CHAPTER TWELVE

-:- JIG -:-

Saturday already! Where does the time go? I wasn’t planning on working this morning, but Maggie put her foot down and called everyone in for a minimum of four hours after Grease gave her the okay. With me having time off during the week, and Grease not telling Maggie, her planning has gone to shit, and she’s not happy.

Fair play to her, she’s here as well. I think that was to ensure we all turned up, and we actually worked the full four hours. I was done with my allotted task in three hours, so offered to help Raven. Her workload was more of a six-hour task as she kept finding other issues that had to be dealt with.

After getting cleaned up and rid of my coveralls, I stick my head in the kitchen to say ‘see you later’ when Raven replies, “Thanks for the help, Jig. You’re my hero.”

“Will you all just fuck off with the ‘hero’ shit. It’s wearing really thin now. Any one of the brothers would have stepped up and done what I did. Even loudmouth Chaos, if he’d got there first.”

“Don’t have a clue what you’re talking about, Jig, but if you don’t want to be a hero, that’s fine. You can fuck off with the ‘helping’ shit, too. Next time, if I need help, which I didn’t, you offered, I’ll ask someone who won’t get his panties in a twist when I thank them.” Raven gives me a dirty look and goes off in search of Grease, to help him and Maggie get locked up.

Cora is leaning against the counter, nursing what’s left of a mug of coffee.

“I assume Chaos knows something that you don’t want being made common knowledge? He has said nothing to me, and I know if he’d said something to Raven, she would have shared it with me. Seems to me you’re getting your panties in a twist over nothing.” Finishing her coffee, she washes the mug and leaves it on the drainer. “Oh, and just so there’s no misunderstanding in the future. If you speak to me the way you just spoke to Raven, I’ll put you on your ass, as big as you are, or I’ll die trying.” Smiling a sickly-sweet smile that looks like it could come from the Grim Reaper, she walks out.

As I walk out, I see Raven in her truck. Thinking I need to apologize, I head towards her. Seeing me coming, she moves the truck further away. Okay, that’s a pretty clear message right there then. I turn to go to my cabin across the street when Grease appears in front of me.

“Don’t upset my woman again, or I’ll upset you. Physically. Got it?”

“I was just going over to apologize…”

“Don’t upset her in the first place, then you won’t have to fucking worry about me or apologizing.” Grease takes a step away as he turns to Raven’s truck.

“Just so we’re clear, Grease. You don’t worry me.” Leaving him standing there before this becomes physical, and it is definitely leaning that way, I head home.

My anger over being called a hero is becoming irrational. Becoming? What’s the fucking problem with being seen as a hero, I have to ask myself?

Walking into the cabin, the smell of food cooking hits me. In the kitchen, I see a note on the table.

Jig,

Came to clean, but as you’ve been so good, there’s nothing for me to do. Hope you don’t mind, I’ve taken your few bits of laundry, and I’ll bring them back done next week. As I was here anyway, I’ve put a chili in the oven. There should be enough for two meals, even for you. I’ve left you some cornbread and there’s a salad in the fridge.

I took all the pictures and diagrams and other stuff of the stroller off the table and put them into the drawer by the sink. It all looks amazing and your secret is safe with me. Whoever that’s for, you’re gonna be a hero to some kid somewhere!

Dee. XX

Hero again!

After getting showered, I eat some of the chili, cornbread, and salad that Dee prepared. It is so good, that I nearly have the lot in one sitting. Instead, I put what’s remaining in the fridge for later, or maybe even Sunday. Feeling full, chilled out, and ready for a nap, I go to bed for a couple of hours.

Waking to hammering on the front door, I grab my jeans and slip them on as I rush to see who it is. Pulling it open, I see Heather and Forest standing there.

“What the hell, Jig. You sleep like you’re dead. We’ve been knocking for five minutes, man.” Walking past me, almost dragging Heather behind him, Forest finds the kitchen and plants himself on one of the chairs at the table.

As my mind finally clicks from slumber mode to wide awake, I see what they’re wearing.

“Captain Jack Sparrow and what’s-her-name, the heroine.”

“No. Not what’s-her-name, Elizabeth Swann. I’m Angelica. Captain Sparrow’s love interest.” Heather gives me a twirl and Forest growls as I nod my approval.

“Oh. Okay. So, what can I do for you, me hearties?”

“It’s what I’ve done for you,” says Heather, grinning.

“Oh. And what might that be?”

