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Crystal dropped me at my apartment after the motel. Wanted to borrow my car to take Dayvon to a dentist appointment. She promised she’d be by around noon to return it. Of course, dickhead Bruno couldn’t be bothered to give Crystal use of her own car. That would be too easy and make him a good dad. Man is a real piece of work. I’d rather die alone than ever let any man treat me like that. Like dirt. The scum beneath his shoe.
This is why I live alone. Why I don’t let anyone get close. Not since Beni.
I showered and tried to sleep but no matter what every time I closed my eyes all I saw was Holy morphing into Beni. Part of me wants to go to him. The rest of me is angry and confused. He knew who I was. What he was to me, and he said nothing all night. Not until...I close my eyes and suck in a breath willing the tears to stop threatening to consume me. I’ve tried to let go of my past. To forgive and forget. I thought I’d moved on until the ghost of the boy I loved returned.
I’m not the girl he knew. I glance at the clock. It’s after two. I try to text Crystal again but there’s no response on her end. Where is she with my car? I hate to ask Jackson for a ride, but I know despite how things are between us right now, he’ll come through for me.
I roll out of bed and head into the kitchen to flip my coffee pot on when I hear it. The roar of a motorcycle. My heart leaps to my throat as the engine growls louder and closer.
Shit. Fuck. Shit.
I rush to the front door and peer out the peephole. I can’t see anything. Ugh. I move to the window over the kitchen sink which supplies a better view of the parking lot but also makes it easier for me to be seen. I peek through the small slats of the white plastic blinds glancing left to right several times. Nothing. Maybe I imagined it. I got other things to worry about right this minute. It’s not like Crystal to ignore my calls and text even if it’s a hey I’m busy or I’ll get up with you soon kinda thing.
Hazel: Hey, me again. Really need my car. Let me know something. Need to talk to you about last night too.
I want to ask her if Holy or whatever his name really is was asking about me at the club before she asked me to go with her to their motel room. I wait a few minutes and pour myself a coffee.
She’s either avoiding me or something happened with her and Bruno. A sick sensation coats my insides like tar. Something’s wrong. I know my friend. She’s never without her phone. Keeps it glued to her hand. Lefty gets after her for it all the time. Threatening to dock her pay when he catches her texting. Usually fighting with Bruno’s sorry ass.
I finish my cup of coffee and with no word from Crystal I have no choice but to reach out to Jackson as much as it pains me to do so.
Hazel: I hate to bother you, and I wouldn’t ask unless it was an emergency, but do you think you could give me a ride to Crystal’s? She borrowed my car, and I can’t reach her.
Jackson: Wow. You must be desperate.
Hazel: I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.
Jackson: Right. Not good enough to see you except for when you need something.
Ugh. I don’t know why I reached out to him.
Right. Desperation makes people do stupid things.
Jackson: What’s in it for me?
Just like a man.
Hazel: Never mind.
Jackson: Come on, don’t be like that. We were good together.
He’s got to be joking. Jackson wouldn’t know good if it punched him in the face.
Jackson: I’ll pick you up, but there’s something you gotta do for me.
Hazel: Of course there is. What is it?
Jackson: I’ll let you know when I decide. On my way.
Hazel: Thanks.
I go back to my room and tug the first pair of jeans I see over my ass then sweep my hair into a ponytail after putting on my favorite worn Boot Hill Saloon tee. The logo is faded and there is a small hole in the left armpit, but I don’t care. I’m not dressing to impress Jackson of all people. I slip my kick ass black leather boots on and grab my purse on my way out the door.
It doesn’t take Jackson long to pull up in his beater of a truck. An old Ford that could pass for a lawn ornament the frame is so rusted. I keep telling him one day the damn thing will fall apart.
Throwing him a small wave, I jerk the passenger door open and pray it doesn’t come off the hinges. “Hey.” I climb up into the passenger seat.
“Hey.” He smiles, flashing his country boy dimples at me. Those baby blues sparkle bright in the sunlight. “Crystal still in the apartment in Antioch?”
“Yup. Still with Bruno.”
“Right.” He gives a shake of his head.
Jackson may be a lot of things but even he knows what a low life Bruno is. And that’s saying something.
“Thanks for the lift.”
“I got called in so if you want to drop me at work. You can pick me up later or I’ll have one of the guys bring me to wherever to grab my truck.”
