Playing With Fire

Sorry this took so long! Jack is gone, and if you couldn’t tell he happens to be a fun character to write. Unfortunately he won’t be making an appearance for about…3 chapters (you’ve probably guessed in what capacity too) Its really hard for me to stay focused without him but I’m trying to get through it. That being said, my updates might take a time. I’ve been trying to shoot for Friday updates. (woops!) Hopefully they won’t run over too often. Thanks everyone!

Oh, and yeah, this chapter is totally corny and rushed and since its late I might read it later and decide to change the whole thing but until then…basic plot points have been established.


Chapter 6


For the past couple weeks the City had been enjoying a pleasant bout of late spring sunshine. It’d been so consistent that Talia was surprised to wake that morning and find the sky stacked with gray clouds again. By late afternoon the streets were slick, the gutters filled with rain water.

Talia tugged the collar of her slick jacket up around her chin. She had just finished her shift and was walking speedily toward Market St. where Brevin waited. Across from Blazier’s, the familiar group of beer bums were loitering around the liquor store windows. One of the less sober ones had pressed his forehead against the glass and a short man with brilliant red hair emerged to shoo the wobbly-legged crowd away.

It had been almost three weeks since the small ‘Closed’ sign had finally been taken down from inside McGregor’s. The battered sign had hung for four days straight, the crowd of bums growing so restless Talia thought they might raid the empty shop if McGregor didn’t come back soon. Then one morning as Talia came into work she saw the glass door swung wide and a very different type of crowd lingering around the place of business.

“Hey, did you hear already?”

“Hear what?” Talia had asked Becca as she tied on her apron.

Becca folded her arms with a grim yet eager expression and Talia knew the gossip was going to be good. “Mr. McGregor is dead.”

Her fingers stopped right in the middle of the knot. “What?”

“Apparently he drowned a few days ago. The old fool took a boat out just before that big storm. Remember it? Guy never had a chance. Bad luck huh?”

“Yeah.” Talia had sighed after straightening her apron, a little bewildered at the news.

Hearing about Mr. McGregor’s sudden and unexpected departure from this world, Talia had found herself thinking of Jack, of whom she was trying her best to forget. But his shaggy blond hair invaded her thoughts and in her mind she saw him walking out the warehouse door again with the rain spattering his shoulders.

Of course she remembered the storm. That was the day she’d arrived for Meeting early, soaked and in a mood as soggy as her bedraggled hair thanks to one horny blond who couldn’t at least get her off before he dropped her. Wet and annoyed, she tried her best to listen to the sermon but to this day couldn’t remember a word Pastor Merritt had said that evening.

Now as she passed out of Jackson Talia’s mind was once again drifting back to her former playmate. It must have been the day’s murky weather and the smell of rain in the air that was bringing back Jack’s mocking grin. She pinched her eyes closed until the smirk was gone.

When she turned onto Market she spotted Brevin immediately. He wasn’t tall but he had a way of standing out from the crowd, or maybe Talia just had a way of zeroing in on just him. His dark eyes sought Talia’s before he lifted his chin in his usual ‘howdy-do’ and began walking to meet her.

Three weeks and they were still greeting like this. But, at least he was smiling unlike the first time she’d met him out there. A smile found his lips easier these days and the awkward shift from one foot to another had almost disappeared in her company. Progress, definitely, but not entirely the kind she’d like. Of course, she couldn’t judge everything by her afternoons spent with Jack. Real relationships needed a little more time before you started rolling around half naked in a dark warehouse.

Brevin’s midnight hair was disheveled around his face, lifting in the wind that blew.

“Bad day again.” He said when she reached him.

Talia thrust her hands deep in her pockets as the chill wind worked its way up her sleeves.

“Oh, you noticed?” She said and managed to make it sound sweetly sarcastic rather than cutting as it would have been if she was still at Blazier’s.

He grinned further then threw back his shoulders in an effort to stand off the cold. He was looking very tall, a silly thing for Talia to notice but it was more his inner stature than real height. His chest was puffed, his chin high. He gazed down at her through dark lashes with eyes that were bright and she couldn’t help but melt a little.

“It doesn’t matter anyway.” Brevin sighed with the wind. “Dad needs help in the office. I told him we’d relieve him of a few things, if that’s okay with you.”

Talia shivered. Anything was better than standing around outside today. “Sounds toasty.”

He was holding his hand out to her, which she’d come to expect now, and she took it easily as Brevin led her back toward the chapel building. It still gave her butterflies to feel the rough texture of his palm against hers. They were large hands with calluses around the base of his fingers. Sometimes as they walked she’d twist her hand and try to imagine his course palm cupping some other part of her…the parts Jack had been all too eager to fondle.

And there she was thinking of Jack again: hands also rough but surprisingly clean, his lean long fingers, the pulse of his vein from his knuckles to muscled forearm when he was tense or excited…

She must have shivered in the memory because Brevin suddenly relaxed his hold and she caught him send her a curious glance. Realizing she was biting her lip, she could only guess whatever things her body might be doing without her consent while she’d been thinking of her near fornication with Jack.

