Ridge Creek

by C L Green

  I take a swig of my own beer and watch as Luke looks thoughtful for a beat or two. Looking like he’s come to some sort of decision, he wanders over and sits next to me on the bed.

  I’m instantly assaulted by the very pleasant scent of Luke. A soft musky male smell mixed with cologne.

  Why do men have to smell so good?

  Suddenly feeling nervous at his close proximity, I start focusing on stripping the beer label off my beer.

  “Ari, look at me,” he murmurs.

  I’m not sure that’s a good idea.

  I decide to ignore him and start chewing on my lip as I continue scratching at the beer label.

  “Ari, don’t make this awkward. I wanna be your friend. I get your confused. Anyone would be after what you’ve been through. But don’t go underestimating your own worth just because of what happened. Jake’s into you. He’s more into you than I’ve ever seen him into anyone before. I still don’t get why he married that other bitch but he did. He didn’t have to bring you back here, but he did. He didn’t have to look after you, but he did. For some reason he saw something when he found you on the side of the road, and whatever that something was, he’s following it up. If I had to make a guess, I’d say it’s something to do with you being tough. Women that look like you aren’t normally tough. They’re normally whinging princesses who are put on this earth to cock tease men, give us blue balls and send us nuts. You’re gorgeous but you sure as hell are not a princess. It’s an attractive trait. So attractive that if Jake hadn’t already made it clear to everyone he knows that you’re off-limits, you’d be under siege right now by at least a dozen guys. I’d be one of them. Without hesitation I would have thrown you on the back of my bike and taken you home. No questions asked. Not one of use gives a single shit about your past and I can guarantee that Jake doesn’t either. He also is not looking after you because he feels sorry for you. He’s looking after you because he wants to. You need to talk to Jake.”

  “I need to talk to Jake,” I agree as his words settle softly somewhere inside me. Perhaps my ‘mandar’ has been functioning correctly.

  Lifting my eyes from my now shredded beer label, I find Luke studying me with soft eyes. He looks genuinely concerned. “Thank you,” I murmur as my eyes drift across his face. It is then that I am suddenly hit with a fresh thought. “What happens if I don’t want to be Jake’s woman?”

  “Simple, you talk to him, tell him that, then you come find me. Straight away, as in - within seconds, don’t fuck about wastin’ any time on that count,” he smirks and his eyes shine brightly.

  I start grinning too. “I suppose it’s nice to know I’ve got a fall back guy.”

  “Only if you need him,” he replies as his face swings back to a serious look. “Do you think your gunna need him, is there something I’m not reading right here?”

  “No I don’t think I’m gunna need him,” I murmur softly as I drag my eyes from his face to my beer. “Well at least I hope not anyway.”

  “I thought as much,” Luke murmurs softly before he takes another pull on his beer. “Right then. Flat pack two. We’ll do this one faster because this time you can help. You are on opening and emptying packets duty.”

  “Okay,” I agree instantly as he pushes away from the bed and heads for the door.

  I knew there was a reason Luke was my number three reason for my newfound love of biker men.

  *****

  “I wanna sort this out. Set up displays, put prices on stuff. What do you think? I was thinking it would be my thank you present to the two boys for looking after me and giving me somewhere safe to stay.”

  I am standing in the shopfront with Luke and Emma. Emma is nodding thoughtfully but Luke looks like I just announced that I am planning to murder the Prime Minister.

  “You sure that’s a good idea. They know where all their shit is, even if it does look a bit disorganised.”

  “There’s no way they know where everything is and they are losing customers because you can’t browse with it all piled up the way it is. I’m still not sure how the shop is viable.”

  It is then that I notice the look of alarm that streaks across Luke’s face briefly before he turns to look out the window. I then watch as his brows knit before he blows out a slow breath and adjusts his face to neutral impassive.

  “Perhaps it is a good idea that you fix the shop up,” he murmurs, seemingly to himself. He then casts an eye around the shop and nods (again to himself), “Yes, this could work.”

