Lennon's Jinx (Lennon's Girls #1)

by Chris Myers

  Zoe crawls off Lennon’s lap and fingers the silk scarves. I return to the dressing room to check the price tags and change into my street clothes. They’re both over two hundred. There goes my first few paychecks and then some.

  Zoe has a bright-colored scarf around her head when I come out. “Do you think this will hide my bald head?”

  She has hair now, but probably won’t after this weekend. I bite back emotion for the young girl suffering. My dad was in so much pain at the end, I wished him dead.

  Currie picks out a similar one except in a different color. “Yep.” She wraps it around her head and neck so it resembles a hijab headscarf.

  Lennon smiles at both of them. When I walk over to him, he takes the two dresses from me and puts them on the counter. “Are those the ones you want, little ladies?”

  The sales woman smiles big because one of those scarves cost more than both my dresses. “They look lovely on them, very vogue.”

  Zoe examines the tag. “Are you sure? It’s really pricey.”

  Lennon goes over to Zoe and picks her up. “And deny you of an accessory that is so you. I think not.”

  If I didn’t know better, I’d think Lennon is gay with the way he carries on about clothes and shopping with these two girls. He never does that at school. I’ve never seen him in anything but jeans and t-shirts or polo shirts.

  Zoe pecks him on the cheek. “You’re a hunky monkey.”

  “I know.” He sets her down and puts the scarves alongside my dresses.

  “Ew.” Currie swats Lennon. “Don’t be flirting with my best friend. It’s so pedophile.”

  Zoe wraps both arms around his hips. “Not if you’re in love.”

  “Clive will be so jealous,” Lennon says.

  Zoe glances up at him. “We won’t tell him.”

  “Good. I like secrets. Where do you guys want to go for dinner?”

  “I already told you,” Zoe says, punching his thigh. “Giovanni’s.” She takes the scarf from the bag and completely wraps her head with it and so does Currie.

  Lennon turns around to me. “You like pizza, right?”

  I pull out my jeans pockets to show him how much I don’t have. “I have no money.”

  He leans down and whispers, “Have you ever kissed a rabbit between the ears?”

  I look down and realize my pockets that stick out do in fact make bunny ears. I smack him hard, which I’m sure doesn’t hurt him because he doesn’t even flinch. “You’re so disgusting.” Just when I was beginning to think he wasn’t so bad.

  “I know, but you set yourself up for that one.”

  Currie shoulder bumps me. “Only I can hit Lennon, so buzz off.”

  “It okay,” Lennon says. “I’m used to it.”

  Zoe tugs on my jacket. “So you’re like a boyfriend beater.”

  “No. Lennon just brings out the best in me,” I say.

  “That’s not what the real issue is,” Lennon says.

  “You’re right,” I say. “You can’t help it if you’re raunchy.”

  “Other girls think I’m funny.”

  “Who, your skanks?”

  “No. Girls that feel secure about their S-E-N-S-U-A-L-I-T-Y.”

  Currie shoves Lennon. “We can spell, you dope.”

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  JINX

  Even though Giovanni’s is packed, the hostess grins big at Lennon and seats us almost immediately. Two middle school girls, sitting with their dad, gawk at Lennon as we take our seats. They’re giggling and pointing at him while the dad is busy ordering.

  His words earlier resonate with me. I hate that he’s right. I’m not comfortable in my own skin, let alone with my own sexuality. Rena can talk about anything with me, including her sex life. It always makes me feel uncomfortable when she does.

  “Is veggie pizza okay with you?” Lennon asks me.

  I like sausage and pepperoni but nod my okay since he’s buying, and I’ve had enough lectures from Currie, the nutritionist. He orders the largest one Giovanni’s makes and a bowl of salad for us to share.

  When I order another diet Coke, Currie gives me devil eyes. I should be used to this by now.

  I lean over to Lennon. “Don’t think that buying a couple meals for me will get you anywhere.”

  “What?” He clutches his heart. “You aren’t going to take me home and ravage me. I’m crushed.”

  That stings. He doesn’t find me the least bit attractive with the way he’s mocking me.

