Knowing You

A/N: Thanks for the reviews, I'm experimenting with my writing style, hope it's a little better. Once again, any suggestions or comments are appreciated.


Chapter Two




“Move your ass,” she shoved the large carcass over, making enough room on her side of the bed. It was hell sharing one’s bed with an overlarge ball of fur, the damn dog swore ownership of the full mattress. Binky was a mutt, mixed with Chow and Lab, an odd combination.


A tongue lapped at her fingers, which hadn’t long been playing with hamburger meat. Mom had asked her to help with dinner, by putting together the patties. As soon as Dante and his tart arrived, the grill would be started. Taree reached for the paperback she’d put aside, it had been left off at a dramatic part. The killer was starting to fall for the sister of one of his victims, but was distressed knowing she’d hate him when she found out.


Her bedroom was her sanctuary, it was where she spent most of her time. Doing much of nothing, how much more relaxing could it get? Three years ago she’d asked for it to be redone, flowers and rainbows had gone out of style. The walls were done in a light rose, the trimming having the design of said flower, matching the plush carpet. It had cost to get bedding to match, worth the few extra bucks. It was a young lady’s room, which was what she was, it fit her. The television was still going from last night, she’d fallen asleep while watching cartoons. The entertainment center held her tube, DVD player, a radio, and her movie collection. A desk sat in the corner, lined with books, it was being put to use.


The doorbell chimed below, announcing that they had guests. Grunting, she rolled onto her stomach, flipping the page over. She knew who it was, the only other people invited over for dinner, despite her protests. Her parents couldn’t or wouldn’t be rude and alienate their son because his girlfriend was a twit, why not, she could. Neither were liked, which was why she put extra pepper in the meat, the bitch had stated she hated the stuff.


The phone rang, drawing her eyes from the brown page. It wouldn’t be HIM so she answered it, “hello.” Joey should be calling to say yes or no to them going to the movies later. As expected her friend’s hyper voice came over the earpiece, loud and clear. “What’s up? Yes, as soon as dinner is over, it’s a family thing tonight.”


“Uh, sorry to hear that.” Joey knew how much she hated having to deal with the couple. As if on cue the girl tried the cheering up talk, “Listen, as soon as it’s over and you are still alive, we can hit the movie. I just called to let you know that I am now officially on the market again. Last night was the last straw, you won’t believe what that asshole did to me.”


Taree let a few things come to mind, yes, it wouldn’t be hard to believe. This latest fling was the type to fart in public, pick his nose then proceed to rub it on his neighbor and grab body parts. She’d put nothing past the loser, so it was no shocker when she was informed that it had been caught cheating. Which was why she swore no man would ever have a place in her heart. Boys only got toys to break them, she was no toy. “Are you going to play the field for a bit? Or do you have your sights set on another victim?”


“Actually, now that you mention it, I do.”


This couldn’t be good, Taree could practically taste the excitement her friend was oozing but let her continue speaking.


Joey caught her breath then let her have it, “Remember that guy that was at the diner the other night. You waited on him for most of the evening, dark hair and glasses?”


Yes, she could recall exactly who that was, an employee of Dante’s. “Well, after you left we got to talking, I did most of it but he listened, not once did he tell me to shut up. He strikes me as really smart but he came off so sweet and adorable, I gave him my number. Think he’ll call?”


“I’m sure he will,” Taree didn’t doubt that the guy would take an active interest, as long as he wasn’t already seeing someone. Binky snorted behind her, adding in his own two cents, her dog didn’t care for Joey. The poor thing was just old and ornery, she’d gotten him six years ago, the last thing Dante had gotten her. “Are you interested in dating or just wondering how good he is in the sack?”


“Both, he’s got nice eyes. Think about it, if he’s that sweet out of bed, imagine how attentive he would be in it? I got to experience some romantic sex one of these days. Five minutes of male gratification gets boring after so long, know what I mean?”


Of course she didn’t but wasn’t going to add the fact. Only Joey was sexually active, enough for both of them. The girl went on as footsteps sounded out in the hall,


“I bet he’d be the type to buy a girl roses, take her somewhere elegant for dinner, not just a buck burger.”


