Reckless Beginnings Page 13

  Around the dinner table, serious discussions, stories, and fond memories of Donna were shared. The more time that elapsed with no news, the more they all began to fear the worst. With no leads or any word from the children’s home, no one had any idea how to go about looking for her.

  Not wanting to upset her mother even more, Tammy chose not to tell her about her relationship with Raymond or the miscarriage; there were some things she just didn’t need to know.

  The two weeks zipped by quicker than Tammy would’ve liked, and saying goodbye to her mother all over again was difficult. Many tears were shared at the airport and promises of writing were made by both Tammy and her mother. Tammy left with a heavy heart, not knowing when she would see her mother again.

  Tammy had been working at the hotel for eight months, making new friends, and was now dating a chef called Steven. Being from a Spanish decent, his smooth skin always looked tanned. He was tall, over six feet, and lean but not muscular. His head of wavy black hair rested on his shoulders, and Tammy had been captivated from the first moment they met by his dark blue eyes, beautifully framed with thick black eyelashes. But it was his smile, topped with a black moustache, that drew Tammy in and really melted her heart. He had passed her in the break room and their arms had brushed, which caused her to look up. He said nothing, but simply smiled, followed by a wink of the eye. Tammy smiled back and then he was gone.

  The next day, she saw him again. This time, he spoke, introducing himself as Steven and showing off, once again, his heart-warming smile. Instantly, they struck up a friendship. Drinks were shared after work and days off were spent with each other. She grew fond of him quickly, and within a few months, their relationship had grown to the official “being a couple” stage.

  Unable to afford his own place, Steven lived with one of his friends in a one-bedroom apartment across town where Steven slept on the couch. He didn’t own a car, but Tammy’s was at his disposable whenever he needed a ride. If she had to work, she simply loaned him the car.

  One afternoon while Tammy was at work, Steven came into the kitchen to start his night shift. He seemed upset. Without giving her a glance, he mumbled a quick “Hi” before dashing over to his locker to put on his apron.

  Concerned, Tammy set down the tray she was carrying and followed him. She found him at the lockers with his back toward her. “What’s up? You look upset,” she asked, gently placing her hand on his shoulder.

  Still facing his locker and struggling with the strings on his apron, he eventually turned to face her. With a distressed look on his face, he yanked the ties one last time and pulled the ends into a tight knot around his middle. “Oh, well,” Steven started in a raised voice, “my stupid roommate is kicking me out because his girlfriend is moving in.” Frustrated, he slammed the metal locker door shut. “I have until the weekend to move out. Some friend he is! I can’t afford a place of my own, so what am I supposed to do now? I’m really fucked!”

  Clearly in a riled state, Steven brushed past Tammy, shoving her out of his way, and grabbed a metal chair out from under the staff table. Tammy covered her ears and winced at the high-pitched screech of metal legs scraping across the tiled floor. Steven flopped himself down on the seat with his folded arms on the table and his brows in a deep furrow.

  Alarmed by his anger, Tammy cautiously took a seat next to him, placed her hand on his knee, and gave it a slight squeeze. “Is there anywhere else you could go?” she asked.

  For the first time, Steven made eye contact. My god, he looks awful, Tammy thought. His dark, glazed eyes hooded by droopy eyelids made her shift awkwardly in her seat. The look on his face was one she’d never seen before.

  In a calmer state, Steven leaned back in his chair and sighed. “I have another friend who is moving out of his place this weekend. I might be able to get that apartment, but I can’t afford it on my own.”

  Tammy knew him well enough to know what he was getting at. “What are you saying? You want me to move in with you, is that it?”

  Steven took her hand. “It’s crossed my mind, yes. But I have no idea how we’re going to come up with the deposit. I’m broke until payday.”

  Tammy pondered the idea for a moment. The subject of becoming roommates had never been discussed before, but she understood Steven was desperate. Plus, the idea of not having to live with parents and having a place of her own was appealing.