  The pizza settles my stomach. It’s six o’clock, and I finally almost feel human again. Currie and Zoe chatter loudly to be heard over the noise in the restaurant. The dad looks over at us while the middle school girls are still eyeing Lennon like he’s the last remaining unicorn. He definitely resembles his dad.

  The dad says loud enough for everyone close by to hear, “Goddamn Muslims should go back to the Middle East where they belong.”

  Zoe’s face puckers up to point it may burst. She sniffles. I’m guessing she’s Greek from her black hair, strong features, and her name. Zoe means life in Greek. Currie and Lennon are dark as well. I read their dad Jonathan Tyler is mostly Armenian. Oh the shame, I too read about his band Rage in the rag mags.

  Currie grabs Zoe’s hand. “Don’t listen to him. We look maar-velous.”

  Lennon gets up after wiping his chin and goes over to the table.

  “Oh my God, Lennon Tyler is at our table,” one of the middle school girls gushes.

  His parents never kept him from the spotlight. Lennon has made the front page of the Enquirer a few times, once because some hot Brazilian model hooked up with him. She dumped the Us hottest guy for a night with Lennon.

  Rena’s right. Lennon can have whomever he wants. Why would he waste his time with me or any other commoner? I really should have nothing to fear from him.

  “Hello, ladies.” He stares down at the dad. It’s gotta be scary to have someone that big glare at you. “Personally, sir, I’m an atheist, but to say anything that hurts two young girls’ feelings is despicable.”

  The closest tables are watching Lennon. A couple college girls cheer him on.

  “I suggest you keep your narrow-mindedness to yourself. Capiche?”

  The guy swallows hard and nods.

  “Good day, ladies.”

  They giggle and give Lennon little waves.

  After we finish eating, Lennon drives us home. His face goes rigid when Stairway to Heaven plays on Currie’s cell phone. I recognize it because it’s one of my dad’s favorites.

  “Daddy’s on the phone.” Currie winces. “He wants to talk to you.”

  “I’m driving, Currie,” Lennon says a bit too harshly.

  “Lennon’s driving,” she says to the phone. “I’m working on him to let me come live there.”

  Rage spreads like a wildfire across his face. He grits his teeth and is silent all the way to my house.

  “Can I speak with you?” I say, nodding outside when he pulls into my driveway and stops.

  Zoe grins at Lennon. “You should go. I think she wants you to walk her to the door for a kiss.”

  From the sparkle in her eyes, I can tell she’s a romantic and fairytale kind of girl, and this warms me toward her. It sucks she’ll be in the hospital this weekend.

  Currie narrows her eyes to slits like she wants to run me through a wood chipper.

  After he walks me to my door, Lennon hands me the two dresses and leans toward me, shutting out the daylight. Memories pour into my mind of that night. I push him away, skittering backward. By grabbing my arm, he keeps me from falling onto the concrete.

  After I’m stable, he shoves his hands into his pockets and steps back. “I’m sorry, Zoe is usually good at reading girls.”

  “Your ego never ceases,” I say, quivering. I need to get a grip. Lennon isn’t Him. “And that’s not what I want to talk about.”

  I hesitate, worried how he’ll take what I’m about to say. I don’t really know him well enough to s
ay this, but I have to tell him. Even if it’s only for Currie’s sake.

  “This is really none of my business, but I miss my dad every day. Maybe you should think about your dad’s offer. I know from the tabloids he wasn’t such a great guy, not like my dad. But lately, I’ve read nothing but positive about him. Every day I miss my dad, and even if you only have a few precious memories to hold on to, it’s better than none.”

  It’s an effort to touch his arm without trembling. It came easier when I wasn’t feeling so hot. “He must care if he keeps calling and seeing Currie.” I purse my lips. “He’s probably afraid to talk to you. It’s hard to say you’re sorry.” I know it is for me. “You won’t be able to avoid him forever.”

  “You have no idea what you’re talking about. I won’t let Currie experience what I’ve been through, and you’re right. It’s none of your business.”

  I open the door and notice the Guild resting against the coat closet. That’s odd.

