Benevolence [H.S.]

Chapter Sixteen

I didn't think much of it then, how bold I was. How careless, how reckless. But you know what, I'm proud of me then. She didn't give a damn of the consequences, nor a second thought in that moment. I pushed through my next words with a placid smile and all the confidence of a woman with nothing left to lose.

"You've a proposal, eh?" Liam ribbed Harry playfully. "Well don't keep me waitin' love, what've you got up your sleeve?"

I carried on straight through, "Well the thing is I know you've been busy, what with my mom's car and how long that all took-" Harry cleared his throat much louder than necessary, but i continued,

"I was just thinking, I've had a hell of a time finding work around here and you guys could certainly use an extra set of hands. How about I help you out? I know a thing or two about bikes. And what I don't know I can pick up quick, I'm a fast learner. I've done enough canvassing and phone banking at the University, I'm organized, I can take some calls and fill orders for you, take the mundane off your plate and leave you to the greasy stuff." Truth is I knew next to nothing about motorcycles save for the fact my brother's was holed up in our garage while he was out doing god knows what in god knows where. But Liam didn't need to know that, so I pressed on.

"And Harry here, well-" This is where I knew I couldn't stumble, "-he can pay me...under the table."

I could feel the weight of Harry's gaze but didn't dare look away from Liam as I held out my hand.

"What do you say?"

There was the briefest silence as Liam squinted theatrically, blissfully unaware of the trap I'd laid, before he laughed and grabbed my outstretched hand.

"I say you're a hell of a saleswoman, Benny. And you're damn right, I've been drowning in this everyday shit. Been dying to get back to the nitty gritty and build some damn bikes. You're hired!" Liam shook my hand with the fervor of a man saved, and I almost felt bad for the devil's paw that gripped him in return.

"Fantastic," I blurted. "Should I swing by Monday, then?" Liam was still shaking my hand when Harry cut in, clapping Liam on the back with a strained smile.

"Let's leave the details of your employment to me, Benevolence." My eyes were still on Liam's, and I'd be a liar if I said the tone in Harry's voice didn't send a shiver down my spine. 

"I'm going to have a word with Benny about what happens next, you get back to work and checking those weights for next week." 

His white knuckles on Liam's shoulder were the last thing I saw before he  was not-so-gently guiding me out the door and into the storm.