Chapter 7
Taylor stepped from Oz’s car, her head tilting back as she took in the massive estate. Oz had talked about Angel Haven the night before when he picked her up from the visit with Ruby. But she didn’t expect a place so extravagant. It appeared larger than the houses she grew up in.
“Ready.”
She turned toward Oz. “No way this is a free stay. I’m sure there’s some sort of shelter around where I can stay until I find a job.”
“You’re not going to a shelter.”
“Why not?”
“If you were comfortable with that idea, you'd have sought one out in the first place. After a couple of nights in a place like that, I’d be dragging you from the park restroom again.”
Taylor couldn’t argue. The thought had crossed her mind when she discovered her sister was gone. But the park turned out to be nice. And she didn’t have to deal with a mass of people asking a hundred questions.
“You ready?” Oz asked again.
“Oh.” Taylor snapped toward him and began walking toward the door. “Yeah.”
Oz opened the door, and she stepped inside. Just as beautiful as the outside. Bright and spacious.
“Hello.”
Taylor watched the stunning blonde as she emerged from a room at the foot of the staircase.
“Taylor, this is London,” Oz introduced.
“Hello,” Taylor greeted.
"Oz told me that you need a place to stay for a while,” London commented to Taylor.
“I do. But not for long.”
“You’re welcome here for as long as needed. Let’s get you settled in a room.”
Oz stepped forward. “I can do that.”
“Thanks. You know which rooms are open. I’ll be in my office if you need anything. And Taylor, I’ll see you when you get settled and show you around,” London said before retreating back into the room she had appeared from.
“After you.” Oz motioned her toward the staircase.
She gave a nod and headed toward the second floor. So many rooms. How many people lived here?
“That is Lola and Mia’s room,” Oz said, pointing out a room two doors down. “Look at the others and find one that suits you.”
Taylor twisted the knob closest to her and eased open the door. It was nice. Tones of blues with a western feel. Did the décor really matter? This was only temporary. Plus, it was free. She had no right to be choosy.
“Let’s look at another.” Oz pulled the door closed. “Maybe something homier down here.” He strolled past the occupied room and passed two others. “Something you may feel more to yourself with.” He pushed open the door and stepped back.
Taylor moved past him. Yellow. But subtle with hints of green. She smiled. She could do this. She walked toward the window and lifted the curtain to the side. No other houses or buildings for as far as she could see. Quiet. Relaxing. Perfect. “I like this.”
“I think you found your winner. London says your surroundings set your mood and this one made you smile.”
“For a while. I don’t know how I’ll repay her for this. But I’ll do my best to be out of here soon as possible.”
“You repay by pulling yourself together and standing on your own two feet again.”
Taylor nodded. She wanted that, too. Needed that. If she had a car, it would be easier getting a job. Could she ask? Should she ask?
“What’s on your mind?” Oz questioned.
“What?”
“I can see it. You have something on your mind.”
Taylor forced a swallow and locked eyes with Oz. “I had a car. Have a car.”
“Yeah? Where is it?”
Her shoulders dropped when she released her breath. “At the clubhouse.”
“Clubhouse? As in Drifter’s clubhouse?”
Taylor could only nod. Fear of his response forbade any explanation.
“Sorry darlin’. Chalk that one up to a loss. We have no influence to get it back. And you’re better off not setting foot back on the property. If you do try. . .” His words fell off. She imagined he was trying to determine a nice way to advise her of the consequences.
“I know what would happen. And I don’t want that.” She looked up. “I truly don’t want that.”
“Report it stolen and drop the insurance. Get your name away from the vehicle or you’ll be going down for something they do.”
Not what she wanted to hear. What she had expected? Maybe, but not wanted.
“London will talk to you. Be honest and forthcoming with her and she has things in place for most any obstacle that could hinder your progress. Trust her.”
“Okay.”
Oz placed her backpack onto the bed and turned to leave.
“Oz.” Taylor stepped forward as he spun back to face her. “Thank you.”
His wink was more than she expected. No words. No touch. But she could feel the warmth filling her. This was more than anyone had done for her of their own free will.
***
Taylor spun the glass in front of her with her fingertips, watching the ice cubes that appeared to stay in place as the glass moved. She and London sat at the small breakfast table in the kitchen where London had thought it would be more comfortable than her office. London jotted something down and looked back toward Taylor.
“I know Oz came here inquiring for you. And please don’t read this the wrong way, but I must ask. Do you want to be here?”
Did she want to be here? No. She wanted to be in her own home with her own car and job. But that was not an option, so what was the next best thing? Taylor looked up and nodded. “Yes. I know this wasn't my choice. But it was also an option I didn’t know about.”
“Oz didn’t share anything personal. But I was there at the clubhouse the day you and Chelle….” London’s words fell off. “Well. That horrible day, I was there although you may not recall.”
Taylor shook her head. Her mind was filled with other worries that day. She couldn’t recall who was there or who she may have met.
“It’s okay. It must have been very traumatizing. I arrived at the clubhouse in a similar situation. But I was lucky to survive my ordeal. The man I was with shot me and left me for dead. Fortunately, he dumped me on Troops land and Rash found me. So, I do understand the hardship of sudden change and breaking free of your past. But you have to want it. And if you want it, I’ll make sure it happens.”
Taylor bit her bottom lip. London was right. This was up to her. She straightened and locked eyes with London. “A few weeks before that day, we were on the bike, and I told him I needed to stop for tampons. We hadn’t intended to be out all day. Or at least I didn’t know if it had been planned. He flew into a rage that I would stain his seat and embarrass him if it had leaked. I convinced him that I had been having problems and needed to always have an extra pair of jeans and toiletries with me. He agreed and never wanted to see it. So, I bought a backpack and always kept it with me. But not for that reason, though I had a change of clothes, all of my money, and a few necessities. I was just waiting for a chance to run and not get caught. So yes, I want this. I want to be on my own. To support myself.”
“What about family?” London asked.
"My parents are in Missouri. I just learned my sister joined them last year. But I’m not sure I can go there yet."
"Have you talked to them? Or thought about reaching out to them for help?"
Taylor shook her head. “I haven't had a way to contact them since I lost my phone. But I'm not sure they would be of much help.”
"You're welcome to use any phone here. If you want privacy, my office is always open. You can call from there.”
"Thank you. I would like that. I have her phone number in my bag.”
"Go get it and I'll meet you in the office," London offered.
Taylor hurried up the stairs to her room. Her heart raced. Not from running up and down the steps, but from anticipation. What would Tenley say? Would she invite her to come stay with her? Had she missed her? She sucked in a deep breath and stepped into London's office.
“Come in. Phone’s right here. Take your time. I'll close the door, so you won't be interrupted.”
The pounding of Taylor’s heart rose into her ears as the door closed. She picked up the receiver. She wanted to call, but on the other hand, she feared the outcome. She pushed out a breath and dialed.
"Hello.”
"Tenley, this is Taylor."
"Taylor?”
"Yes, I'm so sor—”
"I thought you were dead. You just stopped calling and answering my calls. And now out of the blue I hear from you. What do you want?"
Tears threatened at the stab of her Tenley's anger. "I ran into a little trouble."
"Trouble? You in jail?"
"No."
"Then you need money. I don't have any."
"I don't want money. I want to talk to you."
"Now's not a good time. Should have answered my calls months ago."
And with that the line went silent. Taylor froze. She stared across the room. Why? Why would she not listen? She placed the phone back in its cradle. Would her parents treat her the same? It didn't matter. Not today. She wasn't going in that direction. One rejection was enough for today.