  Emma and I both glance at each other and roll our eyes.

  Men. It has to be their idea and then it’s all good.

  “All righty then,” I announce twirling a pointer finger towards my temple and looking towards Luke. Emma nods recognizing my ‘he’s nuts’ sign and we turn our backs on him to look around the room.

  “We’re gunna need some lockable glass cabinets for the pricey knickknacks like the knives and silver hip flasks. We’re also gunna need normal shelves for some of this other product, particularly the bike parts,” Emma announces as she moves forward to poke a large box nearby that has not yet been opened. “This could end up being fun. It will sort of be like Christmas because we’ll get to open all these boxes.”

  I hear a hiss from behind and swing to look at Luke again. He looks startled, stiff and very concerned.

  “You might not want to go opening any boxes until you’ve spoken to Jake and Zane about your plans,” he warns, speaking in a low, deep, don’t fuck with me rumble.

  Emma and I glance at each other again, this time Emma does the ‘he’s nuts’ sign and we both shrug our shoulders.

  In unison we then pipe, “Whatever,” and resume our conversation.

  “We’ll break it up into sections too yeah?” I continue as I walk towards the front counter that has been vacant since earlier in the evening. “Let’s get online and see where we get shelving and cabinets from.”

  “I know where to get shelving from,” Luke breaks into the conversation finally snapping out of whatever funk he’d been in and following me to the front counter.

  “I’ve got my own shed where I store my solar panels, inverters and other stuff. I bought shelving for it from a company that sells it wholesale. They’re a few hour’s drive away but they have cabinetry as well. We can take my truck and pick it up.”

  “Excellent!” I chirp. “When can we go?”

  I watch as Luke chews his lips for a few beats and surveys the room again. His eyes settling on the large unopened box that Emma had poked at. “Monday.”

  “Monday? Cool!” I chirp again. “How many can you fit in your cab? Can Ems come too?”

  Swinging his attention back to me he grins, “Yeah it’s got a bench seat.”

  “Righteous!” I fist pump the air as I swing my eyes to Emma. She looks as pleased as I am. In unison we both yell, “Road trip!”

  “Jesus,” Luke mutters shaking his head. “I’ll be here to pick you up at eight Monday morning. We’ll be back midafternoon if we get moving straight away.” Then he starts to move around the counter to head for the door. It is as he is about to exit that he turns and in his ‘don’t fuck with me’ voice reasserts, “Don’t open any boxes until you’ve cleared this with Jake and Zane.”

  I stare at him a few beats and consider my choices on what might happen if I ignore his warning. Probably not much. On the other hand, he seems insistent about it and Luke is a nice guy.

  “I can see your cogs turning there woman. I’m only gunna warn you once more and you are gunna listen. Don’t open any boxes until it’s been cleared by the brothers. You hearing me?”

  Whatever.

  Putting on my best pouty face I reply, “I’m hearing you. We won’t.”

  He smirks at me, nods and then disappears through the door.

  Looking to Emma I whisper, “Makes you wonder what’s in the boxes doesn’t it?”

  That’s when I sense movement in the doorway again and I look to see a very angry Luke. “Fuck,” h
e growls. “You two, out!” He points to the door beside him and pins us with a ‘don’t fuck with me’ look.

  Glancing quickly at each other Emma and I both jolt to action and do as we are told. It is as we pass by that Luke’s voice softens and he murmurs, “I’ll take you both out to tea, you got five minutes and then we’re leaving.”

  Stopping at his announcement, I quickly lift on my toes and plant a peck on his cheek. “Yay.”

  I then watch as his eyes move from soft to inky and he draws in a huge breath before mumbling, “Jesus.”

  Grinning happily, I launch forward and give Emma a shove in the back. “Five minute spritz, we’re on it!”

  *****

  The venue for our dinner was unexpected in a number of ways. The first because it was within walking distance of the shop. This, Luke explained as we walked, was a good thing. Mainly because his only two transportation options for us were his truck or his bike. If we took his bike he’d have to do two runs.

