by Elle Wright
Perfect.
When they were seated in the office, the woman introduced herself as Mrs. Elliot. Then she asked, eyeing Tommie like he would attack at any moment, “Is the apartment for you two gentlemen?”
Gio smiled. “No, ma’am. It’s for me and my girlfriend. We work at Gusk’s Hardware.”
Her expression changed so completely, she looked ten years younger. “You work for Eddie?”
“My girl’s been working there for nearly a year, and I’m starting tomorrow.”
“Well, then, why don’t you tell me what you’re looking for…”
“Gio. Gio Di Caro.”
“We have studios, one-bedroom apartments, and two-bedroom units.”
“One bedroom would be fine.”
“You’re in luck. A top-floor unit in building three became available a couple of days ago. The cleaners came through yesterday so it’s ready to go.” She told him the rent – unbelievably cheap – and about the amenities, the security system, and that they’d be entitled to one designated parking space. Then she asked, “Would you like to see the apartment?”
He nodded.
Off they went to building three, the longest building, the center of the horseshoe, and they took an elevator to the second floor. Mrs. Elliot pointed out that there were interior stairwells on both ends of the building, which were locked and accessible only by keys the residents were given. Gio was loving this place already.
The apartment was nothing special design-wise. A box broken up by walls, but the appliances were newer, and the countertops were granite in a small kitchen separated from the living room by a proper counter. The carpeting and walls were clean, the living room had a big window, and the view was a field that stretched up to the foothills. The bathroom was a decent size with a full bath and a good shower head, and the bedroom, which had the same window view as the living room, was big enough for a king-size bed, which Gio needed. When he stretched out, his feet hung over that little bed Natalia had.
He turned to Mrs. Elliot and said, “I’ll take it.”
They went back to the rental office where Gio filled out the paperwork for a month-to-month lease, then made Mrs. Elliot’s day when he gave her the first and last month’s rent in cash. Yeah, he’d dipped into his personal stash. No way was he putting any of what he did with and for Natalia on the old man’s credit card.
After trying out both sets of keys to the apartment door, the stairwell doors, and the mailbox, Gio and Tommie drove to the far end of town and rented a small truck, then made the hour and a half ride to the town with the big box stores where Gio bought a bed, box spring and frame, four pillows, two sets of white sheets and pillow cases, a navy blue comforter, a nightstand, a small dresser, a sofa, a coffee table, a side table, a table lamp, two barstools to shove under the kitchen counter, and three packets of plastic clothes hangers. Then he and Tommie loaded up the truck and had lunch at a good Mexican restaurant. Before they headed back to Fiddler’s Rest, Gio leaned against the truck while Tommie waited in the cab while Gio called Sofia.
“Hey, Gio. What’d you say to Dad?”
“Not much. That you’d called and weren’t happy. Why?”
“Before he left, he took me to lunch in town. Just me and him. I nearly fell over when he asked, not told me, asked if I wanted to join him.”
Gio grinned at his Nikes. “Yeah? How’d it go?”
“Weird at first, but then he started asking about college and if I knew what I wanted to major in and shit like that. He was chill, and Dad is never chill. I know you said something to him. What?”
“I told him to be a dad.”
Silence. Then she whispered, “Only you. No one would have the balls to tell him what to do, and he listens to only you.”
“I’m thinking he listens to all of us, Soph, but he’s not what you’d call communicative. He loves us. I have no doubt about that. Sometimes the way he shows it sucks. And he’s not like Mom, all huggy-mushy. I’m not making excuses for him, but he tries, in his own way.”
“Well, thanks. Really. I actually enjoyed hanging with him. He can be funny. Ya know?”
“He was looser when we were younger. I think he’s having a hard time with us growing up and going our own ways.”
“Well, if he’d give me chill even half the time… I know, don’t be unrealistic.”
“A suggestion. And you can tell me to fuck off, but you should call him and thank him for lunch, and tell him you’d like to do it again. Soon.”