“Well, when you find out let me know.” A knock at her door ended the phone call, it wasn’t whom she was expecting. Red hair was the first thing she saw, hell had come to pay her a visit. Taree placed the phone back down and greeted the other female, keeping any hardness from her voice. IT was a guest in her home, she had to be civil, or her parents would take a bite out of her ass. “Hello, how are you doing Sheila?”


“Wonderful, mind if I talk to you for a few minutes?”


The tall woman came to sit on the edge of the mattress, turning her nose up at the animal sleeping peacefully. Sheila really didn’t care for most of her boyfriend’s family, especially the sister. If not for needing something, she wouldn’t bother asking the stuck up brat for this favor, there was no way of getting around it. For some reason Dante was extremely fond of the plain girl, had to be a brotherly thing. “You know his birthday is coming up in a few weeks, he says he doesn’t want to celebrate it. Some bullshit about your parents are going to be gone out of town, so there being no point. Well, I want to throw him a surprise party, just a small one. I know he’ll want his family there, you’ll still be in town. Would you help me plan it for him? Naturally, he won’t suspect anything, so it should be a cinch.”


“Okay,” an uneasy feeling settled in the pit of Taree’s stomach. It could be that the woman was planning something behind his back and asking for help, better chance it was the overpowering smell of sweet perfume. Why would she want to go out of her way to throw him a party? He might be her brother but the punk hadn’t so much as wished her a Happy Birthday in three years. She was suspicious as to why Sheila would want her help at all, there had to be a catch. “What do you need me to do?”


“Not much really, just get the place ready. I share a place with a roomy and Dante’s apartment is just too small. I could rent a room but that is so impersonal, having it here would be a grand idea.”


Sheila scrunched her nose as the dog made a crude sound under it’s backside. She wasn’t worried about the girl saying no, the bitch would do it just because it was for him. Dante was growing distant as of late, she had no plans on losing him. This would show him how much she loved him, how thoughtful she could be.


There was the catch, Taree should have known better. The surprise party was to be here so the woman needed her to agree to it. It meant she was to give her agreement, then hide herself in the confines of the bedroom during it. She’d stick out during this so called party, she was like a busted thumb. Her eyes swept over the perfectly ironed dress that the woman wore, clinging tightly to a perfect figure. Every single hair was in place, making the woman appear more molded than made. “I guess that’s okay, just let me know if you need anything else.”


“Oh, I will dear, it’s almost time for dinner.” Good, that part was taken care of. Now she just needed to make out a list, get someone to make the preparations. It’d cost a little bit of money, nothing was too good for her man. She’d even put up with his family, he was well off to becoming rich and was splendid in bed. He was the first of her lovers that saw to her own needs, she came first in that area, he was also well equipped. Wedding bells were in their future, their distant ringing already making her smile.


Taree wondered what was putting that shit eating grin on the woman’s face. Whatever it was, she didn’t want to know, she might be scarred for life. For a second she paused at the top of the wooden staircase, looking down to inspect what she was wearing. The jeans and sweater looked dull compared to the classic but simple dress of Sheila’s, it made her feel drab. ‘What the hell do I care? We are eating hamburgers, not entertaining royalty.’ Her hair had been snatched into a small ponytail, due to it’s shoulder length, bangs tickled her brow.


Her mother and Dante were standing conversing in the kitchen, unaware that they had been joined. Tar went for the fridge, looking for something to snack on while they waited. Last week she’d discovered yogurt filled fruit cups, they weren’t half bad. All that was in the box was non-fat chocolate pudding, that would work, she’d skipped breakfast.


“What the hell are you eating Piglet?” Dante eyed the small container sitting in the palm, unsure if she should eat it before dinner.


Lately, he’d noticed that she didn’t eat much during dinner. Was it because she was constantly snacking in between meals? She’d done a great job of losing weight, why overindulge and throw it all away? “Didn’t anyone ever tell you that’ll go straight to your ass?”


“Sure did, pretty soon my ass will be as big as your mouth.” She jerked the silverware drawer open to find a spoon, chanting that his comment didn’t sting. Any response he was going to make was cut short by the arrival of her stepfather. The man’s sunny disposition automatically made her feel better, as if she hadn’t just been told she getting fat again.


