Heartbreaker (9 page)

I’ve stuck to the golden rule so far and keep my head down. I don’t ask questions or try to make friends. Bennett doesn’t like me living here. He’s always showing me ads for better apartments nearer to where he lives. Unlike Bennett I don’t have that kind of money, and I quite like my little apartment. It might not be much but it’s mine and I’m proud to think I’m making my own way. I know Mom would be proud of me too, which helps on nights like this, when I sometimes question whether Bennett might be right.

I pull the collar of my coat tighter around my ears and hurry across the deserted street. I’m careful not to rush too fast, the roads can be slippery and I’m glad I took my sturdy boots to work, to change into. I grab onto my purse hard and continue toward my building. Only a few more strides and I’ll be on the path to my little room. I’m thinking about making a hot chocolate, with some new cool brand I just bought today, when headlights flash in my face and my purse is yanked off my shoulder. Instinct kicks in and I grab for it at the last minute and hook it around my arm. I’m spun around as my invisible attacker pulls even harder and I stumble and fall to the ground. Then a car engine revs, brakes squeal, and I’m being dragged by my purse along the road, my head is pounding into the hard ground, but I can’t get my footing to make it stop. My boots might be good when I’m standing, but now they're sliding everywhere. I hear a rip and realize my pants have split. Now my bare leg is being scraped along the harsh asphalt. I haven’t let out a sound, my voice trapped in my throat.

All I can think is:
This frigging hurts
.
Please make it stop. Please stop it.

Somehow I manage to unloosen the strap of my
purse, and I crash into a crumpled heap into the curb of the soaking wet road. My purse, with my key and my phone, all gone. I have no idea what to do. I can’t move and I can’t think straight. The cold from the ground seeps through all my clothes and I’m shaking uncontrollably. I’ve never been this cold. I choke out a sob and I curl up tighter and sob and sob.

A warm hand pats my cheek. I’m not sure how long it’s been, but I tune in to hear various muffled voices surround me.

“You alright, girlie?”

“What happened?”

“Who saw it?”

“Hoodlums. Dragged her while they tried to drive off, with her purse.”

“She don’t look too bad.”

Gee thanks, I feel like shit.

Then I’m being picked up off the ground, and I blink at the flashing red lights and I realize two paramedic women are preparing to put me on a stretcher.

No.
Is my immediate thought.

No ambulance. No hospital. No doctor.

“Um … I’mmmmfinnne,” I tumble out through chattering teeth.

“You’re in shock, you really should see a doctor. You need to be checked out,” one of the paramedics says and puts her arm around my shoulder. It hurts, but I don’t flinch.

I stand strong even though my legs are shaking. “I’m okay, really. I just need to make a police report. They stole my purse.” I force my chattering to stop so my words are clear.

“Can we call someone, for you? You shouldn’t be alone.”

“Bennett,” I say, without even thinking it’s the middle of the night and he probably doesn’t want to see me, after what I did.

“Boyfriend?” the nice paramedic lady asks with a smile.

“No, friend.”

“Do you know his number? I’ll call him for you.”

I reel off Bennett’s number. I’m still a stickler for learning numbers despite recording them in my cell, and I’m glad about my cautious nature for a change.

A blanket is draped over my shoulder, and its making me feel better. The street has cleared of onlookers. Apparently I’m not that interesting, they only hang around for murder and street fights.

I watch as one of the paramedics speaks to Bennett. He must be asking a thousand questions, because she’s beginning to look a little fed up. Finally I hear her raised voice, telling him to just get down here. I know Bennett will be here in record time. And I know he’ll be worried sick.

My leg and shoulder are hurting. I know I’ll have to go and get them checked out, but I don’t want to go to hospital, and I certainly don’t want to go in an ambulance. The paramedic explained they were first on the scene because they were in the area. They said the police would be here soon to get my statement.

Soon, turned out to be a few hours, Bennett, as I expected arrived only twenty minutes after the call. I’m sitting in my apartment now, three blankets warming me, Bennett huddled close, and a strong coffee resting on my knee.

