Destiny's Sweet Cage

by K Harris

  “If you say so,” she sighed. “I wish someone else would catch the hints that I threw at him.”

  “Wolf is certainly different, that’s for sure. Many men probably would beat your door down to get a sample, especially the way you used to talk to him.”

  “That’s all I’m saying; he still hasn’t caught my drift. But anyway, it was so good to catch up with you. I feel a thousand times better.” She quickly changed the subject and I couldn’t say that I blamed her much.

  “Me too,” was my response.

  “So, you really aren’t coming back huh?”

  “Where did that come from?”

  “Let me see, the fact that a “for rent” sign was placed at the house you vacated. I didn’t even know that you sold everything.” She randomly threw out.

  “Yep, everything is gone.”

  “You didn’t feel the need to share that tidbit of information before you vamped?”

  “Surprise!”

  “Not funny,” she tried to fight my sarcastic wit, but it didn’t work. “It’s been months since you have come anywhere near here and to find out it's only for the memorial,” Syd scowled.

  “Only time will tell friend,” I solemnly responded.

  We talked for a little while longer before I called it a night. There was other business that needed to be tended to while I was back. The lawyers have been calling me for months regarding William’s estate and I needed to put that behind me. There was no time like the present. For now, my home was a long way from here and I have ghosted them long enough.

  No matter how much I missed the place that I once called home, the chances of running into Cage on a regular did not sound appealing. More armor needed to be carefully applied before I could think past what we briefly shared. Though he didn’t feel shit outside of a nut for me, my feelings were the polar opposite of his. My soul and heart bled for Cage, and onto Cage when we interacted. As I physically accepted him into my body, the endorphins mixed and mingled intimately with the core of me. That sneaky, impromptu mixture caused me to become the lovesick existence that is now me. Lessons of the heart are never easy; it would be wise for me to remember that going forward.

  ~

  It had been four months since I drove away from the LBK’s compound. For the first time ever, I spent time adjusting to being on my own, literally. At least when I lived in Lincoln Folks, I only felt alone sometimes. Out on my own with no particular place to be, I was completely alone adding to the lost feeling that I have dwelled in for some time. No family to worry about me or to check in with, and only one friend that I avoided – I was truly a sad case. Syd blew up my phone every day. At the time, I wasn’t ready to talk about my sudden departure. Another number kept ringing my line as well, but I didn’t recognize that number. Since I didn’t know the number, I deemed it unimportant and pushed those calls to voicemail. Only later to realize that it was Torrent trying to contact me.

  The asshats that were formerly known as my brothers did indeed contest William’s last will and testament. They were not exaggerating about taking it to court to prove that I wasn’t biologically related to them. From sheer embarrassment, I didn’t even bother continuing the argument. If they wanted to be selfish and take away the only thing that was willed to me, then so be it. Whereas he listed them as the beneficiary to his life insurance, the restaurant was left to me. Even in death, his hatefulness continued.

  Of course, he had no way of knowing that the restaurant would be gone but damn, no money. There was no way I wanted to be viewed as ungrateful but what was the logic behind that decision. Will and Tristan were so hateful, they were desperate to take that as well. They didn’t think I deserved anything. Truth be told, I was just sick and tired of the drama. Not to mention depression was kicking my ass. Maze dying was nothing compared to the pain I felt walking away from Cage though. From our last interaction, I can only assume he meant goodbye forever.

  It took me a week to sell anything of value that I owned aside from my little car. Before the vultures could raid the house that I was raised in, I managed to sneak in undetected and snag a few things. One being the money he hid in a conclave in the rear of his closet that he thought I knew nothing about. The other was some pictures of my mother and me that he stashed away. He would always forbid me from pulling out the old albums and he damn sure wouldn’t let me have any of them when I moved out.

  With a little over seven thousand dollars to my name, I instinctively set my journey east. Syd did not understand why I was so evasive, but I truly had nothing to tell. There was no destination in mind nor any plan in motion. My first stop just so happened to be Charlotte North Carolina. The whole drive, I bumped every Mary J. Blige album that I had downloaded onto my phone's app. The first hotel that wouldn’t break the bank is where I parked, an Extended Stay that offered weekly rates. It was near plenty of food places and a Wal-Mart. Three weeks went by and I still wallowed in a self-built pity-party, I made that meager hotel room my sanctuary and safe haven. The front desk attendants probably thought that I was running from either the law or an abusive spouse.

  Countless tears of rejection and mourning of lost ones filled many days and sleepless nights in that room. Damn near a thousand dollars wasted away mourning something that was doomed from the beginning. William always held resentment because of my parentage. It just took him some years and courage to rip the band-aid off. Maze was dead and there was no bringing him back. Cage was never going to see me as more than a piece of pussy. As for Will and Tristan, they were born pricks and obviously reared to be much worse. The day that I decided to pry myself from that pitiful existence changed my life forever.

  What was supposed to be a quick trip to Wal-Mart turned into an impromptu family reunion. The family that I gained in that parking lot would have been the perfect commercial ad.