“You still working at that warehouse?”
“Same old shit different day.”
How I wish that were somewhat true. My thoughts go back to last night. Replaying the expression on Beni’s face when he realized what I’d done. Pure disappointment. The attraction that sucked me in from the moment we made contact. It had always been that way between us. Things and people change though.
I’m so spaced out it takes me a second to realize the truck has stopped.
“You okay?”
“Yeah. Good. Just tired. I didn’t get much sleep.”
“I know I fucked up with you.”
“Jackson.” I shake my head. “Let’s not do this. I needed a friend today and you came through. Let’s leave it at that.”
“If that’s what you want.”
“It is. I’m not the girl for you.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. I gotta get in there. But you owe me a dinner at least.”
“Okay. Whatever you want. My next night off.”
“I’m gonna hold you to it.
“I’ll be there.”
He gives me a nod and brushes a hand over his buzz cut head. “I know.” Jackson exits the truck and leaves it running. I slide across the console into the driver’s seat and adjust it and the mirrors before backing out and driving straight to Crystal’s apartment.
I pull in and do a quick scan. I don’t see my car or Crystal’s either. I text her again and get a response finally.
Crystal: Hey girl, sorry. I fell asleep.
Hazel: I need to get my car.
Crystal: Come on over.
Hazel: Okay...I’m already here.
I’m a bit peeved she didn’t bring me my car and expects me to just come get it when she was supposed to bring it to me. But whatever. I’m here now. I go knock on her door to get my keys. I still don’t see my car anywhere though. Maybe she had to park somewhere else?
It’s chillier out than I thought. The sunshine is misleading. A shiver rivets through me as I stroll along the sidewalk in front of Crystal’s building. Like me she lives in a bottom unit, but the layout is different since hers is a two bedroom and mine is a single. Normally when I come over Bruno is home and the Tv or his music is blaring so loud she can never hear me knock. Today there’s nothing. The silence has me uneasy. I tap on the door a few times. “Crystal, it’s me. Hazel. I’m here.” No response. “I came by to get my car. I have to work tonight.”
Nothing still.
I bang with my fist. My worry only growing stronger with each rapt.
I think I see movement in one of the windows.
What the hell is she doing?
The door opens while I’m mid knock, and I nearly punch Bruno in the face. He looks around me then jerks me inside by my shoulder. He slams the door shut behind me.
“Hey,” I snap. “What the hell?”
“Where’s Crystal?” he barks at me. I don’t know what she sees in the man. He’s not attractive. Pudgy belly that hangs over his jeans. He’s balding and doesn’t take care of himself at all. He’s gross and not a nice person. I could see if he treated her like a queen because looks aren’t everything, but he doesn’t.
“That’s why I’m here, asshole. She has my car and I need it back.”
“She ain’t here,” he growls, spit flying at my face. I shrink back from him as he leers at me, and that’s when I notice the scratches on his face and neck. What appears to be blood speckled on his white t-shirt.
“Do you know where I can find my car?”
“Maybe if you tell me where I can find my money you and that bitch owe me.”
“I don’t owe you a damn thing.” I turn my back on him and go for the door when he grabs me from behind by my ponytail.
“Told me how you picked up them bikers. How she fucked around on me for payback. How you stole my product.” He tugs on my hair harder.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t play stupid with me, cunt.” He grips my chin and twists my head up at an awkward angle. “I’ll get my money outta you one way or another.” He licks his lips and comes at me like he’s going to kiss me.
“Let me go.” I squirm but Bruno tightens the hold he has on my waist with his thick arm.
“You bitches thought you could take from me. Make a fool of me. Naw. No one makes me look stupid. Can’t play me. Know you’re a whore who’ll give it up to anyone, and now I’m going to fuck you till I get my fill then pimp you out till I get back my money you whores costs me.”
“Jackson’s outside waiting for me. If I’m not back out in five minutes he’ll come in after me. You don’t want to do this.”
Bruno releases me and shoves me forward. I knock my head on the door but not hard enough to inflict any real damage.
“You think I’m scared of that pansy mother fucker?” he undoes his belt and I think I’m going to throw up.
“Bruno please.” I face him while reaching behind me for the doorknob.
I shoot my shot kneeing him in the groin.