Silence. “I’ll think about it.”
“Call me tomorrow, and make sure Ro is with you. I’ll tell you guys all the stories from this crazy little town.”
“’Kay. Hey?
“Yeah?”
“Love you.”
“Right back at ya, Soph.”
By the time he and Tommie got all the stuff into the new apartment, it was after four. Tired, this moving shit was an energy suck, they went to Natalia’s old place and packed up all her stuff, which took no time at all. When she’d called at lunchtime and he’d tried to slip into conversation whether she owned the pots and pans, dishes and utensils, she’d asked, “What are you up to, Ivy League?” He didn’t want to lie, so he’d said, “A surprise.” Which was the absolute truth.
The last box he packed was the kitchen stuff. All the ratty furniture was staying where it was. He doubted he’d get an argument about it.
Tommie did argue when he was told to drop Gio back at the motel so he could get the car while Tommie returned the truck then took the last of the boxes to the apartment. Gio figured that would give Tommie enough time to plant the bugs, which Gio had every intention of disabling. Tommie knew Natalia and Gio were going to be at the college tonight. No doubt he’d see the hulking SUV when they went to their first class.
A few minutes after six, Gio strode through the open doors at Gusk’s and found Natalia sitting on the entryway bench with Rita, who looked like she was ready to launch into a long Q and A. He reached out for Natalia’s hand and said, “Hey, Rita. Gotta run. We have class tonight.”
“I heard. Spanish. Have fun, and adiós.”
When they were on the sidewalk, he bent down and kissed Natalia. Then he pulled the elastic off her ponytail and fluffed out her hair. “Red looks good on you, but I can’t wait to see the blonde.”
She looked down her body. “In a couple of days, you’ll get your wish.”
“Damn, baby. Now I gotta take you to grab some food, get to class, and sit there for a couple hours with this.” He took her hand and pressed it against his hard-on.
“Pobrecito.” She squeezed him, then turned toward the car.
He understood the Spanish and the implication. Wait ’til she saw where they’d be fucking tonight. His brain took a tour of her under him on the sofa, on her knees in the shower, and on all fours in the bed.
“I’ll drive.” She held out her hand. “Clearly your brain is somewhere else.”
He leaned on her chest to knees until she was up against the car. “Yeah it is. I’m behind you, licking you from your clit to your ass. When you’re dripping wet, I’m going to grab your juicy ass, stick my thumbs up your hole while my dick’s plunging deep into your pussy.”
She swallowed. Blinked rapidly a few times, then swallowed again.
“Still wanna drive, baby?”
She gave her head a little shake.
“Yeah,” he breathed into her ear, then nipped at her lobe.
“If you don’t stop, I’m going to embarrass us,” she whispered.
“Can’t have that,” he said as he stepped back only far enough for her to wiggle out. He walked her around the car and clicked the doors open, then waited for her to get in.
They stopped at the Safeway, got sandwiches from the deli counter, and then headed over to the college. Sure enough, Tommie was parked facing the main entrance of the largest of the three campus buildings. When he saw them, he flashed the lights once and Gio flicked out his fingers.
The
main building had three floors. The first was the administrative offices, the professors’ offices, the bookstore, and a student lounge. The top two stories were classrooms. Their class was on the third floor, and they took the stairs, mostly so Gio could walk behind Natalia and watch her ass. He adored her tits, worshipped her pussy, and fucking loved her ass.
When they’d been in public, he’d seen the way men looked at her. Saw the covetousness, and he’d wanted to snarl at all of them. To point to his imaginary MINE sign that flashed over her head in bright neon. Lately, he’d gotten in touch with his inner Neanderthal.
Ricardo Dominguez was their instructor, who started the class of about forty students by saying, “Hola. Soy Ricardo Dominguez. Por favor, cada estudiante, dime su nombre.” Which Gio understood completely.
Guess who raised her hand first.
