He grins and I hand him my passport. He glances over it. “Can I make a copy?” I nod and he snaps a photo of the passport before handing it back. “I’ll need to check you out. You got a previous employer?”
“Yes. You can call Eva Holmes. She employed me as her P.A. for many years,” I lie. The truth is Reggie wouldn’t let me work and so the only experience I have is from years ago when I first left school. I don’t want to complicate things with my past and that’s why I have a passport in my maiden name. But I know I can do this job with ease.
“Right, well, leave that with me. I’ll give Eva Holmes a call and then I’ll let you know. When would you be able to start?” he asks.
“Straight away. I’ve just moved to the area, so I’m free.”
He leans across the desk and we shake hands again. “I’ll be in touch.”
I practically skip out of there. This is exactly what I need and I’m excited. I know Eva will give me a glowing reference. I decide to treat myself to lunch at the same café where I had coffee with Riggs.
I’m enjoying a fresh leafy salad when my cell rings. I groan when I see Reggie’s name, but if I don’t answer, he’ll just keep calling. “Hello,” I say brightly.
“I need to change visitation,” he says coldly. “Bring Malia tomorrow.”
“I can’t bring her tomorrow. Your day is Sunday. You shouldn’t be calling me about this stuff, Reggie. Contact the Centre.”
“I did that, Anna, and they said if I cancel Sunday, then I’ll just have to skip a week unless you call to arrange it. I want to see Malia this week. I just can’t do Sunday.”
“One week won’t hurt. Malia will understand. We’ll do it next Sunday instead.” I keep my voice light because I don’t want to upset him. He’s vicious when he’s angry.
“Shit, Anna, don’t be like this. I need to see her. I’ve missed her,” he says. It’s a lie, of course. He insists on seeing her so he can see me. “We can meet up somewhere public so you feel safe.” Again, it’s a lie. He’d yell at me no matter where we were. We could stand outside the police station and he’d still not give a crap.
“No. That’s not a good idea.”
I hear his intake of breath. He’s getting impatient with me. “I’m not asking you, I’m telling you. Bring her to the usual park, the one she used to love before you took her away from me. After school, tomorrow, or I’ll come to your house.” I hold my breath because this is the part where he reels off my address and then I panic and move us again.
Before he gets to that part, I sigh. “Right. Fine. I’ll be there at four.”
“Good,” he says, sounding more relaxed.
“But Reggie, I’m bringing someone with me. If you lay a hand on me, they’ll call the cops.”
“Yeah, yeah, princess,” he mutters, his tone bored. “See you tomorrow.”
I cut the call and lay the cell on the table. I’ve lost my appetite and I push the salad around the plate. “You not eating that?” It’s Riggs’ deep, rumbling voice and I drop my fork in surprise. It clatters and a few heads turn to see what the fuss is. He stands to the side of my table. Behind him are some of his gang members, who take the next booth.
“I’m not hungry,” I mutter.
“Hmm, it looks filling.” He smirks.
“I’ve been in this part of town for almost five weeks,” I say. “I didn’t bump into you once. I come to see you at the bar and now I see you everywhere.”
“You sound annoyed by that,” he says. “You’re new to town. It’s good to make friends.”
“You didn’t seem too friendly last night when you told me to get the fuck out of your bar,” I quip.
“Maybe I was a bit harsh. I get testy when it comes to Ziggy.”
One of Riggs’ friends approaches us. He’s just as tall as Riggs, with the same bulging muscles covered in tattoos. It must be a clause in their gang rules that you can only join up if you’re hot as hell. He lowers his shades and I almost gasp out loud when his electric blue eyes meet my own. “And who’s this beauty?” he drawls.
“Anna,” Riggs says and sighs. “Meet one of my enforcers, Blade.” He holds out his hand. His tattoos cover it, making my hand look pale in comparison.
“You weren’t kidding when you said she was hot,” says Blade, and Riggs shakes his head, laughing.
“It’s nice to see you again, Anna. Take care.” Riggs shoves Blade back over to where their friends sit.
My cell rings again. I answer the withheld number and smile when it’s the garage offering me a two-week trial period to see how we get along. I accept, grateful that I don’t have to touch any of Reggie’s money.
“You look happy, Angel,” says Blade from his spot at the edge of his table.
“Angel?” repeats Riggs.
Blade shrugs. “Yeah, she looks all angelic and shit, don’t ya think?”
“You’re giving her a nickname?” laughs another of the men at their table. “Shit just got real.” Blade and Riggs stare at each other for a few seconds. A look passes between them, then they smile and the moment’s gone.
“Goodbye,” I say as I gather my bag and jacket. “I’ll see you around.”
“You certainly will,” smiles Riggs with a promise in his eye. “Angel,” he adds, grinning at Blade.
I collect Malia from school and I’m disappointed when I notice Ziggy’s grandma is there instead of Riggs. I laugh to myself. Why am I even thinking about him? My life’s complicated enough and a few harmless flirts does not mean he likes me like that. If anything, he probably feels sorry for me. My history with Reggie is enough to put any man off me for life.
Eva