  Lennon peeks inside while handing me the garment bags. “If you ever want to sell that Guild, I’ll give you four grand for it. It’s a beautiful guitar.”

  “That was random.” Four thousand is a lot of mula. “I can’t. The guitars are all I have left of my dad.” I don’t think Lennon’s saying this to hurt me. He really likes that guitar, which explains him playing it out of all the other ones. “Oh, thanks for the roses. It was a nice gesture.”

  I turn around and walk inside, not waiting for his reply.

  I don’t get Lennon. He whores around with anything in a skirt yet stands up and takes care of these little girls. But he needs to ease up. Currie obviously loves her dad. It can’t be easy for either of them.

  Lennon drives off. I almost admire him. Almost.

  When I put the Guild back, my mind clicks into place on the obvious. Oh no, did Step-monster find my stash?

  I rush to my bedroom to check my Takamine.

  Step-monster stands inside my room, holding my weed. I swallow hard and step out of my room. I run down the hall and back out the front door, speed-dialing Rena. I’m trembling hard while fighting back tears.

  I’m half-way down the block with the dress bags folded over my arms when Step-monster calls out the door, “Wait until your Mom gets home.”

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  LENNON

  After dropping off Jinx and Zoe, I pull into the garage. Once again, the Dodge Charger blocks part of the driveway, but I’m able to go around it to park inside the garage. Currie is asleep in the back of the SUV. Car rides always put her out.

  I want Jinx to think differently of me, but I don’t want to change myself for any girl. She actually has a sense of humor, even though most of the day was rough on her. I didn’t particularly like her butting into my business concerning Jonathan, though I’m going to have to address him sometime. Jinx doesn’t understand what Currie and I have been through.

  My phone buzzes in my pocket again. It’s been going off all day. Jonathan left one voicemail, two from the Humane Society that I delete, and Bailey has left several texts on my phone. Her anger has faded. Once every six months we go through this.

  Bailey wants me to meet her tonight and promises to show me a good time. I’m sure she will, but she needs a real boyfriend, not me. It’s not like I haven’t told her that she’s nothing more than a friend, a really good friend that is.

  Her last text mentions Jinx. Bailey’s jealous. She wants me to assure her that I’m not going out with Jinx. I don’t bother to respond.

  I leave Currie sleeping in the closed garage until I get her packages out of the car. I open the door that leads into the kitchen. A crash comes from one of the bedrooms.

  “Harry,” I whisper.

  The dog cowers behind the couch. He whimpers but doesn’t come out of his cave.

  Dammit. I put the bags down and hurry back out to the SUV. I unlock the Glock from the glove box and secure the SUV before going back into the house.

  Groaning, crying, and the sounds of struggling escape into the hall from Mom’s bedroom. I ease down the hallway with my finger on the trigger and the safety off.

  The door is slightly ajar. I nudge it open. The lamp is knocked off the dresser, and the bedspread lies in a heap on the floor. A kitchen knife rests on the end table. I ease around the corner of the bed.

  My mother kneels on the floor while a guy leans over her. Her skirt is hitched up, and her blouse is torn. No kid should have to see his mother this way. It’s not the first time though. Except she’s bawling and the gag in her mouth prevents her cries of help from escaping.

  Muscles bulge from this guy’s biceps. I’m sure he pumps iron for fun. I creep over and press the muzzle to his temple.

  “Get up slowly,” I say.

  The guy swivels his head so that he can see me. “Who the hell are you?”

  “I own this house. We spoke this morning when your car blocked my driveway. You are going to leave now. Unless my mother wants to press charges, in which case, you can wait until the police arrive.”

  He rises slowly. “You won’t shoot me. You don’t have the guts.”

  I squeeze the trigger and shoot the end table. The explosion splinters the wood and sends the guy reeling and toppling over Mom onto the floor.

  “Don’t shoot,” he screams.

  “What do you want to do, Mom?”

  She gets up, not bothering to cover herself, and yanks the cloth out of her mouth. She reaches for the kitchen knife.

  “Heather, not a good idea,” I say.

  The guy puts up his hands. “No.”