“I’ve spoken to Lina. At the start, she was absolutely convinced that she could ‘win you back’. There was no doubt in her mind that you two would get together as a couple and start afresh.” Heather watches for my reaction.

“I’ve told her twice already, Heather. Like I said to you, I’ve moved on. When Axel spoke to us both she dropped me like a hot rock. She wouldn’t answer my calls or texts, and wouldn’t even acknowledge me at the clubhouse. She made it as clear as crystal that we were done. I took that at face value and put her out of my mind as a potential love interest.”

Heather continues, “I went through all that with her. At first, she just dismissed it as nonsense. It wasn’t until I gave her some options that she began to realize what she had done when she ‘blanked’ you.”

“Options? What options?”

“Option one. She could stop her nonsense and move on. As you did, that way she kept the job at the clubhouse, but has to leave you alone. Option two. She could stop her nonsense, and I could transfer her to another contract. That way, she didn’t have to see you again. Option three. She could carry on her nonsense and I could fire her. This option was the eye opener for her. When she saw how serious I was when I gave her option three, I think that shook her to her bootstraps. She had not seen that coming, I didn’t want to go to option three, I like Lina and she’s a damn hard worker. She would be tough to replace in business and as a friend.”

“What option has she gone for?” Hoping for option one, thinking it may be two, and praying it isn’t three, I wait for Heather to reply.

“She went for one, but it may turn to two if she can’t get a handle on you rejecting her.” Heather looks a little disturbed at that thought.

“That’s the whole crux of the thing. She rejected me. Anyway! I’m okay with one. It won’t affect how I am with her. I’ll always be a friend to her if she needs one.”

Forest stands. “Well, just don’t kiss her anymore.” Taking Heather's hand, he heads for the door. “And only be friends. No ‘friends with benefits’, or any of that shit.” Stepping out the front door, he grins. “And whatever you do, don’t be her hero!” Laughing loudly, he pulls Heather into their vehicle.

Slamming the door, I take a couple of deep breaths and then manage a smile. At least that’s one problem I shouldn’t have to worry about again.

Realizing that those two are already in costume, I check the time. I’d better get my ass in gear. Another shower wouldn’t hurt, so I head back upstairs and get myself in the mood for a good night out.

Getting a cab to TJs I see Fist on the door with Mav. Fist is in a costume, but Mav is in jeans and a tee shirt. Mav is one of those all-in or all-out kinda guys. He looked awesome as a gladiator and hammed it up that night. Tonight's theme, I guess, just doesn’t float his boat.

Fist looks like he’s itching for a fight. “What’s up, Fist? You ok?” I ask as I near the door.

“No man, I’m not. Rock has me paying for some chick's night out because I was out of order at work the other day. Hell, chew me out, but paying for her night out when I’m stuck on the door all night? That’s harsh, man.”

“Well, I hope she’s the nominated driver for the evening. Won’t cost you so much that way, brother.” Making my way to the bar, I get a beer and have a look around. Axel and Mia have Suzie and Graham at their table, with Drag and Buzz in attendance.

The garage and Hot Hogs teams have pushed tables together and look all cozy, so I’m not putting a damper on their evening. Grease will watch me like a hawk, and I know I’ll overreact if he starts.

Fox, Eden, Forest, and Heather are buddied up. That looks like a safe bet for me to play Gooseberry. Making my way over, I grab a seat near Fox. Chatting away, I feel myself relaxing into the evening.

The doors at the front of the club are suddenly thrown open and music blares from the DJ station. The theme from the movie blasts out and a pirate ship sails through the doors onto the dance floor. I say sails, but you can see wheels hidden at the bottom. It has sails flapping from masts though, with the wind being generated from little twelve-volt car fans fixed on the spars, like the sort you have for kids and dogs in the back.

Meat is standing at a giant ship's wheel, dressed as Davy Jones. No one else has so far dressed as that character, and no one, if they turn up now, is going to beat Meat. The mask is awesome in its detailing.

Star has gone for Tia Dalma, the voodoo soothsayer. As usual, and just like Meat, she has nailed the essence of the character. You would not want to mess with her on any level.

Meat steps down from their ‘ship’ and then holds his hand out for Star. Once they are on dry land, the ship looks suspiciously like a golf cart, turns and leaves by the open doors. I wonder who they had driving that thing?