  “Abandoned young lady finds more than bargain deals, she finds a family.”

  Chapter 3

  Dez

  Seeing the damage that was done to the diner after it happened had nothing on the vision before me right now. Sitting abandoned so long only made this place look haunted. The lawyer insisted that I meet him here versus the office for some strange reason. As if I needed a reminder that what was rightfully mine was being taken away by some ungrateful bastards. Neither one of the fuckboys had ever worked at the diner in any capacity but they argued that it was their birthright to have it.

  Considering that I no longer lived in Lincoln, why did I really care? The principle of the matter would beg to differ. Whether I lived there or not, it was willed to me. Those bastards didn’t need it, hell they got whatever money he left behind. According to the insurance adjuster, William fucked around and let the coverage lapse for nonpayment. Those penny-pinching tightwads were not trying to part with any coins but whatever to freeze me out, they were committed to the cause. Dumbasses…

  “Ms. Oliver, I’m so glad that you finally reached out.”

  “Please call me Destiny,” I just realized how much I resent that last name. Maybe I did need to change my name.

  “My apologies, Destiny it is.” He smiled. “As I said, I am happy that you called.”

  “Why is that?”

  “As you know, your…Mr. Oliver’s other children contested the will. Well, there was some new evidence against them and their judgment. I can only assume at this point because the agreement was decided upon behind closed doors. My office was alerted to inform you to claim your inheritance. They probably found out that there was no money in the place, and no one wanted to buy a burned down establishment, they may have become uninterested.”

  “Wait, let me get this straight.” I shook my head in disbelief. The man was rambling on and on with no input from me, but I don’t think he noticed. “Are you saying that I am the owner of the property after all?”

  “Yes ma’am, that is correct. And you coming forward couldn’t have come at a better time. The city was close to filing neglect papers against you because of the p
roperty's current state. City ordinance and all comes with some hefty fines,” he frowned. “I just need you to sign the transfer of ownership papers and this matter will be settled.”

  “How long do I have before they come hounding me about fines?”

  “Now that you have officially assumed ownership, I can file for a sixty-day extension that gives you time to locate a contractor.”

  “Sixty days, wow. Honestly, I don’t know which way to turn where this place is concerned. This is my first time back in Lincoln in months and I hadn’t decided if I would return long term.”

  “That is unfortunate.”

  “Unfortunate?”

  “I grew up in the area and this place has always been a place that the locals frequently visited.”

  “That is true but too much has happened in this spot. So much tragedy.”

  “At least the culprit behind the heinous crime is serving a life sentence for this senseless act of violence. Well I guess should say was serving,” Mr. Connor cringed.

  “Was? What do you mean?”

  “I apologize, I just assumed that you would have been made aware of the current events.”

  “I suppose not because I have no idea what you are speaking about,” I shrugged.

  “The guy charged with the crimes of that night was found dead in the common area of the prison yard. According to the coroner’s report, his vertebrae was broken in several areas before he was stomped to death. They claim that it was a riot of sorts and he may have been trampled over.” Though I’m pretty sure nothing that happened to Domino was by accident, I really didn’t give a shit. Whatever happened to him, he deserved it and then some.

  “Wow, that is a lot. I can’t say that I am sorry to hear that to be quite honest with you.”

  “With the lives, he disrupted and took before the designated time, no one would blame you for those feelings.”

  With a few more words exchanged, that concluded my business with Mr. Connor. Long after he left, I found myself staring at the rundown structure. A place that was once filled to the brim with smiling faces and happy customers now looked like a fucking haunted house. Everything that I once prayed would be mine was taken away in a fit of meaningless violence. Though I was now the owner of my very own establishment, where did I begin in rebuilding? The real question was, did I want to rebuild?

  Did I want to return to Lincoln? There was nothing saying that I had to interact with Cage on any level. Knowing how much I care about others under his rule or in his family, we were bound to come face to face on many occasions. Could I deal with seeing him with other women? Just that thought caused my chest to ache. How did I fall in love with a man I didn’t even know much about? He never did anything for me to have these feelings.

  “Stupid heart,” I mumbled.

  “Talking to yourself now.”

  “The fuck!” I shouted and gripped my chest.

  “Language, young lady,” DT chuckled.

  “Sorry,” I bashfully apologized.

  “I was kidding Destiny.”

  “I know but it’s still rude to cuss in front of your dad. Where did you come from? I didn’t even hear you pull up.”

  “That much is clear, you are awfully distracted sweetie. What’s going on?”

  “Trying to figure out my next move is all.” I sighed and leaned against the rental car. “The lawyer just told me that I was the proud owner of this here burned down mess. City Ordinance says that I have to do something with this eyesore quickly or I will be fined.”

  “Where is the problem? This is what you wanted, right?”

  “Of course, it is all that I have dreamed about before revelations were made. When they threatened to take it all away, I lost hope in ever having it.”

  “Again, I ask, what is the problem?”

  “It needs to be rebuilt from scratch and that won’t be cheap.”

