"That all makes sense to me, but I think if you've gone this long without puffing out, you might want to get rid of some of these bigger items." Cynthia continued to sort through the box. She uncovered every kind of garment ranging from simple jeans to sweaters and t-shirt bought on old vacations and concerts. She pulled out one from a Nirvana concert and it looked to be a triple extra-large.
"Yeah. Can you imagine how embarrassed I was to ask for that size when I got it?" Haley asked.
"I would have died," Cynthia looked over at the clock and saw that it had been two hours since they arrived. She then looked at the tequila bottle and it was nearly empty. "Oh my god. We've been going through your stuff for two hours."
"No shit?" Haley turned and noticed the clock as well. She had to lean forward a bit as her eyesight was becoming blurry due to the shots she had been drinking. "Wow. This calls for a drink." She poured two more shots and gave one to Cynthia. As they threw them back, Cynthia began to become aware of how drunk they both had become.
"You know? I think I'm good as far as going out. And I don't think you should be driving anymore."
"I think you're right." Haley said with a giggle followed by a hiccup.
"So what about that marriage?"
"What?"
"I've been thinking about it since you told me. Who were you married to? Seriously."
"Seriously?"
"You heard what I said. Tell me."
"Fine. If you must know."
"And I must."
"It was Mike."
"Mike? Mike Turner? Our Mike."
"We had met in college and at first we started to date. I guess in hindsight I think he was trying to prove something to himself, so we kind of moved fast. I was a little heavy so I didn't care why he wanted me so much. I just sat back and enjoyed it. We went through all the stages. The cute stage. The sex stage. The couple stage. My parents loved him. They thought they finally found someone to unload their dumpy daughter onto, so they went along with our very hasty engagement. The only thing we didn't speed up was the ceremony. It was a lovely church wedding with white flowers everywhere. Like I told you, I saw my father actually cry. It was a great day."
"And then?"
"Then we went on our honeymoon, which was fun, and a few months later, Mike told me he was gay and he had done the pool boy at the resort we had gone to. I loved him so much, I wasn't even mad. I was happy that he figured out who he was. I wasn't so thrilled it took marrying me to confirm it for him, but that's life."
"So, you got divorced after just a few months?"
"Yup; and when I told my parents all this, that was the second time I saw my father cry."
"I don't get this. Mike has never said anything to anyone about being married."
"Because we both agreed never to speak of it again. To anyone. There weren't a lot of witnesses to it and we figured if we just kept our mouths shut, no one else would ever have to know. It wasn't a proud moment for either of us, so as far as we were both concerned, it never happened. My parents don't talk about it either, but for a whole other set of reasons."
"Incredible."
"We kind of parted ways after that, but we always tried to stay in touch. It wasn't until years later we reconnected when we started working together."
"I don't think I'll ever see him the same way again."
"You have to swear not to tell him you know."
"I promise. After all this tequila, I probably won't even remember by tomorrow."
"Good. Now, how about we figure something out for you to wear and we can salvage something of this night." Haley suggested. Cynthia smiled and grabbed a set of sweats she had seen in the box earlier.
"I think I'll just change into these, call a cab and go home. I've got a husband waiting for me."
"You sure? I know a place where you'll have the guys lined up."
"Thanks, but I think I'm feeling pretty good as it is. I flirted. I turned some heads, but I think I just want to be with Douglas right now." Cynthia then went on into the bathroom and changed into the sweats. As she stepped out, she tossed her dress over to Haley.
"And what do you want to do with this?"
"Burn it."
Chapter 16
A Little Slice Of Heaven
Jason and David had been looking for a place for three days so far and they still couldn't make a decision. Jason had collected all the brochures from each prospect and had them laid out on the table in front of him. There was a cute place in West Hollywood. Jason wasn't too keen on the area, as he always acquainted West Hollywood with hardcore partying, but it was just the right size and had hardwood floors. David was particular on a place in Santa Monica and Jason was in agreement, however the rent was too much for him to handle. David insisted he could cover what Jason couldn't, but Jason didn't prefer to have that issue gnaw at their relationship over time. He insisted they split it down the middle.
Jason was shuffling threw the pamphlets over and over because a decision had to be made soon because he couldn't afford paying another month's rent. There was a knock at his door that broke his concentration.
"Come in!" He barked. The door opened and Ken walked in.
"You okay?"
"Oh, hi. Yeah. Sorry. I'm just going nuts trying to choose a place. Come in." Ken then walked in, closing the door behind him and he gave the pamphlets a quick look. He gave approving nods to each and every one.
"These are the kinds of problems you want to have."
"How about you? What's going on?"
"I was just on my way to work and thought I'd say hi."
"Work? You're kidding! That's great!" Jason then leapt up and squeezed Ken tightly. Jason then stepped back and took in Ken's ensemble. He was wearing a plain t-shirt with jeans and walking shoes. "Casual office?"
"No office. I'm working at Heat Wave Video."
"That gross video store in Canoga Park?"
"Yes. I'm the new store clerk."
"Wow. Back in retail?"
