Roughing, page 7
I didn’t care for most of the promo ops where I’d have to hang out with fans and look as though I was having a great time. That wasn’t me. I chose the Rainbow Unicorn Studio because Michella often volunteered there, as did several of the players and the WAGs. I probably should’ve picked something else for that very reason, but the Uni needed guys who were skilled in construction. I wouldn’t have to socialize with rabid fans or pander to wealthy sponsors.
I’d helped my grandfather with several of his construction projects growing up. He’d added on to his old house so many times it was a hodgepodge maze of rooms. My grandfather had been the only family member I’d been able to count on. He was the reason I’d gotten involved in hockey, and he’d taken me to all my games as a kid, paid for my gear, and been my biggest cheerleader. Damn, but I missed him. He died within a few weeks of my sister of a broken heart, or so I believed. My sister’s situation had destroyed him.
Maybe working for a homeless organization was a good way of atoning for my sins when it came to my sister. She’d spent the majority of her short adult life as a homeless person despite my efforts to help her. I hadn’t been there when she’d needed me most, and now I’d never have the chance to see her again.
The studio was a pet project of the team’s ownership group. The focus was on providing homeless or disadvantaged adults with a creative outlet and a source of income. The creations at Rainbow Unicorn were sold in a trendy art gallery owned by the team owner’s granddaughter and daughter-in-law. They’d also been sold for big bucks at charity auctions.
The Uni was in a run-down part of town and not far from Michella’s office, which gave me a reason to be in the area without looking as if I were interfering or hovering when I actually was.
* * *
I’d done a lot of thinking about the mysterious “prowler” at Gone Missing and who the person could be. The obvious choice would be her ex, Gordon, of course, as he had a history of stalking her. But what if it wasn’t him? Several young women had disappeared in Portland in the past couple years under questionable circumstances. The Portland PD hadn’t admitted to the cases being connected, but the press sure as hell thought they were and had dubbed the alleged serial killer the Rose City Killer.
All of this talk of a serial killer brought out my protective instincts. I wasn’t up on the news about this asshole, but I worried about Michella spending time in areas where he’d dumped bodies. In fact, one had been dumped within blocks of her office. Working for a PI could put her in his line of sight. Or I was being suspicious, which was more likely the case.
And what the fuck had I been thinking to propose this friendship thing with Michella? I was setting myself up for heartbreak because I didn’t trust my ability to control my baser needs around her, but I’d promised to try my best. She wasn’t completely on board, but she seemed willing to give our friendship a chance.
Her car was in the shop owned by her uncle, who’d offered to do the repairs for only the cost of parts. The downside being that he’d work on it when he didn’t have more paying customers waiting. I’d gladly become her chauffeur these past few days, but she kept me at arm’s length. Other than our time in the car, we didn’t see each other.
Tonight, I picked her up from work as we were both going to the Rainbow Unicorn. She walked out to my truck dressed in heels, leggings, and a colorful blouse that billowed around her slim body in the most provocative way. I took a moment to appreciate what a striking, put-together woman she was. I’d never seen anyone as beautiful as her. I appreciated the time she took on her appearance, but she looked fantastic the rare time or two I’d seen her without makeup and in ratty clothes.
In keeping with our just-friends status, I didn’t get out and open the door for her. She didn’t notice my lapse in manners, probably because I often had lapses in manners, so this was nothing new.
“Off to the Uni,” she announced with one of her radiant smiles. We’d be working on reclaiming part of the old building to increase the studio size and create space for other activities.
“I’m a little nervous,” I admitted.
Michella shot me a questioning glance, her surprise evident. “Nervous? Why?”
“My teammates probably won’t welcome my presence.”
She patted my leg. “Deal with them like you do any hockey game. Keep it simple and be confident. You’ll do fine. You know what else?”
“What?”
“That’s the first time you’ve volunteered how you’re feeling.”
I’d volunteered too much. I’d rather be the strong, silent type who never gave away his feelings.
“And you hate every minute of it.”
“Yeah.”
Michella laughed. “Briggs, why are you doing this?”
“What?”
She waved her hands around to encompass the area inside and outside the truck. “Why the change of heart? Is this because of your suspension? Is the team forcing you to do this?”
“Yeah.”
“There’s no other reason?”
“Does there need to be anything else?”
“You’re so infuriating. Why won’t you talk to me?” Michella sighed heavily and pressed her lips in a thin, disapproving line. I’d disappointed her, but there were places I wasn’t willing to go, even for her.
We walked into the Uni, and several of my teammates were already assembled along with their significant others, including Dash and Everly, Grady and Aspen. Trent, one of our A captains and Dash’s best friend, was also there. I ignored their questioning glances and stood off to one side. I wasn’t here to shoot the shit with these guys. I’d come to work. After multiple aborted attempts to draw me into the conversation, they gave up.
Relief rushed through me when we finally made our way into the warehouse area where walls needed demolished and decades of crap hauled to the dumpster behind the building. Trent and I were tasked with dismantling metal shelving after we cleaned off the shelves. Dust and grime coated every flat surface, and I noticed Michella gravitated to a cleaner task. She hated to get dirty.
