Alec by Margaret McHeyzer

 

 

 

“Look at you go!” Rhett says as I walk into Mom’s without the cast. “What did the doctor say?”

“Obviously, I’m still on crutches, and I have to up my physio, but I already knew that. And I need to be reviewed in another two weeks to see if I can return to work.”

“Yes!” Rhett holds his hand up so I can give him a high five.

“Oh, and you’ll be moving out of my place and back in here. Because I’m going home.”

“But you can’t drive yet,” Rhett replies with a hint of worry to his voice.

“What have you done?”

“Nothing. I swear. It’s just that I like being out on my own. These last few weeks of being at your place, have really shown me that.”

“Then move out of here. Mom probably wants her own peace and quiet.”

Rhett screws his nose up. “You know Mom won’t cope.”

“What won’t I cope with?” Mom asks as she arrives into the conversation at the most awkward of moments.

“Nothing,” Rhett quickly replies and widens his eyes warning me not to say anything.

Mom looks to me to fill her in. “I don’t know.” I shrug. “I barely ever listen when Rhett’s talking.” I take a side glance over at him. “Shit, I didn’t even realize you were here.”

He smirks triumphantly that I’ve kept my mouth shut. “Anyway. Get on the phone to your brother and tell him family dinner here tonight,” Mom says to Rhett.

“Actually, I can’t make it. I’ve got something I have to do. And Dean and I are working tomorrow, so I doubt Dean, Thomas, and Joanne will be able to make it.”

“Ah, okay. Well, what time is Serena coming over today?” Mom asks without even looking at me.

“She said I’ll be her last client for the day.” I’m hoping tonight we can get everything out into the open. She’s avoided talking to me when she’s been here, and I hate how cold she is toward me. Something’s eating away at her, and all I want is for her to open up and tell me what it is. I suspect it has something to do with her brother.

And maybe the fact I had her up against the door with my hands all over her. I swear I can still smell the sweet scent of her floral shampoo.

“Good, maybe she’ll want to stay for dinner then. Text her, Alec.”

“What?” I ask. “You want her to stay for dinner?”

“She seems like such a nice young woman.” You have no idea. “And I’d like to get to know her better.” Me too.

“Sounds like Mom’s already matching you two up.” I shoot Rhett a shut the hell up glare. He chuckles to himself, then continues looking down at his phone. “Anyway, I’m out of here. See ya, Mom.” He stands, walks over to Mom who’s in the kitchen making herself a coffee, and gives her a kiss on the cheek. “Loser.” He flicks his chin at me.

I stick my middle finger up at him as he laughs again before leaving. Mom brings her coffee over and places it on the table, pulls her chair out, and sits. “I like Serena.” Oh, here goes.

“Do you?”

“Yep. And I know you like her too.”

Mom’s like this super sleuth. Are all moms like this? No use in denying it. “I do like her, but I have a feeling she has a lot going on in her life, and she doesn’t want anything else.”

“Have you slept with her?” Mom lifts her coffee and takes a sip.

“No,” I answer honestly.

“But you want to.”

“You have no idea,” I say before even thinking of a Mom-appropriate reply.

“Really?” She turns to look at me, her eyebrows high and a smile pulling up on the corners of her mouth. “Your father and I didn’t have three boys without us being hot for each other.”

“Oh, come on, Mom. Do I really need to hear about your and Dad’s sex life?” Not a mental image I want to envision.

“Don’t be a prude.” She smacks me on my upper arm. “You can’t tell me you’re a damn virgin.”

“No, I’m not. But talking about my sex life with my mother is kinda awkward.”

She rolls her eyes and sighs. “I’m not asking about your sex life. I’m asking if you find Serena attractive and want to pursue some kind of relationship with her, or, if she’s just another notch. Because I don’t take Serena to be a ‘notch’ kind of young lady.”

“Do you know she has another job? She waits on tables.”

“I swear, I’m gonna slap you stupid if you’re looking down your nose at her for waiting on tables.”

