Forever With You Page 5

  “You’ll be fine.” He caught the anxiety in my face. “I wouldn’t leave if I didn’t think you could do it.”

  “But, what if something happens?”

  “Like what?” he asked.

  “I don’t know…”

  He gave me a fond look. “You have everything down, Arsen. You do a better job than I do, actually. Now all you need is confidence. You aren’t the guy who sold weed. Now you’re a successful business owner who has a lot to offer. You have power and money. You have everything.”

  I couldn’t believe I made it this far. Now I was going to run a business on my own.

  “It’s payday, by the way.” He pulled out a stack of envelopes. “I did them this time, but you can do it from now on.”

  I opened the envelope, interested to see how much I made. My eyes widened. “Is this right?” I showed the check to him.

  “Yes, Arsen.” He tried not to smile.

  “That can’t be right,” I said immediately.

  “It is.”

  “Why is it so much?”

  “After you paid your employees and other bills, you get to keep what’s left. That’s yours, Arsen.”

  “Well, you should have it,” I insisted. “I need to pay you back.”

  “I already took my money out.” He held up his own check. “Just pay me ten percent of your gross revenue every two weeks until everything is paid off.”

  “So, I already paid you?” I asked.

  He nodded. “That’s yours, Arsen. You earned it. You worked your ass off. Enjoy it.”

  I kept staring at it.

  “You’ll be making more as the shop continues to grow. You’ll probably need to hire more employees too. And you might want to be open on the weekends since so many shops are closed. It’s a good way to beat out the competition.”

  I nodded. “That makes sense.”

  “But you don’t have to work,” he said. “My shop is opened on the weekends but I never go in.”

  “Why?”

  “Janice is off on the weekends. I like to spend it with her.”

  “Oh.” That made sense.

  “So, what are you going to do with your first check?”

  I shrugged. “I don’t know…save it?”

  He smiled. “I think you should get your apartment. You’re ready.”

  The thought hadn’t crossed my mind. Actually, I liked living with Janice and Ryan. It felt like home. But they’d housed me for a long time. They probably wanted their privacy back.

  “Not that we don’t love having you,” Ryan said quickly. “If you want to stay a little longer you can. But you need to get your own place, something with two bedrooms.”

  “Why two?” I asked.

  “Your daughter.”

  “Oh yeah.” The reality was hitting me.

  “And you can come over whenever you want, Arsen. Just because we won’t be living together anymore doesn’t mean we won’t see each other all the time. Janice and I want you to be a part of our lives. You’re family.”

  His words burned a hole in my heart. I hid my emotion and pretended like that didn’t mean the world to me. “Okay.”

  “So, let’s go look at places.”

  “You’ll come with me?” I asked.

  “Yeah. Every guardian helps their kid pick out their first place. Of course, I’m coming.”

  ***

  We looked at a few places until we found a nice apartment near Central Park. It was a little more expensive but it was in a nice area. It had two bedrooms and hardwood floors. I imagined taking my daughter to the park down the street on Saturday mornings. It was near a few good schools, so when she got older she would have a lot to choose from.

  Ryan looked out the window then watched me pace the empty living room. “What do you think?”

  “I like it.”

  “I do too,” he said. “You’re just a few blocks from me.”

  I wondered how close I was to Silke but I refrained from asking.

  “It’s got two bathrooms so that’s nice,” he said. “And these windows let in a lot of natural light. That’s good too.” He walked across the room then looked at the wall. “Your entertainment center can go there and the couches will be dispersed around here. If you want this place, you should bid on it. I know it’ll be taken fast.”

  “Yeah.” He was right.

  “So?” He stared me down.

  “I’ll take it.”

  ***

  I didn’t need help moving my things because I didn’t own much. I had a few bags of clothes and some books, but that was about it. Now I had a big apartment with nothing to put inside it. But the day I moved, I was surprised what happened.

  Sean and Scarlet brought me a living room set with couches and tables. Mike brought me a king size bed, and Cassandra brought kitchen supplies and plates.