Trent’s phone buzzed as we started our task.
He gazed down at it and muttered expletives under his breath. After tapping out a response, he grimaced sheepishly at me. “Sorry, I’m in a group chat with my sisters, and we’re having a disagreement. The three of them against me.”
“Three sisters?”
“Yeah, it’s hell, trust me.”
One sister had been hell, and I couldn’t imagine three. A twinge of regret pinched at my heart as it always did, followed by a movie reel of good and bad memories.
“You okay?” Trent peered at me.
“Yeah, fine.”
“You have any interfering siblings?”
“I did.”
He frowned. I’d thrown him off his game. He didn’t know how to interpret my answer. I didn’t give him a chance to ask more questions.
“Let’s get this done.” I picked up a heavy box and carried it toward the back door and out to the dumpster, leaving him no choice but to follow.
My sister was a part of my private life I didn’t share with anyone, especially these teammates who’d considered me public enemy number one a few short weeks ago. They didn’t trust me, and I didn’t trust them.
We worked in relative silence for the next hour. Trent paused multiple times to text what I assumed were his sisters. After his last text, he slammed down his phone and ran a hand through his fair hair while cursing under his breath.
“They’re going to drive me to an early grave.”
If I were a nice guy, this was the point where I’d ask what was going on, but I didn’t want to invite any of these guys into my life by getting close to them. I said nothing.
“They have these schemes that require money, my money, and bulldoze right over me when I try to talk sense into them. The three of them believe, and I quote, ‘I’m being cheap and selfish and not supporting their charitable endeavors.’”
I grunted, not encouraging further conversation.
“But you’ve had a sister, right? You know how frustrating they are.”
“Yeah,” I admitted and took a long drink of water from my water bottle.
“They want to move to Portland and start an animal rescue on the ten acres I just put an offer on. Fuck, I don’t even like animals, and I sure as hell don’t want to be surrounded by them. I know how this goes—the animals won’t be in kennels; they’ll be in my house.”
I caught sight of a colorful blouse, and my gaze tracked to where Michella stood with her girlfriends and Desmond, the founder of the Uni, discussing whatever women discussed. By the way she waved her hands around, I assumed their conversation centered on the design plans for this space.
The tilt of her head and the sparkle in her eyes mesmerized me. It barely registered when Trent muttered something and turned back to wielding a sledgehammer.
I, on the other hand, couldn’t take my eyes off the woman who was supposed to be nothing more than a friend.
Chapter Eight
The Mask
~~Michella~~
* * *
I wasn’t much help at the Uni. I couldn’t keep my eyes off Briggs. His tight T-shirt and faded jeans distracted me. He wore his clothes well. I’d seen him in suits, tuxes, and jeans. I wasn’t sure which I liked the most. They all got me hot.
At one point in time, I caught him staring. I forced my gaze back to my group of friends. Everly and Aspen snickered. Aspen’s friend Leila remained neutral and busied herself, cleaning the dust off some of the shelving. I didn’t know her well, but she was a good friend of Aspen’s, and she worked at the Portland Puck near the practice facility. A friend of Aspen was a friend of mine.
I shrugged innocently, feigning ignorance as to why they were amused.
“The two of you are so fun to watch,” Aspen snorted.
“They can’t keep their eyes off each other, but they won’t admit there’s anything going on when everyone knows there is,” Everly agreed.
“There isn’t. We’re just friends.” For once, I was telling the truth.
“Now you’re friends?” Everly’s shock was obvious.
“Yes, friends. That’s all.”
Aspen and Everly exchanged knowing glances, and I bristled.
“We’ve all been there, and trust me, the just-friends thing won’t last.” Aspen shifted her gaze to Everly, who nodded her agreement.
I opened my mouth to deny Aspen’s claim, but she was probably right. Our forced mutual celibacy wouldn’t last. Then what? Would I walk away once again? I had to, and I knew it. Briggs wasn’t good for me. The man had demons and wasn’t interested in exorcising them.
“He’s not right for me. I’m looking for a guy who’s kind, laid-back, treats me like a princess, and opens up his soul to mine.”
“That doesn’t sound like Briggs.” Aspen looked to Everly for clarification, who nodded.
“I’ve heard he’s making an effort to fit in and not divide the team.” Everly didn’t say who she’d heard these rumors from, but she didn’t have to. She was the captain’s girlfriend.
“I’m happy for him.” I tried to sound nonchalant, but I didn’t carry it off quite well enough.
Both of my friends’ gazes had swiveled to the doorway, and they’d forgotten all about me.
“Oh. My. God.” Aspen’s hands flew to her mouth, and she turned white as if she’d seen a ghost. She dropped what she was doing and ran toward the door. Leila let out a scream and followed her while Everly hurried along behind. I turned, curious about what had them so excited.
A small, slight teenager who’d seen far better days stood in the doorway of the Uni. Desmond was fussing over her as the others approached.
