Tainted (Oh Captain, My Captain #7)

by Lindsay Paige

  “Okay,” she replies without any emotion.

  I’m starting to think we need to stop going out. Apparently, I can’t take her out without pissing her off and her lying about it. It bothers me that she’s brushing off her anger and hurt.

  “I shouldn’t have said it,” I repeat.

  “No, you shouldn’t have, but you’re sorry, so everything is all fine now.”

  I release my hold on her and step back. What the hell does she want me to do? I said I was sorry and I can promise shit like that won’t leave my mouth again. What more does she want?

  Jade downs her drink before finally turning to face me. “I’m going to dance some more, and don’t worry, I’ll try not to think about how weird it is for me to keep my clothes on.” She brushes her shoulder against me as she slips by and disappears onto the dance floor.

  I give up on this battle for now. I go back to our table and rejoin the conversation with my teammates. After a while, I return to the balcony to check on Jade. She’s dancing. There’s a girl in front of her and a guy behind her. They’re clearly dancing together. No big deal, right? People dance in groups all the time. The guy lays his hands on Jade’s hips and moves them in rhythm with his. Maybe she doesn’t realize how close she is to him at first because after a second, she moves away from him, glancing up at me without any clear emotions on her face.

  Tonight has sucked any way you look at it, and I’m ready to get back home. I tilt my head and hope she’ll meet me at the stairs. I say goodbye to the guys before going down to find Jade. She’s waiting off to the side.

  “C’mon, let’s go.” I start walking toward the door without waiting to see if she’s following me.

  We don’t talk on the ride home or on the elevator up to the condo. She walks in first and Gus glances back at us.

  “Were you able to find another sugar daddy, Jade?” he asks.

  “Knock that shit off, Gus,” I snap, slamming the door behind me. I didn’t like that he said it earlier and I definitely don’t want to hear it now. Jade looks at me, surprised. She probably had a response ready for him, but I beat her to it. I guess she’s surprised his comment pissed me off.

  I walk past her and to my room. Before I close the door, I can hear them talking, but I can’t make out what they are saying. I’m taking off my clothes when Jade enters, looking pissed again. Part of me wants to ask if he’s been saying shit like that to her, if he just did again, but I don’t feel like I can, considering my own comment earlier.

  To hell with it.

  “Has he been saying stuff like that to you?”

  She shrugs, walking into the bathroom. “Does it matter? You can be an ass, but he can’t?” She kicks the door closed.

  Exactly why I didn’t want to ask. I sigh and sit on the bed next to Honeybun. “Hey, girl,” I say, rubbing her head. She purrs, leaning into my hand. At least someone still likes me. Jade comes out a minute later, and I go in to finish getting ready for bed. She leaves my bedroom though. Maybe she rather hang out with Gus. I don’t care either way. I slip beneath the sheets, lie facing away from her side, and close my eyes.

  Some time goes by, not much, when I hear Jade enter the room. I listen to the sounds as she changes her clothes and then crawls into bed. All we need is sleep.

  Sleep makes everything better.

  ~

  I wake up with Jade tucked into my side, my arm around her. In fact, I wake up because my arm is asleep, tingling, and half numb. Slowly, I pull it out from under her and quietly get out of bed. I need to get back into her good graces.

  Gus must still be asleep because he’s not in the living room or the kitchen. I’m thankful because I know if I see him, I’m going to ask him the same thing I asked Jade, and I rather not get pissed off yet. Instead, I’m going to make Jade breakfast. I’m not sure what she likes, so I go for simple pancakes, sausage links, and eggs. Once I’m done, I plate it, fix her a glass of milk, and go back to the bedroom.

  Honeybun perks up when I place the plate on the nightstand. “Don’t even think about it,” I whisper. Jade’s still sleeping, so I get back into bed and pull her to me again. She’s wearing her own pajamas this time, one of those shirts with thin straps and some shorts. I slip my hand underneath her shirt, kiss her shoulder, and whisper, “Jade, wake up.” She stirs, so I move my hand higher and move my lips to the crook of her neck.