  “You guys didn’t need to buy me anything.” I had a job now and I could pay for everything on my own.

  “These are hand-me-downs,” Sean explained. “Scarlet and I bought new furniture so we thought we would give you our old stuff.”

  “Oh. That was nice of you.”

  “Cassandra and I had that mattress for years,” Mike said. “It was time for an upgrade.”

  “And all that kitchen stuff is from my days in college,” Cassandra said. “But it still works. My kids didn’t want it.” She rolled her eyes.

  “And the TV is a little old,” Ryan said. “It was in storage. But it’s better than nothing.”

  “It’s absolutely wonderful,” I blurted. “I love everything.” I meant it. I was grateful they gave me stuff rather than bought it. That would have made me feel small and pathetic. Ryan already gave me so much. I didn’t want anything else. When I got my next paycheck, I would set up my daughter’s room so she would have her own place to put her things.

  Ryan patted me on the shoulder. “You’re welcome, kid.”

  “Thanks for everything,” I said to them all.

  “No problem,” Mike said. “This is a nice pad. And it’s a great location. It’s just a few minute walk to work.”

  “Yeah,” I said. “It worked out.”

  “Well, we’re going to head out,” Ryan said. “You know where to find us if you need anything.”

  “Okay.” I was nervous to spend my first night alone in the city. I was officially on my own, back on my feet. It was scary but exciting at the same time. I never thought I would be in a position like this, making real money and taking care of myself in a proper way.

  Everyone filed out but Ryan stayed behind.

  Ryan gave me a serious look. “One rule still applies.”

  I knew what it was. “I won’t talk to her.”

  He nodded. “Thank you, Arsen.”

  I was hurt he didn’t want me to see her. I’d done a lot to get out of the trenches. I was working hard and striving to be a better man, someone worthy of his daughter. “When can I?” It was a question I’d wanted to know for a long time.

  He examined my face before he walked out. “When you’re finished.”

  Chapter Four

  Silke

  I’d been sleeping at Pike’s more often than staying in my own apartment. It was comfortable, closer to work, and of course, Pike was there. His bed was always warm and smooth, and when I woke up to his absence, a rose was always on my nightstand. After I smelled it, I tried to go back to bed.

  When I finally forced myself out of bed, I headed into his kitchen and found something to eat. I was wearing one of his t-shirts, and it reached my knees because he was so much bigger than I was. I ate cereal right out of the box as I looked out the window.

  He came downstairs a few minutes later, a few drops of paint on his t-shirt. “I have bowls and milk, you know.”

  I shrugged and kept shoveling the cereal into my mouth.

  His eyes blazed with affection. “But you can do whatever you want since you’re adorable.”

  I smiled then kept eating Fruit Loops with my bare hand
.

  He made himself a bowl of cereal and sat across from me. “How’d you sleep?”

  “Good. You?”

  “I always sleep well with you.”

  “It’s because I’m soft like a teddy bear.”

  “You hit the nail right on the head.” He laughed then took a bite of his cereal.

  “You don’t want some of this?” I held the box out to him.

  He shook his head and kept chewing. “I only eat Fruit Loops once in a while. Too much sugar.”

  I acted like I was snoring. “Okay, grandpa.”

  He playfully kicked me under the table. “You know I’m an old man in a young person’s body.”

  “Thankfully that’s not the other way around.”

  “Like you wouldn’t be all over me,” he said playfully.

  I cringed. “Eww. Of course I wouldn’t.”

  He chuckled then kept eating. “What are your plans today?”

  “I don’t have any. I’ll probably go back to bed after I finish my cereal.”

  He shook his head slightly. “You’re the hardest working lazy person I know.”

  “Thank you for the compliment.”

  “Well, you can sleep in my bed as long as you want. Actually, you can stay here as long as you want.”

  “Be careful for what you wish for…”

  “And why should I be careful?” he asked.