"Tell me about it. And it's not even good retail. I'm pushing porn."
"It's a video store. They've got more than porn, right?"
"Actually, no. All the videos they have up front are things no one in their right mind would ever rent or buy. All the money they make is out of the adult section. They even sell lube and condoms at the counter."
"Really? What are they selling the lube for?"
"Not the point."
"I know, I know. Sorry. I'm just saying if it's cheaper than over the hill, let me know. You get an employee discount?"
"Not as such. I get to rent as many videos out as I want for free."
"And by videos, you mean porn."
"Exactly. I'm part time. No benefits. Ever."
"Hey, it's income. It's better than sitting at home going crazy, right?"
"I guess."
"What does Adam think?"
"Not a thing. I haven't told him."
"You're keeping your job a secret?"
"He knows I'm working. He just doesn't know where. He's just so happy to see me earning again, I doubt he would care."
"How much are you making anyway? I mean, video stores are getting kind of endangered."
"I'm swinging barely more than minimum wage. I think Adam's happiness over the income is going to shrink when he sees my take home."
"That sucks."
"But like you said, it's a job. It's the first time in months I haven't felt totally useless."
"That's good."
"So, I better get going, but just in case it comes up, do not tell Adam where I'm working. It's just between you, me and Mike. Got it?"
"Promise." The moment was broken by the sound of Jason's door opened and both Ken and Jason turned to see David walking in.
"Hey, babe. Hi, Ken."
"Hey, David. Sorry, but I have to go. I'll see you guys later." Ken said as he raced out of the apartment.
"What was that?"
"He just dropped by to talk. How about you?" Jason
asked as he swung his arms around David's neck and kissed him.
"I was hoping you had come to a decision about where we are going to live."
"I was trying to, but I just can't. All the places we've seen have their good points and their bad points. I'm deadlocked." David walked over to the table and looked down at the pamphlets. He pointed to one and looked over to Jason.
"This one?" He asked.
"Too close to a high school."
"This one?"
"I didn't like the neighbors."
"This one?"
"Too expensive."
"Jason. You're going to have to accept that whichever we choose will not be perfect."
"I know, but I just don't feel good about any of these places."
"Fine. Here." David then produced a folded page of that day's newspaper and handed it to Jason. There was a notice for an apartment circled in black ink. Jason scanned the ad and looked up at David and smiled.
The apartment was in Studio City and seemed to be shunted off in a seemingly hidden neighborhood away from the noise and bustle of the boulevard. They parked on a lovely tree lined street and as the stepped out, they were both surprised at how quiet it seemed. They knew there was traffic only a few blocks away, but they could only hear the singing of the birds in the trees.
They walked down the street and soon came upon Shadow Ivy Estates. It was a beautiful complex made up of four buildings with two units each. There was a brick and iron gate closing the area off from the street and there was a large fountain in the center of the inner courtyard. David opened the gate and they walked in. It was as though they had walked into another world. The trees above offered more than ample shade and the perfume of the flowers drifted lightly in the air. There were two building at either end of the courtyard and two more lined next to each other along the back. They all looked old, but well-built with original molding. Each one was a different color as well. The first was a light blue, the next was a similar shade of yellow, and then green and finally violet.
"Oh my god," Jason said. "It's like out of a Disney movie."
"I saw the ad and after reading it, I knew we had to check it out."
"So, you'd be okay with moving to the valley?"
"For you, I'd move to Hell itself. The valley can't be that much worse." Jason responded to David's joke with a light slug to his arm.
"Hello!" A kindly voice called out. Jason and David turned to the violet building and a nice looking older woman came hobbling out. She was short with a stocky frame and her hair was brown and curled nicely. "Good afternoon. You must be here about the apartment. I'm Beatrice Lang. I watch over this little patch of Heaven." She had the slightest trace of a British accent and her perfume was light and floral. She reminded Jason of what a kind looking grandmother ought to look and sound like.
"It's nice to meet you, Beatrice. I'm David and this is my boyfriend, Jason."
"How lovely. You're interested in the unit?"
"Very much so."
"Splendid. Right this way." Beatrice said as she headed toward the blue building. Jason took David's hand and squeezed it with excitement.
"The blue one! It's fate."
Beatrice opened up the door to the apartment and both David and Jason were astonished by what they saw. It was still furnished, but beyond that the walls were clean and looked to have been freshly painted. The hardwood floors also looked new. The ceiling was high and even though the trees outside gave so much shade, there was still plenty of natural light to be had.
"Go on and look about. I think it all speaks for itself." Jason and David started going through the whole unit. Jason checked the bedroom and it was as big a bedroom as he'd ever seen and there were two large walk in closets along the back of the room as well.
"Jason! Check out this kitchen!" David shouted. Jason ran back the way he came and found the kitchen further down the small hall. It wasn't a gourmet kitchen, but it wasn't bad. There was room enough for a small cutting board in the middle and all the fixtures looked new and sparkling.
"This is almost too good to be true. How can a place like this still be vacant?" Jason asked.
