“She all settled in?” Tony asked as I got into the backseat. I’d said a quick goodbye after passing her brother a look which he caught and understood. Smart kid! She’s going to give him hell.

“Did you really think it would be that easy?” I was already looking forward to dealing with her shit when I got back. I know the only reason I’d been able to get away with what I have so far is because her brother was here.

The two of them seem very protective of each other, which might work in my favor. I have no qualms about using that shit to my advantage. He didn’t want her in that shitty apartment any more than I did, so I’d already won half the battle.

My ace in the hole is that the kid had ran away. If he’s as stubborn as she is, she won’t easily talk him into going back. After everything he’d told me I didn’t want him to either. I don’t think the two of them should be apart.

It was obvious that they were both trying to be

strong for one another. And it was alarming to realize that she really had been little more than a kid when her world imploded.

The difference between us is that I never had the security of a father and a mother together only to lose it. My life was never rosy, but it was obvious that hers had been.

I don’t know how that shit feels, but I’m sure it can’t be anything good. Had to be like being stranded in the middle of the ocean without a life vest.

How the fuck do people do this shit to their kids? I should find their father and kick his ass. Not only for the shit he’d done to her, but because I was damn sure that because of him, she was going to put my ass through hell. Asshole!

I have a pretty good idea what needs to be done, it’s not rocket science. But I need time to get my thoughts together. First I have to get rid of this damn snake, then I can concentrate all my efforts on the two of them.

As far as I’m concerned it’s a simple fix. It’s just getting past that hard head and stiff-necked pride of hers. If that shit doesn’t work I’ll go to door number two. It’s a safe bet her ass wouldn’t like that.

We pulled up to the club and Tony stopped me before I got out of the car. “Can you keep your head straight or do you need me to be there when you give her the ax?”

“What exactly do you think I’m going to do to her?” His ass always expects the worst.

“Who the hell knows? Just don’t go crazy in there. Fire her, that’s it. Keep your hands to yourself.”

I sighed and stepped out of the car with him hot on my heels, lecturing my ass to death. It’s true I would’ve overlooked the fact that she’s female and go upside her damn head for messing with Annabelle. But there was too much involved for me to act rashly.

I didn’t trust her not to have something else up her sleeve and since the law was already involved I was playing a game of wait and see. Her nephew was going to get it no matter what, but as for her, I’ll see if she shows any remorse. I’ll know what to do from there.

It was already starting to get lively at the club as was expected for a Friday evening. The business types had already planted their asses in their usual seats instead of going home to their families.

I didn’t waste any time when I got there, answering the friendly call outs from those who recognized me with a wave and ignoring my staff before any of them got the bright idea to approach me with some trivial shit.

I’d already called in one of the other managers to take Arlene’s place once I made the decision to fire her. The replacement wasn’t supposed to show up for another hour.

I’d worked it out that way because I didn’t want to tip my hand too soon. That would give me just enough time to boot Arlene and get back to the situation I had brewing at home.

I found my prey in the break room chatting with one of the dancers. She looked over at the door opening and her face broke into a smile when she saw me.

“Arlene, may I see you in the office?” I didn’t wait around for an answer but headed back the way I came. I guess Tony was right to worry. Now that I was in the same airspace as her, I did feel like strangling her ass and dumping her out back.

She made as if to go towards my private office, but I kept going in the opposite direction where the managers’ office was. I got rid of the two who were sitting in there working on the computer and offered her a seat.

I couldn’t even bring myself to look at her lest I did something stupid, like wring her fucking neck for real. “What can I do for you Max?” Had her voice always held that sultry seductive quality? Why hadn’t I noticed it before?

Maybe the signs had always been there and I just hadn’t noticed because of my disinterest. If so, this shit was a long time coming. I hate fucking cheaters. I should give her husband a call just to fuck up her shit.

I kept myself calm because I didn’t have enough evidence to have her arrested for her part in what happened to Anna. And Tony was right, there were too many eyes in my place to carry her ass out in a body bag.

I threw the packet I was holding down on the desk in front of her. She opened it with a questioning look. “What’s this?” She asked before pulling out the papers.

“That’s your severance pay. I want you out of my place.” She reacted pretty much the way I expected, with shocked surprise.