At the break, Natalia beelined it to the ladies’ room, and Gio hung back. Tomorrow he was going to call administration to find out if he could get into both classes for real. The credits would transfer, and Spanish would be an easy A. He needed to start stockpiling those.
He watched the students and couldn’t help but notice the difference to those at Brown. About half of this class was over the age of forty, and the other half was a mix of straight out of high school up through their thirties. Many people seemed to know each other, which made sense, given the size of Fiddler’s Rest and the surrounding communities. The vibe was laid-back and comfortable, and no one looked like they were going to kill themselves if they didn’t get an A.
Natalia came back a moment before Señor Dominguez reconvened class.
They were walking to the car when she asked, “What did you think?”
“He’s a good teacher. Patient. What’d you think?”
“Same. And that you understood almost everything he said.”
“Yeah.”
“You’re going to matriculate. Transfer the credits. Take the easy A with you, huh?”
“Smart girl.” He tugged her hand. “Come here, il mio dolce.”
She put her thumb through his belt loop and her fingers in his back pocket. “When we get naked, talk to me in Italian.”
He grinned and glanced down at her pretty face. “With pleasure.”
When he turned the car onto the street behind campus, she said, “This isn’t the way back to my apartment.”
He glanced over and smiled.
“I knew it.” She slapped her thigh. “You moved us.”
“What gave me away?”
“Aside from trying to be slick with the pots and pans question today?”
He nodded.
“Whenever you thought I wasn’t looking, you were frowning at the apartment or shaking your head while muttering something under your breath.”
“You spying on me, Ace?”
“More like vigilant regard.”
He chuckled and pulled up to the security panel at the apartment complex’s front gate. “Code is zero nine one three.”
“My birthday.”
“Yeah.”
He followed the road around to the back of their building, Tommie right behind them.
Gio walked over to the SUV. Tommie slid the window down and handed the keys over to Gio. “We’re in for the night. Thanks for all your help today.” Tommie nodded. Gio looked up at the living room and bedroom windows. “We didn’t get curtains.”
“She’ll wanna do that. Put her touch to the place.”
“Probably right. ’Night, Tommie.”
“See ya at eight-thirty tomorrow morning.” Tommie slid up the window and stayed put until Gio was inside.
Natalia had waited by the locked back entryway to the apartment building, and he gave her the keys and showed her which key opened that door. He walked her to one end of the first floor and showed her where the staircase was. “There’s another one on the other end, but this is closer to our apartment.” He took her hand and laced his fingers through hers. “The laundry room is through here.” He showed her that key, and they went in – two washing machines, two dryers. Super clean. “The mailboxes are next to the elevator in the center of the building.”
She lifted up on her toes and gave him a kiss. “Thank you. Totally not necessary, but super sweet.”
He smiled and tugged her hand. “Let’s go upstairs.” He showed her the apartment’s keys before letting them in, flicking on the little overhead entryway light, rounding the corner, and switching on the kitchen lights.
“Niiiice.” He turned to see her wandering into the living room. “You and Tommie did all this today?”
He nodded.
“You’re hired.”
He grinned.
She went to the wide window. “I bet it’s a good view of the hills.”
“Yeah. Sorry. I forgot to buy curtains.”
“No biggie. I’ll order some at the store tomorrow. They’ll come in the next day. Eddie has all sorts of rods and stuff. We can borrow a ladder to put them up.”
“You’ll have to borrow tools too.”
“We have a couple of sets for store use. He won’t mind.”
She went into the bathroom and he followed, leaning against the doorframe. “This shower is more your speed.”
“As in I can fit? Yeah.”
“Among other things.”
He smirked. “Which side of the counter do you want?”
She shrugged. “Left, I guess.”
Made for him. He was right side everything. Bed. Counter. Sofa.
“Come here, Ace. I have a few promises to keep.”
She pushed past him and ran into the bedroom. Everything he’d imagined earlier, he got to do to and with her, and then some, but out of order.
