The Shop

Chapter 8

My body was going through the motions, but my brain was off in wonderland. Somehow my legs brought me to the steps of the apartment and Roberto was holding the door for me. 

"Thanks Roberto." I murmur and his face is satisfied, maybe I finally got his name right or close to it. As my finger grazes the elevator button the shaft doors open, out stepping Madeline and Liam. Madeline is wearing a plain black dress that comes below the knees. Her plain black flats, floppy black hat and dark sun glasses give off a funeral vibe. I can see tear stains on her cheeks, even for being old she has a certain beauty to her face. I know it would be neighborly to ask how she is doing and shit but I'm not that kind of guy. Liam's black suit and tie look nice, he looks like a regular guy. Though his shoulders are slightly haunched and he rocks back and fourth on his heels as he walks, probably some habits he has picked up along the years I'm guessing. I shimmy past them in the elevator and give Madeline a comforting smile, Jasmine put me in a much better mood. She nods and guides Liam to the front door. 

The whole elevator ride, Jasmine would not leave my thoughts. What the fuck? What is happening? She just walks in my life and doesn't leave. I need to distract myself. I wonder if Tara is home yet, oh shit, Tara. I check my phone and it's not that bad. Only four missed calls and three texts. Leaving the elevator I text Tara to unlock the door. She must be staring at our messages because before I could get down the hall the front door swung open. 

"Hey mom, sorry I'm late." Tara rolls her eyes and steps aside from the doorway to let me in. 

"Where have you been all day?" I kick the door closed with my foot and walk into the kitchen, ignoring her nosey question. Tara just went grocery shopping so I don't know what to consume first, I reach for cookies that are resting on the counter but she swats my hand away. 

"Those are not for you." Shifting to the other side of the kitchen I rummage through the cabinets filled with food. Deciding on an apple I walk into the living room and flop on the couch. After channel surfing for thirty minutes I check my phone for the tenth time. 

"Why do you keep checking your phone? Expecting someone's call?" Tara walks in with two mugs of tea, I assume one is for me. She hands me a cup but I push it away. 

"Tea would be good for you." I feel bad, she made it for me and I pushed it away but then again I think  of Tara. The first time we met was when I grabbed her ass, she slapped me and pulled me outside to the backyard. She was obviously drunk but still sane. 

"Don't you touch me creep." My face still stings from her slap. 

"It was a mistake I thought you were my girlfriend, I swear." I put my hands up in defense but she doesn't feed into my bullshit. 

"I've heard of you Styles, practically all of the girls at this party are your girlfriend. Including my slut of a best friend." As soon as the last words come out she tries to shove them back in. Her hands cover her mouth and she looks around to see if anyone heard. 

"I didn't mean that!" Now I have some dirt on her. 

"I wonder what Ruth will say when she hears what your loose lips said." This blond looks horrified and It's turning me on.

"Hey...do you like tea? I can hear an English accent." Her word run-on a little and slur, it's the alcohol. "You like crumpets. Thats a funny word. Crumpets." She giggles at herself then stays silent, did she fall asleep?

I have been asked that question many times, but it didn't bother me when she asked. We didn't really talk after that party, it wasn't a memorable moment at the time. My thoughts are interrupted by Mary storming in the apartment. Tara moves from her spot on the couch to Mary, her female senses must have been tingling because she could tell Mary was in distress. 

"What's wrong?" Tara places her hand on one of Mary's shoulders and looks at her compassionately. 

"It's nothing." Mary mumbles and even I can tell something is wrong. Before Tara can finish her cross examination, Mary practically runs into her room, slamming the door. 

"Teens." I lightly laugh and this time Tara doesn't join in.

"I think something is wrong." Her voice is now light, and almost sad. 

"She is a tough cookie, she can handle it." I embrace Tara to comfort her but she rejects me by pulling away. To keep this from getting awkward, my phone rings. Unknown number says, "Hey Harry! Just ordered all four of the hunger games movies! When are you coming over?" This has to be Jasmine. My favorite thing is when she doesn't ask if I'm busy, she just asks when I'm coming. 

"When you give me the address I respond."  She sends me her address rather quickly but I'm fine with that. I walk to the bedroom and put fresh cologne. Looking in the mirror while touching up my hair made me see how much of a prick I've become. I brush my teeth for some weird reason and put on my shoes. 

"Where are you going?" Tara questions while sitting crossed legged on the couch. 

"Out." I curtly respond and here we go. 

"Well where?" I hate how she ruins the mood I was in. 

"With a friend. To watch a movie." I conveniently leave out the part of how Jasmine is a girl. 

"Oh." Is the only thing Tara has to say. "What movie are you watching?" I suspect she feels bad for questioning me so much. 

"The Hunger Games. I won't be back until late, don't wait up for me." I slam the door before she can respond. It's nothing personal, I just want to get to Jasmine.