“I don’t care if you are the President of the United States. Pay your bill or you don’t get your car.” I slam the phone down on the desk a little too hard, causing some things to topple over onto the ground. This is one reason I am not meant to be inside an office. I don’t know how Elizabeth did it, running the office and being a full-time student at the same time. I can’t fault her for pursuing her future, but she left me so quickly, I haven’t had the time to interview or even look for a new secretary.
“Problem in the oil bay.” Carl leans against the door jam.
“Do you know anything about posting an ad?” I rest my head on my hands, dropping it to the office desk in frustration.
“Sure. My wife has me post ads for her all the time.” He steps in, pointing his thumb towards the bay. “I will swap jobs with you. You take care of Ben and I’ll post what you need.”
“Deal.” We switch places and before I head on over to the bay, I tell him what I want done. “I need two ads. One for the loft. Just say that the price is negotiable. And the other ad is for a fucking secretary. Pays well, applicant must be computer oriented and not scared of using the phone and being forceful or direct.”
“Got it boss.” Carl sits and logs onto the computer.
When I make it to the oil bay, Ben is covered in oil. “Obviously, you shut off the pump when you were done using it.” I stand crossing my arms at him.
“I knew there was something I was missing.” He tries to wipe the oil from his face. I look at the clock and decide to dismiss him.
“Just go. I’ll get it taken care of.”
“Are you sure? I mean, I made the mess, I can….”
“Go!” I point to the break room. “Before I change my mind and make you stay later, without pay.”
“I’m going, I’m going.” He crawls out of the bay, completely soaked head to toe in motor oil. Rubbing my hands over my face, immediately feeling a migraine coming on, I hop down into the bay and begin cleaning up his mess.
An hour later, after I’ve got most of the oily substance cleaned up, Carl squats by me. “Forgot to turn it off again?” I don’t answer, but give him an obvious look. “I’m not sure if he’s cut out for this job. I told him five times to do it.”
“I have to give him a chance, Carl. He’s my nephew. My sister would kill me if I fired him.”
“Why don’t you have him work the office then?”
“Tried that. Sofie caught wind and shot that down immediately.” I climb out of the bay. “I have to admit, the kid goes all out when he fucks up, doesn’t he?”
“He does.” Carl huffs a short chuckle. We both make our way to the break room to change. “Beer’s tonight?”
“Sounds great. It’s about time you treat your boss.” I bark a laugh as we begin changing.
“Fuck.” He sighs, knowing he’s now stuck paying the tab.
It’s been two weeks since Carl posted the ads. I’ve had a handful of applicants for each, but no one has been qualified enough to fulfill the job or seems to be a suitable tenant. My cell rings on the desk and I notice it’s an old friend of mine calling, Brad. Man, I haven’t heard from him in ages.
“I thought you died.” I greet him when I answer the phone.
“Real funny asshole. You know I can’t disclose my location with anyone.”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever you say. What’s up? You in town for some partying?”
“I wish.” He sighs over a sound of papers shuffling in the background.
“Sounds like you’re busy. What’s the call for?”
“Yeah, I’m going through some papers. Sorry, I’m looking for…” he pauses for a few seconds. “Got it. Okay, I have a few questions for you and possibly a favor to ask of you as well?”
“Shoot.”
“Well, do you still have that piece of shit shop you bought after we graduated?”
“It’s not a piece of shit. For the record, business is going good.” If I could just get someone to run this fucking office, it would be so much better. “Why do you ask?”
“Still renting out the other part of the loft too?”
“It just recently became available. I figured if I couldn’t rent it out, I would do some remodeling and expand it all. Put the front door downstairs and make it one complete loft, instead of two. Why, what’s up?” I ask again.
“This is where the favor comes in.”
“Shit.” I run my hand over my face waiting for the blow.
“It’s not as bad as you think. Xane came up with the idea. How much are you looking to rent it for?”
“Shit, I haven’t heard from Xane in ages.” I chuckle at the last time the three of us were together. “I was thinking four hundred for the loft, but it’s negotiable.”
