Off Limits

Chapter Twenty-Five

Serenity

‘Hey! What are you guys doing here?’

Tuesday morning, at The Bounty, I have visitors. Three members of the CMC – Jewel, Leona and Shawny – have all come for a late breakfast, unannounced.

‘You look cute in that apron,’ Shawny says as I embrace her. Her white-blonde hair smells freshly shampooed. ‘We always said we’d crash one of your shifts for breakfast.’

‘Can you go on a break and sit with us?’ Jewel asks, squeezing my hand.

‘Let me take your order first,’ I say. I’ve only been here an hour.

‘Do you have any kombucha?’ Leona asks as she slides into the booth.

I giggle at my fellow rookie’s request, because The Bounty doesn’t exactly offer the world’s healthiest set of breakfast options. ‘I can get you a black tea?’

Shawny swipes up the menu. ‘Are you kidding me?’ she says. ‘I want calories. Fried steak and eggs. With a chocolate shake on the side.’

‘Coming right up,’ I say emphatically.

‘Seriously?’ Jewel questions, looking Shawny up and down. ‘How come you literally don’t gain a single pound after inhaling that?’

‘It’s literally all I’ll eat for the rest of the day.’

‘How about you, Jewel?’ I ask.

‘Can you do a whites-only omelette?’

Shawny gives a derisive snort at Jewel’s selection. I give her a wink. ‘For sure.’

‘I’ll have the same,’ Leona says sweetly and hands me the menu. ‘With the tea. Will you eat with us, Ren?’

I look around. The diner is quiet. ‘I’ll see if I can get away with it.’

When their food is ready, I take a seat at the table. My back is to the door but there’s another waitress on duty. I’ve made myself a latte at the machine and I rip open a sugar sachet, pouring it into the cup. Kathleen never has to know.

‘Can you please give us the update now?’ Jewel says in Shawny’s direction.

Shawny’s brow gives a devil-may-care double bounce. She lowers her voice. ‘So, I heard this from Angel, who heard it from Reeta, one of the ground staff, who heard it from one of the security guys at the Danube.’

She sucks her chocolate milkshake through a paper straw.

‘Yesterday, big face off takes place between Lemon Conway and her momma, right in Momma Conway’s office.

Jake Walsh? Turns out, not having a thing with Lemon, at least not anymore.

Lemon’s not found herself a new fuckboy, but a fuckgirl.

Started as friends with bens but now very much a thang.

Turns out Lemon is gay. And Momma Conway is so not pleased. ’

‘Oh my lord, who?’ Jewel asks, her eyes sparkling and hungry for gossip.

‘Only Carlie Kessler.’

All our eyes go wide. ‘The DJ?’ I ask.

‘Get outta here!’ Jewel blurts simultaneously.

‘Get this. Lemon’s screaming at her mother that they’re in love, that she and Carlie wanna be together, that it’s been going on for a while, etcetera, but Samantha Conway is like, no, no way, the brand cannot handle you bein’ a lesbian, she’s so disappointed, yada yada…’

‘That’s so mean,’ I comment, though a part of me is relieved. ‘Poor Lemon.’

‘Hold up, isn’t Lemon, like, twenty-three?’ Jewel asks. ‘Surely, you’d tell your mom where to get off?’

‘Not if your mom is Sam Conway, and you’re one of the heirs to the holy Mutineers empire,’ Shawny says, crossing herself. ‘I mean, it’s fine for your daughter to be fucking your star player, but another girl?’

‘She is a snob and a half,’ Jewel says.

‘Good news for you, though, right?’ Leona comments toward Jewel. ‘Means Jake Walsh is now a free agent.’

‘So long, CMC,’ Jewel laughs with a little wave of her fingers, and I laugh along with her, because I have no idea what else I can do, the same knot in my stomach forming whenever his name comes up.

‘You know, I can picture Lemon and Carlie Kessler together,’ Jewel then says. ‘I think they make a cute couple.’

‘Not as cute as you and Jake Walsh,’ Leona adds.

‘Duh,’ Jewel says but she finishes it with another laugh.

‘Sam Conway must be pretty pissed though,’ Shawny says. ‘Turns out her daughter ain’t so keen on her team’s star running back.’

‘Don’t you mean Jewel’s future husband?’ Leona laughs.

‘Jake ’n’ Jewel has a certain ring to it, don’t you think?’ Jewel giggles.

I keep a smile on my face, but inside it’s starting to hurt. Not just because I want to be open about Jake and me, but because I hate lying to my friends about the first serious relationship I’ve had in years.

On the other side of the table, I see Jewel’s eyes go wide. She lowers her voice. ‘Oh my god, what is he doing here?’

A tingle goes down my spine. I turn my head toward the door. My world narrows as Brody Conway saunters into the diner wearing a suit.

‘No fucking way,’ Shawny whispers. ‘What are the chances?’

‘Why would he even come to a place like this?’ Leona questions.