“God no, no. No. That’s not what I mean.” I get up, and head over to the kitchen to grab a bottle of water from the fridge. “I mean, she’s obviously accomplished and intelligent. But why would she be working at a restaurant, earning minimum wage when I thought physiotherapists earned good money?” I know it must have something to do with her brother.

“Maybe she needs the money, and she’s doing everything she can to get it. If anything, you have to respect her more for working two jobs.’

I hobble over, and place the bottle of water on the table. “She’s pushing me away.”

“How?”

I sit again, and blow out a breath in frustration. “I’m trying to get close to her, and I know something’s stopping her.” Mom tilts her head to the side. “I kissed her again.” Her brows rise. “Well, I nearly kissed her.” Mom nods slowly. “It happened last week.” Mom puffs her cheeks and blows out. “I know,” I say as I tap my fingers to my temple trying to think how I’m going to get Serena to open up to me. “My head feels like it’s going to explode.”

“Have you tried talking to her?” I glare at Mom. “Okay, what...” she interrupts herself as she frowns. Mom lifts her finger, then brings it to her chin to tap. “Clearly something’s going on with her. What else has she said?”

“She hasn’t said anything. But, remember when Dean, Rhett, and I went out a couple of weeks ago?” Mom nods. “That was where we found out she also waits on tables. She looked like she was going to cry when she saw me. But, as we were leaving, we saw her talking to this tall, gangly looking guy, who went to hit her, and we all intervened. It turns out, it’s her brother. He’s an addict.” I take in a deep breath. “It honestly looked like he was going to hit her, and when we stepped in, she wasn’t happy that we did.”

“Ah,” Mom says as if she’s figured the riddle of Serena. “She’s working two jobs, and her brother’s an addict. Maybe she’s trying to get him clean somehow. Rehabilitation clinics aren’t cheap.”

“Wouldn’t her insurance pay for it though?”

“If he has insurance. If he’s an adult, he probably isn’t covered by her insurance, and if he’s a junkie, he likely isn’t working a job that would give him insurance.” I run my hand through my hair, trying to make sense of it all. “That girl is probably killing herself to get her brother help. And don’t forget, drug addicts are controlled by their drug, not by logic or reason.”

“She could talk to me though, tell me what’s going on.”

“Because you’ve been so accommodating to her, and shown her you’re someone compassionate who she can trust?” Mom snidely snaps. I don’t respond, because I know I haven’t been a gentleman to her at all. “I take it by your silence you know you’ve been a dick.” I look away, refusing to meet her harsh gaze. “So, what are you going to do about it, Alec? If you want to win her heart, you have to find a way for you two to connect. And if you only want her for a bit of fun, don’t bother even trying to get to know her. Because she’s not the one for you.”

I hate when Mom’s right. But I hate myself for treating Serena so poorly to begin with. I take my phone out of my pocket, and dial Serena’s number. “Hello, Alec,” she says in a clipped tone.

“Hey. I got my cast off,” I say.

“Yes, I know. I’ll be over at about six.” There’s a slight awkward pause. “Is that all?”

“I was wondering if you’d care to stay for dinner tonight? Considering I’m your last man, I mean client, ah, um...” Shit, I didn’t think this through before calling. “I’d like for you to stay for dinner tonight.” There’s silence. I quickly look at the phone in case the line has dropped out. “Hello?”

“Um,” she mumbles.

“Please?” I say too forcefully. This is now uncomfortable and weird. Mom hits me on the arm and when I look at her, she’s glaring at me with a tight jaw and wide eyes. “Would you like to have dinner with me tonight, Serena?” I flick Mom’s hand away, then turn so I can’t see her scowl burning holes into my head.

“With just you?”

“No, Mom will be here too.”

“I like your mom,” she says.

“I’m not telling her that, her ego’s big enough as it is.” Mom hits me again, and when I catch a glimpse of her, she’s still glaring at me.

“Thank you, I’d love to stay. But I have to be up early tomorrow, so I need to leave by nine.”

“Okay, I’ll see you in a few hours.” I hang up and find Mom’s now smiling and looking all cocky. “What?”