The pain is worse, and I’ve got a thumping headache, I really want to go to sleep. The police officer keeps asking me questions, and I’ve answered them as best as I can. Right now, I don’t care about the attack. I’m kind of counting my lucky stars they didn’t do more damage, and I just want to get my belongings back. Not because I’m attached to my cheap Kmart purse. My phone is my prized possession and has all my contacts and all my photos from home. Photos of me and Cam. Me and Dad, and me and Gerry. I love looking at those photos, they keep me sane, and I don’t want a stranger to have them. They’re mine.

Bennett is answering most of the questions about my personal details. I never realized how much he actually knows about me.

“These incidents of drive by theft have been getting more frequent around here, you need to take care and hide your
purse under your coat. And try not to be out late at night,” the young police officer is saying.

“Don’t worry, she won’t be staying here much longer,” Bennett says
, and glances at me.

I’m dumbfound
ed and can’t spit the words out to ask what the hell he’s talking about.

The officer seems to be on Bennett’s side. “Well, good, that’s probably wise. We’re getting more and more calls out here. Where are you moving to, Miss Ryan?”

I open my mouth to say nowhere, when Bennett cuts in, “She’s moving into the apartment building across from mine, just a few miles from the CBD. A sub let came up, and her names next on the list.”

It is?

I frown at Bennett, but decide not to fight with him in front of the police officer, he looks a bit fierce and I don’t feel like arguing with two of them.

He gets up to leave, closing his ipad. “I have what I need. I don’t know if you’ll get your stuff back. Highly unlikely, those sort, don’t hold onto stolen property for long. You can always ring the station in a few days’ time and see if it’s turned up. As to the guys who attacked you, we are doing more surveillance around here, so hopefully we’ll catch them soon. Anyway we’ve got your details and your boyfriend’s, so we’ll be in touch.”

I roll my eyes at Bennett, who grins at me. Strangers always assume that’s what we are, and most of the time we can’t be bothered explaining and play along.

I thank the police officer and Bennett sees him to my door.

Bennett patched me up, while we waited for the police to arrive, so I have bandages on my leg where it was scratched and bleeding, and I’ve taken a couple of aspirin for my headache. I’m betting I’ll have a few new big bruises in the morning. The shock of what happened is starting to wear off, but I’m still really cold.

Bennett returns and looks at me folding his arms. “I’m not budging on this, Bales. You’re moving. Tomorrow.”

“Who made you boss of the universe?”

Bennett grins. “It’s not an easy job you know. I have pains in my ass, arguing with me all the time.”

“Bennett, I’m not moving,” I say through gritted teeth.

“Yes you are.”

“No I’m not.”

“Seriously, Bales, I have a brother and two sisters, I can keep this up all day and all night. Yes you are.”

“Oooh you are so annoying.”

“Bales, you can’t stay here. You heard what the police officer said, this part of town is getting worse. The new apartment is still small, but it’s much nicer. And it has a
dishwasher a microwave and ... it has a TV.”

I widen my eyes. That perks my interest. “TV, huh?”

That’s a bit of a clincher. I’ve missed my TV fixes.

“Yeah, and it’s close to school, the bar and just round the corner from me. We can walk home together every night.”

Okay, so it’s sounding more appealing by the minute, and I’m caving. But there’s still the question of expense. “I can’t afford it, Bennett. I can barely manage the rent on this place.”

“About that,” Bennett starts and stops as he comes to sit beside me. He grabs my hand and I arch a brow at him. He only does that when he wants to butter me up. “Um … my dad kind of owns both my apartment complex and the one you’re moving into.”

“And?” I say, wondering what relevance that has.

“Because it’s a sublet, the rents cheap. You see this lady bought her apartment, and the smaller one across the hall, from my dad. She bought it for her son, but he’s moved away now, and its vacant and she’s looking to rent it to someone she can trust. When I heard about it, I went to see her and she agreed to let you have it for the same rent you’re paying now.”