“What? What are you talking about? You can’t just fire me without an explanation. I signed a contract…”

“I can and I am. You should’ve read the fine print. I can fire you any time I choose within reason and we both know I have good reason to fire you.”

I stared at her until she looked away. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” That shit didn’t even deserve an answer. It’s not like I expected her to come right out and admit it.

“You keep telling that lie. Here’s a warning for you. If you ever go anywhere near Annabelle again I won’t be this easy on you next time. First and only warning.”

I let her see the anger I’d been holding in check since I learned that the asshole was her nephew and put two and two together. She tried arguing her way out, but we both knew she was lying.

“I don’t know what she told you, but I haven’t been anywhere near that girl.”

“I know, you got someone else to do your dirty work for you. What kinda female sets another one up for something like that?”

As I said it I felt sick at the thought that I’d actually put the dancers, women I was responsible for, under this viper’s care. It sucked that I’d trusted her, that I hadn’t seen what she really was until it was almost too late.

“I can sue you for this…” Her bravado didn’t move me one bit.

“I wish you would. By all means, go ahead and sue me. I’d love the chance to tell the world what a piece of shit you are. As for your nephew, tell him I’m going to make sure he pays for what he did.”

“I don’t have a nephew…”

“Pull the other one. By the way, don’t use me as a reference and it goes without saying that you’re not allowed anywhere near me or any of my establishments in the future.”

She opened her mouth to lie some more but I was already over it. I was barely holding myself back as it is. Not because she’s a female. After the shit she’d pulled that shit didn’t matter.

But because I couldn’t do time right now. Plus I needed to get back and deal with the hellcat I’d left at my place. I wasn’t sure how long her poor brother could hang in there without caving.

She was still prattling on, stating her case as if she had one, but I had gone deaf. I didn’t want to hear shit from her lying ass mouth. I also didn’t want to spend any more time than was necessary in her presence.

As she spoke I was opening drawers until I found what I was looking for.

“Save it Arlene, it’s not gonna work. Is this yours?” Since she was the only female manager on staff this shift, I correctly guessed that the purse in the desk drawer was hers.

I took it out and passed it to her. “Grab your coat, I’ll walk you out.” She snatched it off the back of one of the chairs and pushed her bag on her shoulder before storming out of the room ahead of me.

She wasn’t too quiet as I followed behind her and her threats got more inventive as she went. Not to mention the things she had to say about Annabelle. All eyes were on us as I escorted her to the door. It won’t be long before the whispers and speculation start I’m sure.

From some of the looks most of them weren’t too sad to see her go. Celeste the bartender was the only one who reacted outwardly with a round of applause and a big ass grin on her face. I wonder what the hell Tony had told her.

I watched her leave and head down the sidewalk towards the parking garage around the corner before heading back inside. I’d like to think the shit was over but I got the feeling that it wasn’t. At least she was no longer close enough to do shit.

I waited around just long enough to have a few words with her replacement who arrived not long after she left, before heading back to the car with Tony hot on my heels.

I’ll have a talk with the dancers another day, make sure they were okay. Who knows what else that witch had done behind my back?

Right now I had more pressing matters to deal with though. I’m sure they’ll line up to tell me their grievances the next time I come in.

“You think she’ll leave it there?” Tony asked as he started the car.

“No, not for a fucking second. I’ll just have to keep an eye on Annabelle, make sure she stays safe.”

I looked out the window, mad at myself for being so blind. What I’d thought was an innocent flirtation that was just slightly out of hand was obviously something much worst. What I’d seen in her eyes in that office just now left me cold.

The threats against me were laughable, but the things she had to say about Annabelle were a different matter. She hated her guts and I’m sure the girl never did shit to her.

She’d obviously guessed correctly that I was more than a little fond of Anna and felt threatened. Since the shit was all in her mind, this thing between her and I, how the fuck was I supposed to deal with it?

I’m not that green that I don’t know what goes on in the world. Now that she’d been fired I don’t expect her to take that shit lying down. If she comes for me that’s fine, but somehow I get the feeling that I’m not the one she’s going to target.

“I want everything we can find on her by Monday the latest.” That’s when I planned on dropping in on Ray Morrison’s place of employment. I wasn’t kidding when I said I was going to destroy him.