  “I’m sorry about last night.”

  “It’s okay,” she groggily says.

  My thumb glides over the underside of her breast. “I fixed you breakfast to make up for it.” I kiss her lips softly only once, noticing that her eyes are open now, and lay my head on my pillow.

  Jade inhales deeply before looking over her shoulder to see the food. “You cooked, Finny?”

  “Yep. Just because I rather order takeout doesn’t mean I can’t cook.”

  “That’s very kind of you. Thank you, but what’s the real reason for it?” She eyes me suspiciously.

  “I told you. It’s an addition to my apology.”

  “That’s a first for me. Actually, I’d have to spend the night with a guy for him to cook me breakfast. I guess that’s two firsts.”

  “So…do you forgive me?”

  “Yes. Now, can we stop all this mushy bullshit and eat? I’m starving.”

  “Absolutely.” She grabs the tray and rests it between us. We begin eating and I casually ask a question I’ve been thinking about. “So, have you thought about what you want to do? With your future, I mean.”

  “Well, I actually thought about this just the other day. I mean, I can’t stay here forever, so I was thinking of trying to get a part-time job and maybe going to cosmetology school. I like hair and nails and it seems a little easier than stripping.”

  “That sounds like a plan, at least, which is good. Did you finish high school?”

  “Barely, but yes, I did,” she nods.

  “Good. Then all you have to do is get started and you’ll be well on your way.”

  “Valo, it’s not that easy. I need to save and well, maybe I could get a loan, but I still need to figure all this out.”

  “I can pay for your schooling, Jade. Then you could save your money for whatever comes after and whatever you decide to do then.”

  “Wait…what? What did you just say?”

  “That I would pay for your school? I told you I’d help. This is me: helping.” God, I hope she doesn’t argue with me on this. I want to help her and I would like to do it without her fighting me every step of the way.

  “Well, that’s what I thought you said. I already live here in exchange for being your maid. I can’t do that. I’ll figure it out.”

  “What’s the difference in me doing it and someone loaning you the money?”

  “What would your interest rate be? A blowjob everyday or a fucking three times a day? I already feel like I’m an on-call mistress; are you just trying to add fuel to the fire, Valo?”

  “What the hell are you talking about, Jade?” I sigh. I hate her way of thinking. “This has nothing to do with sex. I’ve told you that doesn’t have any part in this. In fact, you were the one who initiated it, so how does it equate to you being a mistress? If that’s what it feels like for you, then we don’t need to have sex at all. I’m not expecting anything in return.”

  She pokes at her pancake while she thinks about it. I want to grab her by the shoulders and tell her she can trust me, but I know it’s not easy for her. Jade takes a deep breath. “Can’t you see this the way I do? Look at it from Gus’s point-of-view. I’m living in your house, you’re paying for everything, and I’m a friend. None of that adds up. Now, you want to pay for my schooling. You know what?” She shakes her head and looks angry. “Fuck it. Pay for the schooling. I’ll make sure you get the paperwork. Then you can fill that hero-complex role.”

  “I thought we were done with the friend crap. And you’re telling me there’s a difference in me helping a friend and me helping my girlfriend? There’s not. I’v
e loaned friends money before, I’ve paid for shit without wanting them to pay me back, and I’m trying to help you, but you keep fighting me over little details. I’m not trying to be a hero for you. I’m just trying to help you, be your damn boyfriend, and before I can do anything, you’re fighting with me. And, Gus can keep his fucking mouth shut,” I finish with an aggravated tone.

  Jade’s mouth is slightly open with shock. “Okay, you said a lot of words, and by the way, it’s kinda hot when you say ‘fuck’, but did you…did you say I was your girlfriend?”

  “Yes, if you want to be. We could have had this conversation sooner and saved the arguments, you know.” I give her a pointed look.

  “I’m going to ask this once, are you calling me that to shut me up or do you mean it? Don’t lie to me, Finny, or I’ll break your leg with that damn hockey stick by the door.”

