Duplicity

4. Job Hunting

JOB HUNTING

I get up early and get dress. I have my thick mane-like hair blow-dried, flowing to my waist and straight, just precisely the way I like it. I decided to make myself presentable for any worthwhile entry-level job that pays minimum wage. Dress for success, or in my case, dress for any job that pays even pennies. The holes in my pockets are getting larger. I need a job and pronto. I dig out my only dress and borrow Jeff’s iron. Can’t have wrinkles on a job interview. I don’t want to give anyone the impression that I’m a slob. I am, but that’s not the point.

After I pour my body into the garment, I stand staring at myself in Jeff’s long-length mirror that I’d swiped from his bedroom. Eh, the black dress is a little short, and form-fitting. My knee-high boots will disguise the short length. But just in case, I ought to wear a coat to cover my ass.

Apart from the relentless monsoon seasons and the monstrous hurricanes, New Orleans might not be such a bad place to live. Lots of life in this city. It’s rich, with so much diversity and culture. All the more intriguing.

I’m not sure where to apply. I’m sort of lost in the world of job marketing. For the last two years, I’ve been living with Tad, he’d demanded that I stay home. Now that I’m out from under his perpetual control, I’m like that little bird released from her cage and confused where to fly. Regardless of my newfound freedom, it’s a little intimidating. I don’t have any training in any particular field. I am a disaster with computers, my experience waiting tables is hazardous from breaking dishes, getting orders wrong and pissing off customers. Maybe a department store can hire me. I’m pretty good with a register.

Unlike my brother, I barely finished high school. My senior year was the year we lost Mom and Dad. I wanted to drop out and get my GED. Jeff wouldn’t stand for it. He insisted I finish or else he’d kick my ass. I graduated, but not with the best GPA.

I’m stuffing my face with cereal when Jeff comes through the door. I take one look and see the exhausted lines cleaved in his face. “Hey, rough night?” I smile, taking a bite of corn flakes.

“You could say that,” he mumbles as he pads his way to the fridge and grabs a bottle of Fiji water and joins me at the island. “Did you sleep well?” He opens the cap and turns his head back, taking a deep gulp.

“I did. Thanks!” I smile before stuffing a large bite in my mouth.

“I see you found your way to my Frosted Flakes.”

“You know I did, Jeffie,” I grin, stuffing another big bite. It’s my favorite too. “Why aren’t you at the bar with all your doctor friends?”

A fine line appears between his brows, “How do you know where I hang out?”

“Your neighbor, Ethan, invited me to meet up with y’all,” I shrug. “I didn’t want to invade your turf.”

“Oh, stop it! You’re welcome anytime.” He suddenly frowns. “I lost a patient.”

“I’m sorry.” I pause. “Such a terrible night.”

“It never gets easy losing a patient. And of all things, it had to be a car accident.”

“Do you think about Mom and Dad?” Such a painful reminder. We were robbed of our parents at such an early age. It’s not fair. Life is not fair, and I hate accepting that fact.

“It’s not just Mom and Dad’s death, Ann,” his voice appears edgy. I never liked that tone. “Another human life is gone needlessly.”

“I’m sorry.”

He stares at the window and cuts his eyes back to me. “It’s fine. I’m just drained.” He goes quiet as he takes another drink of his water. “So where are you going all dolled up?” He eye-balls me.

“I’m going job hunting. I can’t be mooching off my brother forever.” I take another bite of corn flakes.

“Yeah, that’d be nice for a change.”

“I figure New Orleans is a big place. I might get a bartending job. They make good tips.”

“Anna, I understand that you want some spending money, but I have another idea, and I’m willing to help.”

Oh crap, here we go.

“What?” I drop my spoon in the bowl.

“You’re not going to make a living as a bartender or depending on a boyfriend to support you. Look at Tad. That is when he actually worked. Hell, half the time I paid your rent, groceries and anything else you needed.”

“Jeff, I’m going to pay you back every cent!” I feel on the defense. Listening to him tick off all the things he has done pierces my heart to the point that I want to run back to Texas. Though running away is becoming an unabating habit. It’s time I grow up and take some responsibility.

“You can pay me back by pulling yourself out of the gutter and going to college. Get a degree, or even training in something that will keep you afloat. How many times are you going to suffer the backhand of creeps like Tad, so you can have a place to live?”

“That’s not entirely true. I really cared about him.”

“Like hell you did! Ann, I love you, but I know you better than anyone. You’re a loafer. Always moving from one person to the next, not giving it much thought. And no plans for the future. You’re not getting any younger. Before you know it, you’re looking at fifty. Too late in life to start a career.”

