by K R Bicknell
“That’s my sister,” I heard Jacob say behind me.
“Problem, Hannah?” Wanda asked when I went back.
“No, I got it,” I said, I’d have to get used to the douchebags if I was going to be living in their house and I might as well start now.
“Couple of real thugs on table twelve,” Miranda said.
Shit! It was chalking up to be a great day for me.
I looked over, two burly men dressed in a lot of black and leather were sitting at one of my tables. One had a goatee and the other’s head was shaved.
“You want me to send Tyrone?” Wanda asked.
Tyrone was a large black busboy who stepped in whenever us waitresses got harassed.
“No, let me just take their order, I’ll let you know if they seem sketchy,” I said and walked over.
“Hi, I’m Hannah,” I introduced myself to the new customers, “Can I get you started with drinks?”
The next table was had quietened now and I saw Jacob glancing over at me.
“Uh, whatchu got?” The bald man looked through the menu.
“Naw, just a couple of iced teas.” The man with the goatee said giving the bald guy a look.
“Yeah, Iced tea.” He said.
“Okay,” I noted and moved back to the next table.
“You guys ready with drink orders?” I asked.
Jacob slid out of his seat, as Molsky said, “A couple of G&Ts.”
“Vodka for me.” Cole answered, “Straight up.”
Some of the girls giggled while one scoffed and ordered a soda. Jacob stood next to me and resting a hand on my hip whispered in my ear.
“Where’s the restroom?”
I gestured towards the back, and he left.
“Now if you want to order drinks, I can bring you, I will, otherwise I’m just getting a soda for her,” I announced to the table.
“You are so hot.” Cole the blondy said.
“Dude, you are so dead!” Molsky laughed. I sighed.
I went back and entered the drinks into the system but when I was about to grab the drinks, I saw Jacob in the back hallway. He wasn’t alone, he was talking to the man with the goatee, and when the other man walked back towards the restroom, I saw Jacob slip something in his jacket pocket.
I walked up to him.
“What are you doing?”
“Nothing you need to worry your head with, Little Sis,” he said running a hand down my arm.
“Did you just buy drugs from that guy?” I whispered; I was fuming.
“Sshh!” He said pressing a finger on my lips and pushing my back against the wall.
“You can’t do this here!” I said quieter, “You’ll get caught.”
He leaned his forehead on mine, crowding me so I couldn’t move. “I’m not getting caught, and you’re not saying anything to anybody, got it?”
“Are you threatening me?” I asked him.
His hands cupped my face now, “Hannah, Hannah, Hannah!” he whispered.
“Let me go!” I said.
He inhaled, “This is none of your business.” he said, still touching me, “It’s none of your business, you didn’t see anything. Those guys, they would hurt you bad.”
“Then why are you dealing with them!” we were still talking in whispers.
“Just don’t say anything, okay?” he asked with a frown.
I sighed and nodded, I wasn’t happy about it but I knew enough to save my skin.
He quickly kissed my forehead and went back to his table.
I was shaking when I went to get the drinks and had to stop and breathe before picking up the tray. Thankfully none of my co-workers had seen the exchange.
The thugs didn’t stay long, finishing their drinks quickly and leaving a large tip. Jacob and his friends lingered over food, the boys flirting outrageously while Jacob looked at me quietly under drawn brows. When they left, there was a hundred-dollar bill on the table, I pocketed it silently.
Somehow, I didn’t tell Wanda about the change in my address but I did check in with Mandy during my break.
You okay? sorry for leaving you last night.
I texted.
Yeah, a hangover from hell, but yeah, Jacob said you got a ride home.
Yeah, I did, did you and Peter?
Ugh, he passed out, so I left, don't hate me but Jacob gave me a ride.
And he didn’t try anything? you’re okay, right?
Yeah, yeah, he’s not as bad as everyone says, though some of his friends.
Yeah
How did you get home?
His brother
Shit! you’re serious!? I should be worried about you, you okay?
Yes, yes
my mom and I might be moving in there
where?
Westlake house
No shit! that house is a wet dream, can I come over?
it’s more like a nightmare for me, I’ll probably be at yours more
I don’t mind but ☹️
Gotta go break’s over
call me tonight
By the time I got done with work, my body felt as unstable as a Jenga tower and there were open blisters on top of my calluses. I hated the idea but some of my tip money may have to go towards new flats.
When I climbed onto the bus I asked the driver for the map.
“Which buses go to Eastside?” I asked.
“A or A1. Where on Eastside?” The middle-aged, overweight man asked.
I sighed. “Cherry Hill.”
He narrowed his eyes at me. I scowled back.
“You’ll need A1 then, they don’t run in the night after seven, whaddya got a fancy boyfriend?”
“No, and it’s none of your business,” I say and grab a schedule for A1.
As I sat down and tucked the paper into my bag, I blinked back tears. I didn’t want to ask Wanda to change my schedule but more than that I dreaded asking for a ride. I hated the feeling of helplessness that had been my companion for most of my life and transformed it into anger. It was easier to feel angry, towards my mother, towards Harry, my dad, and even Harry’s sons. Especially the older one, and for the short bus ride I imagined treating his pretty face like my punching bag and felt better.