“You’ve got it. I’ll put someone on her as well just to be safe. She looked all kinds a mad when she left. Personally I don’t think she’s all there. Never did.”

“So why the fuck did you let me hire her?”

“Hah! I tried to tell you but you kept going on and on about how good she was, so I left it alone.”

“You mean you told me shit in double speak that I couldn’t understand.”

Asshole talks all around shit instead of getting to the point half the damn time. Must be part of his military training. That shit’s annoying as hell.

“Whatever, now that it’s come to this I’ll clean up your mess. Does she know where you live?”

“Nope, why would she?”

“Just making sure. I guess we’ll wait and see what she and the nephew does next.”

Since my girl was safe from both of them for now, and there was no way for them to get to her, I put it aside and concentrated on what I was about to face when I got back to my place.

“Are you going back out tonight, you need me to hang around or…?”

“No, I don’t think so, I’ll call out for dinner later.” I wasn’t letting her back outside for now, not until she accepted that she was staying put.

“What’s the kid’s story?” I filled him in on Travis and what I knew so far. That was something else I was going to have to get in front of soon. If the kid was planning on staying I’d have to figure some shit out.

We pulled up to the building and I got out, my mind already a mile ahead. This is one of those times mom would come in handy. She’d take one look at the situation and know what to do.

But I couldn’t see interrupting her vacation for this. Maybe I’d have shit sorted by the time she got back in a few weeks. I can always talk to her over the phone. But knowing her ass she’d want to be here.

If she knows that I’ve invited a female to live with me there’s no doubt in my mind that she’d go all out. She’d start counting grandkids and shit in her head and ride my ass until I become daft.

Nope, it was better to leave her where she is. One annoying ass female on my plate right now was enough. As to the future, I’ll wait and see which way the wind blows.

If mom likes her, they’d gang up on my ass forever, if she didn’t, which I didn’t see any reason why she wouldn’t, but if she didn’t like my girl, then my life was going to be truly fucked.

Upstairs, I walked in on a surprise. She was sitting at the kitchen island while her brother was cooking something on the stovetop. How very domestic.

They didn’t hear me come in since the door is so far away from the kitchen, and I didn’t alert them to my presence. I stepped back out of the doorway but stayed where I could see without being seen.

“Sis, he’s a nice guy. I told you, I used to read up about him when he played ball. He’s one of the good guys.”

“Those things are full of lies. He probably paid for all that good press.” Cynical little thing isn’t she?

“Usually I’d agree with you, but not this time. What other athletic star gives to charity but doesn’t make a big deal out of it?”

“He actually goes out of his way to hide the fact that he does good deeds.” The kid started rattling off all the things that I’d done behind the scenes in the last few years.

“How do you know if it’s such a big secret?”

“Because somebody’s always digging into his shit.”

“Watch your mouth.” I actually quirked my brow at that one. Imagine her telling someone to watch their mouth.

“Sorry!”

“Well lots of people give to charity, that doesn’t mean they’re nice. It’s a tax write off you know.” “Sis hear me out okay. I’m here now, what can he do to you?”

“You’re going back on Sunday.”

“I already told you I’m not. After what happened to you how can you ask me to leave?”

“I never should’ve told you about that.”

“Yeah well you did, besides, it’s not like I ran away. I left a note.”

“Travis, you’re not being reasonable. What about school, that game that you’re so in love with? I can’t let you uproot your life now…”

“Isn’t that what you did? Didn’t you give up dancing because you thought being an engineer would be more stable? Didn’t you do that for me? I’m not fifteen any more and I know right from wrong.”

“Travis we’ve already had this argument and I’ve told you none of this is your fault. Even if what you say is true, it’s my choice. You don’t have to do the same or else it’s pointless.”

“Sis, I’m not going back. I already checked out the schools here. I can finish this semester on line, it’ll just mean I miss practice and a few games, no biggie.”

“That’s a lie. It’s your last year of high school. If you want to play college ball…”

“I’ve already been scouted.”

“You have? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I thought I did, anyway, that’s not important now. We were talking about Max and you staying here which is a hundred times better than where you were.”

“It’s not that simple Travis.”

“I know you like him.” There was dead air for the

next minute or so.

