(Don't Mess With) Clear Lake Women Page 4

  Tuesday turned to her and gave another wave forward. Sunday took in a deep breath and slowly walked towards the body on the bed. She stopped a few feet away, finding herself shocked, seeing how fragile and helpless he looked. Still, she felt no pity towards him, only a wish for him to suffer. Her hate for him wasn’t so much from his single act of sexual perversion for her, but for the years he had abused Roxy, and changing her life forever. The aftermath of nightmares; a broken childhood; a tormented psyche remained.

  “We’re going to see momma after we leave here.” Tuesday looked into his faded hazel eyes for any recognition. She smiled and took his hand. “We’ll tell her you said ‘hello.’”

  Nothing.

  “BethAnn, your sister. You remember her, don’t you?” She felt a movement of his hand in hers. Grinning, she turned to Sunday. “He knows us, Sunday.” She stood there for a few more minutes, carrying on a one-sided conversation with Uncle Ned, updating him on family gossip. A nurse came in. “I’ll be checking his vitals,” she announced, and lifted his wrist to take his pulse.

  Tuesday turned to Sunday. “Okay. I guess we can go now. Give Uncle Ned a hug, sister.”

  Sunday glared at her elder. She glanced at the old man, and thought she may have seen his pupils move.

  Tuesday’s eyes grew big and she grimaced. She jerked her head to one side to motion for her sister to come over to her. “Come on, Sunday. Give Uncle Ned a hug.” The nurse looked up now, but when meeting the sparks in Sunday’s eyes, looked back down at her patient.

  Sunday shook her head “no.” “’Bye, Uncle Ned,” she said, staring at her sister. “I’ll meet you at the car.” Turning, she stepped out of the room.

  Tuesday tightened her lips for a moment before she spoke. “I think Sunday is too upset, seeing you so ill.” She glanced at the nurse to see if she was listening. The nurse went about her business and was adjusting the IV tube. Tuesday patted Uncle Ned’s hand lightly. “I’ll tell Momma you said hello and you just get better.”

  Upon leaving, her face seemed to take on a deeper shade of red the closer she got to the parking lot. Reaching the SUV, she held her hand up and pointed at Sunday.

  “I do not understand how you could act like that, especially with that nurse there. What will she think?”

  “I don’t give a flying fuck what that nurse thinks,” Sunday said, and none any too quietly.

  Tuesday glanced around to see if anyone else was in earshot. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you, to act like that.”

  “You know I don’t like Uncle Ned and you know why.” Tuesday clicked the automatic button on her key ring, unlocking the doors. Sunday jerked the door open.

  Tuesday started the SUV. “Yes, and it happened a long time ago.”

  Sunday turned sideways in her seat. “He abused Roxy for years for cryin’ out loud. He...damaged her...forever. Maybe I could forgive the one incident with me...but certainly not what he did to Roxy.” Tuesday didn’t reply. She only looked in the rearview mirror as she backed out. Sunday taunted her. “I’m sure something similar happened to you sometime in your life.”

  Tuesday finished backing up and shifted gears. Stepping on the gas, she drove forward. Reaching up, Tuesday adjusted the rearview mirror before she spoke. “Sure it did. Lots of times. You just get over it.”

  Chapter 6

  Madison leaned close to the mirror while she applied mascara to her full lashes. A whine caused her to glance at LP. “What?” LP only stared up at her in response. Madison turned her head from side to side, checking her reflection. She fluffed out her hair; the thick blonde curls spiraled down her back. “What do you think, LP?”

  LP wagged her little tail and whined an approval.

  Madison applied her pink shaded lip shine generously. She stepped back and eyed her full figure in the mirror. The power-red empire-waist top accentuated her already large breasts and gave length to her torso. Her black slacks and heels finished off the “dressy” look she wanted. A simple gold chain and gold hoop earrings finished off her ensemble.

  Nervous, eager butterflies stormed her stomach, as she thought about being with Justin for the evening. She had known him for a couple of years and was heavily in-like with him. He had taken her out a few months back then...nothing until a couple of weeks ago when he called and asked if she wanted to go with him to the casino to listen to a country western band.