When I walked up to my house there were a couple of SUVs on my street, including a familiar black one. When I saw a strange man loading one of my boxes into the back I called out.
“Hey, what’s going on here?”
“Hannah!” My mom came running up, “Harry sent people to help us.”
“Are we moving today?’ I asked her.
“Yeah,” she said standing on the grass twisting her hands, “He has time on weekends and Stan wanted us gone as soon as possible.”
I looked towards the house and noticed the older Westlake boy coming down the steps with more boxes.
“He is going to return our deposit, right?” I asked my mom about Stan.
“Well, he said he’s gonna use it for half of this month.”
My hands closed into fists and I started marching towards the front door.
“Hannah!” My mom called out half-heartedly, I ignored her.
When I reached the porch, heavy footsteps joined me. I knew who it was before he spoke.
“Need help?” He asked.
I swung around, “No!” I said.
He slid his hands into his pockets and nodded but stayed.
Stan opened the door after a minute of knocking. He was skinny and had a hunched back and a bald head with wispy white hair.
“You guys left yet?” He asked.
“I just came to ask when I should expect our cleaning deposit?’ I tried politeness first.
“I told your mother...” he said.
“As I remember we paid Marianne rent for the first and last month and a cleaning deposit of two hundred dollars. This last month’s rent should be prorated since we’re leaving twenty days early, and we should get the two hundred cleaning deposit back.”
“I don’t remember any
of that.” He dared to say.
“Then check the lease, if you can’t find it I have my copy,” I said.
“Fine!” He huffed, “but the apartment better be clean, and nothing broken.”
“It will be spic and span, and I’ll be back Monday for the check,” I said in a calmer voice and then turned around and blinked back tears. I didn’t want anyone to see my weakness.
Caleb was still standing on the porch watching me silently. I walked past him without a word.
Half an hour later, the place I’d called home for five years was empty. I stood and looked around at the old worn place feeling sadness in my bones. Even though it had never inspired a deep love in my heart, it had been safe and comfortable, and I didn’t expect my new home to be either of those.
“I’ll stay and clean up,” I told my mom, “You go with them.”
“No, Baby, you need dinner and a break. Come now, I’ll come and clean tomorrow.”
I sighed and agreeing, followed my mother down the stairs.
Downstairs, Caleb declared “She can ride with me.”
My mom nodded and hopped into the pickup with the other man.
“Who’s that?” I asked.
“Travis, he helps my dad out,” Caleb answered.
“He’s gonna take her straight to your house?” I asked to be sure.
“Yeah,” I felt him looking at me curiously, “Nobody would dare go against my dad.”
I heard the beep as he unlocked the SUV.
“Did anyone check the storage?” I asked and dared to look at him.
He raised his dark brows in question.
“Stan let us use a storage behind the stairs,” I said and started walking towards it, he followed.
The door was unlocked and the closet mostly empty. I spied a box under the eaves and bent down to get it. Once I pulled it out, Caleb took it from me and walked towards the car. I heard his phone buzz in his pocket, but he didn’t answer until he had the box stowed and the rear hatch closed.
“Yeah.” He answered his phone as we climbed into the car.
“So what’d you do?” He asked the person on the phone as he pressed a button to turn on the car. A blast of cool air hit my face, I hoped it would turn warm soon as I had started shivering.
I saw Caleb glance at me as he whispered, “What the fuck?” Into his phone.
I wrapped my arms around myself as I waited for his phone call to be over.
“Shit!” he said, his voice getting low as his fist hit the steering wheel, “Why the hell did you have to go there?”
I wanted to get out of the car and run, somewhere far, but I stayed frozen on the leather seat.
“Brother, you’re getting on my last nerve, I swear...” He growled at the phone.
“Promise me, you’ll never go there again. No, I don’t care if what happens to you, just...” He ran his fingers through his dark locks,
“Yeah, yeah, exactly.” He hung up and stared at the ceiling of the car. It must have started warming up, but my body was still chilled.
“Something happen at work today?” He asked, his voice softer.
“Jacob came,” I said, staring out at the rapidly darkening evening.
“And?” His voice was back to a low growl.
“And? And I served him and his douchey friends! And his drug dealers! Is that what you want to know?” I turned to him and yelled. I’d had enough, I was tired and hungry and had enough of these boys trying to intimidate me.
“I know, he told me.” He said.
“Then why are you asking me?”
“Because you, fuck!” He ran a hand through his hair, “You....next time you see any of them, you don’t serve them, you refuse, walk out, whatever.”
“I can’t do that if they sit in my section, and who do you mean? Jacob? Or the thugs?”
“Any of them!” His voice was finally raised.
I took a breath, and another, and just stared.
“I didn’t choose to be in the middle of your brother’s drama.” I said looking back outside, “He put me in there.”
Caleb inhaled deeply, “I know.” His voice was softer now, “He won’t again.”
