His Girl

Hunter

It was getting close to summer break. I was caught up and coasting through my classes. Bill had given me a two-door BMW, about 20-years old. All I could think was that it's a classic with original paint. I loved it.

He told me to find my job and then we'd determine payments. He said it was a chance for me to learn real world economics, he clearly didn't really need the money. I appreciated it.

I couldn't tell anyone, but as soon as I was mobile, I had the urge to drive myself to Breaker's. If only I remembered the way. I thought long and hard but it was useless.

There's something about love that makes you very determined. Obsessed even. I ventured to the library at school to use the internet. It was a long shot. I searched for custom skateboard wheels. I knew that wasn't Loke's real business, but he used it as a front.

After pages and pages of searching, I saw it. A crappy website with a picture of Loke. Apparently he'd nearly been a professional skateboarder but couldn't stay out of trouble.

I scrolled down to the contact information. I recognized the street name...I thought, I wasn't completely sure. Based on that, I got directions. It was worth trying just to see.

I waited until mom was gone to class then I took the directions I'd printed and set out. It took twice as long as it should have, I was a slow, cautious driver, but I made it.

I knew the street right away. There was no Chevy truck but I saw the house. I waited for what felt like a long time, then I went ahead and knocked. If he wasn't there, at least someone would know if he was coming back.

My stomach was in knots, twisting and turning. I was terrified to find him with someone else. But I had to know.

"Hello." A girl answered the door. Definitely one of Cassidy's friends.

"Is someone called Breaker around?"

"Cass!" The girl turned and yelled. "It's for Breaker."

"Who is it?" She hollered back.

"Just come in. He'll be back."

"Do you know where he went?"

"I don't know, the beach. A strip club. Somewhere."

My face twisted. He wouldn't.

"Wanna drink?" Cassidy was in the kitchen mixing vodka with pineapple juice.

"No thanks."

"Hey were you here before?" She recognized me. I nodded. She giggled which felt awful. What did that mean? I was a fool for showing up here? Did I want to feel him reject me again? He'd left me bawling on the floor of a mission in the middle skid row. What did I expect?

"I'm glad you're here," she said.

"You are? Why?"

"Because I like you." She rolled her eyes. I didn't buy it.

"Because my boyfriend Ray is coming over and he's bringing two friends and I only have one friend who could make it. Now I have two." She leered at me and sipped her cocktail.

"I...uh...erm."

"Loosen up. What was your name again, Chanice?"

"Chanel."

"Oh that's right. Coco Chanel. Cheers." She handed me a drink.

"No thanks."

"Come on. Breaker likes girls who drink. I mean that's why you're here, right? To show him you're his type."

I gulped my nerves down. I guess that sounded better than being there to throw myself at his feet.

I only had two or three sips before the visitors she mentioned showed up. Ray was at least twenty years older than her. His friends were of similar age.

Cassidy showed them in. She and her friend, Amber, entertained them by the pool. I sat rigidly on the edge of a patio chair.

I was focused on my feet and didn't notice Cassidy and Ray break off out of sight.

"Roger, this is Chanice," Amber said.

"Chanel," I reacted.

"Oh, yeah. She's pretty, right?"

He nodded and I realized he was leering at me. His friend's face was buried in Amber's neck, his hands explored her mid section.

"But is she legal?" He grunted, peering at me from under her hair.

"She's cool. She dated one of my good friends. My ex actually."

That was an unexpected slap in the face. Good friend? Ex? My world started spinning.

"Be good company." She winked at me before leading her man off into the house.

"Have another drink, Chanel. You're too sexy to look so bored."

Sexy? What? He was old. Gag.

Roger held my glass to my lips. I was stunned and frozen, he poured liquor into my mouth. I choked a little as I forced myself to swallow.

"No thank you." Pushed it away.

"Come on, now, I'm being polite. Drink."

"I don't want to."

"I don't want to play games so I guess we're both compromising." He was more forceful. I struggled to stand up. My eyes were burning with tears from swallowing down the wrong pipe. The alcohol burned my throat.

"I'm going to go." I stood but he hooked his arm around me. I felt him press his body against me from behind.

"No!" I shouted. He grabbed me harder.

"Come on, you little slut."

"Help!" I screamed. I struggled, he held my arms at my side and tasted my neck. I tried to block his mouth with my head, I had no other defense.

"Don't you headbutt me!" He was angry.

"Let me go, I want my mom!"

"Playing innocent. I like a little teasing." He wrestled me to the outdoor recliner nearby.

I clawed at him which made him angrier. He stung me with a slap to my cheek. My eyes flooded with tears.