Tuesday teaser.

Hi all,
Doing this a little early this week because I don't know if I will have time again. More of S#!t Storm. Enjoy!!

Storm

 

“How much longer do we have to be here? Not that Duluth isn’t way better than Superior, but it is cold and humid, and damnit, I miss smog.” Jen wines into her breakfast, as I get ready to deal with the lawyers for yet another day of what I have started to refer as “hostage negotiations.” She went home for all of one day before she ended up on my doorstep. She has been sitting on my couch eating ice cream in her yoga pants ever since. “You know, I really don’t understand why you don’t just let me deal with those Podunk lawyers. I mean, it is what I do, you know.” She says around a mouthful of pancake. I am positive that this is the first time in our four year friendship I have seen her consume carbs.

“You negotiate talent contracts, not estate cases. Besides, you need a vacation. Just relax, I should be done in a few days, and then we can both go home.”

“I will have you know, I have a Juris Doctorate from Marquette University. I am qualified as your legal representation to deal with estate Lawyers. We could have been out of here and back in sunny California three days ago had you asked me to deal with this for you. “ Jen gives me a pointed look before shoving another forkful of pancake in her mouth.

“YOU will be going back to California, I will be going back into hiding in Toledo.” I remind her.

“About that. You should really come live in California with me. You can stay at my place until you get settled in your own. Furthermore, I could use a writer on my staff for press releases and such. My last girl quit because she couldn’t handle me. I don’t think you will have that problem.”

I glare at her, because we have been through this. “I don’t think you will still love me if we work together every day.” Trying to dissuade Jen is impossible, but I throw out the argument that seems to win my case every time.

“Nonsense, you can work from home. We can interact via text and e-mail, and I won’t ever bring up work when we hang out, unless it is related to your personal writing career.” Seems this time she has prepared a counter defense…fucking lawyers.

“Jen….” I whine, but she throws up a hand to stop me.

“Medical dictation just to make ends meet is not a career Storm. I need you to focus on those best sellers. How am I to assure that you have sufficient time to write if you won’t come to California with me?”  Continuing to glare is my only retort. I know better than to try to argue. Looks like I am moving into the guest suite at chateau Gable. “Oh, and my brother is going to come visit today, what is a good place for supper, he wants to take us out.”

“Brother?” I ask because I didn’t know she even had siblings.

“Yea, Jake. He is a dentist, lives in Chicago, recently divorced. He was in town visiting the rents when I was over there. We didn’t get to talk much because my mother ran me off before we had a chance. Of all of my siblings Jake is my favorite.”

“How many others are there? “  I ask confused, because until our impromptu trip, I didn’t even know her parents were still around.

“Three, two brothers and a sister. I am the black sheep. I can’t remember the last time I was invited to a holiday or family event. I guess I was just never good enough.”

“Seriously? You have a law degree and make stupid money representing talented people. Not to mention your editing and every other damn thing you do.  How could you not be good enough?”

“Don’t ask. It is a long fucking story for another day.” Jen’s phone lights up with Jax’s name. She tries to dismiss the call before I see it, but she isn’t fast enough.  The cold empty feeling spreads through my body when I think about him. How could someone I barely knew have such an effect on me? I feel my face fall and my forehead tighten as I scowl at my hands.  “Business babe, as much as I love you, I still have to make a living.”

“I know, and I think it is great. You will be able to help him grow his career. I am happy for both of you. I hope that I didn’t mess anything up for either of you.”

“Storm, you did the right thing. Stop beating yourself up over it, you will give yourself wrinkles.”

“I know, and I have never felt bad about cutting and running the way I did. I just miss it, you know. All I ever wanted out of life was for someone to look at me the same way I look at coconut crème pie. For a split second, I had that. I knew noting would ever come of it, in the end someone was going to get hurt. I just chose to fall on that knife, rather than have someone else be collateral damage. What hurts is I sit around thinking about him, and wonder if he does the same. I hate myself for being such a silly girl. Of course he doesn’t, but I wish he did.”

“Seriously woman, we need to get you laid.”

“You keep telling me that, but I don’t think that is going to be the cure all.”

“ That is my professional opinion, and I am a doctor.”

“A Doctor of Law doesn’t count.”

“Bitch, please.”