  This also lead to a discussion on whether I would fit in the small child sized seats in the back of Emma’s Maserati. We all agreed that in desperate times I probably would. On this occasion however, I didn’t need to. Walking was our best choice.

  The second unexpected and very welcome surprise was the venue clearly had some sort of connection to Jake and Zane. I worked this out as we approached when I saw the name ‘Holder’s’ displayed in gold lettering on the bargeboard above the front door.

  The restaurant was classy and spanned three shop fronts in the main street of Ridge Creek. Well lit by spotlights out front, the shopfront was painted in light gray shadings. As we approached, I could also see flickering candles on individual tables inside the restaurant itself. Passing through the front door as Luke held it open for us, Emma and I were instantly assaulted by the mouthwatering smells of freshly prepared meals. Casting my eyes around the interior quickly, I noted the restaurant was busy. Something that I should have preempted considering it was a Saturday night.

  Feeling myself falter slightly at another public appearance, it only took a heartbeat for Emma to place her hand on my arm and reassure me, “You’re fine.”

  Thankful for her support, I nodded and turned to wait for Luke. No sooner had I laid eyes on his than his face split into a huge grin. The strange thing was that he wasn’t grinning at me. He was grinning over my shoulder.

  Turning back to face into the restaurant, I then received my third surprise.

  Ellen.

  With her arms held wide and moving towards me at speed.

  Moving with such speed that I had about half a second for my brain to register the familiar scent of her musky perfume before I was fully enveloped in her arms.

  “Arianna! My precious girl. It is wonderful to see you again. You are looking so well.”

  Stiffening under her assault, I was surprised when she did not let me go. “Relax my dear, you are with family.”

  Then without further ado, she let me go and herded us to a table near the window muttering that she would take care of everything.

  Which brought us to now.

  Emma, Luke and I sitting at a candlelit table, after having consumed three enormous plates of steak, baked potato and steamed vegetables. The steaks had arrived shortly after Ellen had delivered a bottle of red wine (thank you Lord!) As well as a beer for Luke and a basket of fresh bread with olive oil for dipping.

  We were full.

  Sensing movement to my left, I turn to find Ellen dragging a chair across to our table. The restaurant has quietened. The main meal rush is now over.

  “I hope you enjoyed your meals. Would you like some dessert?” She asks as she points to a waiter and gestures for him to clear our table.

  “I don’t think I could fit one in,” I mumble, slightly miserable because the steak had been so good I am sure a dessert would be spectacular.

  “Nonsense,” Ellen announces before turning to the waiter who is now clearing the table. “Bring us a selection of Petit Fours please Joshua. And another bottle of wine. Another glass for myself and another beer for my boy Luke too.”

  With a nod, Joshua finishes clearing the table and leaves with a friendly smile on his face.

  Turning her focus on me, I watch as her gorgeous green eyes sparkle and soften. She is dressed fashionably in a simple black dress with lace around the neck and a string of gorgeous pearls. Her hair is tied up in a neat bun. A thought whooshes through my mind.

  I wish you were my mum.

  She’s everything a real mum should be.

  Beautiful, loving and maternal.

  Something I have never experienced before. Jake and Zane are very lucky.

  Watching me for a few beats she starts to fiddle with her pearls. “My boys bought these for me,” she says softly. “Even though I know that they are still the same naughty little boys they have always been, they still always look after their mama.”

  “They’re beautiful,” I murmur before adding, “Your restaurant is beautiful too.”

  “My boys bought this for me too,” she smiles as she talks. “It was a mess when I first saw it, but we have renovated and we are now very popular. I have a wonderful chef. I also have a wonderful electrician who keeps everything running for me don’t I?” She winks at Luke as she reaches her hand out to place it on his. He responds by lifting his other hand and placing it over the top of hers.

  “I have known this boy since he was ten years old. My boys bought him home from school for a sleepover and he is now my third son.”

