Saturday morning at Mac’s Place, Grady took the honor of introducing Landon to the thirty-plus other men during breakfast. Their ages and ethnicities varied, so did their demeanor. Some appeared content in their plights; others seemed to resent it. Landon guessed he was somewhere in the middle.
As a combined effort after each meal, the men were expected to sweep the floors, wipe off the tables and perform other household chores to earn their keep. When the kitchen was restored, his options were watching a program on the community television voted by a majority, stepping outside for a smoke or taking part in a card game.
Spying the pair of community computers in the corner, Landon headed in that direction. Until yesterday, he had been in a hurry to get to Texas—Houston, Dallas, Austin, it didn’t matter, as long as it was far away from home. That was before Octavia knocked him to his knees—literally.
He logged onto the computer and began job searches in St. Louis, thinking about Octavia. She was sincere, sassy and witty. Landon chuckled. She purposely planted a seed in his mind that she was inviting him to her house. The joke had been on him. He grunted, then refocused on getting gainfully employed.
“You look deep in thought,” a deep voice said over his shoulder.
Landon stiffened. How could someone sneak up on him like that without him sensing their presence? Since he had been in “transition,” Landon tried to stay in tune with his surroundings and possessions. He may have been called a “pretty boy” growing up, but looks were deceiving. He knew how to defend himself whether with a fist, kick or weapon. Certain neighborhoods in Boston dictated that.
Turning around to face the intruder, Landon blinked. An unrecognizable man towered over him. At first glance, his dark skin reminded Landon of his cousin from back home, which made him do a double take. Unlike Garrett’s, there weren’t any darts shooting from his eyes. All Landon saw was kindness.
This stranger with close-cropped hair and a clean-shaven face was dressed in a high-end polo shirt and slacks. He wore an intangible air of confidence. Landon tried not to stare at the man’s shoes which would only remind him of the dozens he had lost because he couldn’t pay rent on the storage unit.
Landon got to his feet to match the man’s height, only to be a couple of inches shorter at six-two. As his nostrils flared, Landon unsuspectedly inhaled the man’s cologne. That was another thing he had to forfeit—his designer colognes. Whoever this interloper was, somehow he didn’t fit the MO of the other residents there—his eyes were full of life.
“I didn’t mean to startle you.” He gave him a ready smile and stuck out his hand. “Rossi Tolliver.”
He gripped it. “Landon Thomas.”
Grinning, Rossi peered at the computer screen, invading what little privacy Landon had.
That gesture put Landon on the defensive. Although he hadn’t slept with a woman in more than a year—sixteen months, if he was counting—he wasn’t desperate to visit porn sites, if that’s what Rossi was trying to verify and Landon was about to tell him that, too.
“I recognized that company’s logo,” Rossi explained. “So you’re looking for a sales position?”
“Senior advertising rep,” he emphasized senior, not entry level. He needed to make a lot of money—some financial obligations he couldn’t let go of.
Rossi nodded, grabbed a chair nearby and made himself comfortable. “Do you need any help updating your résumé?”
Who was Rossi Tolliver? Landon took his seat again. “Résumés don’t land jobs; people skills and networking open doors.”
“Sounds like you’ve had a lot of doors shut on you lately.”
The man had no idea, but Landon was a private person. What little he had shared with Octavia the day before was more than he had divulged with anyone since he had been on the road. Landon squinted. “Are you my caseworker?”
“Oh no, Mac and I are friends, and I drop by from time to time. He thought I should introduce myself to you.” Before Landon could ask why, Rossi continued, “Do you have any plans for Sunday?”
Folding his arms, Landon grunted and gave him a pointed look. “Not for church.”
“I see.” Rossi scratched his jaw. “Since you’re searching for employment, there’s a networking event tomorrow afternoon at the Sheraton Hotel. I think you should attend.”
An opportunity. Landon’s heart leaped with hope, then reality set in. “Thanks, but I can’t go looking like this,” he said as Rossi scanned his attire and asked his shirt, pants and shoe size. “I may not have much left, but I’ve been able to hold on to one shirt and slacks, and my dress shoes…” They definitely needed a good hand polish. He fingered his curls. His appearance also needed enhancing.
“I tell you what, why don’t you tag along with me to my barber? I’m sure he could fit you in. Bring your clothes. There’s a one-hour cleaners nearby.”
Swallowing, Landon’s heart soared again. Suddenly, he had a good feeling about things turning around. Landon grinned and shook Rossi’s hand. “Deal.”
Rossi stood. “Let’s do it, bro.”