Page 11 of Valentine's Daddy To Go
“Thank you so much, Nell. I knew you would come through for me.” I smile. I know Brian means it as a compliment, but it kind of stings because it makes me feel like he’s taking advantage of me. I know that’s not what’s going on. He was just in a tight spot, and I helped him out, that’s all. I take a deep breath.
“Of course. I’m always here for you. You know that.”
We both stand up, and Brian brings me into a super tight hug. When we break apart, he stuffs the cash in his pocket.
“Hopefully, my landlord will accept partial payment. I’m sure it’ll work out.” I nod and have my fingers crossed too. My brother says goodbye and then leaves my apartment, shoulders slumped.
Once the door shuts, I’m ensconced in silence. Now that he’s gone, I can fully experience my sadness. I can’t believe Brian lost his jobagain. It’s the fifth one this year. I never knew one person could be fired so many times, and so frequently.
At this point, Brian must have set some record. Jokes aside, I’m dismayed. I know the three hundred dollars won’t get him very far, even if he does get away with partial payment for his rent. The rest will be due at some point, and then they have to eat on top of everything else.
I love my nieces. They’re so young, and all they need is for their parents to be able to take care of and protect them. They wouldn’t understand anything because Mackenzie is only four, and Madison is three. Suddenly, they wouldn’t have a home, and they might even go hungry for a while.
Imagine that. Hungry children.My nieces.
Oh, I can barely stand the thought.
Therehasto be something I can do. I’m sure Brian hasn’t exhausted all possibilities. Maybe ifItalk to Brian’s boss, I can make him see reason. It does sound a little ridiculous that he was fired for being late on a project once, after all.
Yes, that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to Jaybird Choppers, and I’m going to talk to Brian’s boss. I can make this man see reason if I just use a little persuasion. I’ve always taken care of my little brother, and clearly, the time to stop isn’t now. I’ve just got to smooth things over with whoever fired him in order to save my brother’s livelihood.
No big deal.
I let out a very long breath, leaning back on the couch. I was so happy walking into my apartment this morning. The entire car ride, thoughts of Nash and the night we spent together were zooming through my brain. I couldn’tnotthink of handsome alpha male.
In fact, I was so hot and bothered coming home that I was contemplating a long cold shower, and maybe some private fun of my own, but now, I’m fully upset. Brian’s news was enough to dampen any flames inside of me.
I look down at my outfit and know I’ve got to change. I need this guy, whoever he is, to take me seriously. A cropped halter top and mini skirtdefinitelywon’t get the job done.
I go to my bedroom and check out my closet. I have my work clothes, but I think I should go for something even nicer. After all, you can just wear jeans and a nice top to my job.
I pull out a button-up and a long, flowy skirt. I tuck my shirt into my skirt and give myself a once over in the mirror. My hair could really use a brush, and I should probably take care of this morning breath. I go to the bathroom to clean the rest of myself up, reapplying my makeup. Fine. Clean and well-groomed, but not over the top. I’m satisfied with the way I look.
It’s time to take care of this thing.
I get into my car and then realize I have no idea how to get to this place. There was never any reason for me to visit Brian at work, so why would I have the address?
Thank god for Google Maps.
I type in the name “Jaybird Choppers” and a Fresno address pops up. It isn’t too far away which is nice. I’d have driven hours for Brian, but less than twenty minutes is perfectly fine.
I drive to the place, parking my car right outside. It looks like any other chop shop with a dirt yard out front with a trailer to the side, some sheet metal walls, and then what looks like a huge garage. When Brian first started applying to stuff, I had to drive him to all his interviews, so I’m somewhat familiar with the vibe these types of places give off. This one does seem a little bit more put together than some.
Well, looking at it isn’t going to get anything done, so I take my key out of the ignition and grab my purse to head inside. As I approach, there are a few guys working outside on various bikes. I’m surprised because it’s still pretty early. It took me a while to get ready, but it can’t be more than 9 a.m.
As I get closer, a few of them look up. One of the guys actually stands up, wiping his hands on a washcloth.
“Do you need help?” he asks casually.
“Uh, yeah. I’m looking for your boss. I have to talk with him about something.”
“You’re here to see Nash?” he asks quizzically.
I jolt a bit, but then nod. Weird. Brian’s boss is named “Nash” whereas my hook-up last night was named “Nash” as well. What a strange coincidence. Nash isn’t the most common name, but it’s not like only that one guy has it.
Freaky, I guess. The employee shrugs.
“His office is in the back. Just go inside, make a left, and he’s the second door.”
