Chapter 5

I must have been a sight. The high ponytail I put in yesterday loose from being slept in. Wild strands of hair in my face. Wrinkled, mismatched clothes and shoes that had holes in them for weeks. The two black garbage bags containing half my belongings had been drug along the road, streaks of dirt and mud along the bottom. Not to mention my puffy tear-filled eyes and defeated expression.

If there is such a thing as biker Santa Claus, I have no doubt it’s Tommy. Almost as wide as he is tall. Tattoos covering his arms and legs. Snow White hair perfectly matching his full but trimmed beard. A big round red face with a tiny button nose.

Just looking at him made me feel better but when he opened his arms and pulled me into a big bear hug I broke down.

I have no idea what I’m doing. The first 24 hours out of the home had been worse than anything I was prepared for.

My tears soaking the front of his white cotton shirt. He wrapped one arm over my shoulders and with a tug pulled me the direction he came from. “Well honey, let’s get you cleaned up.”

After rounding the corner three steps forward lead to a door and to the right was a bar area. You could see the restaurant seating area from the bar, but the tinted windows looked like dark grey walls from the restaurant side.

Tommy opened the door but didn’t go in. “CeCe and I have a little house off the back. You go right on in take a shower and I’ll put something on the grill for you. You like ribs?” He asked raising an eyebrow.

Laila laughed “Ribs from a barbecue and bar, if you don’t want them, I’ll eat them.”

“That would be amazing! Thank you so much.” I gave him a big wary smile.

A long well-lit hallway led to another door and behind that door a washer, dryer and utility sink sat against the left wall, coats and shoes lined the other side. Yet another door but this one had a cute picture window where I could see a quaint farmhouse style kitchen with what looked like a picnic table in the middle.

Slipping off my shoes before going any further. The last thing I wanted was to be rude. I made my way through the kitchen before I realized I had no idea where to go from here.

“You do know we just left all our stuff and walked right into a strangers' house, right?” Laila started humming dramatic music.

“Just let me have this, Laila.”

In her best tv anchor voice, “This week on Murder Mystery Files, Killed by Santa, The Amanda Heartly story.”

“I hate you.”

“I know.” She beamed.

I finally fumbled around the house long enough to find the bathroom which was surprisingly modern compared to the rest of the house. A big tile shower stood next to a huge jacuzzi tub.”

“Oh My Gawwd!” Laila said excitedly. “That thing his huge! Can we? Can we? Please, if I’m going to die let me do it in a jacuzzi tub. We die like movie stars.”

I started the water before getting undressed and grabbing a couple towels. A rack went across the length of the tub with more different kinds of shampoos, conditioners and soaps then I knew existed.

Sinking into the steamy water I heard a door open somewhere in the house. As the footsteps grew closer my body stiffened. Three gentle taps on the door and I heard the waitresses voice, I can only assume she is CeCe from what Tommy had said. “Hey sugar, I put some clothes out here for you. They might be a little big. I’ll be in the living room when you’re done.” She abruptly left.

“Ready for what?” Laila asked.

“Not sure.” I told her.

The clothes were way too big. I had to fold the waist of the sweatpants down three times so they would stay up and the t-shirt hung down to my knees.

Coming out CeCe let out a little giggle at my clothes. “At least they are clean. Tommy wants you to stay in cabin four, it’s the closest to the house. It’s a bit small I hope you don’t mind.”

“My money is all in my backpack.” I deeply regretted leaving it in the dinner.

“Don’t worry, we’ll take it out of your check at the end of each week.” She told me.

“My check?” I asked.

CeCe stood up and started walking to another door at the back of the house. “Come dear, I’ll explain on the way.”

We left out a door that could only be seen from behind the house. A small path leads right to a small log type cabin with a bright brass number 4 on the frame next to the door. Continuing past it we came back to the hotel office building.

CeCe walked up to the counter, holding out her hand said, “I need the key to cabin four Freddie.”

He quickly turned around grabbing a key from a metal box on the wall and handed her a key with a large keychain that looked like a fishing lure on it.

“It’s Fredrico.” He said.

CeCe reached over and tussled his hair. “Whatever you say sugar.”

We walked out and headed back towards the restaurant front. “Don’t worry about Freddie, he’s really sweet once you get to know him.”

“Really?” I asked.

“No not really.” She laughed. “You just get used to the Prince of Darkness. He’s been here a few years. He’s a good kid but definitely unique. We dropped our off-season rates about 5 years ago. It helps bring in a few more people but once or twice a year we seem to get a kid who needs somewhere to be.” She smiled and gently nudged me with her shoulder.

Grabbing my things CeCe handed me the key. Tommy came down from the bar. “Be here at 7:45 am sharp, you can start tomorrow. Get some rest tonight.” He said with a wink.

Looking down at the ground I was embarrassed to admit I didn’t know anything about working in a restaurant or anywhere for that matter. “I, well I don’t...”

CeCe cut me off mid-sentence “Don’t worry sugar. I’ll show you what to do.”

I smiled gratefully and headed to my cabin.