Page 1 of Vex

Chapter 1

Taja

I brace against Tessie’s weight as she leans heavily into me. I absorb her slight frame by wrapping my arm around her shoulders and leaning my head against hers as we watch the coffin being lowered into the grave. Our eyes are dry as they’ve shed all they had over the last few months. Watching someone you love die slowly and painfully takes everything you have to just hold your head up most days. Both Tessie and I have held our heads high through everything, but today’s taking its toll.

After the coffin has settled into its final resting place, we step forward and each drop a white rose on top of it and stare down at what’s left of our mother. A beautiful white coffin with her emaciated remains locked inside. Our rock, our best friend and she’s lost to us forever. I mentally say a quick prayer that she’s now without pain and will always be looking over us.

“It’s done, honey. Let’s go home,” I whisper to Tessie and feel her shudder before nodding her head in agreement.

We turn away from the grave and walk hand in hand past the small group of people who came out to be here for us during this time. Neighbors, nurses and fellow cancer patients who came to know and love our mother showed today even though the temperature’s cold and the wind is strong. We hold onto each other, as we always have, and walk slowly to my car.

Looking up, I spot the man I saw earlier today at the church. He’s at a distance, but I can still tell he’s wearing a biker’s cut. I can’t read the club patch, but I know what club he’s from. I’m uneasy as to why he’s here, or if he’ll approach, so I pick up my pace to get Tessie inside my car. After we both get settled in, I start the car and blast the heater. I shiver, and it’s not all from the lack of heat.

“We’ll be okay, Taj,” whispers Tessie while eyeing me with her dark brown eyes.

“Yeah, we will be,” I whisper back.

“Love you, Sis.”

“Love you more, Tessie.”

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“You shouldn’t be working tonight, Taja. You need a few days off. We both need a few days to catch our breath,” Tessie quietly tells me as I’m putting on the uniform that Suki dropped off yesterday on her way to the airport.

“I know, Tess, but we can use the money, and it’ll keep my mind busy. At least for a few hours,” I respond.

“It’s only been two days since the funeral. Are you sure you want to deal with strippers, drunks and perverts already?”

“I never want to deal with them, but Suki really needs these shifts covered, and I promised her. She’s done so much for us, and I know she’d understand if I didn’t want to work them, but the tips I’ll make will help with the medical bills. I’m sorry for leaving you home alone though. Are you sure you’ll be okay or do you want to stay with Mrs. Peterson until I get home? She said it’s fine with her, and she loves spoiling you.”

“No, I’d rather just chill out here. It’s nice of her to offer, but I don’t really want to be around people right now, you know? I’m just worried because it’s a strip club owned by an MC.”

“I’m bartending, not stripping. And Suki swears that they’re good guys and don’t allow anything to happen to the women there. I’ll be fine, and I’ll be home right after my shift. Call me if you need anything.”

“Okay, Taj, but be careful. Are you stopping at Suki’s to feed her fish on your way to work, or do you want me to run over there?” Tessie asks.

“I’ll stop on my way. I’ve got to get going. See you later, honey.”

I hate to admit it, but I think Tessie was right. I should’ve stayed home tonight instead of covering these three shifts for Suki. My head space isn’t where it should be to deal with whining strippers and groping drunken patrons. But I promised my best friend weeks ago, and nobody knew that my mom would worsen so quickly. The money I’m making is better than I’ll make all week doing homework assignments for lazy college students. Those two reasons are keeping me from bolting for the door and saying to hell with being a responsible adult.

Suki and I used to bartend together at a club in downtown Denver before she quit and took the job here at Dreams. I’m still bartending downtown part-time, but I can see now why she made the move to Dreams. The tips are much better, and the security is top-notch. Freddy, the manager, greeted me and showed me around as soon as I arrived. He expressed how grateful he is that I’m filling in for Suki since they’re running shorthanded right now on staff. And he was kind. Extra kind, in fact, so I know that Suki must have told him about my mom.

“You doing okay, darlin’?”

I look up and meet Freddy’s eyes. I nod my head and give him a small, fake smile. I’m not okay, but I’m working hard on not letting that show. Guess I’m not being successful at that endeavor.

“If you need anything, you let me know. If you need to leave, I’ll deal with that too. Much respect for honoring your promise to Suki, but you’ve had a hell of a week. Family comes first,” Freddy quietly tells me.

“Thank you, Freddy. I actually don’t have much of a choice but to be here making money. Medical bills have piled up, and I have a sister to keep fed and clothed. I appreciate you letting me cover these shifts. The tips will help out a lot,” I answer him just as quietly.

“Dad not in the picture?”

“God, no. He split the first time Mom got sick. It’s best that way considering the type of man he is. Just hope he stays gone.”

Freddy stares hard at me for a moment before placing his hand on my arm. I can see anger moving in his eyes, but I know it’s not directed at me. Any decent man would be angry at another man who bails on a sick wife and two small kids.

“Like I said, Taja, you need anything, you let me know. You want a full-time job here, it’s yours. Tips are better, and we pay great wages. Suki sung your praises, and I can see she was right. You’re welcome to work here anytime, girl.”

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