Average Jane

by Kristin Coley

  “What is going on? Did I wake in an alternate universe? Did I slip and fall? Am I in a coma? Seriously?” I demanded to know, glancing between them.

  “What an active imagination you have.” Michael commented blandly as he relaxed in the back seat. As I glanced wildly between them I caught the merest glimpse of a smile on Ian’s face as he accepted our food and passed it to me. I took it, handing the coffee cup back to Michael which he politely accepted. I shook my head, my lap full of brown bags as Ian eased back onto the street.

  “Coffee, fast food. What next?” I muttered to myself as I leaned back against the seat. The streets were empty this early in the morning and I recalled it was Sunday. The night’s excesses would be forgotten as people went to church this morning, I knew. There were as many churches here as there were vices. It reminded me I hadn’t been inside a church since I’d left home, discounting the one we’d toured.

  A pang pierced me as I suddenly missed hearing my father preach at the pulpit. I’d listened to him preach my entire life and at times I could recite his sermons for him, and I’d never thought the day would come that I missed the sound of his voice booming over a congregation. The idea that I did now surprised me, and caused a new thought to creep over me and I exclaimed, “Are we going to church?”

  Ian chuckled at the incredulous expression on my face, but I couldn’t help but wonder. They’d been acting strange all morning.

  “Not exactly.” He replied as Michael snorted in the back. I cast a quick glance at him, still impressed that he could snort elegantly. It didn’t seem like it was possible, but somehow Michael pulled it off. “We are going to the gym. Its own place of worship you could say. A place to pay penance.” He didn’t smile as he met Michael’s eyes in the rearview mirror. I settled back on to the leather seat and thought about what he meant. It was as if he punished himself for the past, and every slip up he made when it became too much for him. It seemed like a strange concept to me, but I withheld judgement as they took me to their form of church.

  We met Buster inside and he seemed surprised to see me. I didn’t utter a word as I watched them demolish their breakfast not even when Michael picked up the biscuit with his hands. I didn’t know if I was past the surprise of it all or if I was in shock. I leaned toward the latter as he broke off a piece of hash brown and shoved it in his mouth.

  “You’re in for a rare treat, lass.” Buster squatted next to me as we watched them warm up. It appeared to be a familiar routine for them as they cycled between stretches and cardio. “The first time I watched them I thought they were going to kill one another. I made the foolish mistake of trying to get between them and they turned on me.” He chuckled, a fond smile on his face. “They are violent creatures, but loyal to one another. The way they fight….well, you’ll see.”

  “You seemed surprised to see me.”

  “I was. They don’t let people watch. I was an exception.” He gave me a sideways look. “But you aren’t just anyone, are you?”

  I shrugged, still uncertain of my place in their lives.

  Buster tilted his head to look me in the eye.

  “Lass, you do realize how important you are? To Ian, especially.”

  “Maybe…yes.” I knew he cared for me. He’d told me as much the night before. Even if the words never crossed his lips I would always know how he felt. He expressed his emotions in a million tiny ways and occasionally with a drunken night out. My smile flattened at the remembrance of the night before, and the knowledge it was part of the reason we were here now.

  “Hey, no frowning. What do you mean by maybe?”

  “It’s not that I don’t know they care.” I hesitated before expressing the thought that had begun to sneak up on me. “It’s do I belong? What’s my place with them? How do I fit?”

  The words burst from me and Buster rocked back as I wrapped my arms around my knees and continued to watch Ian stretch. His long muscles were lean, his movements simple and elegant, and a stark contrast to Buster’s bulk next to me.

  “Eh, now, lassie. You got it all wrong.” His brogue thickened as he spoke and I twisted my head to look at him. He had a pained expression his face, but he held my gaze. “You’re the missing piece.” He gestured to the brothers. “They’ve been searching for family for as long as I’ve known them. They found it when they found you.”

  My expression must have been doubtful because he gave a rueful shake of his head.

