Finally, I opened the screen door and tapped on the inner door. It swung open! It wasn’t even closed. “Jack! Are you home?” I heard nothing. “Miss Fitzgerald? Jack?” No answer. I stood there in the doorway, disappointed that no one was home and wondered what to do.
Bravely, I walked into the house and stood in the living room. “Hello? Jack….Miss Fitzgerald?” I said, a little more quietly. My heart was pounding and I knew this had to be the craziest thing I’d ever done, walking into someone’s home, uninvited. “Hello?” Still, no answer.
I looked around for somewhere to set the cookies down and I was embarrassed for Jack that he had to live here. The carpet was stained and gross. It was kind of sticky under my feet and the furniture was old and also badly stained. What was worse was the smell. It was a mixture of cigarettes, spilled beer and staleness. I spotted the kitchen and walked through to put my cookies on the table. To my surprise, the kitchen was relatively clean.
I placed the tub of cookies on the table and now I needed a piece of paper and a pen to leave a note. I’d left my purse in the car, so I looked around the counters and in drawers. Some of the old drawers squeaked as I pulled them out but eventually, I found both pen and paper. Dear Jack, I thought you could use some….
“Who the hell are you and what the flying fuck are you doing in my house?” It was Nellie. She stood in the doorway, wavering between the frames. She wore shorts and a long sleeved shirt that neither fitted her nor matched.
I stretched out a hand to her to introduce myself. “Hi, I’m Mollie. I’m Jack’s friend—uh, nurse. I wanted to…”
She didn’t try to take my hand. She stood there and looked at me like she hated me. “You don’t belong here, ‘Jack’s friend’. Not in my house! I’ve told that boy over and over again not to bring his sleazy ass whores here!”
“Wait, what? I’m not a…I’m a nurse. I made you guys some cookies, see?” I pointed to the container on the table, and hoped that would clear up any confusion she might have had about who I was, but she seemed unconvinced. “It’s a get well present for Jack.”
“Jack don’t need any presents from you, Miss High and Mighty. You need to take your skinny ass out of here now before I get mad. You wouldn’t like that. Just ask Jackie boy! He knows how mad I can get!” She lunged toward me and smiled. She looked like she was enjoying this!
“Ms. Fitzgerald, please! I didn’t mean to intrude. I only wanted to drop these cookies off. I’m sorry that I inconvenienced you. I’m leaving now, see?” I walked toward the door, but I kept my eye on her. She was a little too close for comfort.
“I ain’t no damn missus anything. I’m Nellie. So get it right, you two-bit whore! Now get out of my house and don’t you come back here no more. And don’t be sneaking in my boy’s window, either. I done beat a bitch for doing that once.”
I’d never been called so many names in my life, especially in one conversation. I felt the tears build—I’d been a fool to come here. A big fucking fool!
She narrowed her eyes and hissed at me, “You know, you’re wasting your time with my boy. Jack ain’t never done anything good. I almost died giving birth to that bastard. Then when he finally did come out of me, that father of his took one look and he was gone. Gone like the wind!” She laughed, but it sounded like a raspy cough. “I hate that boy, he ruined my life and if you let him, he’ll ruin yours too!” She slammed her bony hand down on the table and made the cookies jump. I moved around to the other side of it, close to the door.
“How can you say that about your own kid? Mothers aren’t supposed to say things like that about their children. I think you need help, Miss—uhm, Nellie. You need to get some help because that’s not normal.” I felt the heat of my anger building up in my face.
“What the hell do you know?” She lunged again and took a swing at me, but it was easy to avoid her. I moved out of the way and she fell to the ground cursing and swearing at me. “Damn you! You fucking wait until I get up from here!” I stormed out of the house with tears streaming down my face. I’d hoped for a different result from my intervention, but Nellie was truly a lost cause. Alcohol, combined with whatever mental deficiency had taken its toll on her faculties. She needed to be committed somewhere or, at the very least, placed in rehab. I didn’t care. I had to get out. Nellie swore behind me in the kitchen as I left, but I didn’t turn back. I ran to my car and drove out of the neighborhood as fast as I could. I thought I saw Elaina trying to flag me down, but I ignored her too. I had to get out of that place.