I look over. The other waitress is busy. I swallow. ‘I should go.’

‘Ugh. Tell us what he says,’ Jewel hisses as I get to my feet.

As I turn and approach him, I feel Brody’s gaze burn a trail down my body, dressed in my Bounty uniform.

‘Good morning, sir,’ I say tightly when I reach him, sweat breaking out on my upper lip. ‘Have a seat, I’ll fetch you a menu.’

I don’t allow him time to respond as I head straight to the bar for the menu and my notepad. All three girls are brazenly looking his way.

When I return, he’s sitting down, his back to Jewel, Shawny and Leona.

My gaze flits to them and they’re still gawking.

I pass him a menu, and I feel self-conscious that there are stains on it.

He’s not dressed like our usual clientele.

I’ve never mentioned my regular job to him, so in order to find out where to find me, I suspect, once again he’s gotten the information from my CMC employee record.

‘What can I get you?’ I ask.

‘Honestly?’ he drawls as he peruses the contents. ‘A reply would be nice, Serenity.’

Over the last four nights he’s sent more sexually charged messages to my phone. I’ve not replied to a single one.

‘I’ve been busy,’ I say stoically.

‘With what?’ he asks, and he makes eye contact with me for the first time, my stomach rolling over with dread.

‘You should know there are three CMC members sat over there. They’re all wondering what you’re doing here.’

He turns around on purpose and looks pointedly at them. Shawny and Jewel produce charming smiles. Leona looks away.

‘How did you know I worked here?’ I ask.

‘Oh, I’ve known for a while. I like how that skirt is so short it only just covers your ass. Reminds me of your cheerleader uniform.’

‘Not here,’ I swallow. ‘Please.’

‘You seem to be ignoring me, Serenity. Is the idea of clearing your father’s debt not attractive to you?’

I’m conscious I’m being watched. ‘Would you like to order breakfast?’ I ask, my pen still poised.

‘What would you recommend?’

‘The American classic is always good.’

‘I’ll take an espresso and a date for our night together.’

I feel my cheeks burn. ‘This is my place of work,’ I whisper. ‘This is so totally inappropriate.’

‘Well, you seem to be running me around in circles, like the tease that you are. You know what I want, so just give in to me. I’ve told you; I’ll make it good for you.’

‘Like I said, this is my place of work. I can’t discuss this in here.’

His gaze darkens and he lowers his tone. ‘I don’t get an answer now, then your life will implode, Serenity. I’ll make sure your father’s debt to Kale is doubled. And perhaps I’ll go see your friends over there. Talk to them about what you do after the sun goes down.’

It’s everything I can do to hold it together. ‘Please. Just, please. Take your coffee and leave.’

He gets back to his feet. I glance at the girls to my left.

In the booth, they are finishing their meals and appear to have lost interest in what I’m doing.

‘Friday night,’ Brody says with a gruesome smirk, as he leans closer to my face.

‘I want you naked in my bed, primed and wet for me, and you’d better come there willingly.

You’re not there, I’ll spill all your dirty little secrets to the goddamned world. I’ll take that espresso to go.’

I try to stop my fingers from trembling as I prepare his coffee and ring it through the cash register.

Brody pays and walks out of the diner without so much as a backward look.

I watch him walk back over to his expensive car, and I swear I don’t breathe for a whole minute.

When he’s gone, I glance back over to Jewel.

The girls have finished eating and are talking amongst themselves.

I shrink away from the register, bypass the kitchen, and go to the cramped, windowless staff room where Bounty employees take their breaks.

Alone, I pace, and cover my mouth with my hands. I can’t stop shaking. I go to my locker and the tears are already falling. I can’t stop the tide. I open the padlock and pull out my bag, my fingers still trembling as I pull out the phone I use with Jake and switch it on.

‘Hey,’ he answers. He’s in his pickup, his tone upbeat. He sent me a message late last night asking if I would permit him to help me if it didn’t involve money.

‘Everything alright?’ he asks.

I try to pull myself together. ‘I’m at The Bounty. You won’t believe this. Brody Conway just paid me a visit.’

‘Sonofabitch!’ I hear Jake curse, and it’s followed by a thud, like he’s punching the steering wheel several times. ‘What did he say?’

I check the door and lower my voice. There’s no use trying to pretend like I’m not in tears. ‘He wants me at his apartment, Friday night, or he goes public with everything he knows. He gave me that ultimatum then walked out.’

‘Shit,’ Jake mutters, then he goes quiet for a moment. ‘I’m on my way to the training facility. When I’m done, I’m heading straight to the airport. There’s somebody I gotta pick up. Can you meet me at the cabin after your shift? I need you to bring that ledger you told me about. Your copy of it.’

I wipe my face, trying to compose myself. ‘Okay. I can do that.’

‘Does Brody expect to see you before Friday?’

‘I… I don’t know. I don’t think so.’