  “I don’t have their way with words. Ian can charm the venom from a snake and Michael knows every argument a person will make and already has a counter argument prepared.” His observation made me smile and he relaxed a bit. “This family is a bit of a puzzle, lassie. The big picture you might not see a small piece missing toward the bottom, but once you find it. Well, then you don’t know how you ever lived without the piece. It completes the picture so.” He reached over and patted my head. “You complete the picture. Your place is with them, Jane. More than likely you’ll be Ian’s wife one day. Probably sooner than any girl’s mum would want. He’s a bit of blighter, after all, but a good one nonetheless.”

  I blinked in shock at his determination that I would be Ian’s bride, but the pleasure that went through me at the thought told me what my answer would be.

  One day.

  Far in the future.

  After I’d graduated from college and exorcised the demons from Ian’s past.

  Buster chuckled at my expression and curled an arm around my bicep to pull me up from where I was sitting.

  “Move back, lass, out of the spray zone.”

  “Spray?”

  “Blood, sweat, tears. Who knows? They don’t hold back when they fight.”

  Their warm up had come to an end as we spoke and they prowled closer to one another. Their elegant movements were deceptive as they calculated each other’s weaknesses.

  The first strike had me gasping at the swiftness. The careful movements from earlier were gone as they moved against each with lightning speed. Only the thud of bodies hitting one another was heard as they fought across the room. Both took the lead by turn, neither keeping it for long. They were well matched opponents, seemingly able to predict each other’s every move.

  After half an hour of no holds barred combat, I whispered to Buster.

  “How long?”

  “Till one falls or they draw.”

  “Oh.”

  I couldn’t pull my gaze from them.

  It was a violent ballet and I was enthralled.

  I’d sparred with Buster and watched him and Ian workout together, but it was nothing like what I witnessed now. This was a dance. Elegant, brutal, and intense it took my breath away.

  A striking blow caused Ian to falter and Michael paused. He could have continued the assault and won, but instead he offered his hand to Ian.

  “They never deliver the killing blow.” Buster hopped up, towels and water in his hand, as he approached them cautiously. “You done beating the hel…tar out of one another?” He amended with a quick glance back at me.

  They nodded, accepting the water, and Ian meet my eyes, a half smile lifting his mouth. I returned it with one of my own, my heart racing. From the fight, I told myself knowing it was a lie. The fight had been thrilling, but only Ian’s lopsided grin could make my heart pound so easily.

  He sauntered toward me, sweat darkening the wife beater he wore. I smiled at the reaction I’d get if I told him he was wearing a wife beater. The first time I’d used the phrase, “the devil was beating his wife,” to describe a quick afternoon rain shower we got while the sun was shining, he’d been flabbergasted by my ‘quaint Southernism.’ I couldn’t attest to the fact that only Southerners used the term but he’d clearly never heard it.

  “And what is that smile for?” He drawled, settling on the ground next to me.

  “Just wondering how often Michael beats you.” I replied with a mischievous smile.

  “That was not a win. That was draw. And I assure you it is rare.”<
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  “Mmhmm,” was my reply as we observed Michael and Buster across the room.

  “Did you enjoy it?”

  “I did.” I bounced a little as I remembered the quick strikes. “You need to teach me some of those moves. I’m used to Buster and he’s not nearly as fast as y’all.”

  My demand garnered a laugh from Ian, but my intent stare had him gazing at me speculatively.

  “You did enjoy it.” He declared, surprised. “I should have known. Michael was afraid our violence would be the final straw to drive you away. But that’s not the case at all is it?”

  I shook my head, unwilling to admit there was nothing he could do that would drive me away.

  “A little brawl isn’t going to scare me off.” I told him instead, catching his wide grin.

  “Ah well, then.” His grin deepened causing a crease in his cheek. “I guess we’ll have to keep you.” He brushed a strand of hair from my forehead, stroking the curl as it wrapped around his fingers. The air thickened between us as Ian’s gaze dropped to my mouth and the remembrance of the almost kiss from the night before rose between us.