  “I’ll be a good roommate. I promise,” Steven said with a grin while batting his long eyelashes at her.

  Tammy smirked. “Well, I do have the deposit. I don’t pay rent at my dad’s, so I’m able to save the money instead. And I have a car, so we’ll have transportation. How much is the rent?”

  “Five hundred,” Steven replied.

  “That’s not too bad. We both work. I’m sure between us we could come up with that.” A large grin blanketed Tammy’s face. “So what do you think? Want to be roommates?”

  “We’re gonna need the first month’s rent too. That’s another five hundred,” he said.

  “Well, I’ve managed to save about two thousand dollars,” Tammy said, beaming with excitement. She grabbed his arm, shaking it vigorously. “We have the money, Steven!”

  Being unexpectedly surprised and gushing with relief, Steven shared in her giddiness. “You’ve been hiding out on me, babe! You have two thousand dollars!” he said, looking like the cat that got the cream. With his spirits now shifted into high gear, he reached over and threw his arms around Tammy, blubbering at speed. “Let’s go talk to my buddy tomorrow and see how we can make this happen.”

  “Sure,” Tammy answered, thrilled to see him happy again. “I get off at two tomorrow. We can go then if you like?”

  “Sounds good to me. I’ll call my friend and tell him we’re coming over.” He pulled her in closer and gave her a passionate kiss. “Thanks, babe. You’re the best!”

  Tammy smiled. “You’re welcome.”

  “I can’t believe we’re getting our first place together. I’m so stoked!” With all the excitement, he realized he had lost track of time and glanced at his watch. “Oh, crap! I’d better go clock in. I’m late for my shift. I gotta run. Love you, babe. You’re the best.”

  “Love you too!” Tammy hollered as she watched him scurry away with a bounce in his step.

  The pressures of the night—burned food, irate customers, and those that left no tip—couldn’t dampen Tammy and Steven’s elevated mood. They unashamedly shared their news with co-workers and Tammy couldn’t wait to get home to tell her father and Joanne the unexpected but exciting plans.

  * * *

  Home by nine, Tammy found her father and Joanne drinking wine and playing scrabble at the dining room table. “Hi, guys,” she said cheerfully as she pulled off her coat by the door.

  “Hi, Tammy, how was work?” Joanne asked, peering over her glasses.

  Tammy threw her coat on the couch and walked over to the table. “It was good. Who’s winning?” she asked while pulling out a chair and taking a seat.

  “Joanne is. She must be cheating,” her father joked.

  Tammy laughed at his dry sense of humor. Pleased to find they were obviously in good spirits, Tammy wasted no time. “I don’t mean to interrupt your game, but I have something to tell you.”

  Anticipating bad news, her parents quickly lost interest in the game and turned to Tammy with matching worried expressions. “What is it?” Joanne asked.

  Tammy grinned. “Don’t worry, it’s nothing bad. Steven and I may be moving in together.” Her father removed his glasses, leaned back in his chair, and folded his arms across his chest. A posture Tammy recognized well—this was his go-to look for when he wasn’t pleased.

  “Really. What brought this on?” he asked.

  “Steven is getting kicked out of his apartment. Apparently, his roommate who leases the place wants his girlfriend to move in. Steven has another friend who’s moving out of his apartment and Steven suggested we rent it. We’re going to look at it tomor
row after work.”

  “I didn’t know you and Steven were that serious,” Joanne remarked.

  “We’re not. Heck, we’ve only been dating for about four months. The thing is, he can’t afford the apartment on his own and I think it’s about time I got my own place anyway,” Tammy explained.

  “Can you afford it?” questioned her father.

  “I think so,” Tammy replied. “We’re both working and the rent is only five hundred a month, so I think we should be able to afford it between us.” She decided not to disclose the fact that she was covering the security deposit and first month’s rent. They would only dispute the idea and insist she just pay her half. She didn’t want to explain that Steven had no money until his next paycheck.