  “Last I checked you weren’t strapped for funds and I’m sure the construction company that Black owns won’t bust your head wide open.”

  “Oh shoot, Black is the owner of King’s Construction and Roofing.”

  “I’m pretty sure he could work up a good deal to build the bakery that you have been sketching.”

  “Wait, when did you see my sketches?”

  “One day you left your sketch pad opened on the kitchen table and I took a peek. It is a great design; you are very talented. The sports bar design was nice as well.”

  “You were doing more than peeking sir,” I side-eyed him.

  “Guilty,” he chuckled. My dad was one handsome man and I was lucky to have him. He has done his best to make up for lost times and I appreciated all the love that he has shown me thus far. Never too pushy with his wanting to get closer but always around at the right times. “It won’t happen again, I promise.”

  “It’s fine…dad,” I added the last part and from the shocked look on his face, it threw him for a loop as well. “It feels good to have someone there to give a shit about me and be curious enough about what interests me.”

  “Don’t make your old man tear up, that isn’t a good look. You are going to kill my street cred, my cool points.”

  “Your street cred and cool points are overflowing sir, believe that.”

  “Enough about my support for my beautiful daughter, tell dear old dad what’s really on your mind?”

  “Can I do this? Can I return to this place that caused so much heartache?”

  “Good question for you to ponder over but if you want my opinion, you can do whatever you put your mind to. I know it sounds cliché but it’s the truth. Whatever you want to do or deem to do will be as long as you put your best foot forward.”

  “I hear you.”

  “Is it the place, this place particularly? Or is it Lincoln Folks as a whole?”

  “Silence.”

  “Right.”

  “It’s also about me actually building something in Denton, meaningful relationships.”

  “We aren’t going anywhere. A real family won’t let miles destroy them. That only means that we travel more to get our visit on.”

  “Silence.”

  “You have a commercial property that you outright own. You have a bank account that you have neglected to touch with the funds needed to build your dream bakery. Yes, I know you haven’t touched the money that I saved for you.” DT chuckled. “You have the proper connections to get the work done at a reasonable price. With the fall and winter months approaching, Black’s crew could really use the business. This is the time that the work is scarce, and this will keep him from having to lay folks off.”

  “See, a salesman.” I rolled my eyes and laughed at his serious face.

  “I just speak from the heart. No hidden motives, just straight talk.”

  “I hear you, dad. I will think over it.”

  “You do that? Let your papa take you to get ice cream.”

  “You are speaking my language indeed. Lead the way,” he has learned my weakness early.

  Riding around the town I once called home, felt foreign. In a way, I felt strange riding around as if I didn’t grow up here. Everything about Lincoln Folks felt different but looked the same. This place felt like home. The only thing holding me back from jumping in feet first is Cage and his reaction to me. Would he act differently with me around? Would he be indifferent? The fine line between friends and lovers were now blurred beyond repair. People break up every day and have to deal with one another or co-exist in one area all the time. But we were never together, so we never broke up.

  Though I had a business, there were still things that needed to be ironed out. Where would I live? If I came back, would it be permanent or temporary? There were too many variables to returning to Lincoln and not a lot of time to make a sound decision. Say I did return and fixed this place to be all that my dream bakery would be, how would the town react? Would they be receptive to a bakery? While being out and about with DT, many people raved over having the diner back during the random run-ins w
ith the regulars of the town. How could they get the best of both worlds?

  “You look like you are about to explode. What are you thinking about?”

  “I’m thinking about people being receptive to a bakery. There has never been one here before. Would I gain the business that I needed to keep the doors open? People are anticipating the diner coming back, how do I choose which one to do?”

  “Who says you have to compromise? Why do you have to choose?”

  “The building is pretty big but it’s not enough room to put both in there.”

  “The way I see it, the diner is established where it sits. On one side there is a parking lot, but on the opposite side is nothing but land. Whether or not it’s vacant should be the biggest question?” DT said with ease. “You have to expand your thinking sweetie, jump outside that box. The only restraints you have on your goals are the ones you set for yourself.”

  “Have I ever told you how awesome you are?”

  “In so many words,” he chuckled.

  “I have a lot of work ahead of me, huh.”

  “I would say you do. How are you feeling about the memorial service?”

  “So far, I’m at peace with his death. Miss Lucille’s death, on the other hand, is bothering me a little too much. She would still be here if it weren’t…”

  “Don’t say that and never think that again.” DT cut me off from continuing. “None of that was your fault. That guilt falls on the asshole traitors that should remain nameless. If they had succeeded in executing you, no one in Lincoln would be safe from my wrath. Just thinking about what all that bastard did to you, still makes my blood boil.”

  “Woosah, I’m still standing.”

  “Is that one of the reasons you are hesitating so tough?”

  “In a way,” I deflected. How was I supposed to tell my dad that my hesitation really came from my yearning for Cage? On one hand, I would love to be close to him but the fact that I can’t have him the way I desire scares me.

  “Who do I need to kick in the nuts?”