  I watch as Luke and Ellen share a soft look with each other before Ellen finally retracts her hand so she can lean back in her chair. The waiter arrives and delivers our beverages. We wait while he refills glasses, pours a drink for Ellen and then backs away.

  Taking a sip of her wine and placing it back on the table, Ellen shifts her eyes back to me before asking, “So my dear, tell me, what do you plan to do with yourself now? Do you need to find yourself a job? I can offer you some work here at the restaurant if you would like?”

  Startled that Ellen has instantly offered me a job I feel the hot burn of tears at the back of my eyes.

  Oh my god.

  Could these people be any nicer?

  Grabbing for a serviette on the table, I dab at my eyes and look out the window as I attempt to control the threatening flood of emotion.

  “Oh, my dear, I did not mean to upset you. I am sorry,” Ellen says softly as her soft hand reaches to grab one of mine. “I thought that you might like something to do.”

  “She’ll have plenty to do, we are opening another Web Design business together,” Emma interjects.

  Without hesitation, Ellen continues, “Ah. I see. This is good. Then why the tears my dear? What did I say to upset you?”

  Dragging my eyes from the window, I blink slowly and regain control of my tear ducts. Squeezing her hand I stumble to find the right words. “I’m sorry,” I pause and take a breath, “I’m not usually so emotional. It was just you being so nice. You barely even know me.”

  Emma agrees instantly. “Your right about the emotional bit. Shit girl, I’ve seen more tears out of you in the last two days than I saw in the two years before that. Shit, you didn’t even cry when we were sitting watching fuckwads porn show through she-bitch’s front window.”

  “I know,” I sigh heavily and straighten in my chair. “I must be hormonal.” Pulling my hand from Ellen’s so that I too can lean back in my chair I announce, “No more tears. Ellen, thank you, from the bottom of my heart for your offer but Emma is right. I’ll have plenty of work soon.”

  “I can help with that,” Luke butts in. “You can build a website for my Green Energy business first up.”

  Swinging my eyes to Luke, I lift my eyebrows and ask, “Really?”

  “Really,” he confirms. “I’ve needed a website for a long time but never got round to it. The jobs yours if you want it.”

  “We want it,” Emma confirms quickly. “We’ll have wire frames to you b
y the end of the week. You’ll need to let us photograph some of your stock and get some shots of complete setups at some stage, but we won’t need them for the wireframes.”

  “What are wireframes?” Luke asks Emma.

  “Just proposed layouts of various screens, sort of like drafts but they won’t hold much real information. Just dodgy text and fake pictures. It’ll give you an idea of screen layout and colors.”

  Nodding, Luke swings his attention back to me. “I’ll take you guys out to my shed on Thursday and then we’ll go for a spin and visit some houses I’ve set up. Monday we are shelf shopping and Tuesday/Wednesday I have an installation to do.”

  “Sure,” I agree happily, excited to be working on a web site again. It’s been months since I could do what I love doing best and not feel guilty for it. No Tony to complain about my work. No stress.

  Perfect.

  Grinning happily, I turn to see Ellen smiling at me. “You are so strong,” she says approvingly. “You take what life hands you and you run with it. I am proud to have you in my family.”

  What the?

  Jesus. She’s gunna make me cry again. Family?

  “Why do you keep telling me that I am family?” I ask, hoping not to offend her, but unable to accept her statement without clarifying it.

  It is at that precise moment the Petit Fours arrive. The waiter slides a large serving tray covered in various delicious slices and mini-cakes onto the center of the table. He then places a small sandwich plate in front of each of us as well as a small fork and a small spoon.

  “Thank you Joshua,” Ellen says as she begins to push her chair away from the table. “I must go check on things out the back. Your dinner is on the house, please enjoy your dessert.”

  Standing to leave, I resign myself to the fact that she is not going to answer my question so I waste no time in thanking her for her hospitality instead.

  “Thank you for a delicious meal and your wonderful company,” I announce cordially.