“I tell you what. I will give you a grand a month. I’ll pay you for a year’s worth of rent, even if she doesn’t stay there the entire time, at least you’ll be paid up. If she stays longer, I’ll make sure you get another year, plus some.”
“She? What are you getting me into?”
“I can’t tell you everything. I just got notice that I need to relocate someone for her own safety. She will be completely off the grid. There was an issue with the last guy that was supposed to move her…”
“What do you mean an issue?”
“Well, he’s dead. I can’t let her know that though. So, the paperwork and new identity that was prepared for her, it’s all a wash. She needs a place to live and a job. I was hoping you could help me out with the living part.” Dead? I know I can’t ask about what he does, so I’m going to pray that this guy was some old coot.
“Is she good at computers?”
“Honestly, I have no clue. I got a call from a friend of mine who happens to be a lawyer for clients in cases like this. Again, I can’t get into detail, but I need to get her away from where she’s living. Can you help me?”
“Sounds like if I don’t, I’ll be the King Asshole.”
“You already are the King Asshole. You have been since high school when you got your first tat.”
“Whatever. When is all this shit going down?”
“She had a court hearing a few days ago, but my friend didn’t sound too positive with the outcome. Actually, he said it didn’t go good at all. Meaning, she needs to be relocated within the week.”
“She’s not involved with any sort of drug deals or murder, is she?”
“No, no. Nothing like that, I promise. All I can say is she got stuck in a bad situation, and I need to get her away from where she lives. It’s a life or death situation for her.”
“Okay. I’ll let her stay here. But don’t worry about the rent.”
“No, I’ll make sure you get your money. It’s the least I can do until this situation is taken care of.” I can hear him hesitate for a minute. “Jax?”
“Yeah?”
“I do need one more thing from you?”
“What’s that?”
“I need you to sign an affidavit stating that you will keep this between you and me. She can’t even know you know I’m placing her in good hands.”
“Like a non-disclosure agreement? I can’t tell her I know anything? I’m just supposed to let some complete stranger, no name or anything come in here and rent it, rent free and I’m not supposed to know shit about her?”
“Well, yeah. The only thing she will know is that I will have already paid for her housing. I will personally deliver her to you and make sure she gets settled.”
“Whatever.”
“Thanks. I will let her lawyer know it’s a go with you. You have no idea how much better he will feel knowing she will be safe.”
“I’m not her fucking bodyguard, Bradley.”
“I’m not asking you to be, Jaxon. Just be her fucking landlord and try not to scare the shit out of her.”
“I can’t help it if people are intimidated by me when they meet me.” He laughs at my admittance.
“Good to know you don’t intimidate me. I’ll see you in a few.”
“Alright. See you.” I end the call, wondering what she’s gonna be bringing with her. Grabbing my keys to the loft, I head upstairs to take a look at what’s left….
“Where do you want this?” The furniture boy asks as he carries in the loveseat.
“Where do you think it will go? In the kitchen.” I point to the open wall in the living room. Sometimes I cannot believe the wits of some of these kids. “And don’t hit the walls. I just painted them.” I spent the entire day painting the loft a neutral tan color. I don’t do this matching shit, so I had asked the sales lady for her input. She was all over helping me out with picking a color to match the walls. I swear, if I would have let her, she would have been here to make sure everything was satisfactory, including servicing my dick. If she only knew she wasn’t my type, she wouldn’t have given me such a great deal when I purchased the furniture for the living room, kitchen and a bedroom set as well.
The kid and his buddy both place the couch down gently and leave quickly getting the last piece of the set. Carefully shifting things where I want them to go, my phone starts buzzing on the kitchen table. When I slide open the screen, I notice it’s Brad.
BRAD- Things didn’t go as well as I wanted them to go. I’m keeping her in hiding a few more nights, then I will fly her out. Be there sometime this week.
JAX- Ok. You know where I am. If I’m not in the garage, I’ll be at Sis’s.