Seeing Fist talking to a female pirate at the door, she looks hot in her costume I must say, I wonder if this is the one that he’s paying for. Fist points over to Rock’s table, then she heads that way. I watch her all the way, and I’m not sure, but I think she sways those hips a bit more as she passes our table.

Fox leans over and asks, “Someone you know, Jig?”

“Not yet, but give me time, brother, give me time.” There is something familiar about her face, but those hips have me mesmerized right now.

Watching Rock introduce her around his table, I wonder where he knows her from. As he does so, I notice they keep looking this way.

Rock stands and so does Miss Hot Pirate. They walk over to the bar and once she has her drink, hell, they are heading this way. Rock is in front of her as they approach, so I don’t get to see her until he introduces us.

“Jig, I’d like you to meet Kenzie. She has bought Lily’s old Jeep. You may remember her from when she owned her Golf.” Smirking his damn head off, he steps to one side.

“Holy shit, the psycho from the other night.” The words are out before I know it.

“I see he went to the same charm school as you did. Graduated with honors, no doubt. If you’ll excuse me.”

“No. Wait. I’m sorry. I wasn’t expecting it to be you, that’s all.” She stands in front of me and looks around the room. “What are you looking for?” I ask her, looking around the room myself.

“Your mother… I was looking for your mother.”

“My mother? Why would you want to see my mother?” She is some kind of psycho.

“I think coming here could have been a mistake. I’ll leave and you guys can enjoy your dress up. Fist can save a few bucks and you won’t need your mom to protect you.”

Rock bursts out laughing, and Kenzie looks daggers at him. Red comes over to see what’s going on.

“Kenzie, ignore these assholes. What’s going on? Tell me.” Red listens as Kenzie tells her about our first meeting at the Golf. When she tells Red my mother punched her, Rock cracks up again.

“Your mother punched Kenzie, Jig? I didn’t know your mother was here.”

“I don’t know why everyone is fixated on my mother. She’s dead, for Christ’s sake. I swear to God, Rock, you laugh at the mention of my mother again and I’ll punch you through that wall.” That’s when I realize where the confusion comes from. “Oh hell! It wasn’t my mother that punched you, Kenzie, that’s what this idiot is laughing about. That was Amelia, she’s not my mother, she’s one of the old ladies that hang out at the clubhouse with us.”

“Rock told me the Ol’ Ladies weren’t old, they were your wives!”

“Stop, hold up, whoa! Rock, you’re a dick… Jig, you’re just plain stupid at times. Kenzie, they’re confusing the shit out of you. Come sit with me for a few minutes, have your drink, and let me sort this out for you.” Red takes Kenzie away to her table and I punch Rock. He doesn’t even notice he’s laughing so much.

Sitting down again, I get to explain the mess to Fox and all at the table. Eden and Heather give both Rock and me evil looks before going over to Red’s table.

Needing a beer, I go to the bar and, to be honest, I just enjoy my own company for a few minutes. When someone takes my arm, I look down and see Lily smiling up at me.

“Come and see my new baby. I am over the moon with the one Web found for me. It has everything, and more.” Finishing my beer, I let her lead me outside to the parking lot.

Standing near the doors, Lily stops and gives me the biggest grin ever. “So, what do you think?”

There, in front of me, is a huge Lincoln Navigator. Very executive looking. Very luxurious looking. And very, very white!

“She’s a beauty, Lily. Erm, she’s big. You were worried when you got the Jeep because you thought she was big. This is a beast compared to the Wrangler.”

“She is so easy to drive though, and there’s a button or switch for any and everything. She has massage seats, for God's sake. Heated or cooled, too.”

“She’s a step up from the old Jeep, that’s a fact,” I agree and chuckle.

“You haven’t seen the Jeep since she got her new dress.” Kenzie's voice drifts over my shoulder.

Before I get to say a word, Mia storms through the doors with her friends Suzie and Graham in tow. “Who owns that SUV?” Mia points to Lily’s Navigator.

“It’s mine, Mia. Why? What’s the matter?” Lily looks panic-stricken that she’s in trouble of some kind.

“I need these two taken back to the clubhouse, now. Can you take them for me, please?”

“Erm, sure. Now?” Lily is digging through her purse for her keys.

“Yes. Now. I’ll cover your bill for the night. Food, drinks, the lot. Just get them to the clubhouse.” Turning to her friends, she states slowly and clearly, “And we will have a long talk tomorrow, you two!”