  “If I was saying it to shut you up, I would have said it sooner. Yes, I mean it.” I tilt my head back, look up at the ceiling, and mumble, “I want to be your damn boyfriend.”

  “I never thought I would hear those words, especially from you. Thank you, Valo. I want to be your girlfriend, too.”

  “Good.” I lean over and kiss her. “Now, do I still get to help you? If you don’t want me to, then I won’t. I know you want to earn it, and I can respect that. I was just trying to make it a little easier for you later on.”

  She thinks for a moment. “Let’s make a compromise. I’ll apply and if I can even get in, then we’ll discuss some type of payment arrangement. Deal?”

  “Deal.” We finish our food and Jade sets the tray back on the nightstand. She cuddles into my side and I hold her close to me, hoping the biggest battles are over with now. There’s still one thing bugging me though. “Jade, has Gus been saying stuff like that to you the entire time?”

  “I can handle him. I think he’s a little jealous I’m taking your time. He really looks up to you. But, yes, he’s a bit of an ass.”

  “I’ll talk to him then.”

  “Either way, I’m not going to take his shit for long. I know he’s your friend and teammate, but I’ve dealt with enough bullies in my time.”

  “I know, but he said he was fine with you being here, so he can at least treat you better.”

  “Hey, Valo, it’s fine.” She sits up to look at me. “I’m a big girl and I can handle Gus and his tantrums. Okay?”

  “Okay.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Jade

  I’m staring at Valo’s iPad. He said I could use it whenever I want and I’m trying to apply for the cosmetology program at the beauty school. After I dump the idea of embezzling money from Valo because I actually like him and don’t want to be in a jail cell next to Mom, I think about what can I do.

  Honeybun jumps in my lap and I pet her head. I type in all the information and I’m about to hit send. This could be good for me. I can’t be a stripper forever or I’ll go down the same path as Mom. I refuse. I’m not the greatest with computers, but I can learn that skill. I figured out this dumb ass machine.

  “All right, Honeybun, are you going to help push send?”

  The cat looks at me as if I’m a nut case.

  “Hey, this is a big deal. Don’t give me that look.”

  I swear she rolls her eyes.

  “Fine. I’ll do it on my own.” I take a deep breath and tap ‘send’. I almost expect balloons and confetti to fall from the ceiling, but instead, the oven beeps.

  I put Honeybun down and wash my hands before I grab all the food out of the oven. I made a small ham and roasted vegetables. I make up three plates and sit them on the table. I’m about to yell for the guys, but Gus shows up first.

  “Why do you have Valo’s iPad?” He moves it down the table.

  “I was using it.” Not like it’s any of his business.

  “Trying to hack into his bank account? Oh wait, already did that, didn’t you?”

  That’s it. I get up in his face. Well, as much as I can because he’s very tall. “Listen asshat, I don’t know what your problem is, but you have about two seconds to shut up or you won’t have to worry about a puck knocking out your front teeth. Got it?”

  “Gus, that’s enough. I don’t need this shit, and Jade sure as hell doesn’t need it either. She lives here, and she will be respected, so save us all the trouble, and shut the hell up.”

  My mouth opens in shock and from being turned on. My boyfriend stood up for me against his friend.

  “I got it. I’m only playing around,” Gus tries to play it off, but he’s full of shit.

  “Forget it. Let’s eat before it gets cold.”

  We all sit down and eat in silence.

  “Now, since the Eagles will be home for Thanksgiving, is there anything special you want? Finny, I know you don’t really celebrate it, but I could whip up something festive.”

  “That sounds good. My parents are actually coming. They’re going to stop and see me and then see my brother the next day.”

  “Wait a second. Your parents are coming here? To see you?” Holy shit, what does this mean? Does it mean what I think it means?

  “And you too, but yes.”

  “Jade, haven’t you ever met parents before?” Gus smirks at me.

  “No, I’ve never been in a relationship before.” Gus goes to open his mouth to tell me some smart-ass comment. “I don’t need you to comment on that either.” He closes his mouth and I turn back to Valo. “How long will they be here and how the hell do they know about me?”