“That’s enough!” I snap.

“Is it? What are you going to do? Find another guy that gets liquored up and decides to kill you?”

“That’s not fair!” Guilt is eating at me from the inside.

“Fair or truth?” his lips tighten. “That jerk put you in the hospital, and you went back to him after I begged you to come home with me. It took that son of a b***h to get caught with his pants down with your trashy girlfriend before you decided to leave.” Jeff slices through my raw wound like I’m a piece of cake. “He hit you again, didn’t he? Your make-up can’t hide the bruises.”

Jeff’s right. I know how to pick ‘em. “Okay, okay!” A suffocating sensation tightens my throat. “You’re right. I’m the loser sister you wish you never had!”

“Those are your words, not mine! I care about you, but I’m fed up with picking up the pieces and trying to make you well. I just don’t understand why you keep picking these losers and ruining your life. You’re better than that.”

It feels as if my throat is closing up. I can’t listen to Jeff’s scolding any further. I quickly push from the island, sliding off the stool and snatching my bag. I don’t disagree with Jeff. I need a moment to breathe before he rehashes all my stupid mistakes.

“Look, I’m sorry! I can’t do this right now. See you later.” I dart out, slamming the door behind me and rushing down the corridor. I stop at the elevator and jab the button several times, taking my anger out on it. Sometimes it’s hard letting Jeff hammer at me.

Boy, what I’d give for a drink … several. But that would add one more to Jeff’s endless list. Still, sometimes, I just don’t give a rat’s ass.

Jeff’s right. Tad is trouble. He put me in the hospital with a broken jaw and two cracked ribs. I can’t remember what we were arguing about. How stupid is that? I wipe a fallen tear with the back of my hand. Crap! Hope my mascara doesn’t run. I blow out a sharp sigh. What great memories I have. Tad spending the night in county jail while the police tried persuading me to press charges. How could I do that to him when I’d provoked him? Don’t men think with their fists?

The elevator door dings and opens. I start to board but my eyes collide with that cute neighbor, Ethan Something. Dang, I can’t remember his last name, but he looks good in his light blue scrubs. I suddenly realize I’d been crying and it’s apparent as I see the startled look in his sea-green eyes. I swallow the lump in my throat as I say, “Oh, hi.” Jesus! Perfect timing!

“Hey, you okay?” He holds the door open, his eyes piercing, full of pity.

“Yeah, it’s nothing. Really.” I can’t step into that elevator and have my brother’s friend see me collapse into pieces. “You can go on down. I’ll wait for the next one.”

“C’mon,” he smiles amiably. “I’ll ride with you. You look like you could use a friend.” Oh geez, he feels sorry for me. Not cool or sexy.

“Alright,” I force myself to smile as I step inside. The door rattles as it closes, and I take a long breath. I suddenly smell cologne, an outdoor scent like fresh pine. Whatever he’s wearing, it’s enticing.

All at once, I feel nervous as I shuffle my feet. Ethan stands next to me, quiet, though I sense his eyes on me. Just break the ice, will you? “Where are you heading to?” Geez, now I sound nosey. Talking about the weather would’ve been better.

“Oh, I just got off my shift. Thought I’d walk you out. You know, make sure you’re okay.” A gentle smile dances in his soulful eyes.

“You really don’t have to bother. I’m alright. Jeff and I sorta had a disagreement is all. No biggie.” Nervously, I moisten my lips.

“You look nice. I like your hair, but I prefer the wet look,” he smiles as humor flashes in his eyes.

“Thank you.” My cheeks flush.

The first floor dings and he holds the doors for me to exit. As we make our way to my car, he asks, “Do you have somewhere you have to go?”

“Uh … I’m job hunting. Thought I’d go drop off applications to the local bars around here. How hard can it be serving beer?” I shrug.

“It’s early. Why don’t you let me take you for coffee? Have you eaten?”

Oh, geez! Another person trying to give me advice is more than I can handle this morning. “It’s sweet, but I can’t. Maybe next time?” I dig out my keys and unlock my car door.

He scratches his day-old stubble. “No problem. Another time, then,” he flashes a brief smile.

“Thanks for walking me out.”

“Any time,” he winks.

As I climb in my car, I watch Ethan saunter back to the building. His movements are swift, full of grace, and virility. I sigh, feeling the devil of disappointment. Why couldn’t I have met this guy first?

