School was hard for me. Not the studying and learning part, but the part of making friends. I guess I was what you would call a nerd. My nose always in a book so I could soak up any kind of knowledge. I was quiet and didn’t like to break the rules. I had a hard time making even casual friends. I had no time for friends. I went to school and then did odd jobs for people my Grammy knew. Any kind of odd job, from walking their pets to cleaning garages. When I turned sixteen I was finally old enough for a real job.
I was very lucky to have Grammy and I tried my hardest to make sure she knew this and never let her down. She worked hard, so I worked hard. The only thing we ever splurged on was my driver’s license. I took drivers education in school. She said it was because she knew her eyes would give out on her sooner or later and I needed to be able to do the errands. We had only the one vehicle that used to be my dad’s.
Shine said he claimed me. I don’t even know what that means. I’m guessing he wants me to be like a girlfriend. I’ve never had a boyfriend. No time, and I am way too shy around men. He said I would never be alone again and he wanted to take care of me, but I don’t know how he knows this, because he doesn’t know me. None of them know me. What if I take the chance and they don’t like me? Then what? It’s a big gamble, but I want it so bad. I’ve never felt so lonely.
They said they were part of a motorcycle club. I know nothing about motorcycle clubs, but they have been so kind to me. I just can’t imagine Lil being anything but nice. The men are big and sometimes a little gruff, but they have kind eyes. My gut tells me they are mostly good people, but I think they are intimidating at the least. I want to give it a chance though.
Taking care of rescued animals would be a dream job for me right now. I love animals and helping them after they have been mistreated is something I believe in. I’ve always wanted a dog, but we never could afford one. Grammy always said that adopting any kind of pet is like extending your family. They are completely dependent on you for everything and it’s a life commitment. If I do this, I get to help with their care. My mind is working overtime. My eyes feel heavy and I think I’ll just shut my eyes for a minute.
I hear knocking. It seems far away, but it is getting louder. Then I feel like I am falling and being picked up. I open my eyes and Shine is holding me like a baby in his arms. I guess I must have fallen asleep and we arrived at Lil and Captain’s house. How Shine got me out of the SUV is surprising because I usually don’t sleep very sound. “I can walk now. I’m awake. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for you to have to carry me. If you had shaken me or yelled I would have woken up.”
I thought he would put me down but he just keeps on walking straight into a beautiful farm house. I’m trying to look around and take it all in. It looks like something out of a magazine. It has high ceilings, hard wood floors and there is so much room. Shine sits me on the sofa and I am almost scared to move. This is an expensive home and I do not belong here.
“Ma’am, I can’t stay here. I don’t fit in here. I thought you needed help, but I can see you can afford to hire someone experienced. I don’t want to disappoint you.” Lil is beside me in no time.
“I want you, Katie. This is just possessions. I just take care of my things. Do you know how hard it is taking care of this big house alone? Some of your job will be helping me in here. Plus, I have to keep these three, plus more, fed. Not an easy job. So you see, you’re doing me a favor.” I just don’t know why.
“Okay. I’ll give it a try, but you have to promise if I don’t work out you will give me some time to move.” That’s the only way I can do this.
“Yes, we’ll give you plenty of time and I don’t think that will ever be a problem. I had Con tell Brown you would be changing jobs. As a favor to the club, no notice needed.” I can’t do that.
“I have to give Mr. Brown some kind of notice. He was good to me.” Not a lot of people would take a chance on me.
“He is okay with it. I do business with Brown. We could talk about pay later, but I know it is a concern of yours, so how does five hundred a week sound? I’ll adjust it so that is your take home after taxes. You’ll get a one-bedroom apartment with all utilities paid and insurance. You can adjust your hours with each semester at school. Lil can let you know what she needs done each day. Can you cook?”
I hope that is not a deal breaker because I can cook what Grammy and I were used to eating, but we were on a tight budget. Sometimes grilled cheese and tomato soup was a luxury, but even if we only had noodles, we ate.
“I can cook some things, but I am eager to learn. We never had a lot of fancy food. I can make homemade soup, lasagna, beans, and plenty of mac and cheese.” Captain and Lil both look happy.
“We like mac and cheese. I’m sure you’ll catch on fast. The rest we can iron out later. You need to get settled. We had them put your things in the spare room.” I have to tell him one more thing.
“Sir, the pay is a little more than I expected since I am getting a place to live also. Anytime you need to lower it, it’ll be fine. I want you to get your money’s worth.” Cap looks at his feet and then back to me.