  Unsure on how to handle the sudden news, John glanced over at his wife for reinforcement. Showing no signs of objection, Joanne gave a slight nod and a smile. John replied with a subtle nod and turned to his daughter. Their silent communication never failed to amuse Tammy.

  “Well, seems like you have it all figured out.” John raised his glass in a toast. “I hope you get the apartment and I wish you guys the best of luck.”

  Tammy left her chair and walked over to her father. Leaning over the back of his seat, she hugged him around the neck. “Thanks, Dad. I’m pretty excited.”

  Joanne smiled from across the table. “If you get the apartment, I have extra dishes you can have and probably some extra bedding.”

  “Thanks, Joanne. That would be great. I know the place is furnished, but items like that we could really use.”

  After sharing the news with her parents and securing their blessings, Tammy couldn’t wait to see the apartment. The idea of beginning a new life in a new place with Steven was exactly what she needed, and she failed to contain her elation as she skipped down the hall to her room.

  Chapter 24

  The next morning, Tammy woke up eager to see the apartment. With only fifteen minutes to spare before she had to leave for work, she decided to make a quick call to Steven to confirm the time.

  She dialed his number and his roommate answered after a few rings. “Hello.”

  “Hi, it’s Tammy. Is Steven there?” she asked.

  “The lazy bum is still fucking sleeping,” the roommate said with an attitude.

  Never having met the guy, Tammy was shocked by his tone and rudeness. “Okay, well, could you please tell him I called and to not forget to meet me after work, to look at the apartment?”

  The rude man let out a loud, crackling laugh. “You’re shacking up with him?”

  “Yes, I am. He told me you’re kicking him out.”

  “Your damn right I’m kicking his ass out. Did he tell you why?”

  “Yes, he did,” Tammy replied.

  “And you’re still going to shack up with the guy?” He let out another contemptuous laugh. “You’re stupider than he is.”

  Offended by his remark but rushed to get to work, Tammy had no time to play twenty questions. “Look, I have to go. Can you please just give him the message?”

  Tammy shook her head, baffled by the conversation, and hung up the phone. She grabbed her coat from the couch, yelled goodbye to Joanne upstairs and ran out the front door.

  Shortly after two o’clock, Tammy spotted Steven at the staff table talking to another cook. She clocked out of her shift and walked over to him, stunned by his appearance as she approached the table. Wearing a pair of severely wrinkled black pants and an equally crinkled white t-shirt, Tammy assumed he had slept in them all night. His mangled hair splayed out over the top of his head in an uncombed mess, and he clearly hadn’t taken the time to shave. When he looked up, she noticed his pale skin and the dark circles cradling his eyes.

  “Steven, are you okay?” she asked.

  “Yeah, why?”

  “Well, you look like you’ve just crawled out of a bush.”

  Offended, he raised his voice. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  Not wanting to upset him, Tammy refrained from commenting any further on his wardrobe malfunction. “Oh, never mind. When can we see the apartment?”

  “My buddy will be home in about half an hour. His landlord is going to stop by too so he can meet us.”

  “Great! I’m so excited,” she squealed before adding. “Um, can you at least brush your hair? We have to make a good impression, Steven.”

  “Jeez, Tammy! Don’t worry. I’ll brush it in the car.”

  Tammy’s mood shifted to frustration. “Fine!” she snapped, rolling her eyes. “Wait here while I go cash in my tickets and collect my tips.”

  Thirty minutes later, they were pulling up to the parking lot of the apartment. A white two-story building with a dozen units overlooking the town. Tammy parked the car, rolled up her window and asked Steven to do the same, which he did after stubbing out his cigarette. Before exiting the car, Tammy glanced in the rear-view mirror, touched up her lipstick, and gave her hair a quick brush. Speaking only with her eyes—words were not needed—she handed the brush to Steven. Annoyed by her gesture, he rolled his eyes, snatched the brush from her hand, and obediently brushed his hair before stepping out of the car.