“What? What are you talking about?”

“Look at your face, all red.” He laughed and pointed the spatula in his hand at her.

“I know you better than anyone remember? If you like him why are you giving him such a hard time?” Go kid. Wait, she likes me? My ears were pricked for her answer.

“Because we just met and it’s stupid. Besides, he doesn’t seem like the settling down type and I’m not into casual affairs.”

“See, you didn’t deny liking him. I think you’re just scared. Scared that he might turn out to be like dad. Not all men are like that. I’m his son and I know I’m not, guy’s an asshole.”

“Travis, watch your mouth, he’s still your father.”

“Whatever, we’re not talking about him now either. Look, the way I see it, you can stay here in this nice safe place, or go back to that hellhole. Dad needs his ass kicked for that alone.”

“I don’t get the creep vibe from Max, and he gave you your own room. Even before he knew I was here he’d set it up like that, so you know he wasn’t planning anything funny. I think he’s just trying to help.”

“But why?”

“Damn, have you become so jaded that even an act of kindness is suspect? What kind of life lesson are you teaching your little brother? You trusted aunt Pam and uncle Don to look after me.”

“It’s not the same thing and you know it.”

“Fine, I guess I should learn not to trust relationships either. Maybe the two of us can get an apartment together.”

“We’ll grow old together with a house full of cats, or maybe dogs. All the kids in the neighborhood will make up horror stories about us. The two hermits who never come outside, and never interact with anyone.”

“What are you talking about now?”

“Well, since you never plan to trust anyone ever again that means you’re never getting married, never having any kids.”

“Since it was our dad who made you this way I can’t let you carry the burden on your own. So, we’ll be two distrusting hermits together.” The kid is good.

“You’re not making any sense, and who said I don’t trust anyone or never will again?”

“Well, if you plan on trusting someone why not Max? He’s already given you a job, set you up in a nice place and hey, he even let me tag along.”

“I don’t know, I think he’s a player.” She had him there. I waited to see what answer he’d give her as he stopped stirring whatever was in the pot.

“I think maybe he has been, but that’s not the vibe I get. As far as I know he’s never lived with anyone before. His relationships never got that far if I remember correctly. I think this might be all new to him as well so cut the guy some slack.”

“You’re just saying that because of who he is.”

“You really believe that? That I’d sell my sister out like that?”

“Of course not, I’m kidding.”

“I’m not. I will never let anyone hurt you, not as long as I’m around. I’m a guy, I know how guys are. I know you don’t have much experience.” They both turned red in the face.

“This guy, Max, is the real deal.”

“How do you know?”

“Trust me, I know. What’s more I think you do too you’re just scared. What if you pass up this chance and it’s your one chance at the real thing?”

I chose that moment to walk in and make my presence known. “What smells so good in here?” They were both startled, but pulled themselves together quickly enough.

“Oh Max you’re back. You’re just in time for my spaghetti bolognaise. Sis don’t forget you’ve got

garlic bread duty. She makes a killer garlic parmesan bread.” The kid’s a smooth one alright.

She got up and skirted around me without uttering a word. I was already content with the fact that she was still here and hadn’t pulled a runner, so I wasn’t about to complain.

“So, what have you two been up to? Are you all settled in? Annabelle if there’s anything you need just let me know.” The look she gave me spoke volumes and I was only saved from the sharp edge of her tongue because of her brother’s presence I’m sure.

“So Max, I’ve been looking into schools. I’m thinking your alma mater might be the best fit for me, but it’s so far. I already checked on Google maps. It’ll take me almost two hours to get there and another two to get back by train.”

“I know, I used to hate that shit, not to mention I’m not catholic. But it does have one of the best football teams near the city, it’s seeded number four in the state.”

“Yeah I saw all that, but isn’t there something closer and cheaper? Or maybe it doesn’t matter where I go since I’ve already been scouted. I

just don’t want too much time to go by in between practice.”

“It might not matter, let me think about some things. My mom lives on the island now so you might not have to make that trip. Do you drive?”

He reached in his pocket for his wallet and showed off his brand new driver’s license. “I do, and I can drive without a licensed adult before sundown.” This kid really had no plans on going back. It looks like he’d come prepared.