Watching Lily drive away with Suzie and Graham, I don’t have to ask Mia what’s happened. “They were fucking in the kitchen storeroom. Geek nearly had a heart attack when he stumbled on them. What were they thinking?” Mia storms back into TJs and leaves me standing with Kenzie.

“Show me this new dress that you got?”

“Sure. Why not? Maybe this time you’ll have something nice to say, eh?”

“Kenzie, I’m sorry. I’m not usually as abrupt as you’ve found me to be.”

Walking over to her Jeep, I see that it’s had its paint job. I can’t see much in the lights from the parking lot, but I’m not putting my foot in it again.

“She looks so much better than when you bought her. You’re going to do her proud, I’m sure.”

“She’s booked in at your garage for a full service. While she’s there, I’ve asked for her to get a thorough going-over to see if I’ve got anything to worry about soon. Have you got any prior knowledge that I should know?”

Seeing that she is serious about the vehicle touches a nerve with me. I know that there’s a lot of minor faults with the Jeep that were mounting up. Hell, that’s why we’ve been telling Lily to get rid of it.

“There are some things that need to be looked at. Nothing major. When she’s in for the service, why don’t you come around, and while she’s on the lift, I can show you what I think you should prioritize? Some of it I can do outside of hours and save you a few dollars here and there. It will also get her sorted quicker.”

“Careful there. You’re sounding almost nice.”

“We got off on the wrong foot. How about we put that behind us and try for a fresh start?”

“That’s all you got. Two wrong feet and fucking ugly shoes.” Kenzie studies my reaction.

“What?” Hearing her laugh, I break into a smile.

“Movie quote. I love throwing them out and that was too good a chance to miss.”

“I know little about movies. They’ll probably float right by me. Hey, we could do movie nights and you could teach me some.”

“Oh? Movie nights ? This is all a bit of a sudden turnaround, don’t you think?”

Holding my arm out, “Let me buy you a drink. We can sit down and set some ground rules for how we go from here. Sound like a plan?”

Taking my arm, we head back inside. Her touch is like an electric current running through me. I turn and smile at her. Catching her smiling too makes me laugh lightly, almost a giggle.

Getting our drinks, we grab a pair of empty bar stools and find that conversation flows easily between us. I notice a couple of women sitting at the bar keep glancing over.

Catching Marsha’s attention, she’s one of the best servers here at TJs, I call her over.

“Marsha, could you be a sweetheart for me and find out what those two are talking about? They keep watching me and Kenzie here, and it’s getting on my nerves.”

“Sure thing, Jig. It will take but a moment, Sur. Oyl be roight back, so I will. ” Her pirate accent is quite good, and she disappears into the crowd.

“I could just go over and ask if they have a problem. They work at the same doctors’ practice that I work at. They’re probably thinking ‘I’m on the prowl’ and you’re my target for tonight.” Kenzie doesn’t seem at all fazed, but I don’t like people staring and then gossiping.

Marsha is as good as her word and is soon back. “ They’s need a good flogging, so’s they do, cap’n, sir. They are discussing your date, Jig. They think she’s a hoe because she got a doctor fired who they have both been screwing, and they were getting gifts for their trouble. They are not nice women, Jig. They wouldn’t last five minutes here, talking as they do.”

“Ask Fist to eject them from the bar, will you, Marsha? And ask him not to be too gentle about how he does it.”

“My pleasure. Can’t stand two-faced bitches myself. Enjoy the rest of your date.” Marsha sidles off to the door and finds Fist. Moments later, he arrives at the bar, says something to the two women, and they jump from their bar stools and follow him. At the door, he bows and lets them through first. Once they are outside, he waves at them and slams the door shut.

Looking our way, he grins, waves, and winks. Giving him a chin lift, I turn to Kenzie. “Now, where were we before we were so rudely interrupted?”

“Apparently on a date, according to Marsha, was it? You didn’t correct her, I noticed.” Kenzie gives me what I would call an appraising look. “You were quite the gentleman for dealing with those two. Thank you. I haven’t had someone be a hero for me in a long time. With stopping the other night and now this, you could be classed as my hero.”

“That word has been cropping up in my life quite a bit lately. Normally it triggers a poor response, but being your hero puts a whole different, and nicer, perspective on it.” Giving her the lowdown on the hospital incident with Sara and Evan, then everyone who hears about the project thinks I’ll be a kid's hero, she seems impressed.

“So now we’ve been on our first date, when are you free for the next one? The second date will be quieter and more romantic,” I say with a large smirk and hopeful expression.