I open my eyes wider. “I don’t know Bennett, that doesn’t seem right. I don’t want to rip her off.”

“Kills two birds, Bales. She needs to rent her apartment out, and wants to be able to trust the person living across from her, and you need a safe place to stay.”

“So you’ve already arranged this, without asking me?”

Bennett shrugs. “Pretty much. Tonight just settled it. And should settle it for you as well. You could have been hurt really badly, Bales.” He gives me a sad look, and I sigh.

“Fine.” I can’t say no to sad eyed Bennett. He’s adorable. “Thank-you,” I add, because I really am.

“Good, now you better get some rest, moving day tomorrow, and it always takes a while…” He stops and looks around at my meagre belongings. “Second thoughts,
you could probably sleep in.”

I punch his shoulder and he chuckles.

I go to bed and Bennett sleeps in the living room, which can’t be comfortable with his six foot height on my tiny couch, but he insists and I don’t have the strength to argue.

Apart from being dragged along the road, and having my purse stolen, the night hasn’t turned out too badly. They say good comes from bad, and moving closer to Bennett and not living in this neighborhood anymore is definitely a good thing.

Or so I think.

TWeLVe

______________________________________

I’m driving again. This time I’m on my way to the building site where my Dad is. When the company he worked for went bust and he was laid off for about six months, it nearly killed him. Mom suggested he start his own business, so they put all their savings into it. That was ten years ago, and now after working long hours, his carpentry business is the most sought after in the district. I’m really proud of him, though I’ve never said it. I should tell him that. I should tell him a lot of things. Maybe in time I will.

I told Dad I’d bring him lunch today and help him out with some of his invoices. His regular accountant has been evasive and Dad is thinking of ditching him to find someone else. He messed up Dad’s tax this year and Dad had to pay a hefty amount to the government. That did not make him happy at all. He’s been trying to save to do some much needed renovations on our house, and most of that had to be sucked up paying back Mr Tax man. I am actually thinking about offering to help Dad out on a more permanent basis, not sure what he’ll say, but I’m hoping I can bribe him with a nice lunch, of chicken salad sandwiches and the chocolate cake I baked this morning.

All things considered I’m starting to feel a bit better. I’m sleeping and Dad continually feeding me has plumped me up a bit. Like I’m a turkey getting ready for Thanksgiving. I shake my head at the thought as I turn down a dirt track to Mr Hellier’s place. Dad’s fitting a new kitchen for him, he’s come into a bit of money since the town’s revival from
Knowledge of the Hidden
. His small grocery store has been expanded and now he’s expanding his home.

It’s good to see everyone is having better times since I left. The town was really on the way to nowhere, a lot of businesses doing it hard. Reminds me of myself a bit. Might be nice to heal along with the town. I smile, reeling in the fantasy that things always turn out okay.
Walking on Sunshine
comes on the radio, and for once the radio god has got it right. I tap the steering wheel to the cheery tune, as I turn into the drive of Mr Hellier’s property. And that’s when I see it.

Stupid hopeful thoughts! Stupid radio god!

I slam the big knob on the radio off, and stop the old truck next to Dad’s newer pickup. And there right alongside it, is another familiar truck I know all too well. Intimately in fact. Too intimately. The nights Cam and I spent in that truck were some of my best memories. I was kind of hoping he’d sold it when I didn’t see it at his place last week. Now it’s a tangible reminder of all that I’ve lost, and I swallow the ache welling in my chest. I can’t believe a stupid truck has me near to tears. I’m such a loser.

Now I don’t want to get out, but it’s going to look obvious if I sit here or take off again. I bite the inside of my cheek really hard and wish I’d dressed differently. I thought I’d make an effort for Dad and dressed in a pale yellow sundress, and white denim jacket. With the weather warming up I felt like being lighter and brighter today. I should have known better. I take my hair out of my ponytail and mess it up a bit. I don’t want Cam thinking I came out here hoping to see him and putting on a show. No way, that would be like putting loser on my forehead with permanent ink.