“What are you saying to him? Don’t encourage him, he’s going home…”

“I’m not. And if you make me I’ll just run away again. And I’ll keep running until you listen to reason.”

‘Travis!”

“I’m not leaving you. You’re the only family I have left. Uncle Don and aunt Pam are nice, but they’re not my family. Besides, they have their own kids to worry about, I’m just a fifth wheel.”

I’m not sure if he was putting on an act for her benefit or if it was real, but his words and tone sounded more like a child’s than the assertive young man I’d overheard just now.

“I know that but…”

“No buts sis, I’ve decided, we have to stick together.” That look was all man, he wasn’t about to budge. Good for you kid. Maybe I can pick up some pointers on how to deal with her hardheaded ass.

I stayed out of it for now, but if shit went in the opposite direction from where I wanted it to I’d step in. Since I knew the kid was on board it will be a piece of cake to out maneuver her stubborn ass if the two of us put our heads together.

“I’ll make some calls on Monday…wait a second.” I held up my hand as my phone went off with mom’s ringtone. I answered as I left the room.

“Hi momma, sorry I didn’t call you yet today I kinda got distracted.”

“So I’ve heard. I’ve already booked my flight back for Sunday evening, we’ll talk when I get there.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I spoke to Tony. I know you have a mess on your hands so I’m coming back to take care of things before you screw up.”

Fucking Tony. “What exactly did that idiot tell you?”

“Enough for me to know that you need me.”

“Mom, I don’t want to interrupt your vacation.”

It’s scary how our minds work alike sometimes. I’d played around with the idea of calling her back to help with the kid, but thought better of it. Who knew Tony would run with that shit?

“I know enough of the particulars already just leave the rest to me. I can call Mrs. Astor and have her put in a good word for us, it will be no problem.” Damn, Tony really does stay on top of shit.

Mrs. Astor is the lady mom used to work for years ago. It was she who’d got me into the prestigious prep school that my mother could never have afforded without her help.

Mom had cleaned her home and raised her kids for almost twenty years and the two still kept in touch although mom had left the job when I went pro and could take care of her.

What she was suggesting would make things that much easier, but I didn’t like the idea of her cutting her trip short. “I could call Arty, I’m sure he’d do me a favor.”

My old coach was still there and the amount of money I donate to the school and the football program each year was more than enough to keep the two of us on good terms.

“My way is easier and faster.” She had a point. The Astor family damn near owned the school and it was her policy to sponsor a student or two each year.

I’m not sure how much money mom had paid out of pocket for me to go there if any, but I know it was nowhere near the fees they asked for.

The only drawback for me had been the distance. But since mom worked not too far away back then, it hadn’t been so bad. We’d taken the train in and back together everyday, even on days I had to stay late for practice.

Looking back, those were some of the best days of my life. It had helped forge the bond between mom and I, the hours spent in commute.

She’d been there every step of the way supporting me and my dream to play ball. The school wasn’t too bad academically either, which was a plus.

I finished my conversation with her knowing that there was no use arguing with her. I’ll deal with Tony’s meddling ass later. It scares me when the two of them gang up on me. Two know-it-alls who always think they know what’s best for me.

Back in the kitchen the siblings were whispering and I could tell they were in the middle of some kind of standoff.

They pulled apart when they noticed that I was back. Like two fighters heading back to their corners after the bell. I looked from one to the other but they both kept it zipped.

“That was my mother. She’s offered to come back early from her trip to help sort you out Travis. If we go that route, you’ll probably end up staying with her during the week and spending weekends here.”

“You only have another semester left after winter break, you can stick it out right.” Or I can get him a car and he can drive the hour in and back that it would take. I’ll wait and see which idea fits best.

I didn’t even look at misery when I said that shit, but I could imagine the looks she was giving me. I’d already figured out that sometimes the only way to deal with her was to go full steam ahead. She has an opinion on every damn thing.

“I can do that, is your mom nice?”

“Hello, Mr. Steamroller, just because I let you bully me into coming here doesn’t mean I’ll let you do the same with my brother.”

“Do you have a better idea? You heard him, he’ll just keep running away if we send him back.”

“Who’s we? How do you even fit into this picture?” That didn’t even deserve an answer.