  She checked her watch. “He’ll be here soon,” Madison said. Walking out of the bathroom, she closed the door. She took a step and stopped.

  Did you turn off the light?

  “Yes...” Suddenly, she doubted herself.

  Check the light.

  “I turned it off.”

  Check it.

  Gritting her teeth, Madison turned and opened up the bathroom door and looked inside. “See. I did.” She closed the door once again.

  “Damn OCD,” she mumbled to herself, knowing it was probably worse tonight because she was nervous about the date.

  Did you turn off the light?

  She went to the television and turned it on, trying to concentrate on that sound instead the enumerating voice in her head. LP jumped up on the couch and circled a couple of times on her lap before settling in.

  Moments later, Madison heard a knock on the door. LP’s ears perked up and she gave a couple of loud yips, and ran to the door. Madison hurried to pick up Little Princess, not wanting her to try to get outside. She opened the door and there stood Justin, grinning at her. LP tried wiggling out of her arms, when Justin reached over and took her. He held her up high in the air as if she were a baby.

  “Are you glad to see me, LP?”

  Her tail wagged madly. He brought her to his face where he received several dog kisses.

  Madison pretended to pout. “She’s such a back stabber. She told me earlier I shouldn’t even be going out with the likes of you.”

  “Really?” Justin teased back.

  Madison nodded and tossed her head back, causing her long locks to wave down her back. Justin laughed and sat down on the davenport, cooing to LP. Madison grabbed her jacket and purse and brought them into the living room and sat them down.

  “Come on, LP. It’s cage time.”

  Justin looked into LP’s large eyes. “Oh. No! Not the cage!”

  LP tried to wiggle out of his hands as he passed her to Madison, who quickly carried her to her doggy pen, checking her water and food. She fluffed up LP’s favorite blanket and handed her what used to be a stuffed animal, but now, only a sad scrap. LP loved to attack her stuffed animals, showing them who really ruled the house.

  Justin held out his hand and Madison took it, following him out the door, his dark skin contrasting with her white. She had never asked about his heritage, assuming it was probably Korean. His black hair was cut short and he was always clean-shaven. His black eyes sparkled frequently with humor, and his wide smile was always inviting. He had a great sense of humor and Madison laughed easily around him. Justin displayed an easygoing attitude; almost too optimistic. Nothing ever seemed to get him down. Madison thought he may be even too perfect for her.

  Madison climbed into his jet-black Ford Explorer. She fastened her seat belt, before noticing he was grinning at her.

  “What?”

  “Nothing. I’ve just been looking forward to this evening.”

  “Because of the band that’s playing?” she teased.

  “That and...more.” He laughed at her response. Checking his rear view mirror, he pulled out onto the highway. They talked non-stop as they drove to the casino, Justin bringing her up to date with the latest happenings at his construction job.

  Reaching the casino, they ate dinner and gambled for a while before the show. Madison spent twenty dollars and won ten back. Justin quickly lost thirty at the blackjack table and swore off gambling for the rest of the night. They found their way upstairs to the large conference room where the band would be playing.

  Madison enjoyed the music, especially when t
hey played a slow love song and she felt her stomach turning somersaults as Justin’s arm went around her and she felt him nuzzle against her neck. Madison closed her eyes in delight.

  The evening ended too soon when Madison realized they were almost to her house. When Justin pulled up in her driveway, she wanted to tell him to keep on going. She didn’t want the night to end.

  Justin turned off the vehicle and looked into Madison’s eyes. “I had a nice time tonight.”

  “Me too,” was all she could say.

  Justin got out and began to come around to her side of the car. She undid her seat belt and opened the door, getting out quickly. By then Justin was there and he closed the door for her. Madison walked to her front door, and hoped he would come in. She unlocked the door and turned to him. “Do you want to come in for awhile? Watch a movie or something?”

  Justin took a step back. “No. I have to get up early tomorrow.”

  “Oh.” Disappointment flooded through her. She wondered if she had said or done something wrong.

  He laughed. “I told my nephews I’d come early and play soccer with them. They wanted some pointers.”

  “Oh,” Madison replied, feeling a wave of relief.