I stamp my foot and beat my head on the steering wheel for a minute, letting out an exasperated squeal. I really hate the mess I’ve made of my life.

Get a grip Bailey Ryan.

Okay, pep talk and frustration abated for now. I yank on the handle and get out, not looking where I’m stepping, and of course, I step right into a pile of horse poop.

Fabulous! Could this day get any worse?

Oh wait don’t ask, that question
. You know what the answer will be. It always is.

“Bailey?”

I want to roll my eyes, but what’s the point. Instead I scrape the heel of my tennis shoe onto the grass, and turn to give Cam a quick glance over my shoulder.

“Oh, hi Cam.”

Nice, I think. Casual, but not too keen and not too dismissive.

“What are you doing here?” he asks roughly.

I’m still concentrating on scraping my shoe, keeping my eyes on my task, not daring to look at him. I know I’ll find it hard to stop if I start. I’ve already eyed the work gear he's wearing. Dusty jeans, thick denim shirt and old leather boots. My memories quickly revert to all those times I picked him up from working on the farm. I loved it when he was all dirty and we took our time getting him clean again.

Stop that!

I scrape my foot harder on the grass. Most of the manure is gone, but my once new white sneakers are now a yellow brownish color.

Fantastic!

“Um … I uh, told Dad I’d bring him lunch. Is he around?” I say and move to the back of the truck.

Cam follows. “Yeah, he’s just finishing up.”

I want to ask what he’s doing here, Dad said he was working in town today, but I don’t want to keep our conversation going. It’s still too hard to be around him. I find my mind wandering, and I want to do things I’m not allowed to do anymore. I really hate that. I feel like a kid in one of those fancy stores with all the signs that say: don’t touch, making your hand itch to just graze your finger along the shelf and caress the pretty stuff. Except I’d like to do more than graze my finger on Cam. I bite my lip harder.

“Thanks. I’ll uh go find him,” I say as I unlock the back and reach for the picnic basket. It’s moved to the end of the tray and I need to bend right over to grab it. I think I hear Cam suck in a quick breath, and I turn to look at him. He’s watching m
e. Shit. I must have given him quite a view, this dress isn’t exactly a ball length gown.

“Well, hello there, lovely legs.”

What the heck? That wasn’t Cam.

I hear Cam sigh and I turn around with the basket now in hand to see Travis. The cowboy from the other night, and he's striding toward us. Except there's no Stetson and rawhide boots today. He’s dressed pretty much the same as Cam. And he’s really big. Huge arms and long legs. I don’t remember him being that big, but I do remember those eager brown eyes, that look pretty much the same as they did the night he was edging me off the dance floor. I guess some girls would say he’s good looking, but dirty blonde hair doesn’t do it for me. I prefer dark hair. Cam’s hair, to be precise. Those gorgeous locks that fit just right through my fingers. Ahhhhh…. This is torment of the worst kind. I really need to get a grip.

“Hello, Travis,” I say in a bored tone.

“Hello to you too, Miss Ryan. Is that lunch for two or can anybody join?”

Cam moves in front of me, blocking Travis’s smug grin. And I must say I prefer the new view.

“We’re getting lunch in town. Jen’s making it, remember,” Cam says to Travis putting his hands on his hips.

Ouch, ouch, ouch.

Of course Miss Cheery Cheerleader makes lunch. Lunch I should be making.

I want to smash her pathetic sandwiches in her face so hard right now. I bet she didn’t bake. I baked. I want to say that. I want to say so much, but I don’t.

I turn away from them both and head toward Mr Hellier’s house, gripping the handle of the old picnic basket so hard, I’m worried it might crumple.

“Bai …”

He hasn’t called me that in so long. I turn without thinking.

Big mistake.

Now I’m several feet away, but it doesn’t matter, distance is just math. I look at him. And he looks at me. This time there's no scrutiny, but there’s hurt. I see it now. And it nearly kills me. My breath hitches, and he looks away rubbing his forehead. “Your Dad’s in the work shed,” is all he says.