“You’re welcome.” She pushes the chair out, and walks into the kitchen. She opens the fridge door and yells over at me. “I have ground beef, turkey, American cheese, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, chicken, pumpkin. What are you making?”

“I can barely stand!” I protest.

“I’ll help, but I’m not doing it all on my own. What do you want to make?” she asks again.

“You said there’s ground beef?” Mom nods. “I’ll make my spaghetti and meatballs.”

“Good choice, you do make a nice spaghetti and meatballs. Serena will love it, unless she’s a vegetarian, or vegan, then she’ll be watching us eat.”

“Shit.” I type out a quick message to Serena, now worried we’ll be serving her something she doesn’t eat.

Do you have any allergies, or are you a vegetarian, or vegan? Actually, it might be easier to tell me everything you don’t eat.

I eagerly wait for her reply.

Not a vegetarian or vegan, and I have no allergies. Looking forward to dinner.

I smile widely. “What?” Mom asks.

“She’s looking forward to dinner,” I say.

“Huh. Look at that, treat her well and she’s responsive,” Mom mocks. “And I’m letting you know right now, if you’re a jerk to her, I’ll be kicking you under the table.”

“Just kick my good leg, okay?”

“I want you out as soon as possible, so don’t worry. I won’t be aiming for your bad leg.” She stops and evilly scratches at her chin. “Or will I?”

“I’ll make the meatballs, then go take a shower.”

Mom waves her hand in front of her face. “I was going to mention how you’re a bit heavy on the nose, son.”

“I am not.” Am I? I lift my arm to sniff. Mom bursts into laughter. “Whatever,” I murmur.

“You’re going to be hurting tomorrow, but do the exercises I’ve given you, and that should help with the pain.”

“You worked me over quite well today, Serena.” I get up off the bed, and grab the crutches so I can head out to the dining room. Opening the door, Mom’s already prepared the table, but there’s only two place settings. “Aren’t you staying?” I ask Serena. Truthfully, I’m disappointed I don’t get to spend more time with her.

“I thought I was.”

“Joanne called me and said she made extra dinner for me tonight. So, I’m heading over to their house. I won’t be too long.” Mom says, grabbing her bag and slinging it over her shoulder. “What a shame I can’t stay. Alec makes the best spaghetti and meatballs.”

“You cook?” Serena turns to ask me.

“Yeah, of course.”

“Growing up in a house with four males meant they had to learn how to cook, and clean, because I wasn’t going to be a slave to any of them. Don’t get me wrong, I’d look after my boys if something happens.” She looks down at my leg. “Like this.” She points to my foot. “But I refuse to be their maid. I taught them early on how to cook, do laundry, and clean. Anyway, I’m off to your brother’s. I’ll see you next time, Serena.” She waves her hand over her shoulder as she heads out.

“Why do I feel like your mom did that on purpose?” Serena asks.

“Because she probably did.” I take a breath and offer Serena an awkward smile. “Anyway, would you like a drink?”

“Let me get it. Fridge?”

“Yeah.”

Serena walks into the kitchen, and double looks at something on the counter. “There’s a bottle of wine here.”

“My God. Can that woman be any more obvious.”

“She’s as subtle as a brick to the head.” Serena chuckles, and I can’t help but laugh too. “But, I’m driving, so no wine for me.”

“There should be juice, water, or soda in the fridge.”

She opens the door, and reaches in for something. “I’m good with water. You?”

“Water’s fine.” She walks over to bring the pitcher of water, and starts laughing again. I follow her line of sight and know exactly what she’s laughing at. “Wine glasses. Oh, Mom. There are normal glasses in the cupboard beside the range.”

“She’s gone to all the effort to set up the table, let’s just use these.” She’s so sweet. She sits beside me, and looks at the food. “You really made this?” She looks at the serving bowl of spaghetti and meatballs.

“I did. My own secret recipe.” I reach for the serving bowl, and put a good amount on her plate before I help myself.

“Why did you do that?”

“What did I do?” I ask as I grab the cheese, and offer it Serena.

