us this morning. However, it is such a shame you couldn’t be with us in person.”
I flashed the perfect fake smile everyone back home was so accustomed to, and sat there awkwardly. This was going to be the longest con
versation in my entire life. I should have taken a couple shots before I subjected myself to such torture. Failure number one for a Monday, ugh.
I watched as my mother and sister walked into the conference room. The fake smile disappeared from my lips, and I fought tooth and nail to keep a snarl from making an appearance. I was never one for physical violence, and normally wussed out in any type of confrontation, but, at this moment I would kill to land a swift right hook to the side of my sister’s head. Of course they were both dressed to perfection, it really shouldn’t have surprised me any. Mother had on a cold grey suit, with her favorite pair of pearls dangling from her neck. Her blonde hair was swept neatly back from her face, securely at the back of her head in what I assumed was the perfect French twist. Even the sound of her heels clicking on the floor made me want to vomit all over that pristine suit. The mere sight of her sent me into a downward spiral of rage, and somehow I had to sit through this meeting looking at her hateful face. Fucking cruel world.
My sister was a perfect carbon copy of my mother, gliding right behind her in a dark navy blue pantsuit and matching headband. Her long blonde hair framed her face perfectly, and curled slightly around her breasts. Of course, she too was wearing her own set of pearls, a southern girl’s staple in proper attire. Everyone that was anyone in their world didn’t leave the house without their pearls; and I couldn’t even begin to think of where I placed my set. Fiddling with my bare neck, I forced my hands back into my lap before I could draw attention to my lack of pearls. Shit, even on the other side of the country they had a way of making me feel inadequate and insecure.
My mother turned toward the camera with a blank stare on her face. She was completely void of emotions as she stared at the screen, without a doubt judging my appearance. I don’t think there has ever been a time where she was satisfied with my look. Even when she controlled what I put on every morning, pageant attire, even the underwear I used to wear, there was always something that didn’t work just right. Sure, my hair might still be blonde, but this morning I flat ironed it stick straight and had taken a pair of texturizers to the ends last night, making my once sleek bob choppy again. I almost started to second guess my sunshine yellow blazer and black tank top combination, but then again who was I trying to impress? Unbuttoning the two jacket buttons, I slid the top off my shoulders and sat there in my tank top, leaving my pasty white skin exposed for the world. Okay, maybe it wasn’t the entire world. Just what was left of my evil family and my father’s business associates.
Clearing his throat to signal he was ready to start, Mr. Thompson nodded to my mother, who as if on cue, reached over and snatched a tissue from the box in front of her. Dabbing her eyes softly, she glanced back at the camera and narrowed her perfectly lined eyes. Keep putting on an act, Mother, everyone can see straight through your narrow minded bullshit.
“I would like to start out by saying how deeply sorry we are to be calling this meeting. Arthur was a wonderful colleague, husband, and father. I can speak for everyone at the firm and whole heartily say he will be missed.” Once again, as if they were all trained monkeys, the rest of the people in the room nodded in grievance, and my sister let out a pitiful sniffle.
“Please you stuck up bitch,” I muttered softly, rolling my eyes at the gestures made. The only good thing that could come of this meeting was my car, and I just had to stick it out to find out where in the world she was being kept. She was the only thing I cared about in this whole circus show of a meeting, so let’s get this freak show on the road.
“The reason why we have gathered today is to go over the dispersal of Arthur’s properties and belongings. Now, under normal circumstances, all of his assets would be automatically transferred into Mrs. McGlenister’s ownership. However, there were certain things dictated in his will that make this a little more complicated,” Mr. Thompson spoke, only glancing briefly over at the computer screen, then back to my mother. My mother fidgeted in her seat, and it brought a smile to my sour face knowing she was uncomfortable in this setting. Maybe all of her ugly tendencies and malicious ways would be brought to light. Then again, maybe she would just be painted as the perfect housewife and mother, yet again. Fifty to one odds on the later thought, considering I knew my luck was never that good.
“We will be here for you all in every step of the way during this horrible time. Our firm wants to make this as painless as possible, considering the last few weeks have been extremely taxing on your family,” another associate named Robert spoke, at least I think that was his name. I had to stifle a giggle after that statement. Painless my ass. We were dealing with property, money, and the family name. There would be no way it could remain painless, that was not the style of my family. This would end up being a long drug out affair, knowing damn well my mother would fight tooth and nail with whatever my father left me. I really wanted to just tell them to sort this junk out all themselves; all I cared about was my car. But, call me a glutton for punishment, because I just kept sitting there in silence; wondering when the shit would start hitting the fan.