  “But,” Justin looked down the highway as if in deep thought, “I could...uh...” He turned back to Madison. “What about tomorrow night?”

  Surprised, Madison’s face lit up. “Why don’t you pick up a movie and I’ll cook pizza. What do you like?”

  “Anything but sausage...”

  “Canadian bacon and pineapple?”

  “Sure.”

  “Olives?”

  Justin laughed again. “Just on your half.”

  LP started barking from inside the house. Justin nodded his head. “Sounds like you’re being paged.”

  Madison nodded and turned, reaching for the doorknob.

  “Wait,” Justin called out and in three steps he stood close to her. “I...” His gaze traveled to her eyes and stopped.

  Madison tilted her face to him and ever so softly whispered, “I had a wonderful time tonight too, Justin.” Her lips were so close he only had to lean in a fraction of an inch before their lips touched.

  Madison felt the heat rising through her body; her cheeks were warm, the sexual tension mounting. Justin suddenly turned his head away. She couldn’t bear for him to see the desire she held for him and instead closed her eyes and laid her forehead against his chest. His hands rested on her shoulders for a moment, slipping slowly down her arms.

  “Tomorrow then?” he asked.

  Madison looked up, meeting his black twinkling eyes. “Tomorrow.” She grinned back, and entered her house.

  * * * *

  The next morning Madison was up early, cleaning and vacuuming. LP sat on the couch watching her, her head cocked sideways; a curious expression showed on her face. Madison wasn’t a morning-person and LP couldn’t fathom what was going on. Madison had her head set on, music cranked up high, zipping around the house. Her cell rang, but she didn’t hear it and wouldn’t have noticed except LP jumped at her legs to get her attention. She finally heard the ring tone and turned off the vacuum. Picking up the phone, she answered, “Yo.”

  “Yo yourself. You sound wide awake,” Roxy said.

  “Yes...I’m cleaning.”

  “You got up early to clean? What? Your dad coming over to inspect the house?”

  “No.” Madison laughed. Sitting back on the couch, she told Roxy about the previous evening with Justin.

  “Cool. Do you need a sitter for LP?” Roxy teased.

  Madison laughed. “I hope not...” Her mind drifted to the possibilities of LP’s misbehaving.

  “Well, have a super date tonight. I haven’t had one in...geeze...too long. Why do I do that to myself?”

  “Come over tomorrow for coffee.”

  “All-righty-then. I gotta get to the motel. Clean ’em toilets and make ’em beds.”

  “Have fun!” Madison cheered.

  “Oh..ya...loads...”

  * * * *

  Madison went about cleaning her house. At the same time, Roxy drove to the motel and began her routine. Ebby would be working with her today. Although they didn’t socialize outside of work, they enjoyed each others company and worked well together.

  They had just finished room four when Caroline, the desk clerk, called Roxy on her walkie-talkie. “Roxy, Miss Louise just called and she’ll be here in a couple of hours. Could you get number seven done next?”

  “Sure. No problem.” Roxy made her hand into a fist and stuck out her thumb, waving it to her right. “Better get over there next.”

  “Oh yes,” Ebby chimed. They walked into the room and Ebby stood at the foot of the bed and gave a big sigh before she reached down and pulled the bedspread off of the king-size bed.

  “I’ll take that down and bring up a fresh one,” Roxy said. Miss Louise was the owner’s aunt. She lived in Arizona, but every couple of months, she flew to Seattle. She stayed a week at the motel and visited relatives and old friends. Roxy liked her because even though Aunt Louise had money, she always treated her nice. Some of the guests looked down at the maids and treated them like second class citizens. However, that didn’t mean she didn’t carry on her “airs”...as expecting a fresh bedspread and a few other amenities while she was there. By the afternoon, fresh flowers would be placed in the suite, along with a basket of fresh fruit, and a chilled bottle of wine.

  Roxy went about her business, getting the fresh bedspread and a couple of extra pillows. When the room was done, she’d let Caroline know. She pushed the cleaning cart to the next room and started in. The day seemed longer than usual and Roxy felt totally exhausted by the time they were done. She grabbed her purse out of her locker and made her way to her car when she heard someone call out to her. She turned around and saw the elderly Aunt Louise waving at her, holding a small puppy close to her chest.