“You put a serving on my bowl before you took your own.”

Shit, did I? I’ve never done anything like that with any woman I’ve ever been with before. The only thing I can think of is that I want to please her. “I like making you happy, Serena.”

She drops her gaze, and I notice her cheeks becoming pink. Bringing her hand up, she smooths her hair before her fingers trail across her throat. “Thank you,” she replies with a slight crack of her voice. “Do you like being a firefighter?” She twirls some spaghetti around her fork, and lifts it to her lips.

Jesus, her lips. They’re plump and succulent, and all I can do is stare at them while she chews. Wait, she asked me a question. I better answer it before she thinks I’m some kind of level five stalker, just sitting here staring at her beautiful kissable lips. “Love them. It! Love it,” I quickly correct. Stop looking at her lips, freak. “This injury has screwed with my head though. I keep thinking if I looked up five seconds earlier, I would’ve noticed the bowing of the roof and I could’ve gotten out before it collapsed.” I look over to her, and she’s shoving more spaghetti in her mouth. My God, her damn mouth is so delicious. There’s sauce on her bottom lip. I lean over and with the pad of my thumb, I clean it off and lick my thumb. She’s staring at me. Why’s she staring at me? Shit, I just did it again, didn’t I? “I’m sorry.” Right, no more looking at her lips.

“You didn’t even realize you were doing it.”

“Just so you don’t think I’m some kind of perverted weirdo, I’m not going to look at your lips anymore tonight.”

“It’s my lips you like?”

“I like everything about you, but yes, ma’am, your lips are particularly delicious.” I still refuse to look at her. Not because I’m embarrassed that I like her, but because I really want to kiss her.

“Delicious?” She laughs. “I’ve never had my mouth referred to as delicious.”

“Then whoever you’ve been with was a fool.”

“Ain’t that the truth,” she mutters under her breath. “Anyway, I don’t want to talk about me or my past failures. What about you?”

I dare to look at her again, but make an effort not to look at her luscious lips. God, I want to kiss them. “Well,” I start. “You were right.”

“Of course I was.” She cuts one of the meatballs in half with her fork, and pops it into her mouth. I think I have a fetish for her mouth. “About what, exactly?”

“I have only ever dated women who look a certain way.”

She shoots me a surprised glance. “Really?”

“I have a type, and that type never works out.”

“And why’s that?”

“Because they don’t challenge me. I get bored really fast, and move on. It’s not their fault.”

“No, it’s yours,” she toughly throws at me.

“A bit harsh, but yes. It is mine. Thing is, I’ve never really searched for substance. And the women I’ve gone out with, I think they only want a hot fireman.”

“Now you’re hot, are you?” She wipes her mouth with a paper napkin, smirking, and laughs loudly. “Wow, talk about conceited. Anything else you want to brag about?” she teases.

“If I’m being honest, I’m a damn good lover too.”

“Should I ask one of the women you claim have no substance and only want a hot fireman?”

“You don’t let anything go, do you?”

“If you say the words aloud, then it’s all fair in love and war, Alec.”

“Wait, is this love or war?” I point to her, then me, then back to her. Serena’s cheeks redden and her cute pink tongue pops out as she licks her lips, which sends me fucking wild. I grip the seat of the chair, to stop myself from grabbing her. “You have no idea how badly I want to kiss you right now.”

She sucks in a deep breath, and bites her bottom lip. There’s an electric energy pulsing between us, but I don’t want to give her a reason to run again. I’m going to wait until she kisses me. She leans close, and skims her fingers across the back of my hand. “Soon,” she finally says before averting her gaze. I notice the happiness drains away rapidly. She straightens, and clears her throat. “All three of you are fire fighters?”

“Yeah. And Rhett’s best friend, Penelope, she’s in our crew too. And there’s also Hugo, who’s our newest recruit.”

“Wait, Rhett, Penelope, and Dani all went to school together, right?”

“Yeah. Pen and Rhett have been inseparable pretty much since they were born. Pen’s like a member of our family.”

