The Den: Keeping Secrets

Episode 6: Liam/Kara

Liam:

Every time the heart of The Judge is fired up I feel a sense of pride. The first car I ever wanted. When I hired the guy to search it out I never really thought it would end up being mine. When he found it I offered the owner twenty grand more than it is valued at. He didn't have a problem accepting my offer. "Sweet car Gods. This baby is incredible." Kara was grinning from ear to ear and running her hands along the dash. She put The Judge in gear and slowly pulled toward the ramp leading out the garage. "The code is 69420 then #. The door will automatically close after we pull out." She entered the code at the top of the ramp and slowly pulled onto 66th. Traffic was of course thick. She maneuvered through the bustle like a pro driver. "I hope you don't have any plans today because I'm taking the long way home." She was beaming. I'm enjoying her company. "I'm just along for the ride. You're driving." She turned to look at me as we stopped at a red light. She's still grinning from ear to ear. "This car is incredible Liam. I don't blame you at all for wanting it so bad. Grandpa had an old Nova that was awesome." The light turned green and she set our course toward the Holland Tunnel. We made our way towards Newark and south to Elizabeth. She took the exit to Staten Island and down Richmond till we hit Eltingville. She pulled up and cut the engine off in front of a nice little place at the end of a dead end street. I liked it. I looks homey. "Well here we are. Home sweet home."

Kara:

"You weren't kidding when you said you were taking the long way home," he said with a chuckle as he opened his door. "Yeah, I could have taken The Belt but how could I pass up an opportunity to drive this beast?" I open the drivers door and climb out reluctantly. That was the most fun I've had in ages. "Nice view." Growing up I never paid much attention but as I got older I have grown to love the fact that I grew up on a dead end street with a straight shot view of Crescent Beach. "My father keeps a boat in one of the marinas up shoar in Great Kills Harbour. When he would let me go sailing with him we would come down this way. I used to see kids playing out here," he said never once averting his gaze from the water. "That would have been us! We would play all kinds of games down here. There was never any traffic to worry about. Grandma would sit out front watching us and would make us cookies and bring out cold lemonade on hot summer days. She used to say, no matter when we are, kids will be kids. Mom said she grew up with her friends playing the same games out here. I loved it." I really have loved growing up here. I had a storybook childhood. Sure, it was rough on us all not having dad around but we loved each other so much it I never felt lacking. "She sounds like a really cool lady, your grandma. No wonder you can bake a mean cookie. It's in your genes." That made me chuckle and turn my gaze towards him. He was obviously trying to lighten the mood and I was thankful. Even I could hear the longing in my voice. "Would you like to come in?" I ask him as I round the back of the car to the passenger side and hand him the keys. "Maybe another time, I've got to get back to the city. I have plans this evening. Thank you though," he said stepping closer to me. I don't know what cologne he uses but it smells so damn good. I've thought that since day one. "I'm sorry to have taken up so much of your time today. I can't ever repay you for the great kindness you showed by taking care of me." I can't look up at him. I'm extremely embarrassed for everything that happened. I feel a finger under my chin, it lifts my head and my eyes go straight to his. They are a startling emerald green. "Kara, you have nothing to be sorry about. I've had fun today. I can tell you're embarrassed. Don't be. We've all been in a spot we needed a little help and I'm glad I could be there for you. Get some rest and make sure you drink lots of water. Hangovers will make you dehydrated and that headache won't go away if you don't hydrate." I had forgotten the throb in the back of my head. Now that he brought it up the ache seems to be traveling and getting worse. "I will. I think I'll spend the day catching up on some shows in a nest of snuggly blankets on the couch. I feel a pizza in my future as well," I say to him our eyes still locked. He smiled and stepped back removing his finger from my chin. "That sounds like a pretty awesome day. If you need anything give me a call." He retreated toward the driver side and after he got in rolled the passenger window down, "see you Monday." He started the car and off he went. As I was unlocking the door my phone starts ringing. I riffle through my bag stepping in to the house. Oh s**t! I've been avoiding this call. Might as well get this over with, "Hi Momo."

Liam:

The drive back to the city was nice but the hard on I have is not so nice. Kara is beautiful. She's sexy too and I haven't gotten any in a while. I wanted to take her up on the offer to go inside but I didn't want to watch TV and eat pizza. After seeing her nearly naked last night I've been exercising the difficult task of being a gentleman.

Not dating has it's advantages but sometimes the lack of having someone really sucks. I know exactly how to ease this situation. Pulling my phone out I hit up Siri. "Siri, call The Den." It rings a couple times then a soft sweet voice answers, "May I have your membership number?" I like that there is total anonymity after you have things set up. "8675309," I respond. "Thank you, sir. How may we pleasure you?" "Do you have any availability this evening?" The Den only allows so many members in per evening. I like that the crowds are always small and there is always a sin available this way. "We do, actually. We have 3 openings available. Will anyone be joining you?" We are allowed to brings guests but they are not allowed without a member. My father brought me here when I turned 18. He bought me a membership after that first night. "Not tonight. I will be solo." I can hear clicking of keyboard keys. "Any Sin in particular?" "I think I'll browse and have a drink first." "I have you reserved. We will see you this evening," she said then ended the call.

Making my way up town I get to my place and pull in. I go straight to my loft space and head to the kitchen. The house is large. One day I suspect I will decide to settle down and have a family. For now the main and second floor is more for entertaining. When I remodeled I made the top floor a loft space. It's really all I need at the time. I head to my room, hop in the shower and prepare for the evening.