  “Roxy, honey,” she called out, waving her to come closer.

  Roxy grinned and walked back to the motel. “What have you got there, Miss Louise?” Roxy reached out and petted the small pup.

  Aunt Louise beamed. “Isn’t she just a sweetie?”

  Roxy leaned in and nuzzled the pup. Its soft baby like fur and sweet animal scent made her smile and feel good, although she didn’t understand why. She breathed in deep. “He smells so good.”

  “It’s a she, Roxy. I named her Cutie Pie. What do you think?”

  Roxy looked at the puppy face that appeared like she had run into a wall, smashing her features flat. She was so homely, she was cute. Roxy laughed and petted her again. “I think Cutie Pie fits her quite well.”

  Aunt Louise patted the top of Cutie Pie’s head and said in a somber voice, “Have you looked into any of those college classes yet?”

  Roxy grinned wide. “No, Miss Louise, can’t say as I have.” She turned away and glanced at her car, then back again. “Miss Louise, I need to go now, but I’ll stop by in the morning and see if you need anything.

  “All right. You hurry along then. Cutie Pie and I will go to our room, won’t we, Cutie?” She kissed the top of the puppy’s head.

  * * * *

  Later that evening Roxy went through her bills. She was getting further behind and her pay day loan was at the maximum that they would lend her. Roxy came to the realization that she needed to find another job. There was no way she would be able to pay her rent next month if she didn’t get some extra money coming in.

  * * * *

  Justin promptly knocked on Madison’s door at six o’clock. Little Princess announced him, barking her lady-like barks. Madison hurried to the door, shushing LP all the way.

  “LP! It’s only Justin. Knock it off!” However, LP didn’t listen to her master and continued to welcome Justin into the house.

  Justin burst out laughing seeing LP jump up repeatedly, then circling his leg nearly causing him to trip. He practically fell down on the couch, exclaiming, “Well, at least someone’s glad to see
me!”

  “Ya, right!” Madison responded as she went into the kitchen to set the table. Meanwhile, LP was getting her kisses and pets from the male visitor. Madison popped the pizza into the oven and finished setting the table. She walked back into the living room and sat down beside Justin. LP was curled up on his lap now, staring doe-eyed at him. “She is so easy,” she teased.

  Justin laughed. “Yes, quite a cheap date. It doesn’t take much to please her.”

  Madison grinned. “Unlike her master who is such a bitch!”

  Justin leaned over and gave her a light kiss on the lips, whispering, “You said it.”

  Madison reached over and grabbed one of her decorator pillows and promptly smacked him on the head. He laughed and placed his hand behind her neck and pulled her gently towards him. Madison resisted for a few seconds, before she let the tension go and leaned into him. His lips were soft and sensuous. A wave of sexual stirrings and heat flooded her body. Justin’s tongue teased her lips. She responded. Madison’s arms went around Justin and tightened as the kiss swept them into a deeper arousal. Suddenly, LP whined and ended the moment.

  Justin leaned back. “I think we nearly suffocated her.”

  Madison looked down at her dog. LP met her eyes, dark and large, and seeming puzzled. LP stood up, circled Justin’s lap, scratched his pants and lay back down. Madison laughed. “I think she is marking her territory!”

  Justin laughed and petted her small head. “I don’t know what I’ll do if I have to make a choice.”

  The timer buzzed. Madison looked at Justin. “Saved by the bell.” She went into the kitchen and took the pizza out of the oven, cutting it into slices. Retrieving her salad out of the fridge, she asked, “Do you like ranch salad dressing?”

  “Perfect,” Justin answered, walking into the kitchen. “Anything I can help with?”

  “You can get a can of Coke out of the fridge for me and get whatever you’d like to drink.”

  “Sure,” he replied.

  A moment later they were eating their dinner. LP, not wanting to be left out, went to her doggy cage and ate her own food. When she was full, she drug one of her mangled, what was left of, her latest stuffed animal over to her little bed and went promptly to sleep.