“She and Rhett aren’t together?”

“God, no. They’re like brother and sister. We tease them about it all the time, but both find it repulsive. You know what, if they ever did hook up, I think it would be strange seeing them all over each other.” I shiver at the thought. “It would be like if Pen and I hooked up.” I shake my head. “She’s like my sister. No, thanks.”

Serena laughs. “That’s a hard no then.”

“Yeah. Rhett and Pen are super tight. I mean, if either of them ever had a serious relationship, their partners would have to be strong and understanding. Those two are tighter than most families.” I think now’s a good time to broach the subject of her brother. “Is it just you and your brother?”

Serena’s lips tighten as she nods. “Yeah. When my parents died, it was just me and Jordan. It’s been only us ever since.” She’s become more rigid. This must be hard for her to open up. I’ll have to be careful in what I ask.

“Tell me about Jordan.” I opt for her to volunteer as much information as she wants as opposed to me asking her something that’ll cause her to clam up.

“He’s my younger brother. He’s twenty-four, and as you know, he’s gotten himself into a difficult situation.”

“How are you coping with his situation?”

Her brows lift in surprise. “It’s challenging on a good day, and soul-destroying on a bad day.” Her eyes widen. “I can’t believe I admitted that to you.”

I reach for her hand, and place mine over hers, gently squeezing. “It’s okay. You can tell me anything.”

“I’m working three jobs so I can save enough to send him to rehab.” Three jobs? Is she kidding?

“Three? When do you have time to yourself?”

She chuckles, though there’s no joy behind the strained sound. “I meditate every day, and then I push on because if I don’t, I won’t be able to help him when he can’t help himself. And before you say it, I know he’s an adult and I shouldn’t worry about him, but he’s the only family I have.”

“I wasn’t going to say that at all. I think you’re an incredible woman who’s doing her absolute best.” Her smile is strained, and her eyes are sorrowful with heartbreak. “Can I ask how much the rehab center is?”

“Thirty-five thousand. I’ve been saving everything I can, and I’m proud to say I now only need around fifteen and a half thousand more to send him.”

“You’ve saved nearly twenty thousand dollars?” Holy shit, now that’s impressive.

“Nearly, but soon, that’s going to dwindle and I’ll need to top it up. Which means, the more shifts I can pick up at the restaurant, and the more houses I can clean, the quicker I’ll be able to get it back to that number.”

“Wait, I’m confused. Why is it going to lower?” Is she okay? What can I do to help?

“It’s a long story, but basically, I moved us to a crappy part of Faith Haven, because I thought the cheaper the house, the more I can save to send Jordan to rehab. But now, after two years and a bit, the property management company sent me a letter evicting us. I can afford for us to move somewhere nicer, but that means there’s less money to go toward his rehab.”

“I can give you the rest of the money.”

“What? No! I don’t want your money.” She stands abruptly and moves away from me. “I don’t want your money, Alec,” she repeats.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you, Serena.” Shit, think quick. “What about a loan from the bank?”

“I’ve tried, but the most they’ll lend me is ten thousand.” She sits again. “I feel overwhelmed by it all. The thing that scares me most is that I’m afraid I’ll be too late to save him.” She buries her face into her hands, hiding away from me.

“Hey.” I stand, balancing on one leg, and drag my chair next to hers. Wrapping my arms around her, I comfort her while she cries. “You’re an amazing woman, Serena. What you’re doing is remarkable.”

“I’m not doing this to impress anyone, Alec. I’m doing this to save my brother.”

“Then let me help you. I can loan you the rest of the money, and you can pay it back.” She shakes her head. “What if I include interest?”

She keeps crying, but laughs at the same time. “Thank you, but no. I won’t take your money. Jordan’s not your responsibility. He’s mine.” She takes a deep breath. “Every time I arrive at the hospital, I always check to see if he’s in the morgue. I’m terrified that’s where I’m going to find him one day.”

“Then let me help you, before it’s too late. I have the money; you won’t be leaving me short.”