  “Only a day and because I’ve told them.”

  “You told them? Shit, did you tell them everything about me?”

  “What? No. I told them the most important things, like you’re my girlfriend.”

  “You know, I think we could do a reality show. This is going to be great.” Gus starts laughing.

  “Shut up, Gus.” I can feel all the blood draining from my body. What the hell is happening? Is this really happening? Am I going to meet his parents? “Fine. I’ll figure out dinner. Do they speak English? Do they eat normal food?”

  “Yes, they speak English, and my mom is picky, so I’ll help you with what to cook. Don’t worry about it. They’re…pretty easy going.”

  “Oh God, that means they aren’t.” I drop my head in my hands. Easy going is the universal sign they are going to difficult and I don’t know if I’m going to be able to hold my tongue. Gus is still laughing and I don’t even have the energy to tell him to shut the fuck up.

  “Jade, it’ll be fine. It’s one day. Not even twelve hours. They’re flying in, having dinner, hanging out for an hour or two, and going to a hotel before they leave to go see my brother. You’ll be fine. They’ll like you.”

  “Fine,” I mumble through the hands, which are still covering my face.

  ~

  The guys are about to head home from their two-week road trip. It’s the longest Valo has left me. Valo, my boyfriend. I’m still not sure how I’m dealing with that. I mean, I like it. I had been pissed off with the friend title, but girlfriend gives me tingles.

  “Okay, Honeybun, we need to get the food on the list for the parents.” They’re going to be here in twenty-four hours and I’m not sure if I should run away now or pray. Okay, praying never helps and Valo would search for me because I’m his girlfriend and he’s a bit stubborn.

  I love driving this Porsche more and more, but the snow is about to hit and then it’s back to the truck. Ugh!

  As I’m about to walk into the store, I notice the small restaurant in the plaza has a ‘now hiring’ sign up. It says it for part-time only. It never hurts to talk to someone about the position, right?

  Thirty minutes later, I walk into the grocery store with a smile on my face. Why? Because I landed a job. It’s nothing major. It’s five hours on Sunday and seven hours on Wednesday as hostess. It’s small, but it’s mine and I don’t have to take off my clothes.

  I walk up and down the aisles with a renewed spirit. I have a job, a boyfrien
d, and I think I may have gained five pounds. And above all, I’m happy.

  I have to make two trips to bring in all the food and stuff I bought. Well, it’s still Valo’s money, but right now, I don’t care about that.

  “Honeybun, what are you doing?” I yell at the cat who is walking on the counters. “Out of the kitchen.” She gracefully jumps to the floor and prances to the living room.

  I put up the food, clean the counters to make sure it’s free of cat hair, and fix myself a cup of hot chocolate before I curl up and catch up on some Full House. I pick up the iPad because I’m becoming a master at Candy Crush when I see there’s a new email.

  I’m sure it’s another letter telling me my great uncle died in Egypt and left me a million dollars and all I have to do is send them money to claim it. I roll my eyes at those every time. However, this one is different.

  I sit up straighter when I see it’s from the beauty school. Oh shit. This could be good or bad and I don’t know which way it’s going to go.

  I take a deep breath and hit the highlighted box. I start to read the words and my throat dries.

  I did it.

  I have been accepted into beauty school.

  Holy fuck.

  I can’t breathe. Hell, I can’t even think as I jump onto the couch in a Tom Cruise manner and scream with excitement. I’m not going to be a stripper. I’m not going to be a hooker. I’m going to be a productive member of society and with Valo.

  It’s then I hear the keys turn in the door. Valo’s home. I race to the door and before he even crosses into the room, I leap into his arms.

  “Don’t have sex with him on the stairs, Jade,” Gus chuckles as he walks around us.

  “I’m not listening to you, asshat!” I yell back, but my face is buried in the crook of Valo’s neck. “Come with me.” I unhook my legs from his waist and drag him up the stairs. I slam the door and kiss him hard. “I’ve had the greatest day of my life.” My cheeks hurt from all the damn smiling I’m doing.