"Mostly because I just put the ad in yesterday," Beatrice said as she entered the kitchen behind David. "I've actually a few other people coming to see it today."
"What's with the furniture?" David asked.
"Oh, right. It doesn't come furnished. The previous tenant just has yet to remove it. I promise though, it will be gone by the time the next tenants move in."
"Did the previous tenant leave that quickly?" Beatrice suddenly became a bit uncomfortable and smiled nervously.
"Actually, they didn't say. They didn't even bother to fetch their security deposit, so I am waiving that fee."
"No security?" Jason asked.
"That's right. And the first two months free." David then snagged Jason by his arm and dragged him away.
"All right. Now it's too good to be true. No security and two free months? What is she hiding?" David asked.
"Why do you think she's hiding anything? Maybe a good deal is just a good deal. Besides, this place is so far back, I bet so few people know it's here, she has to sweeten the pot."
"But this much? I'm surprised she hasn't offered to pay our moving expenses."
"And I could go as far as paying for the moving, if that makes a difference." Beatrice called out.
"I say we take it."
"I don't know."
"You love this place. I love it. It's in the right price range. It has hardwood floors, and you should see the closets in the bedroom."
"Really?"
"Yes. And even if she were hiding something, how bad could it possibly be?" David and Jason looked at each other, both with expectant eyes. They then returned to Beatrice who was still waiting patiently in the kitchen.
"We'll take it." David said.
"Wonderful! I'll go get the paperwork and we'll get you started." Beatrice then hurried out and Jason and David stood in the middle of their new kitchen.
"There's a catch. I just know it." David said with a smile.
"I'm sure there's a terrible one, but I don't really care. I have the perfect boyfriend in the perfect apartment. Nothing will ruin this."
"Well, hey!" A familiar voice bellowed. Jason turned to the door and saw a large man clad in shorts and a very loud Hawaiian shirt. "Long time no see, buddy!"
"Hi, Bill." Jason grumbled.
"Small world, huh?"
"Jason, who is this?" David asked.
"This is Bill Kaslow."
"You know Mr. Kaslow then?" Beatrice asked.
"Yes. We have worked together in the past. What are you doing here, Bill?"
"I was just kicking around from project to project and I finally landed a gig that paid real money. It was a commercial and I was lucky that it aired during the Super Bowl last year. Made a mint. I figured after that I should upgrade my digs and I found this place. Real nice, huh?"
"Yes. It is."
"Mr. Kaslow has been one of our more, prominent tenants."
"That's British for loud."
"There have been complaints, I should warn."
"So that's why it's such a good deal." Beatrice then took Jason by the arm and pulled him aside.
"Please. I have had this unit up for rent for over six months. You know the fellow. Perhaps you could tolerate him living next to you."
"I don't know. I think we have a place near the airport to look at later."
"Whatever their rent is, I can beat it."
"You really want to unload this, don't you?"
"It's been dreadful. Just when I think I've found someone to take it, that behemoth pokes his head out and scares them off. I can knock another hundred off the rent."
"Do you realize how low that is?"
"Yes, but it's better than having an empty unit."
"Fine. Get the papers."
Chapter 17
First Shift
Ken parked in front to the store
with five minutes to spare until his shift began. Bernie had started him two days earlier and he had learned a lot about how to run the store. He knew how to count out the cash register. He knew how to close the store. He even knew where all the adult videos were supposed to go. Ken got out of his car and walked into the store, which always managed to be at least ten degrees hotter than outside. As he made his way to the counter, he saw a new face behind the counter talking to Bernie.
"Ken," Bernie said as he set his bag down on the floor. "This is John Gonzalez. John, this is the new guy. Ken."
"Nice to meet you, Ken." John offered his hand and as Ken took it, he noticed the numerous tattoos running up and down his arms. Bernie had mentioned the other employee of the store, but he had yet to meet him. He looked to be very young. Out of high school but just starting college.
"Likewise, John. I didn't know you and I would be working tonight."
"Oh, I just came by to pick up my check from last week, although I do open tomorrow. I'll probably see you again then," He then turned to Bernie and they shared some kind of complex hand shake before John hurried out.
"He's seems nice."
"Yeah, he's a good guy. He's better than the last one. At least when John gets arrested, he calls to let me know."
"Arrested?"
"I don't pry. As long as they balance the register and lock the door at night, it's none of my business. So, now that you're starting your shift, what do you do?"
"Count the drawer."
"Very good. Get to it," Ken then pulled out a calculator and found the deposit form. He checked and the balance was just as it had been the day before, so he popped the register open, but then Bernie grabbed him by his shoulder. "Uh, are you forgetting what I taught you? Check the store before you open the drawer." Ken then peered over into the adult section, which was the only place another human being could be found, and saw that it was empty except for a lanky old man with gray hair who was staring at a video box.
"I think the coast is clear." Ken said and proceeded to count out the drawer.
When he got the register balanced and performed all the other tasks he had before officially starting work, Bernie took him aside and he was smiling.
Beautiful Days (Jason Of The Valley Book 5) Page 12