When I made it to the highway, I pulled over and sobbed like a baby. I’d screwed up everything by going there. Nellie hated me and now Jack would know that. It hurt to think that maybe I was just a one-night stand for him—another notch on his belt. He hadn’t returned any of my calls or texts and he obviously wasn’t home right now. If he was, I’d hoped he’d have come out of this room to rescue me from that awful woman he called mom.
The only person I could think of to call was Natalie. Without even giving her a chance to say hello, I told her my terrible story and she listened, patiently.
“Mol, you’re in over your head, girl. Leave Jack alone. His mom sounds like she could be dangerous and you don’t need that. I know you want to help this guy but you can’t. He’s got to help himself. Find a guy with less baggage and a nicer mother.”
“But Nat—” I tried to interrupt.
“No, you listen to me. I’m sure he is nice and sweet to you, and I know he is handsome and fucks like a god, but that’s not all there is to finding someone good. Jack is broken. He’s damaged, like any other person would be that had lived in that kind of abuse all of his life. He needs help. He has to fix himself and you can’t do it. You can’t fix him.”
I stopped crying and wiped my face with some tissues I’d stashed in the glove box. I knew she was giving me good advice right now and I needed to listen to her. “I know you’re right, but that’s not what my heart says,” I whispered to her.
“Oh dear. Well then, you need to give your heart a break for a few days and let your brain be in charge. Listen, I’m going to New York tomorrow, it’s only for two days, and you’re coming with me. Take a break. Now go home and get packed. I’ll call you tonight.”
I took a deep breath. “Okay, Natalie. I’ll go. Just two days, right?”
“Yep! Just two! I promise we’ll have fun. There is so much to see and do in New York. You can take the tour of the facility with me then we can go to the—”
“—Nat, I said I’d go.”
“Okay, girl and bring a party dress! I’m so excited! Me and my best friend in New York City!”
I had to laugh. Natalie was a party girl and she always knew how to make me feel better. “Okay, call me later. Bye.”
“Mols, you’ll get through this. I promise. Bye, girl!”
I shook my head and wiped away the last of my tears. I turned my car back on the highway and headed home. I’d have to call the clinic and tell them I wouldn’t be in for a few days. Yes, leaving town would probably be the right thing to do.
Chapter Twelve — Jack
Mollie DuBois was the best piece of ass I’d ever had—and I’d had a lot. But, she scared me, and I wasn’t supposed to be afraid of anything. Fear meant weakness. Oh, Fuck! Who am I kidding? I wanted her. I wanted Mollie so bad, it made my fucking heart hurt. I sat back and took another hit off the joint I’d found in my room. I was surprised to find it was still here since my mother took the liberty of going through my room while I was in the hospital. Good thing they didn’t find my prize money. I’m too smart for that.
My phone rang again. I picked it up and looked at it, but I didn’t want to talk to her. I knew I was a loser, especially after that angelic night of lovemaking. “Make love to me Jack. God, you’re so good. Yes! Yes!” Memories flooded my drug filled head and my dick was as hard as steel. I didn’t usually play with it, but right now, I needed relief.
I pushed the dresser in front of the door and lay
back on the bed. It had been such a long time since I’d had to do it myself; I hadn't needed to. I could get laid or a BJ pretty much anytime, anywhere I wanted.
As I held my cock in my hand, I thought about Mollie and her sweet mouth. I stroked up and down and got into a good rhythm, closed my eyes and imagined her sucking my cock. “Yeah, baby girl, that’s it. Suck it.” I thought about her tight little pussy as I stroked harder and faster and I imagined her perky little tits in my face while she rode me like a cowgirl. “Fuck, yes!” I was trembling and pumping my cock so fast, I could feel my orgasm building up in my nuts. “Mollie.” I whispered, “Fuck. Fuuuckkk!” My ass tightened and the first stream of hot jizz erupted onto my belly then seeped over my fingers, followed by another one and another. My hips bucked and my ass cheeks clenched as my orgasm subsided. I lay there with my cock in my hand, panting. God, I need to call her.