She was lying half on him, half on the sofa when she mumbled, “Great couch choice. Though I have to say, I’m partial to that bed.”
Half asleep himself, he kissed the top of her head, palmed her fantastic ass, and squeezed. “Let’s go use it, baby.” They walked into a dark bedroom. He’d forgotten a bedside lamp too.
She’d get one tomorrow.
For their first home.
Gusk’s Hardware
Fiddler’s Rest
Natalia
She stood at the front counter with the long scarves she’d used to measure the windows in the bedroom and living room. “See, there’s a six-foot ruler built in right here.”
Gio looked down at the edge of the counter. “Okay, Einstein. Now I get the whole knotted scarf thing.”
“This one is the living room window.” She pushed the scarf over to him. “You do the measurement.”
“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
“You have no idea.”
He leaned over the counter and leered. “What else you want to teach me, baby?”
“Behave. Keep your hands and your innuendo to yourself. This place is Eddie’s, Stan’s, and Mrs. B’s livelihoods.”
He frowned. “When you put it like that.” He measured, she wrote, then she took out a thick book, turning it to show Gio when she got to curtains she liked for the living room. “Yeah. They match the couch.” A few more page flips, and again she turned the book to show him curtains for bedroom. “You’re good at this, Ace. You and my mother are going to do a lot of damage. I can tell already.” She grinned.
“Stan’s going to give you the store tour. Mrs. B and I switch off at the register. Everything’s pretty informal here except lunch. Stan is an early riser and opens the store at seven, so he takes lunch at eleven and leaves at four. Mrs. B comes in at eight, goes to lunch at noon, and leaves at five. She must have Mr. B’s dinner on the table by six fifteen.” Natalia leaned forward. “I don’t think he gives a shit when he eats, but she’s religious about it. Says a man deserves to have his dinner ready when he comes home from a hard day of work.”
“What’s he do?”
“Construction inspector for the county. Word is, next year is his last. I don’t think he wants Mrs. B to retire though.”
“Man’s looking for a little peace and quiet, huh?”
Natalia nodded. “Eddie comes in at noon and stays ’til closing.”
“He’s here alone for two hours?”
“Yep. It’s quiet, but some of the tradespeople like to come in at night and get their stuff for the morning. I think they like jaw-jacking when the place is empty. Eddie says it’s a good time to get the paperwork done. He stands here at the counter and works.”
“That safe?”
“In our world, no. Here, yes. Also, Elam does a drive-by every night of all the stores in town. He and Eddie were in high school together, and they go way back. Sometimes Elam comes in and hangs out for a while to make his presence known.”
“He seemed solid.”
“Totally.”
“See you at one for lunch, Ace.”
“Later.”
Gio walked his fine jean-clad ass down the power tools aisle to look for Stan. And for the next thirty-five minutes, it was business as usual at Gusk’s.
At nine forty-five, Mrs. Reynolds, who had off on Wednesdays and Thursdays since she worked weekends, came in with her nineteen-year-old daughter, Melanie, an incoming sophomore at the University of Oregon. Melanie had her long wavy brown hair loose, swept over her shoulder so it lay on the Oregon Ducks t-shirt she wore tied in a knot at her waist, leaving a wide strip of skin showing over her Daisy Dukes. Mrs. B happened to be up front when Melanie sashayed in, and before Mrs. B could pick her jaw up off the floor, Melanie started casing the aisles looking for Gio.
Mrs. B looked to Natalia, who gave a wave of no-worries, then turned her hardened face to Mrs. Reynolds.
“Eileen Reynolds, didn’t you tell Melanie that Gio is Mirabelle’s boyfriend?”
“Don’t get your panties in a bunch. She’s got a friend at Brown and she wanted to say hi and find out if he knows her.”
Natalia should’ve known Mrs. B would brag on Gio like he was her son. Surely, everyone in five counties knew Gio went to Brown.