Dirty Deeds (Part 2 of 'No Good Deed'

Chance?

I get up early, despite my lack of good sleep and I shower and bath my boys. Boys are fed, and in cute outfits. I start breakfast and cleaning the house of all signs of chaos that played out last night. I whip up a special cocktail to bring the blood from the carpet and I keep the ice pack on my face. Everyone eats and I speak not a word to Holden, despite he and Daddy making small talk at the table. I already asked Daddy to watch my boys and I have enough milk pumped to feed them 2 bottles each should I be later than expected coming in. I have anxiety flaring at the thought of leaving my boys, so I lay down law to daddy about answering his cell for me.

I rush the stairs to get dressed and spruced. I grab a navy pencil skirt, flats, dark panty hose, a cream blouse and navy blazer. Light natural makeup and half up hair, smooth and light waves. Pearl earrings for a more formal touch. I must myself with perfume and curse as I sorsy my own eyes. Shit. Why am I even allowed to have anything that sprays? I grab the eye drops and flush my eyes. That's better. I don't look high now. I'm not digging the clothes, but I'm trying for a nice interview look. I need Colton's help, but he'd notice my throat. Shit. I grab for a thin leopard print scarf. There. Throat covered. Looks less stuffy with a fun print too. I grab my cell, purse and Daddy's keys as I come through the kitchen.

"You look fantastic dear. Be careful. I love you. " Daddy checks me out and nods in approval. I flush.

"Thank you. I will. The boys have plenty of milk in the fridge, put the bottle in warm water to warm it. No microwave. Swirl NOT shake. I love you too." I hug him tightly.

"Where are you going Cia?" I turn to Holden and raise my chin.

"Job interviews in town."

"They won't hire you. Your name was slandered in the paper before the truth came out. You won't make enough at these places to support a family of three. Just stay here."

"Someone will hire me. And if I budget right I'm certain I will do well. I'm not staying here another day while you both keep me up. I am a mother, I need to be self sufficient." I take put the door before he can further damage my self esteem. I will get a job. I am a great worker.

I jump in the car and make my way into town. I try a few banks, they all tell me they recently hired. So I go walking the streets checking out businesses as I go. I see a few clothing shops and stop there. Two have already hired, and another flat out denied me based on my outfit. I turn and leave, head high. I had no business working around fashionable boutiques anyhow. I see a auto detail shop ahead, other side if the street and I dash to it with determination. I enter the dingy shop and immediately pick up the hiring flyer on the table of the lobby. I take it to the counter with me.

"Hello." I smile and great. The man at the counter grins.

"Hello miss. How are you today? May I help you?"

"I am great. How are you? Yes, actually I was needing an application. I noticed you guys were hiring and I have experience in auto detailing." I beam. Customers would often specially request me for the interior work and headlights. I can stand and buff a headlight back to factory standards. He smiles.

"You want to work here?"

"Yes! I have done this type of work before and I was highly recommended by customers. I could even show you my work if you'd like."

"More goes into this ma'am than just picking up trash and wiping a window." He deadpans. I raise my brow and lean in the service window face to face with him.

"Sir. I have scrubbed blood out of seats from car accidents. I have completely dismantled interiors to pull seats and pack them back in. I have reupholstered headliners, sanded and buffed headlights. I have removed paint overspray. I have sanded huge runs in clear coat that have barely had enough product to even sand without nicking the paint and I have done it. I know this line of work. I'm good at this, please. " I try to defend myself.