“Good,” I said.
He pulled the car out and drove us to his home.
After he pulled into the garage and turned off the car I just stayed in there with my arms crossed.
“What?” He asked impatiently.
“I don’t know where to go,” I said softly.
He sat quietly for a second and then said, “Follow me.”
I did, I stared at his wide back as we walked through the pool room and another hallway that had windows on one side facing the dark backyard and then through a larger arched opening and we were in the kitchen. My mom and Harry were already there chatting around the island. An older woman was taking out dishes and placing them on the long table at the side.
“Hey, Hannah!” Harry said with a smile, “So glad you guys made it in time for dinner.”
I gave him a wan smile.
“Come, Sweetie,” my mom came, and putting an arm around my shoulders led me towards the table, “Let’s eat, and then you can check out your room.”
“Is Jacob joining us?” Harry asked Caleb. I saw his tall shoulders jerk up and down in a shrug.
“Well, then you can join us,” Harry told Caleb and we all walked to the table.
“Don’t think so Dad, I got stuff,“ Caleb said curtly, I sat down and kept from turning and looking at him, “You guys enjoy your family thing.” He said and left.
I saw Harry sigh visibly as he sat down. Dinner was thankfully quiet. I ate my fill and Harry introduced their housekeeper Adele. Adele was a good cook as everything at the table was delicious. But as soon as my plate was empty, I felt my fatigue catching up with my body and wished to collapse.
“You okay, Baby?” My mom finally said.
“Yes, just tired,” I answered.
“Of course, you are! You’ve had a long day. Come I’ll show you your room.” Harry said as he stood up. My mom and I followed him as behind us, Adele cleaned up.
Harry was a handsome man for his age, tall and built like his sons, but warm and kind. I didn’t gush over him, like my mother but could see myself growing to like him.
We went up the large staircase in the foyer and turned right. I remembered this hallway from the night before.
“I’ve put you on the same side as the boys, there’s a lounge here with a large screen TV you can use,” Harry said as we passed Caleb’s room and a couple of other closed doors.
“Your mother and I are down this hallway,” Harry said pointing to the right where the hallway forked and led us to the left.
I sighed with relief when I realized I wouldn’t be right next to the boys.
“Here we are!” He opened the door to a spacious room, and I stepped in. There was a large bed, with pale yellow bedding, a desk in the corner with a small chair, and a large dresser against the other wall. I pulled at the curtains and was surprised to see a balcony like Caleb’s.
“Look, Hannah, your own bathroom!” My mother gushed from behind the door.
“Thank you, Mr. Westlake.” I turned and said.
“It’s Harry, Harry now, okay?” He said with a smile.
I nodded. Despite how nice or generous he was being I couldn’t let myself get used to this, eventually, we would have to leave. Regardless of what my mother dreamed of, I found it hard to believe that this would last.
“I’ll ask Caleb to bring your boxes from the car,” Harry said.
“I can do it,” I said but sat down when he raised his hand and stopped me.
My mother sat down on the bed with me.
“This will be good, Baby, I know it. We deserve this, you deserve it.”
“Mom!” I sighed and flopped back to lay on the bed, “Enough.”
She sighed loudly but stayed quiet.
Soon Harry walked in carrying one box followed by Caleb with the other one. I sat up
and helped them open them.
Harry took my mother’s hand and pulled her up with a smile. I watched them looking at each other.
“We’ll let you unpack and see you in the morning.” He said to me and they both walked out hand in hand. I saw Caleb staring at them just as I had and turned around to unpack the box with my clothes. I knew he was still there, standing behind me but didn’t know how to deal with him being in my room.
“Need help?” He finally asked.
“No.” I shook my head, and then, “Is Jacob back?”
“You want him?” He asked softly.
“No.” I paused while putting my shirts in the dresser, “I just...he’s gonna be okay, right?”
He scowled down at me for a minute, “Not when I get a hold of him, but right now, yeah, he’s probably balls deep in his latest...” he paused and turned around with an exhale.
I bit my lip, “Okay.” I whisper.
“Does it bother you?” He turned around still frowning.
“Not much, you guys do that a lot don’t you?” I ask, too tired to be afraid of him.
“What?” He asks.
“Fucking,” I say keeping my voice steady.
He put his hands on his hips and threw his head back and laughed, actually laughed loudly. Standing there in the middle of my new bedroom.
I bit back a smile.
“Love how you say that word.” He finally said, “Yeah, it’s a good stress reliever, you should try it sometime.” winking mischievously, he walked out shutting the door behind him. It took me another minute to gather myself and continue with the unpacking.
I decided to take a nice hot shower before going to bed and took my pajamas into the bathroom. Having my private bathroom and for once not having to worry about the electric bill for the hot water was a luxury I never allowed myself to dream of. Standing in the steamy shower and scrubbing my hair with sudsy, fragrant shampoo, I decided to let myself enjoy it for as long as it lasted. After the shower, finally warm and dry, I burrowed under a warm, down comforter and silken sheets and fell into a deep sleep.