  “Well, I clip my toe nails at the kitchen table. I get hair in every drain that I use. After I wear my clothes, I just toss them on the floor and make a huge mess. I drink milk right out of the carton. And I can never crack an egg right because I get yolk everywhere.”

  He stopped eating his cereal. “That’s exactly what I need around here.”

  “Yeah right,” I said with a laugh.

  “Beauty always comes from chaos.”

  The mention of that word made my arms break out in goose bumps. The last time I heard it was when Arsen said it to me. I could never forget the affectionate nickname. It would be forever ingrained into my mind. Nights of passion and days in quiet whispers echoed in my thoughts.

  Pike noticed the change in atmosphere. “Did I say something?”

  “No.” I shook my head slightly. “You didn’t say anything at all.”

  ***

  “I can’t believe you’ve never tried this place.” I held his hand as we walked up the street.

  “I’ve never heard of it.” Pike watched the side of my face, noting my excitement.

  “It has the best burgers in the world.”

  “The best?” he asked with doubt. “In New York?”

  “Yep.”

  “Sorry, Rose. I’m going to have to see it to believe it.”

  “Oh, you’ll believe it. And the shakes are the best too.”

  He shook his head. “I’ll try to keep an open mind.”

  We walked inside then ordered our food. When we turned around to look for a table, I noticed my parents sitting in a booth together.

  “Oh no, my parents are here.”

  Pike didn’t seem worried about it. “Let’s say hi.”

  “Uh…” I liked Pike but I wasn’t ready to introduce him to my parents. We weren’t there yet.

  “Well, It’s not like we can run away.”

  “Yeah…”

  My parents noticed me and waved.

  “Hey.” I approached their table and forced a smile.

  Pike put the tray of food down on a nearby table then came beside me. “It’s nice to see you again, sir. I’m Pike. I never formally introduced myself.”

  Dad shook his hand. “Ryan. It’s nice to meet you.”

  Pike introduced himself to mom. “Hello, I’m Pike.”

  “Janice,” she said. She gave him a quick smile, but it seemed force. Actually, she was being a little cold.

  Dad gave her a silent look, telling her something I couldn’t understand.

  Mom dodged the look.

  Pike didn’t notice the tension. “Silke brought me here because she says they have the best burgers and shakes in the city.”

  “Our entire family is obsessed with this place, so you won’t hear us say otherwise,” Dad said in a friendly way.

  “I’ll have to see for myself,” Pike said.

  “Would you like to join us?” Ryan asked.

  Mom looked like she loathed that idea.

  “Of course,” Pike said. “We would love to.”

  Dad moved into the spot next to Mom and put his arm around her shoulders. Pike and I sat beside each other across from them.

  Pike grabbed his burger. “Here I go…” He took a bite then took his time chewing it. After he swallowed it, he turned to me.

  “Well?” I asked.

  “It’s pretty good,” he admitted.

  “Told you,” I said.

  Pike picked up his shake and tried it. “And that’s really good.”

  “And you didn’t believe me,” I said as I rolled my eyes.

  Pike turned to my dad. “Silke tells me you have a tattoo shop. That’s really cool.”

  “Thanks,” Dad said. “I like it. I’ve been doing it for a long time.”

  Then Pike turned to Mom. “Silke told me you’re a big executive at a publishing house. That’s impressive.”

  “Thanks.” Mom stared at her fries.

  Seriously, what is her deal?

  Dad gave her another look. Then he turned to Pike. “Silke said you’re quite an artist.”

  He shrugged. “I do my best.”

  “You guys must have a lot in common,” Dad said. “Very cool.”

  Pike asked him questions about his shop and how he started his business. They seemed to hit it off pretty well even though my dad wasn’t as friendly as he normally was. Mom acted like Pike didn’t exist.