I can see she’s seriously considering it. But after a long moment, she shakes her head. “Thank you, but I simply can’t.”

She’s got an unbreakable, white-knuckled grip on what she thinks she needs to do. I’ll find a way to help her get Jordan into rehab. “So, tell me, what’s your favorite color?” I ask as I gently rub my hands up and down her back.

“I love yellow, It’s such a happy color. It’s always been my favorite. What about you?” Serena wipes her eyes, and sits back breaking the amazing contact we were sharing. I want her back in my arms. She felt right, like she belonged there.

“Well, I am a firefighter,” I say and give her a wink.

“Wow, talk about cringeworthy. Is that how you pick up women? You wink and tell them you’re a firefighter?”

“In my defense, you have no idea how often that actually works.” Now I feel like an idiot.

“I don’t think I actually want to know.” She seems a lot more at ease now. “And your favorite color?” she asks again.

“Before you say it’s cheesy, I just want you to know that...” I slink my shoulders forward. “I know it is. My favorite color is red. Fire engine red to be specific.” I close my eyes and rub at the center of my forehead. “Yeah, yeah, I know.”

I hear nothing for a few seconds, then Serena starts laughing. I glimpse up at her, and she’s holding her stomach with one hand, and wiping the tears with the other. I close my eyes again, slightly shaking my head. “At least you’re consistent,” she says.

“I’m moving away from the favorite color conversation now.”

She finally stops laughing, and sits forward, crossing her arms on the table as she pushes her half-eaten bowl out of the way. “I must admit, tonight hasn’t gone exactly how I thought it would. Thank you, Alec, I do appreciate everything. But I need to go. I’ve got a full day tomorrow. One of the houses I clean called me on the way over and asked me do an extra cleaning tomorrow. Which means I need to be gone by five in the morning, so I have time to get home, have a shower and get to the hospital.”

She’s working herself to the bone. “I need a house cleaner. Would you be able to clean my house?” She looks around and crinkles her forehead. “This is Mom’s house.” Shit, how much do I offer her? I don’t want to pay her what everyone else is paying her, I want to pay her more. How much do cleaners earn? I have no idea. “I need the bathroom done. And the floors cleaned once a week. Say two hundred dollars?” Instantly I know I’ve given her an offensive number because she sinks lower into her seat.

“Sorry, Alec, I don’t have time.”

Why does she continue to block every offer of help I’m trying to give her? “Well, if you change your mind, I’d love the help around the house.” She stands and picks up her bowl. “Please, just leave it. I’ll do it.” She lowers the bowl and smiles.

Serena walks over to the sofa and grabs her bag from where she left it. “Thank you for dinner, it was nice to have a home-cooked meal. I haven’t had time in what feels like forever to eat anything other than something quick, or something from the restaurant.”

“Can I cook for you tomorrow night too?”

“I can tell you right now, I’m going to be wiped out with everything I have going on tomorrow. But thank you for the offer, I’ll grab something at the restaurant.” She heads toward the door slowly, giving me enough time to grab my crutches, and follow her out. She opens the front door, before stopping and returning. She leans in and places a light kiss to my lips. “Thank you. For everything.”

I want to grab her and kiss her like she’s never been kissed in her life. I want her to lay beneath me while I lick my way all over her body, saving her lips until last. Tasting them while I push inside of her, and claim her as mine. Mine for now, mine forever. “You’re welcome. Any time,” I say while a vision of her naked below my body keeps teasing me with the promise of a perfect future.

In time, she’ll become mine. And only mine. But for now, I need to figure out a way to give her the rest of the money she needs to save her brother, and stop working all these jobs.

I watch as she walks out to her car, unlocks it with the fob and gets in. I’m relieved to see her car is relatively new and not a heap of shit. Because there’s no way I could stand by and have her driving around at all hours of the day and night in a car on the verge of breaking down. When she’s a way down the street, I head back in to clean up and try to figure out this complication of her not wanting my money.

But I also need to figure out what exactly has happened between us. One moment she irritated the shit out of me, and the next, I fucking want her. And I want her bad.