I may not have truly loved Tad, but the impact of his infidelity still left a mark on my heart. My raw memories of our argument still lingers. For the life of me, I can’t understand why I stayed as long as I did. This girl is hanging her Texas hat elsewhere. When I say I’m done, I am done!

I pounded the pavement, hitting every bar on Bourbon Street. Most places directed me to apply online. I just figured I could go marching in and get hired. Boy, was I wrong!

I return home heavy-hearted. No job, no gas, and no money to even buy a piece of gum. Then, a brilliant idea knocks me in the head like a fallen brick from the sky.

I’m standing at my neighbor’s door, ringing the doorbell. I rock on my heels until I hear feet dragging across the floor. Seconds later, the door squeaks open and Ethan appears, eyes heavy with sleep, dressed merely in heart-covered boxers. “What’s up?” he speaks in a groggy voice.

Oh, snap! “You were sleeping.” My eyes pause at his boxers and my cheeks flame.

“It’s fine,” Ethan yawns, running his fingers through the tousled, sandy curls that sweep into his face. “What can I do for you?”

“It can wait.” Shaking my head, I back from the door and turn, tossing over my shoulder, “I’m sorry to have disturbed you.”

“No, it’s okay,” he calls out, opening the door. “I have to get up anyway. Come in.” He steps back, seemingly unbothered that he’s shirtless.

Nice abs, by the way. The boxers are pretty darn cute too. I bite my bottom lip to hold back a giggle.

“Oh … ooo-kay.” I keep my eyes up, forcing myself not to peek … much. He’s adorable but hands-off. After all, he’s my brother’s friend.

“What’s up?” He makes his way over to the coffee pot and flips it on.

I glance around. Apart from the décor, his apartment looks like my brother’s, but only on the opposite side. Hands down. This is a bachelor’s pad, alright. A little on the messy side. A few shirts lay around, tennis shoes by the recliner, and a big-screen television. And I can safely assume that he likes video games, I think when I spot a pile of gaming devices by the shoes.

“Umm … as you know, I’m looking for a job.” I walk over to the island and lean over it, on my elbows.

“I recall.” He rubs the bristle across his face.

“I’m thinking, how about I clean your house and cook?”

“You can clean and cook?” There is a trace of amusement in his voice.

I’m almost offended, but I swallow my pride. “That’s right. I’m pretty good at it too.”

“Does that include you washing my dirty drawers?” he asks while pouring a cup of coffee. He turns to me with his mug in his hand, “Care for a cup too?”

“I’m good. Thanks.”

He leans against the counter directly across from me and sips his coffee, not saying a word.

I’m beginning to think I made a mistake. “Well, I see you could use the help.” Despite his lack of interest, I push forward. “And if you pay me well enough, I’ll be happy to wash anything you like.” Holy crap! That came out wrong. I clear my throat. “Uh … you know what I mean.” I squirm as I divert my gaze to the coffeepot. My cheeks all at once blister enough to light the sky.

“Really? Even my shorts?” I catch a glance of a smile behind the brim of his cup as he takes a sip.

“Never mind! I shouldn’t have ”

I turn on my heels heading to the door. I’m worn out from pounding the pavement, and the sting of my brother’s lingering words. Now I have to take this jerk’s jabs too?

“Wait!” Ethan rushes in front of me, slapping his palm flat against the door, blocking my escape. “Hang on!”

I suddenly feel his coffee breath against my neck. I freeze.

“You’re right, I could use a housekeeper. How about you come clean my apartment, five days a week, when I’m at work. I’m a light sleeper. Noise keeps me up.”

I face him, my eyes wide and liquid. “What time and how much?”

He laughs. “Pushy, aren’t you,” he sighs. “How about you start tomorrow evening at six. I go in for my shift at that time. I’ll drop my key off tomorrow.”

“Okay, and how much?”

He grins, revealing a dimple on his right side. “Fifteen an hour. Deal?” he extends his hand.

What does this guy have about handshaking? I clasp my hand to his. “Deal! I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Alrighty. Six sharp.” He steps back and opens the door.

I start to head out but stop. Our eyes meet as I smile. “Thank you.” I linger, holding his gaze. I think how little effort it would take getting lost in those pools of green. Specks of gold churn within the green, full of mischief like a little boy, and yet a man with desire.

Without another word, I break the hold and leave, hearing the door shut gently behind me. I giggle, full of excitement. Now I have to face my brother, but at least I have a job. I am so excited that I do a little twerk down the hall on my way to Jeff’s apartment, two doors down.