Travis looks between us, then pulls Cam and I watch as they get into Cam’s truck. I drag my eyes away and force my feet to step forward.

I hear the tires squeal on the dirt, but I don’t look back, I just keep walking.

I find Dad busy cutting wood in the back shed where Cam said he’d be. I love watching him work. The care for his work is evident in his caress of the wood and the satisfied expression he always has as he peruses his finished product. I wish I could have passion for something like that. I’ve always been average at everything.

He looks up as he cuts through the last piece with the electric saw and he smiles wide. I gesture toward the basket, and he removes his goggles and white mask, before making his way over to me.

“I brought lunch as promised,” I say.

“I see that. I’m glad you’re here.”

I smile, glad that I’m here too.

“Shall we, there’s a nice place we can go.”

“Okay. Lead on.” I smile again, happy to be spending time with my dad.

Dad brushes off some of the sawdust from his work clothes and I follow him out into the bright sunshine. He takes the basket from me and we walk together down a long narrow path winding around the back of Mr Hellier’s property. We stop when we reach a covered arch with a bench seat underneath. There’s a large pond close by with some nice flowering plants landscaped around and it’s really pretty. I gather Mr Hellier’s been doing some work outside as well
as in. I think for a moment that we could do something similar in our yard, minus the pond of course.

We sit and I
take out the container of sandwiches and open it for Dad.

“This looks good. I’m famished,” he says.

I take one half of a sandwich and bite into it. It’s not bad. Not as good as you’d get at a Chicago Deli, but for an amateur like me, it passes.

“So, what’s up?” Dad asks.

He’s quick. Obviously working out there’s an ulterior motive for my luscious lunch.

“Not much.”

“Uh huh. These are good.” He waves the sandwich in front of me.

“There’s cake too. I baked it this morning. Chocolate. Your favorite.”

Dad chuckles. “Okay, now I know something's up. That was your mom’s trick. She knew chocolate was my weak point.”

I smile at that memory. Coming home from school smelling chocolate brownies or chocolate cake, I always knew Mom had a plan she wanted Dad to approve. I was never allowed to have one till Dad got home and had the first one while she laid out her latest scheme.

“You got me,” I say.

“So …”

“Um … I wanted to ask about the business.”

“What about it?”

“Well, I know you’ve been having trouble with your accountant. And um… I wondered if I could maybe help out.”

“How so?”

“You know I’ve been studying this past year and a half. Well I’ve decided to continue with my business degree. I could take over the books for the business, until I find something else, or until I finish my studies … it would give me a lot of practical experience and I have Bennett to help me, with anything that might be tricky. He’s already agreed.”

“I see. So you’ve really thought this through.”

“Yeah. I wouldn’t ask for pay or anything. You are already doing so much for me.”

Dad puts his arm round my shoulder. “Bailey, honey, you're my daughter. I’d do anything for you. You know that.”

“Thanks Dad, that means a lot. But I want to pay my own way, and I thought this would help you out as well.”

Dad sighs. “It would and I've actually thought about it, but Bailey
, there's something you don’t know.”

I raise my eyes.

“I’ve taken on a partner.”

“Oh.”

All my dreams and plans fade with those words. A partner is not something I even contemplated. That would prove complicated. Working for Dad is one thing but not someone else. They would probably want someone who is qualified, and that won’t be me for another few years.

“I’m not sure how they’d be about taking you on.”

My ego deflates a little more. “Fair enough,” I say and support a weak smile.

“Let me talk to him, and see what he says.”

“Oh, no that’s okay, Dad. It was just an idea. I understand, really. I can help out with the invoices until you find someone else.”

Dad squeezes my shoulder. He reads the disappointment on my face. Disappointment I can’t hide.

“Honey, it has nothing to do with your ability. I have every faith you would do a great job. It’s just, the new partner I’ve taken on is Cam.”

Shit, and double shit. Could this day get any worse?

Oh crap, I should not ask that question.