  The sound of a throat being cleared broke the spell and our attention jerked to Michael, whose droll stare was a direct contrast to Buster’s knowing smirk. A flush crept up my cheeks, but Ian just looked up at him.

  “What did you need, brother dearest? Another round, perhaps?”

  “Can you manage another round?” Michael arched an eyebrow, a small smile twisting his lips.

  “A challenge?” Ian inquired as he pushed himself up. With very little effort, I noticed, knowing I’d be a mess of quivering Jell-O if I’d just fought as hard as he had.

  “Not today.” Buster stated, stepping between them. “I was only able to book the gym for the morning.”

  “Pity. If we stay any longer we’ll have to find a more permanent solution.” Michael muttered, his sweat soaked attire not diminishing his commanding presence in the least.

  “Purchasing a company here would be a worthwhile reason.”

  “So you’ve mentioned. Countless times.” Michael spun on his heel, ending the conversation. I watched Ian shake his head in frustration as Buster gave a small shrug. It seemed as if no one knew why Michael was so insistent on continuing the buyout as is.

  The next few days passed uneventfully. I still hadn’t discovered Ian’s trigger, but he was on his best behavior. A charming and knowledgeable guide, he made sure we exhausted ourselves with every possible tourist activity the area had to offer.

  One morning he surprised me with an early morning wake up call.

  “Up and at them, sunshine!”

  I groaned, burrowing deeper into the covers.

  “Come now.” He tugged the blanket down until my head popped out. “There’s my beautiful girl. Hurry now, or we’ll be late.”

  “Late for what?” I groaned as he headed for the door.

  “It’s a surprise.” He flashed me a playful smile and I narrowed my eyes. He was entirely too happy for…I glanced at the clock and had to look twice…seven in the morning. I dragged myself out of bed, knowing if I didn’t get moving we’d be headed out the door with me in my pajamas.

  I pulled a brush through my tangled locks and splashed water on my face to wake up. I’d become accustomed to sleeping late since we ate so late with Michael each evening. I didn’t know how Ian and Michael managed. It seemed like they both operated on less sleep than normal folks.

  I went to the closet and stared inside before going back to the living room door. I poked my head out and asked, “Pants or skirt?”

  His expression indicated an internal argument, but he finally answered, “Pants.” I ducked back in and found my only pair of jeans. I paired a short sleeve shirt with them and at the last second grabbed a lightweight long sleeve shirt to throw over it if necessary. A surprise arranged by Ian could mean anything.

  A flash of white on the nightstand caught my eye and I grabbed the envelope sitting there. Michael had given it to me the night before saying it was my first paycheck. To be honest, I’d forgotten they were paying me to be there and ‘babysit’ Ian. It had felt more like I was spending the summer with friends instead. I had yet to decide if I should just give it back to him. They’d paid for everything so far – clothes, food, housing, and everything in between. I grinned, remembering when I’d needed feminine products and how Ian’s face had blanched when I told him. He’d shoved a hundred dollar bill at me and stood outside the corner drugstore while I went in. He refused to accept the change either, telling me to keep it in case anything else came up. By anything else, I imagined he meant anything he didn’t want to have to think about.

  I shoved the envelope in my pocket and figured I’d ask Ian’s opinion later.

  When I came out of my room, Ian was rocking on his heels, a to-go cup and pastry bag balanced in his hand.

  “About time.”

  “You could have told me last night and I would have set an alarm,” I replied back, snatching the bag from his hand and sailing out the door.

  “I was letting you sleep. I was being gallant.”

  “Then you can’t make snarky comments about how long it takes me to get ready.”

  The valet was entirely too chipper as he handed Ian the keys, but I ignored him as I opened the bag and smelled cinnamon.

  “Ok, you’re forgiven.”

  “I hadn’t realized I needed to be forgiven.” He remarked with wry smile.

