The Bully

Chapter Six

I headed into work the following day, covering the bruises with concealer and foundation. I'd done it before and could do a reasonable job. It wasn't a huge surprise when Bret walked in towards the end of my shift with a face like thunder. Sal sighed and picked up a menu but I stopped her.

"It's ok Sal. I'll do him," I said.

"You sure honey?"

"Yes it's fine." I headed across to him and handed him a menu.

"Can I take your drink order sir?" I asked. He glared at me.

"Cut the sir shit Angel," he said. "You and me need to talk. What time do you finish?"

"Half an hour," I replied, reluctantly.

"I'll have a coke while I wait," he said. Nodding, I went to fetch it for him, placing it on the table and stepping back nervously. Bret watched me, his eyes narrowed and then fished in his pocket, pulling out a ten dollar bill. I took it from him and registered it on the till then took him his change.

"Keep it," he muttered and I took it back to the tips jar without a word, guessing I'd pushed my luck the night before with him enough to not argue today.

"He waiting for you?" Sal asked and I nodded. "Tell you what kid, you go sit with him and I'll bring you both over a banana split on the house. Go out back and change"

I smiled and again didn't argue. Once I was back in jeans and a light pink blouse I went back out front with my bag and sat down opposite him just as Sal brought the banana split over. She smiled at me and then ruffled Bret's hair in a motherly fashion.

"Now you wipe that scowl off your face young man and eat your banana split. It's on the house so you'll enjoy it all the more."

Bret gave her a small smile, but it disappeared as he turned to face me. He did dig in though and I thanked Sal silently, as he worked his way through the ice cream and the banana he seemed to calm down. I ate my own silently, watching him unable to help the warm glow I got seeing how much he enjoyed it. I remembered when we were small he used to love bananas; they were a huge treat in his house. When we were both done he leaned back in his chair and waited for Sal to collect our bowls before he spoke.

"First off I want you to know I did not expect anything from you in return for me paying some of your rent to give you time to heal. I've had time to think about how that might have looked to you and I can tell you now that such thoughts never entered my head. And that isn't because I don't find you attractive. I mean I would... well you know..." And he gave me a slow sexy smile that made my stomach drop. "But that was not what I was implying. If we were ever to start a relationship of any kind it would not be because I'd helped you out. Ok?"

"Ok," I said quietly. "I probably over reacted but I don't want anything from you Bret. I knew when I walked out of my home it would be tough and I can't just give up at the first hurdle. It was nothing personal. If Jackie had offered a loan I'd have said the exact same thing."

"Really? See something else you said has been bothering me. All this about me kissing you and ignoring you."

"You did," I said, with a shrug. "Kissed me one night and then the next walked past me as if I didn't exist cos you were with your brothers. I don't want friendship with someone who is ashamed of me."

"You'd know all about that," he said, with a little heat in his tone. "I've not forgotten being told I wasn't good enough at your dad's funeral or the fact you cut me out from that moment. I thought I meant a bit more to you than the word of your mom."

I was silent for a time, unable to find the words. In the end I shook my head.

"It wasn't like that."