“Well, let us get down to business, shall we?” Mr. Thompson asked the group, making eye contact with each person in the room, ignoring me on the screen at the end of the table. “First, I think we need to go over the residential properties.” I really had to force myself from checking out; considering I didn’t care that my mother got the house and probably the vacation property in Cape Cod.
“The house that resides at 57324 E Greenridge will continue to be kept in Mr. and Mrs. McGlenister’s name. If Mrs. McGlenister chooses to remarry at a later date, the transfer of ownership will carry into her newly taken last name.” I could have told you that one. Now let’s hear the results on the beach house. Dare I guess Mother’s too?
“As for the property in Cape Cod Massachusetts, there will be a transfer of ownership to one Rebecca Bishop, formally Rebecca McGlenister.” Wow, didn’t see that one coming. Interesting. “Those are the only two residential properties to divide out. Do either of you ladies have any questions?” Mr. Thompson asked, pausing for my mother to speak up.
“No questions at this time, Peter,” mother said sweetly, glancing over at Rebecca and smiling. I knew they were gloating over the houses, and it made me want to reach into the damn screen and knock their pretty blonde heads together. “I do not care,” I mouthed silently, resting my hands underneath my chin for what was going to be the longest family meeting in the history of the McGlenister clan.
Glancing down at my phone, I realize it has only been fifteen minutes, and all we have accomplished so far was where my mother was living. Rolling my eyes, I let out a sigh knowing all the work I could have been accomplishing instead of sitting here, stuck on the computer.
“Are you needing to take care of something, Molly Anne?” Mr. Thompson said loudly, instantly snapping my attention back to the screen.
“I apologize for my interruption. I was just thinking about all the work I needed to accomplish today.”
“Well, let’s continue so we don’t have to keep you from your job too long,” he said with irritation. Tossing a sweet but forced smile at the group once again, I silently killed everyone in the damn room off in my head, multiple times.
“Molly Anne, please don’t interrupt again. Our time is precious, and they are doing us all a favor meeting with us so early today,” my mother scolded with a smile. It takes an evil southern woman to be able to accomplish the task of making you feel like shit while smiling. My mother had mastered this task. Nodding my head silently, my mind started to make up words to say to the witch that should never be verbally repeated ever again.
Thirty minutes later, and the Lord being the only one to remember what had been divided, I still continued to sit there like the misbehaving kid in the classroom. I had yet to be “awarded” anything from my will, since most of the crap was split between my mother and sister. Once again, like every other family gathering, I just sat there, bored out of my ever living mind.
“We need to discuss the vehicle situation. Arthur wanted us to ask you, Miriam, if you would like your car purchased from the lease, or we are also allowed to extend it for another two years. The decision is yours.”
Mentioning the vehicles brought my attention back to the group. The daydreams of ponies and unicorns were getting pretty elaborate, and I was in the middle of naming my future ranch, but I needed to pay attention since I was betting my baby would be the next topic for discussion.
“Gosh, Peter, I just don’t know. Can I get back to you on that?”
“Sure, Miriam. You still have another six months on the lease. However, we are prepared to break the contract and pay the penalty if you would like something different,” Mr. Thompson commented, leaning back in his oversized chair and crossing one leg over the other.
“Come on, come on,” I mumbled, biting my bottom lip in anticipation.
“You gentleman are wonderful to us,” Mother cooed while reaching over and grabbing Rebecca’s hand. My stupid sister immediately nodded her head in agreement.
“Next is a rather extensive topic,” Mr. Thompson paused, readjusting his body in the chair. “We need to go over the shareholders for the Law Firm.”
“Wait,” I squeaked, leaning closer to the screen. “What about my car?”
Mr. Thompson flipped through a large stack of papers on the table in front of him quickly, pursing his lips tightly together. I noticed a grin spread across my sister’s face and my heart basically stopped in my chest.
“Molly, I don’t have any record of a personal car awarded to you.”
“Where in the hell is my car, Mother?” I snapped, gripping either side of the laptop angrily.
“Language, Molly Anne. We don’t speak to our elders in that tone, young lady,” Mother warned, narrowing her eyes at the screen.
“I apologize for my outburst, Mother. However, I thought I would find out the location to my vehicle,” I sneered through clenched teeth.
Cheap & Classy (Hide Your Crazy) Page 4