  I attempted to talk around the bite of muffin I’d stuffed into my mouth. “You don’t, not really. Giving you a hard time.” A few crumbles escaped as I spoke and he fought a laugh as I covered my mouth with my hand. A hard swallow cleared my throat and I bit my lip, embarrassed.

  “There was a reason my mother taught me not to talk while chewing.”

  “And yet, I’m still utterly charmed by you. Even as you spit food out of your mouth.”

  A laugh choked out of me as I handed him a muffin.

  “I imagine Michael would have a different opinion.”

  “I would be interested to see if he said anything. I believe you can do no wrong in his eyes.”

  “Ha. Matter of time. But that reminds me.” I dug the envelope out of my pocket. “Michael gave me this yesterday. Said it’s my paycheck for the first month.”

  “That’s good. Did you want to stop by a bank and deposit it?” Ian asked as he drove us out of the city.

  “I don’t know. I was thinking about giving it back to him.” I held the unopened envelope gingerly as Ian cast me a curious glance.

  “Why would you do that, love?”

  “It doesn’t seem right to take it. You’ve taken care of me, and I enjoy spending time with you.” The last part came out a little awkwardly, and I avoided looking at him, instead staring out the window at Lake Pontchartrain. Apparently we’d seen everything New Orleans had to offer and were now branching out for our adventures.

  “But the agreement was you would be paid, love. We don’t want you to feel beholden to us.” He reached over to take my hand. “The money ensures you don’t feel obligated. Michael, and I, want you to have your independence.” I nodded mutely, still unable to shake the uncomfortable feelings I had about taking the money. I felt the weight of Ian’s gaze, but didn’t look up. “Bollocks.”

  The car whipped to the side of the road, startling me, and he put it in park.

  “Now, look at me and explain what’s going on in that head of yours.” He’d twisted in his seat to stare at me and I knew we weren’t going anywhere until he’d gotten his explanation. I met his eyes and felt foolish even before the words crossed my lips.

  “I don’t want you to think I’m here because I’m getting paid.” I could see the furrow between his eyes as he tried to puzzle out my words. I was there because I was getting paid. It had always been the agreement. At least until I’d actually gotten paid and known Ian’s story. “I enjoy my time with you. I don’t think of it as a job or babysitting. Taking money for
spending time with you feels wrong. Mainly because I couldn’t think of a better way of spending my summer than with you.” My eyes fell, unable to hold his as I said it, and the envelope was looking worse for wear as it crumpled slightly under my grip. “Plus…”

  “What, love? What else has got your knickers in a twist?”

  The soft lilt caused a slight smile to twist my lips before disappearing with what I said next. We hadn’t spoken of Ian’s story since that night, but it never left the periphery of my mind.

  “She took money to abort your baby. I don’t want to be the girl who takes money to spend time with you.”

  “Ah,” he groaned softly and tilted my chin up to look in my eyes. “Not the same, love, not the same at all.” I gave him a look and he smiled gently. “I may be a bit broken, but I can tell the difference. You are nothing like she was. I’ve never told that story to anyone before, but I told you. I trust you and not for one second do I think you accepting money you were promised is anything like what she did.”

  The knot that had formed in my stomach loosened slightly with his words. I didn’t want him to think I was anything like the woman that had betrayed him so completely. The check in my lap meant nothing to me.

  When we’d first met, I hadn’t known them and staying with them had been a risky move on my part. The concept of a job had made it acceptable to my mind, but I’d had no way of knowing how incredibly important these two men would become to me or how honorable they truly were. Now, this check felt like nothing more than a burden.

  “I don’t want it.” I admitted quietly. “I don’t want the tiniest implication that I’m here for any other reason than because I want to be.”

  “And I respect that. But you must remember that Michael is a man of his word.” Ian gestured to the check. “This is him keeping his word. If you wish to renegotiate terms with him that is up to you but for now he would be insulted if you didn’t take what he felt was owed to you.”