My innate curiosity got the best of me, and I joined the group. On closer inspection, I recognized this girl as someone who came into the Uni frequently. I didn’t know her well, but I’d met her a few times previously.
“Heidi, are you okay?” Aspen approached gingerly and stopped a few feet away.
Heidi was so tiny she could be mistaken for a teenager, but she was probably early to mid-twenties. I couldn’t tell. Her clothes hung limply on a slight body that was mostly skin and bones. She had a black eye and various bruises on her face, and angry red lines circled her wrists as if she’d been tied up. My interest was piqued, and I moved closer to listen. This poor girl had been through some tough times.
“I’m okay.” She spoke so quietly I strained to make out the words.
Aspen no longer held back and threw her arms around her, as did Leila and Everly, for a group hug. I watched awkwardly. My gaze slid to Desmond, and our eyes met. He sidestepped over to me and whispered in my ear.
“Heidi’s been missing since the Christmas holidays. Everyone’s been worried about her. She’s sent a few texts, but we questioned whether or not she sent them. I was sick with fear that she might’ve met up with the Rose City Killer.”
“She looks like she’s met up with someone, and not in a good way.”
His head bobbed in agreement. “She’s in rough shape, but that also comes with the territory in her line of work.”
He didn’t have to spell things out. I knew immediately what line of work he was referring to. Heidi was a paid escort.
“Where’ve you been?”
“Are you okay?”
“What happened?”
The three women peppered a confused Heidi with questions. She stared back at them and said nothing, but the defeated slump of her body said it all. Desmond stepped forward and put an arm around Heidi’s waist.
“Ladies, let’s calm down and give her some breathing room. In your enthusiasm, you’re overwhelming the poor girl.”
The three looked justifiably chastised and offered their apologies.
“That’s okay.” Heidi mustered a lackluster smile, and Desmond escorted her to a chair and helped her sit down.
“Get her some water, please.”
Grateful to help in some manner, I jumped on his request and hustled to the old fridge in a side room. I hurried back with a bottle of water. Heidi took it and gulped half of the bottle.
I stood back in case I was needed again, feeling a bit like an onlooker at a car accident.
Heidi wasn’t forthcoming with where she’d been or what’d happened to her, despite her friends’ prying questions. Finally Desmond stepped forward and once again put a stop to the inquisition.
“Ladies, Heidi will share when she’s ready. In the meantime, we’re thrilled you’re back. We were worried about you.”
“I didn’t mean to worry anyone. I was fine.”
She didn’t look fine, and reading everyone else’s expressions, they agreed.
“How can we help?” Aspen asked.
Heidi ducked her head and didn’t answer right away. Finally she looked up. “There is one thing…”
“Anything. Name it.”
“I, uh, I need a place to stay for the next month until I graduate from cosmetology school.”
Her friends exchanged glances. Aspen and Everly were in new relationships, and moving someone in would be awkward.
“You can take Aspen’s place on my couch,” Desmond volunteered. Aspen had been essentially homeless and had slept on Desmond’s couch for several months until her art career took off.
“I…I was hoping to find a situation with women, not men. No offense, Desmond, and I do adore you, but I’m uncomfortable around men right now.”
Desmond nodded, not the least bit offended. In fact, he seemed to understand more than I did, but I was coming in cold, not really knowing Heidi or her background. Yet these four people I respected thought the world of her.
“We’ll put our heads together and find something for you,” Everly promised.
“I don’t want to be back out on the street right now.” Heidi hugged herself, and her face was ashen.
My heart squeezed in sympathy. She’d obviously been beaten and possibly worse. I had some experience in the abusive boyfriend area.
Before I had second thoughts, I made an offer. “You can stay with me. I only have two small bedrooms, one I use for a closet, but I do have a twin bed in that room.” I didn’t elaborate as to how full that room was of clothes and shoes. We’d figure something out.
“Oh, Michella, could I?” Her eyes teared up, and her slight smile brimmed with gratitude; no way was I backing out of my offer.
“Absolutely. As long as we’re clear that neither of us has men over to stay the night.” I secretly applauded myself for a rule that’d keep Briggs out of my bed. Heidi was doing me a favor by being a roadblock between Briggs and me.
“I’m more than happy to agree to that. I’m done with men for a long while.”
“I know that story.” I smiled, and she beamed at me, the happiest I’d seen her since she walked in the door.
“Great, I’ll find out when Briggs is ready to go, and we can leave.”
“Briggs?” Heidi glanced around nervously. Her eyes grew big as she studied the men cleaning up the adjacent room.
“He gave me a ride here. Don’t worry. He might be a grumpy bastard, but he’s harmless.”
Heidi swallowed and nodded. From the stricken look on her face, she didn’t believe that any man was harmless.
“I’ll be right back. Why don’t you get your things together, and we should be ready to go within the next hour.”
“This is all I have.” Heidi pointed to the bulging duffel bag. Shame cut through me at the size of my wardrobe, not to mention my shoe collection.