‘Then we’ve bought ourselves some time. I promise you, I’m gonna help you every step of the way. Do you trust me on that?’

I’m squeezing my phone so tightly. ‘Yes,’ I say. ‘Yes, I trust you.’

‘Then meet me at the cabin. After your shift. Bring the ledger. Don’t forget it. And Serenity?’

‘Yes?’

I wait for his response, but nothing comes, just the sound of his truck whirring in the background. There’s a long pause before he says, ‘I’ll catch you later.’

‘See you later.’

I hang up the phone and replace it back in my bag in my locker. Going to the rusty mirror, I wipe away some of the eye makeup that’s running down my cheeks and make myself presentable.

‘There you are,’ Jewel says on my return. I straighten my apron. ‘What did Brody Conway have to say?’

‘Oh, not a lot, said he was just passing through,’ I say, and I can’t look her in the eye when I say it. ‘Something about a business meeting on this side of town.’

‘Did he order something?’

I shrug. ‘He asked me to talk him through the menu, but in the end all he wanted was an espresso to go.’

‘Did he recognize you?’ Shawny asks.

I force a smile. ‘I think so. I mean, he didn’t say as much outright.’

‘I find him kinda creepy,’ Leona says. ‘Anyone else think that?’

‘One hundred million per cent,’ Shawny confirms. ‘No man has any business having fingers that long and slender.’

Jewel makes noises like she’s gonna blow chunks.

‘Ren, can we get the check?’ Shawny asks. ‘Much as we love your company, sugar, it’s getting late, and we’d best get out your hair.’

On the road up to the cabin, in the fading light, there’s torrential rain. It’s a great time for one of my windshield wipers to snap clean in half. I cling to the steering wheel and slow my speed, praying I can make it to the cabin without having a collision.

By the time I reach the cabin, through the downpour, I spy Jake’s pickup already parked up. I squeal as the water hits me and I slam my car door shut, racing up the steps to the porch.

The door opens and almost immediately I run inside. Jake closes it behind me, and I practically launch myself into his arms. His arms go around me, and we cling to one another, water dripping from my hair and clothes.

‘Hi,’ he whispers.

‘Hi,’ I say back.

I love his smell. I love the way he feels. I love everything about him. And I’ve tried hard these past few weeks not to admit that to myself.

‘I’ve brought somebody to meet you.’

I pull back. ‘Oh?’

Smiling, he looks to his right. I follow his gaze. ‘Oh!’ I say in surprise, because there’s a tall, older man with a kind face and grey hair standing in the middle of the living room.

‘Serenity,’ Jake says. ‘I’d like you to meet my maternal grandfather, Art Mackabee.’

‘Hello, Serenity,’ the man says, and holds out his hand.

I go to him and shake it. ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr Mackabee.’

‘Please, call me Mac. Jake’s told me a lot about you.’

I grit my teeth. ‘Not all of it good, I’m sure.’

‘On the contrary, he told me about your predicament.’

I sober. It used to be the only people who knew about my arrangement with Kale, were Kale, myself and my father. I used to be so ashamed of it. Jake made me see that none of this has ever been within my control.

I nod my head. ‘I’m kind of in a tight spot,’ I say, as my throat constricts.

He has kind eyes. ‘Serenity, I’m a lawyer. I specialise in defending those who have been dealt… shall we say a lousy hand by their employers. Did you bring the ledger you talked to Jake about?’

‘Yes,’ I say. ‘Oh, but I left it in the car.’

‘Could we get it?’

Jake holds out his hand. ‘D’you have your keys?’

I fish around in my pocket. ‘It’s on the front seat,’ I tell him as I hand him the key.

Jake goes back out into the rain. Mac indicates that I should have a seat. ‘If you’ll excuse me for getting straight down to business. Perhaps you could start with how your father first came to know Kale McCoy? And then perhaps tell me as much as you know about Mr McCoy himself.’

I nod my head.

‘How long do you have?’ Mac asks.

I offer him a smile. There’s something reassuring about his character. ‘My shift begins at eight. I’ll need to be gone from here by seven.’

He checks his watch. ‘Then we have two hours. Jake brought us takeout.’

‘He’s thoughtful like that.’

‘He certainly is.’

‘Were you a football player?’ I ask.

His eyes crease at the sides. ‘I was. Though we didn’t earn as much money back in those days. Your boyfriend is much more talented than I ever was.’

I giggle. ‘Nobody’s ever called him my boyfriend before. Not to my face.’

Having him called that gives me a warm sensation in my stomach. At that moment, the door to the cabin opens again and Jake dashes back inside, water from the rain cascading off his jacket. He takes out my ledger, which is pressed inside to keep it dry.

‘Do you think he is?’ Mac asks me.

We’re both looking Jake’s way. His brow is furrowed. ‘What?’ he questions.

‘Yes,’ I say to Mac, and he reaches for a notebook. ‘He very much is.’