  In silence, they walked up to the door marked 2A, which was located between two other apartments, and knocked on the door. A few moments later, a tall, skinny guy with short blond hair, still dressed in a brown company uniform, appeared from inside.

  “Hey, Randy, how’s it going? This is my girlfriend Tammy,” Steven said while slinking his arm around her waist.

  “Hi, Tammy, nice to meet you. Come on in,” Randy said as he opened the door and took a step to the side.

  “Nice to meet you, too,” Tammy replied before following Steven into the apartment.

  Inside, they found themselves standing in the living room. Randy closed the door behind them.

  “May I look around?” Tammy asked.

  “Sure,” Randy said, sweeping his arms in a circular motion around the small space. “There’s not much to see,” he added.

  Tammy left the two men to chatter while she went to explore, almost skipping from room to room with excitement. The apartment was small, with one bedroom and a tiny bathroom, but she was happy to see it at least had a bathtub and a shower. The kitchen was galley-style with a small nook off to the left for a dining room table. The living area, the biggest of the rooms, had two sliding glass doors leading out on to a deck with just enough room for two chairs. The awesome view from the deck overlooked the whole town, and Tammy was already picturing it as the perfect place for her morning coffee.

  Tammy found Steven and Randy talking on the couch. “I love it!” she announced. “Did you take a look yet, Steven?”

  “I’ve been here before. I don’t need to,” Steven replied, showing much less enthusiasm than Tammy.

  “Randy, where’s your landlord? I thought he was going to be here.”

  “He called just before you guys arrived. He’ll be here in about ten minutes,” Randy said.

  “Okay, good. So, is any of the furniture included with the apartment?” Tammy asked.

  “It comes with the fridge, cooker, couch, coffee table, and dining room table. The bed is mine.”

  “That’s not a problem. I’m sure we can find a bed someplace for a reasonable price. Right, Steven?” Tammy added, hoping to include Steven in the conversation and perhaps encourage him to show a bit more interest.

  Steven shrugged his shoulders and mumbled, “Yeah, I guess.” Disappointed, Tammy walked away to check out the kitchen again.

  A few minutes later, they heard a car pull up in the driveway.

  “That must be the landlord,” Randy announced.

  Tammy stood by the dining room table, anxious to meet him.

  Moments later, there was a knock at the door. “Come in. It’s open,” Randy yelled.

  The door opened and a middle-aged man dressed casually in blue jeans and a grey sweatshirt entered the room carrying a manila envelope. Tammy walked into the living room
to greet him. The landlord extended his hand and introduced himself. “Hi, I’m Bill. It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”

  Tammy shook his hand first and was pleased when Steven stood to greet him. Doing most of the talking, Tammy and Bill walked through the apartment while she asked various questions. She asked if the utilities were included with the rent and was happy to hear they were. Correcting herself a few times for calling it a flat, Tammy was amused with Bill’s sense of humor when he began calling it a flat, too. Eager to get the apartment, Tammy explained to Bill that her and Steven both worked and could easily afford the rent, adding for good measure that they had no children or pets.

  Bill liked her spunk and enthusiasm and believed they would make good tenants. “Normally, I take applications and make my decision after viewing them. But, I like you, Tammy, so I tell you what,” Bill said and paused.

  Tammy took a deep breath as she waited. “What?” she finally asked after what felt like an eternity.

  Bill smiled, enjoying her excitement. “If you have the deposit of five hundred dollars and the first month’s rent, the place is yours.”

  Tammy held her hands together and squealed a high-pitched “Thank you!” to Bill before yelling, “Steven! We got it!” She raced toward the living room and saw Steven had returned to the couch. He couldn’t help but cave in to her over-the-top excitement, and he stood to meet her in a triumphant hug.

  After retrieving the necessary rental papers from his car, Bill ushered them both over to the dining room table to complete the process, go over the rental agreement, and answer any questions they may have. He informed them that it was a month-to-month lease and explained he would need a few days to clean and paint the place. He concluded they could move in next Monday, which was just four days away.