  When I mentioned Pike previously, they both behaved peculiarly. I thought it was just a fluke, or perhaps they just had a fight, but now I was suspicious. My parents were friendly to anyone and everyone. When they knew Arsen sold drugs, they were nicer to him than they’ve ever been to Pike. I couldn’t figure out why. Was it because Pike hit on me when my dad was around? Did he find that disrespectful? I found that unlikely. Dad was the most laid-back person I’ve ever known.

  Pike left the booth. “I’m going to wash my hands. Please excuse me.” He headed to the bathroom.

  I rounded on my parents. “Okay, what’s your problem?”

  “Sorry?” Mom asked.

  “Why don’t you like Pike?” I demanded. “You’ve been weird about him since I brought him up. Is it because he’s a painter? Because that would be really hypocritical, Dad.”

  Mom rested her arms on the table and looked like she was holding something back.

  Dad looked equally uncomfortable. “He’s a very nice guy. We both like him, Silke.”

  “Then why are you being so rude to him?” I asked. “I’ve seen you be nicer to garbage.”

  Dad sighed. “He’s seems great—”

  “I can’t do this anymore,” Mom said. “She should know—”

  “No.” Dad gave her a frightening look. It was one I’d never seen before. “Janice, no.”

  “It’s not fair,” she said.

  “What’s not fair?” I asked. “What are you talking about?”

  Janice looked at Dad. “I hate this…” She was practically on the verge of tears.

  “I hate it too,” he said gently. “But we can’t. You know we can’t.”

  “Why not?” she demanded.

  “You know why.” He held her gaze.

  “Seriously, what are you talking about?” I asked.

  They shared another look before Mom turned away. “Nothing.”

  “Nothing?” I asked incredulously. “No, it doesn’t sound like nothing.”

  Dad turned to me. “Just drop it, Silke.”

  “Me drop it?” I asked. “There’s clearly something going on here.”

  “That’s between me and your mother,” Dad said. “I’m sorry we brou
ght you into it. We like Pike and we will be nicer to him from now on. I guess we’re still adjusting to the change.”

  “What change?” I asked.

  Dad answered me with just a look.

  “From Arsen?” I asked incredulously. “He sold weed for a living. You saw him twice, maybe three times. He rode a motorcycle. And the biggest flaw of all, he’s in prison. Dad, you even told me I deserved someone better.”

  “And I stand by what I said. Completely.”

  “Then I don’t understand…I haven’t seen Arsen in over a year.”

  Dad bowed his head for a moment before he looked at me. “If Pike makes you happy, then we like him. He seems respectful, smart, and positive. He loves art just like you do. It’s a match made in heaven.”

  “Then why do you sound so sad?” I asked.

  “I’m not sad,” Dad said.

  “You just lied to my face,” I said. “When did you start doing that?”

  “I’m not lying,” he said firmly. “I’m sorry we weren’t more welcoming to Arsen. I mean, Pike. We’ll do a better job.”

  Mom stood up, tears in her eyes, and then left the diner.

  Dad watched her go but didn’t chase after her.

  I’d never been more confused in my life. “Is there something I’m missing?”

  Dad held my gaze but didn’t say anything.

  Pike returned, clueless to the conversation that just happened. “Silke, I think you were right. That was the best burger and shake I’ve ever had.”

  I ignored him, still looking at my dad.

  Dad turned to Pike. “My daughter may not be a calculus wizard or a renowned chess player, but she knows good food better than anyone.” He gave him a friendly smile.

  “Well, she eats cereal right out of the box,” Pike said, giving me a warm look. “So…I’m not totally sure if I agree with that.”

  “She dips her pickles in peanut butter,” Dad said. “Have you seen her do that yet?”

  Pike looked at me and cringed. “Uh, no.”

  “Sorry, I forgot to mention it,” I said with a laugh.

  “I’ll make sure I don’t have peanut butter or pickles in the house,” Pike said.

  Dad stood up and faced him. “We’d love for you to come over for dinner next weekend. How about it?”

  Pike seemed pleased. “Sure, I’d love to.”

  “Great,” Dad said. “We’d love to spend more time with you.”