The boys finish up with the last piece and I walk them out just after paying them a hefty tip. My thoughts run through my head, like they have ever since Brad called me last week. What kind of trouble was this girl in? And why did she need relocating. I don’t like trouble. Even though trouble always seems to follow me, I don’t need it knocking on my front door.
The next few days go by smoothly. I have single-handedly taken out and replaced a transmission, done a handful of tune ups and I’m currently in the middle of putting on new brakes.
“I knew you’d always end up semi successful.” A familiar voice fills the garage.
“And I knew you’d always be an asshole.” I chuckle. I push off the ground and wipe my hands clean. “Well if it isn’t thee Bradley Tows.”
“The one and only.” We shake hands and give each other a brotherly hug. “Good to see you. It’s been too long.”
“It has been a few years, hasn’t it?”
“My fault.” He holds his hands up in admittance. “Still with Mary?”
Shaking my head, I take a deep breath before answering him. This is one can of worms I do not want to open. “Not for some time. You have been gone too long. She’s crazy, man.”
“Always knew she was. Too bad you didn’t see it until it was too late.”
“Whatever. I would rather not discuss her anymore.”
“C’mon, let’s get this over with.” We turn and exit the garage. When we reach his car that’s parked on the street, he opens the front door and offers his hand inside. Delicate fingers take hold of it as he helps this woman I’m supposed to be housing out of the car.
Now, I’m not one to believe love at first sight, but I swear to God, if I wasn’t staring at the most beautiful woman in the world, I would be lying. I never believed my sister when she would spout out love quotes, until it happened to me. Now I can hear her in my mind saying, “Falling in love is easy, having sex is even easier. But bumping into someone that sparks your soul? That shit is rare.” And I swear, I just bumped into the most beautiful creature God has ever created. When she emerges fully from the car and closes the door, I can’t help but notice the sadness in her hazel eyes. You can definitely tell she hasn’t been sleeping through any of this, whatever it is she’s going through. Brad breaks my stare by clearing his throat.
“Lanie, this is Jaxon. Jaxon, Lanie.” I reach out immediately to take her hand. She raises her eyes slowly while taking in what she sees. Thankfully, I’m wearing long sleeves today in the shop. If the first thing she noticed were my tattoos, she would probably go running for the hills immediately. Most people usually do.
“It’s nice to meet you.” I keep my hand outstretched towards her. She glances at Brad for reassurance. He nods at her before she returns her eyes back to mine. A man can get lost in her eyes alone.
“Hello.” She takes my hand and gives me a good solid shake. Definitely something I wasn’t anticipating from her. I find a woman who can show confidence with a nice, strong hand shake, is worth a certain level of respect from me. “Um…” She slowly pulls her hand away. “Thank you for this.” She tucks a lock of reddish-black hair behind her ear. My eyes follow her hand movement, stopping at a bruise on her neck. Suddenly, anger surges through me, wanting to hurt whoever left a bruise on her.
“Uh, yo... you’re welcome.” I try to find the words. She raises her eyes and notices that I’m checking out her bruise. Quickly, she fixes her hair back over her neck. Brad obviously notices it too and slaps me on the back.
“Shall we show her the loft?” When I glance at him, he’s giving me a warning look telling me to back off.
“Yeah, sure. It’s this way.” I turn, trying to shake away my thoughts and head towards the loft, where the woman living across from it will no doubt haunt my dreams.
The week has gone by quicker than normal. I’ve been busy dealing with the shop, office work and interviewing people for the office position. On top of all of that, I’ve been worried about the woman who’s consumed my thoughts since I first laid eyes on her. Worrying if she is ok, if she needs anything and mostly, I wonder why she was brought here. I think she’s still up in the loft. I haven’t heard nor seen her since Brad left. I actually ended up calling him this morning to see if she may have fled and didn’t tell anyone. He assured me that she was still there and that he had checked up on her last night. I’ve been subconsciously staying home in case she may need me for something, but apparently, she’s either self-sufficient or simply doesn’t need anything. I did leave her a kitchen full of food and all the female necessities a woman may need, thanks to my sister.