I cleaned up then a few minutes later my phone rang again, only this time I answered it. “Hello?”
“Hello, Jack.”
“Oh, hello. This is a pleasant surprise.” I said with a smile. The pot and my orgasm had put me in a really good mood.
“I don’t know what’s making you so cheerful but cut the crap. Anyway, I hope you’re feeling better but I won’t lie to you, the board didn’t like seeing that report about your accident. Didn’t I tell you to keep your nose clean and stay out of trouble?” The condemning voice on the other end of the line was Sylvia Donahue. “Stockton wants to bring on a winner, not someone who brings trouble to the organization, you know. The saying that there’s no such thing as bad publicity is bullshit in our industry and we aren’t currently in the market for a ‘bad boy.” I started to apologize and plead my case but she stopped me dead in my tracks and the smile soon disappeared from my face.
“Listen, Jack, I’ll be honest with you. Good racecar drivers are a dime a dozen. There are plenty of talented drivers who would give their firstborn to race for us. The reason you caught our eye was because we thought you’d be the perfect fit for a new track and a new promotion we’re opening soon—it’s called Redemption Road. Who better to put in one of the lead cars than a guy who needs a little redemption? You know the story; kid works hard and against all odds hits the big time.”
“Yes, ma’am. I see,” I said respectfully. I hoped I wasn’t about to be kicked to the curb.
“However, the board doesn’t want to get into a legal battle to keep you out of jail. We need you to behave, Mr. Fitzgerald, or we’ll have to cut you loose. Is that clear?”
“Very clear, ma’am. I’ve got it and I’m sorry.”
She sighed into the phone and said, “Jackson, get your car in order and get your ass on the track here at Stockton, or we will find someone else. I’m giving you a month to get your crap together. I want a clean drug test, no active warrants and a car you can try out in. Are we clear?”
“Yes, one month. I’ll do it, don’t worry.” I wanted to jump up and down but I managed to keep my composure.
“And, Jack...”
“Yes, ma’am?”
“You’ve used up all your second chances with me. I won’t go to the mat for you again.” I heard the steeliness in her voice. She wasn’t playing around—this was it.
“I won’t let you down. I’ll see you in a month and I’ll be ready.” Sylvia hung up the phone and I sat on the bed and stared into space. I had to get the Camaro fixed—and fast. I got up, straightened my pants and went outside. It was a perfectly sunny day to work on the car and I smiled when I heard the boys playing basketball. Andre had shown Ricky a few tricks and it felt good to hear them getting along, even if he needed a little help from Benjamin.
Ricky must have seen me come out and he ran over to me. “What you doing, Fitz?”
“I’m gonna work on the car. You?”
“Playing basketball. Dre is helping me and I made a basket!” His eyes lit up when he said that.
“Good for you!” I tousled his hair, sat down on the cement and pulled off the crumpled front bumper. “Can you hand me a Phillips screwdriver from that box over there?”
“Sure! I know what that is,” the little guy beamed.
“Did you hear from Stockton? Did you get the drive with them?” His big brown eyes looked so hopeful and I was glad I didn’t have to let him down.
“Yep, I’m going to try. You going to help me get ready? This old broke car needs a lot of work.”
“I can help you, Fitz! I know exactly what to do.”
Elaina walked up and kissed Ricky on the head. “Hey, go get your lunch. It’s on the table.” Ricky ran down the sidewalk and cheered for me. Elaina looked at me and said, “You should know that Nellie attacked your friend yesterday—the nurse from the hospital. I saw her walk up to your house, but before I could stop her, she was inside. You know, you’re crazy Mom doesn’t like me here, so I didn’t come over. Anyway, the girl left out of here crying and I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, but it was late when I got home.” Elaina was a cool lady—a hard working mother who did everything she could to give her kid a good life. I admired her for that. She and I only had a part time friendship, but I always respected her.
I shook my head and wondered what I needed to do to fix this. “Alright, thanks for telling me.” Elaina flashed a playful smile at me.