“Grill is going, want to help me take the meat on out? I’m sure your mother has everything covered in here,” the question was addressed to her, she was thankful for the invitation. Sheila would most likely stay behind and gossip, as if anyone wanted to hear her garbage. Knowing this would be much more pleasant, she kept the pudding in hand while opening the fridge.


The large tray of patties was carried by him, leaving her to bring the spatula. The sun was crisp, chasing the sharp chill from the air. This was her favorite time of the year, not too cold and not too hot. The kind of weather you could stand outside in and let the sun beam down.


“Here you go,” she handed over the flipping utensil, wanting to eat her pudding. It wasn’t the best tasting, it would just tide her over and it’d give her joy to cram it in her face after the ass’s crude comment. “Mind if I go sit down?”


A negative shake had her walking towards one of the four chairs spread out on the lawn. Chattering came from the open door, Red was going to town, she felt sorry for her mother. Better her mother than herself, she couldn’t stand useless chatter. She didn’t care if the woman had broken a nail last week, oh the poor dear. Last week she’d burnt her wrist on the rice cooker, no one had needed to send out a distress signal.


It was hard to pretend she wasn’t watching but her eyes strayed to the lean figure as Dante came to stand beside his father. The two resembled each other, the son being the upgraded version, broader and taller. It was even more difficult to down her stepbrother, with how his smile reached from ear to ear, it was a nice smile. The last time he’d smiled at her like that he’d just tossed her ass into freezing water, anything to make his friends laugh. Then he’d faked falling over, complaining of permanent back injury.


The chocolate didn’t have much of a taste, no sugar made food suck. The half empty pudding cup was placed next to the chair, her appetite leaving her suddenly.


Maybe it was seeing the woman she’d never resemble coming out to place a clingy arm around his waist. That had always been his type, why was it disturbing her now? Not all men were into dolls, some liked them real and down to earth. Joey was right, she needed some action with more than herself. The ordeal was finding one that she’d want to be with, the highest obstacle. One she liked, that would give her the time of day, the kicker. Stooping so low as to get one drunk just to be shown attention was beneath her. Better to be click happy than desperate, that pride sin rearing it’s head again.






Another long eight hour shift, two more blisters on her toes. Taree recounted today’s tragedies on two hands, it could only go uphill from here. First, she’d started her day by getting into work late, her bus broke down. Next, a sick child had decided she would make a nice toilet, her skin still reeked of vomit. Her big toe had been stubbed, nailed the chair hard with the sucker, showed it not to be in her way. Joey had called in sick, earning her a double section, as if six tables weren’t already enough. No Joey, meant no ride, the buses stopped at six, she was shit out of luck.


As the minutes ticked by she dreaded having to do it, she’d have to call Dante for a ride. A week had gone by and he hadn’t said anything more to her, pissed that she said he had a fat mouth. Or being put in his place, taught to keep his opinion to himself. Her luck he’d tell her to fuck off, catch a ride with someone else. It was pouring rain outside, and she knew no one else, it meant asking nicely, that didn’t sit well with her.


The register made a dying noise as she opened it to get proper change for the bill in her hand. A squeaky voice made her wish she’d stayed in bed, it was one of those days. On a rare occasion Cloe, whom she was sure had shortened her name from something horrid, or her mother was just as illiterate, would speak to her. Joey wasn’t here for the girl to annoy, so she was next on the agenda.


“What was that?” Taree feigned interest in whatever stupidity was coming out of the fire engine red lips.


“I said, he’s such a hottie, maybe I should ditch Kale and get his number.” A bony finger pointed towards the male she’d seated in Josh’s section. Like hell she’d put him back in Taree’s, or any other chick, not when she was getting idea’s. Cloe smirked as the male glanced over in their direction, not bad at all. “Joey tried to say he was into her, I don’t think so. Not with how he’s looking over here now, maybe I’ll go talk to him since I’m on break.”