  “I’m not going to kill him,” she says in a calm voice. Before I can stop her, she slices the guy’s face open. Blood spills onto my white Berber carpet.

  That ticks me off. I throw him his shirt, which he presses against his cheek. The blood soaks through it.

  “Heather, get his license out.”

  She takes it out of his billfold then tosses his jeans at him.

  “Leave,” I say.

  “This isn’t the end of this,” he says.

  I pull out my cell, take a few mug shots, and stuff it back into my pocket. “If I see you or your car anywhere near us again, I’ll shoot you dead.”

  The guy stands up straight and starts to tug on his jeans.

  “No, leave now.” I keep the Glock aimed at his head as he walks out in his shorts. I follow him to the front door, step out into the cold night air, and keep the gun trained on him until he drives away.

  When I come back inside, Heather is dressed and staring at herself in the mirror. Her makeup is such a runny mess she resembles a clown. “Good, he didn’t mess up my face at all.”

  “That’s all you’re worried about?” I shake my head. “That’s the last straw, Mom. What if Currie walked into this mess?”

  “She didn’t, so chill out.”

  “You have to leave.” My voice is oddly calm. It’s probably because I’m so sick of this. Unless I stop it now, it’ll never end.

  Her hands shoot straight out. “Where am I supposed to go?”

  “I don’t care. You’ve put Currie and me at risk one too many times. I’m not going through this anymore. If you apply for alimony in the courts, you’ll get half what Jonathan is worth.”

  “You know I can’t do that to him.”

  “He did it to you.”

  Tears creep down her cheeks. “He’s coming back.”

  “That’s doubtful.” Jonathan’s been sober for a few years now, and he likes Heather better when he’s trashed. “According to Currie, he’s serious about some girl he’s been seeing since he ditched us.”

  “He will come back. He always does.” Hate for me washes across her face. “Why are you so mean? You’re just like him.”

  “Heather, pack your things and go. I’ll give you some cash until you get yourself settled.”

  “No. Mommy stay,” a sleepy voice calls from behind me.

  Great. Now what do I do? “Currie, go to your room.”

  �
��I don’t want to.” She runs to Heather and grabs her arm. “Promise Lennon you won’t have any more bad men over. Promise.”

  “Lennon, I swear.” Mom’s eyes plead with me. She hates to be alone. This is what causes all her problems.

  “We’ve been through this before,” I say, picking up the sheet from the floor and throwing it on her. She needs to cover herself. I don’t like Currie growing up the way I did.

  Currie sobs and clutches onto Heather. “Please don’t. Mommy will do better. Won’t you?”

  I can feel my resolve weakening. “If you have anyone over, I’m calling the cops to have him removed and you.” I stab my finger at her. “Do I make myself clear?”

  Heather nods. “I’ll get Jonathan back. We’ll be a family again.”

  “We were never that, Heather. Ever.” I walk away and Currie follows me.

  “I called Daddy.”

  “Just great. Why?” I spin around to face her.

  “He wants to help.”

  Currie has no concept of this man. I’m glad she doesn’t, but honestly, sometimes her obsession with him grates on me. “Jonathan doesn’t know how to help anyone, including himself.”

  Tears well up in her big dark eyes. Now, I’ve done it.

  Currie’s cell rings Stairway to Heaven, so I know it’s him. She speaks to him, nods, and takes the phone away from her ear. “Daddy wants to talk to you.”

  Anger rages inside me. “Currie, I don’t want to talk to him. Don’t you get that? I took you shopping with your friend all day. Not everything is about you and what you want.”

  “If we move to LA, Daddy and Denage can watch me. You can go have fun instead of always taking care of me.”

  That’s not what I want. Currie is my family. If I could keep my stupid mouth shut. “It’s not going to happen. Go to your room.”

  Curries sobs while talking to Jonathan. Great that’s all I need.

  “Daddy still wants to talk to you,” she says.

  “What?” I bark into the phone.

  “Lennon, please don’t hang up on me. I know you don’t want to talk to me, and I don’t blame you, but hear me out. I want you and Currie to move out here. I want to be more in her life and yours. Heather will leave you two eventually, and that’ll crush Currie. Please consider it.”