“You got yourself a real girlfriend this time, Jackie?”
“Naw, she’s too good for me,” I grinned at her, but I knew it was the truth. After our night of lovemaking in a real bed with one thousand fucking count sheets, I knew I’d never live up to Mollie’s expectations. Now that she’d officially ‘met’ my mom, I knew I’d better stay away. It was killing me, but I knew the best thing was to just let her go and find someone from the hood. Much easier. Too bad Elaina was so much like a sister to me.
“Come on, I’ll take you over there. Wayne’s at the house. Let me tell him and I’ll be right back.”
“No, I’m okay. I really don’t have the time right now. I got a call from Stockton and I have to get this car fixed. I’ll call her later and find out what happened.” What was I going to say, anyway? “Hey…I heard my Mom tried to beat the crap out of you yesterday?” No, that wouldn’t work. I decided to play it cool.
“So Stockton called? And they accepted you?” Elaina asked.
“Yeah, but I have to fix the car and keep my nose clean or I’m out. I gotta stay on the up and up.” I chewed on my lip and without another thought, I added, “You know, maybe I should go down to the clinic and have them check me out, just to make sure I’m all healed up.” I raised my eyebrows at her and asked, “That ride still available?”
“Sure is, come on.”
I walked into the clinic and signed in. When it was my turn to go back, Mollie seemed a little shocked when she recognized me, but she waved me through. She looked a little uncomfortable and avoided my gaze. She didn’t even display her usual happy demeanor, and who could blame her. You’re an ass, Fitzgerald. She doesn’t want anything to do with you. She won’t even look at you.
“Okay, if you’ll take off your shirt, Mr. Fitzgerald, I’ll check those stitches for you. We might be able to take them out today then you can be on your way.” She rolled her latex gloves onto her hands and probed my wound like a professional. I tried to catch her eye, but it was obvious that she didn’t want to look at me. While she flipped through my medical notes, I broke the uneasy silence the only way I knew how—with an apology.
“Sorry I missed you yesterday. Sorry I haven’t called, we really need to talk.” Before I knew what was happening, Mollie let out a sob. I was still half-naked but I sprung off the exam table and put my arms around her. The stitches hurt like hell, but I had to comfort her. “I’m sorry Nellie hurt you. What did she say to you? I swear she’s a beast.”
“It’s not your mom, Jack. It’s you.” She wriggled out of my arms, stepped away and wiped her eyes with her jacket sleeve. “You’ve just fucking ignored me after we had such a great night. I’m a real p
erson, Jack. I have feelings, wants, and needs. I’m not one of your flavors of the week.”
“No, Mollie, you’re not. It’s just—I don’t know what to do.” She glared at me, I saw her red eyes and it was obvious she’d definitely been crying—a lot. “Tell you what. Let me take you to lunch and we can talk. How about the diner, the one that’s a couple of doors down?”
“Why the fuck should I have lunch with you?”
“Because we need to talk. I was wrong. I hurt you and I’m sorry.” I pleaded inside for her to say yes but she just stood there looking at me with fire in her eyes. That look didn’t become her since she smelled so sweet, like vanilla and flowers.
“No, I don’t think that would be a good idea. Now, do you want me to take these sutures out or not?”
I sighed. I’d lost out on a great girl. “Sure.” I lie back on the table and let her get to work. After a few minutes, Mollie was through and my stitches were gone. The wound was still tender, but it had healed nicely. “Are you sure? Not even a few minutes for a cup of coffee?”
“No, Jack, I told you—”
“—I’ll make it worth your while. I promise.” I smiled, hoping it would melt some of her hatred away. I couldn’t believe I was begging her. She grabbed my notes off the counter, wrote something on them then looked up at me.
“You’re good to go now. Take care of yourself,” then my angel of mercy turned and walked toward the door.
“Mollie, wait!”
She turned back to me and I could see tears in her eyes. “I’m sorry, take care,” and she was gone.
Fuck!
Chapter Thirteen — Mollie
Fueled Obsession 2 Page 8