Tar was curious enough since her friend was mentioned, she followed the digit to spy Lydon enjoying a cup of coffee. So what the bimbo was saying was that Joey had taken an interest, so it was her job in life to try and steal him away. “Knock yourself out, please.”


Seeing the air-filled head hit the tile would do wonders for her own disposition, a little humor always helped. He wasn’t in her section today, there would be no reason for her to worry about him. The drawer slammed shut, why was she annoyed?


Smiling she handed the middle aged man the change and receipt, “Here you go, hope you enjoyed it.” He thanked her, leaving to join his other two companions and her to bus the table. Ten more minutes and she’d have to do the deed, she dreaded making the call. This was the last of her work, just to clean up and tally up her earnings.


Tar didn’t consider herself nosey but was drawn to the scene as Cloe tried to make a move on the unsuspecting male. It would be amusing to see just how far things went, she was counting on the girl failing. Not only would he be wiser to choose Joey, who was prettier but their hostess looked as cheap as she was.


He was being polite, she’d give him that much. A tight smile was placed taut features, was he angry? Taree turned to gather up the remaining dishes, it wasn’t her business. There was a good chance he’d stopped in to talk to Joey, who hadn’t shown up. What she needed to focus on was getting a ride home.


The employee phone was free, it’d save her a quarter. She hoped that he was home and not busy. When wasn’t he busy these days, too busy for her. Her boss was strolling by, casually humming to herself. Taree waved at the woman before dialing the number to Dante’s cell phone.


He picked up on the third ring, “Hello?”


‘Great, he sounds chipper,’ she frowned on her side. “Hey, it’s me, I might need a ride home from work. Joey didn’t make it in tonight, are you busy?”


“Yes, I am. I have a few friends over.” He paused, allowing her to hear the male laughter in the background. “Can you try finding a ride? We are watching a match on pay-per-view.”


It was his way of saying he really didn’t want to take time out to cart her ass around. Taree nibbled on her bottom lip thinking of who else she could ask. There was no one, everyone else still had hours to go before their shift ended. “Alright, Josh gets off soon, I’ll just have him give me a ride.”


She replaced the receiver down a little harshly, she’d just condemned herself. Her mother would be free in an hour or so, that was a possibility. It just meant the woman would have to drive another thirty minutes to grab her after spending ten hours in the office.


“Fuck it,” there was no way she’d be bugging her parents. The apron was snatched off and tossed into the basket with all the others. She had a mint green rain coat, it’d keep her dry for the most part. That wouldn’t help with being splashed by passing vehicles.


Being stubborn was one of her flaws, just one of many. The place was unusually quiet as she walked out into the dining area. Only a few tables remained filled, most of them silently eating their food. The sound of rain beating against the roof had a way of lulling people into silence. Laying in bed and listening to the rain was one of her favorite things to do.


Mind made up she said a few farewells, then stepped outside in the dreary weather. Night gave the sky an eerie look to it, mixed with the distant clasp of thunder. That was one part she could do without, she didn’t care for lightning. Lightning didn’t make her freeze up in fear like some people but when a good one hit she did jump. Raindrops were already causing her sneakers to become damp, the hood protected her head from being waterlogged.


“Where is your ride?”


The question had her turning around in confusion, her ride? Water dripped down her cheek as she blinked in recognition. “Hey, how are you?”


“Just lovely,” Lydon scanned the street, seeing no one waiting on her. He’d been relieved that the blonde hadn’t been in this evening. Hadn’t she stated that she was Taree’s ride on most days. Yeah, he’d listened to most of what the girl had to say. “Someone picking you up?”


“No, actually I think I’m going to walk home tonight. It’s such a beautiful night out, would hate to waste it.” She’d rather walk it than beg a ride from her brother.


“Right,” the sarcasm was amusing, he couldn’t help but laugh. “Why don’t you let me give you a lift? It’s the least I can do, it’s pouring out here.”


Was that a question? She had the good mind to tell him no but he already had a hand on her elbow. Her feet moved, he was directing her towards his vehicle, without permission. Giving in she let herself be taken to a blue ford pickup, a rather nice one.


