Page 19 of Patching Over

“Yes, and because we don’t have your social security number or other important documents, you’ll be paid cash under the table by both places so you can buy what you want, whether it’s the foods you like or clothes. Whatever you need, Rayleigh.”

“I think I must’ve died and gone to Heaven, Brick. This is more than I’ve ever known, and I certainly didn’t expect it at all.”

“You definitely didn’t die because none of us will likely ever grace the Pearly Gates,” he teases.

There’s a knock on the door then another man opens it slightly, his hands holding a laptop as well as several bags which are emitting a wonderful smell. “Pres, got the food and what-not,” he announces.

“Hawg, get your ass in here, my woman is hungry,” Brick demands. “Rayleigh, this is Hawg. Hawg, Rayleigh.”

I shyly smile at him as he grins while placing everything down on the coffee table. “Pleasure’s all mine, little lady. Now, Brick says you’ve never used a computer, so even though I’m going to give you a crash course, I also got a book for you which should help in case you run into a problem and can’t reach me.”

Overwhelmed doesn’t even touch how I’m feeling right now as I look around at the apartment over the bar. It’s already furnished, but Brick is currently making a list of other things we’ll need to go and pick up. I have my precious laptop clutchedtightly in my arms right now, everything Hawg showed me earlier while we ate lunch swimming in my head.

Once lunch was over, I slipped on sneakers that were in a bag I completely overlooked. Good thing too, because I had no shoes. Brick found me an overly large hoodie since it’s chilly out and then drove me into town in his jacked-up truck, all of my things packed into the back seat.

“Okay, I’ve got a list together, so let’s head down to the bar so I can introduce you to Brew and y’all can decide when you’ll start, then we’ll go across the street so you can meet Phantom and discuss the same thing. Then, we’re going shopping.”

“You’ve already done so much, Brick,” I say with appreciation.

“Not at all, now, put the laptop down so we can go, Sprite.”

I reluctantly put the precious laptop down, which is in a nice case thanks to Hawg because as he told me, I needed the power cord and a wireless mouse, then clasp my hands behind my back. “I’m ready.”

“Let’s roll, beautiful.”

CHAPTER

TEN

Rayleigh

It’s been a week since Brick moved me into my own apartment above the club's bar. While I haven’t personally seen him, his brothers as he calls them, have made sure I’m okay. It took me a day or two to get into a routine with regard to working, but now, I know how long it takes to properly clean both places to where they’re spic-and-span. Right now, I’m counting my pay from the bar and tattoo shop, my brows raising with every bill I add.

“That’s too much,” I murmur once I’ve added it twice. “A thousand dollars? I’m only at the tattoo shop for maybe an hour, two max every day! The bar takes me longer, but I hope if I ask Brew for what I found online, it’ll shorten the process because I know I push the time every day.”

I look at the phone Brick gave me the day I moved in with longing. He programmed several numbers in it, including his, Hawg’s, Brew’s, and Phantom’s, but I’m not sure I’m brave enough to question him about the amount I was given. Of course, he has texted me, not every day or anything, just a quick, ‘you ok?’ which I answer with ‘I’m fine, thanks’.

Taking a deep breath, I open up our text thread.

Me :I think there’s a mistake with my pay.

Brick :What do you mean?

Me :It’s too much, Brick!

Brick :No, it’s not, Sprite. You’re working five days a week at both places, $100/day = $500 x 2.

Me :I’m at the tattoo shop for maybe two hours a day tops, the bar up to three hours depending on how bad it is.

Brick :We’re not cutting your pay, Rayleigh. We discussed it in church and since you’re rebuilding your whole life and we can afford it, $500/week from each is what you’re getting.

Me :Fine.

Brick :Other than that, everything good?

Me :I need to learn how to drive.

Brick :Why?

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