Tonight, like every second Friday of the month during the summer, everyone meets at the park in the center of town for an outdoor movie. I’ve contemplated asking Lanie to come with me, but every time I think I have enough courage to ask, I end up backing down. She wouldn’t want to be anywhere near me, I’m sure. I lock my door and just before I begin stepping down the stairs, I stop in front of her door. I slowly raise my hand to knock at the same time my phone begins chiming. That’s all it took for me to back out of asking her one last time. Reaching in, I answer the call.
“You’re late.” I hear, before even greeting my sister.
“I’m just a few steps away. It’s not like I live miles outside of the Square.” I snap.
“Oh, pull your panties out of your ass. I’m just giving you shit. We actually just got here ourselves.”
Before I answer, I decide to end the call and walk towards the Square. When get to my sister’s car, I lift her from behind in a big hug, swinging her around and making her laugh.
“Put me down, you brute.”
“Brute?” I tease, setting her down and grabbing the bag full of goodies she usually brings for the movie. “Seriously sis, that hurts. Especially after everything I do for you.”
“Don’t go there, little brother.” She smacks my arm. We walk to meet Ben, who is sitting in our usual spot. It’s not quite at the end of the park, but it’s close enough to get a great view and yet it’s far enough to play around, if we wanted to. When we finally get all set up, we start our traditional wandering around saying hi to everyone and making sure we haven’t missed out on any important news for the week. Usually the women in town are catty and love to gossip, so you end up knowing before they even happen, so it seems.
“So, Sally Bay said she saw a certain female move into the second loft you have over your garage this week. Care to elaborate?” Sofie links her arm around mine as we head back to the blanket. “She also said she was very beautiful, but she hasn’t seen her since then, except for when the curtains open and close a few times throughout the day.”
“Sally Bay can mind her own damn business. You know this.” I nudge her, trying to end the conversation. But if I know my sister, I know she won’t stop until she gets answers. Beautiful doesn’t even cut it for Lanie. She’s by far the most breathtaking woman I’ve laid eyes on. Her long reddish black hair shining under the sun that day doesn’t compare to anyone else I’ve seen. She’s the perfect height too. I wouldn’t have to bend down to press my lips against hers. She’s just the perfect height for me.
“That’s beside the point. Why didn’t you tell me what’s going on, Jaxon? Why did I have to hear it from Sally?” She breaks me from my thoughts.
“She’s a friend of Brads.”
“Brad’s? Like Bradley Tows? Mister, ‘I’m all about my work and fuck the world and whoever I leave behind’, Brad?”
“What is it with you two anyway? Ever since he moved away, you’ve been so hateful towards him.” When we make it to the blanket, she stops.
“I have my reasons. Don’t change the subject. Is this woman a figment of the town’s imagination or is she real?”
“So now the town knows about her?”
“Well, Sally did see her. Obviously that means the world knows too.”
“I honestly don’t know much about her. All I know is she needed a place to stay and Brad called me at the right time. That’s all.”
“Is she as beautiful as Sally says?” She wiggles her eyes in a suggestive manner.
“Not nearly as beautiful as my big sister is.” I lift her up and swing her around.
“Stop it!” She shouts. As I put her down, I can’t help the feeling that someone else is watching. Looking towards the sidewalk, a pair of greenish eyes meet mine and my heart stops. I could have sworn they were hazel before.
Lanie stands frozen as we stare at each other from a far. My memory of her doesn’t compare to the beautiful silhouette I’m looking at now. She’s absolutely gorgeous.
“Oh my.” Sofie gasps. I break away from Lanie to my sister and realize she’s looking at my new tenant. Turning back to Lanie, I begin to speak, raising my hand in a “come here” gesture, but she ducks her head and walks away before I have the courage to initiate anything.
“Is that her?” She asks. Not taking my eyes off her as she walks away from us, I nod. “She’s breathtaking, Jaxon. And there’s obviously some chemistry between the two of you.”
“She’s just a tenant, Sofie.” I sit on the blanket, eager to end this conversation.
“If you say so.” She sits beside me. “But I have a feeling she may be a little more than that.”