Lydon unlocked the doors with the remote, taking her to hers first. She didn’t comment as he opened the door for her to climb into the cab. He’d been watching her since coming in, hoping to get placed in her section. Next time he’d just have to ask to be put there, nothing wrong with that, a lot of customers had their favorite waitress. The blonde friend had been a fountain of information, without realizing that he’d gotten her to speak about the other. This Joey had given him enough information to go by, he knew a great deal about Taree already.


Like, he knew that she didn’t have a steady boyfriend, or a casual one either. That had been the most pressing issue, since Dante had stated it also. Most brothers didn’t have the inside track, best to find out other ways. He walked over to the driver side, noticing that she was checking out his ride.


‘Nice,’ she couldn’t help herself, she had to check out the music system. It had one of those six disc players, it had to cost a pretty penny. The interior was black, not a crack to be seen, someone took care of his vehicle. The only problem she found with it, was that it was a stick. Her and clutches didn’t get along, it was the only kind of grinding she was good at.


“Buckle up,” he instructed, turning the ignition.


“Okay,” she clipped the seat belt in place. The music was turned down too low for her to make any sense of it. Had she been in Joey’s car she would have already been turning it up. It felt strange being in a vehicle with a male she hardly knew. On the upside of things, it beat walking home in the rain.


“So where to?” He knew exactly which road she lived on but let her dictate their destination. There wasn’t much traffic on the slick highway, making it easy to pull out. “So Joey made mention of you attending college.”


“She did? Well, I am thinking about it, just not sure yet. I’d like to be a vet tech.” Why would he remember something Joey had said about her? Exactly what had those two discussed and for how long? Not that it bothered her, that they had mentioned her. It was just unusual for her friend to bring her into a conversation, whilst she was trying to score with a male. A female did not talk about another to the male she was interested in. “What about yourself? Plan on working under my brother forever?”


“For now, the pay is good and he’s not so bad.”


“Whatever,” so it was true, her brother put on a different face for other people. She was aware of this, it just bothered her that he treated her like a plague. “I mean it’s great that you have a decent job. I had this one guy coming in a while back, could barely afford to pay for his meals, yet he kept asking me out. I know it’s not all about money, but I don’t think the girl should have to pay for her half of dinner.”


“Understandable, so is the broke guy the only one asking you out?” There was a chance she had someone that her friend didn’t know about, didn’t hurt to ask. He pulled up at a stop sign and waited for her answer.


“No,” she was taken back by his blunt question. Why did he care? Was it just a casual question or did he want to know for a reason? “If you are asking for a friend, I don’t do blind dates. I’ve seen too many horror movies to go out with someone I don’t know.”


His laughter filled the small compartment, “If any of my friends need a date, they are on their own. I like to think I’m a nice guy but I don’t do charity.”


The pit of her stomach was churning underneath that penetrating stare. Taree shifted uncomfortably in the seat, hoping he didn’t notice that she was starting to fidget. Was he about to ask her out? The occurrence had happened before, just not by someone as nice looking as him. Why would he want to take her out? What did she have to offer him, besides some polite conversation?


Lydon took the next left, aiming for the street she’d given. Was he scaring her? He couldn’t imagine that she’d never had a guy ask her out before. There was nothing glamorous or sexy about her, but she was cute and attractive. If he wanted a quick piece with a hottie, he’d have accepted the friend’s invitation. “When is your next day off?”


“I’m off on Sunday,” The answer was correct, no harm in telling him the truth. She wasn’t sure what else to say as he pulled into the driveway. None of the lights were on, she was the first one to make it home.


“Great, how about you let me take you out? I can pick you up here around ten in the morning, we’ll make a day of it.” He could see the whites of her knuckles, she was griping the handle so tight. He’d accept that she was nervous around him, it meant he’d have to move slowly.


“Okay,” she agreed at the suggestion. There was nothing pressing for her to do on her day off, going out might be fun. “And thanks for the ride home, I really appreciate it.”


“Anytime,” he leaned over as she climbed out of the open door. “Oh, dress casual, I’d suggest jeans and definitely sneakers.” She nodded before the door slammed shut, leaving him to watch her sprint towards the front door. He waited until she was inside before putting the truck in reverse. There was some place special he’d take her for their first date.



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