“Cold?” Brevin asked, with a delighted twinkle. A look like that sent real shivers down her spine, and she quickly re-affirmed her grasp, inching closer to his side with her best smile on her lips.

“A little…” It was her shy voice. Her sweet, innocent Talia voice that she’d adopted years ago. She knew her eyes were just a little too wide, the lift of her brows just a little too pure.

The amused look in his eye dissolved for an instant but then Brevin threw her a half-hearted grin. Quickly, he cupped her hand with his other and blew gentle hot puffs over their joined knuckles before stuffing their clasped hands into his jacket pocket.

“Better?”

“Mmm…” was all she managed.

Better and certainly nicer. She had to walk almost against him now, her shoulder knocking into his arm. They stayed like that all the way to the chapel building. Talia wondered briefly if people passing would think they were a couple, walking so cozily, so intimately with each other. It was a nice fantasy and she almost wished they’d never make it to the chapel so that she could continue the day dream.

She still wasn’t quite sure what their twined fingers meant. For as long as she’d known him, Brevin had never held a girl’s hand the way he was always reaching for hers lately. So at first, she thought the intimation was one diamond ring away from a proposal. But now…now it felt nothing more than a friendly gesture, something he’d be likely to do with any other girl in the committee, in the congregation even. Old women and little girls alike. Especially when he sometimes lost that smile like he did a moment ago while he looked at her with a sliver of annoyance.

At the front doors, Brevin surreptitiously dislodged his fingers from her own as he held the door open. Another action she’d come to expect – her fingers so easily taken were always so easily dropped. But then suddenly her hand was captured again…and they were in the chapel…and he was holding her hand…*in the chapel*…with members watching. She reveled in the flush that raced her cheeks. The corner of her mouth lifted secretly.

Brevin led her to the back of the building where Pastor Merritt’s office was located. Perhaps when it was still a bank, this room would have belonged to the floor manager as it was the largest of all these hidden offices. Whatever it used to be, the gray walls were now adorned with a large crucifix, much like the one hanging outside. Instead of a neatly placed desk, the Pastor’s table was covered in stacks of paper and books that seemed to have made their way to the floor in short piles. As they entered, she saw a man standing in the middle of these piles talking forcefully with Pastor Merritt who was leaning forward on his makeshift desk equally engaged.

“Its not the enchilada but it’s a step in the right direction.”

“Are you sure he’ll really be able to help though?”

“Oh of course. Charlie’s right in the center of things down town. He’s the one who got Gordon in to negotiate the rent policies. Gordon didn’t get it, but we’re not trying to back out of any deals here. There’s no reason for them not to see us.”

“Alright. If this is the way things are done.”

“Its all part of the process. If Bo is ready to sell – which he’s got to be if he’s seen that pile of bricks – we want to have first word in and that means going to Pimelson, which means we need Charlie.”

Pastor Merritt sighed and for a moment he looked uncertain but it soon fled his features. “Okay. Okay, lets talk with Charlie.”

It was at that moment that Brevin cleared his throat and the two older men finally took notice of their audience.

“Talia!” She looked to find Pastor Merritt rising from his seat with a broad smile. “Brevin said he was bringing you by today. I’m glad. I don’t get to see you often enough now that you’re a working woman.”

Talia shrank her shoulders under the full attention of the religious man. Was this something she’d carried from childhood? Her faith might be wavering but there was still a certain degree of awe in the power and almighty glow of a man with Pastor Merritt’s position. In a lot of ways he reminded her of her father, as he should, especially when he was in his robes. But it was more than just the clothes. It was his expressions, his tone of voice, his unwavering assurance that God lived. As a whole, Pastors of that sort were thoroughly intimidating. There was nothing false about her shy demeanor now. She offered a small grin.

“I’m sorry. I should stop by more often and say hello.”

Pastor Merritt chuckled. He wiped his palm over his receding hairline, a habit of his, then draped it around to rest at his cheek. “It would certainly brighten my days if you did.” He turned and gestured to the man behind him. “This is Mr. Brooks. He’s one of the neighbors that’s helping us with the community building.”

“Good to meet you young lady. Brevin.”

Mr. Brooks had a heavy way of speaking. Words rolled out of his mouth with force, in loud, confident tones. That and the way he held his chin high as he looked down upon them (he was rather tall) made him an impressive figure. He didn’t bother offering his hand, simply nodded in a way that reminded Talia of Brevin before excusing himself.

“I got myself other business today. I’ll see you later.” He threw another nod to Pastor Merritt then exited the office.

Brevin moved anxiously as soon as Mr. Brooks was gone. “Does this mean you’re going to the Estate?”

“Estate?” Pastor Merritt’s brows rose high into his long forehead. “No, no son. We’ve got a long way to go, yet. And if things go right we’ll be able to work things out without anyone having to set foot there.”

“Well, what was all that about then?”

“We might have someone who can get us to talk with Mr. Barris’ financial advisor. He’d be the one to tell us if Mr. Barris is willing to sell and for what price. Hopefully with no strings attached, but I have faith everything will work out for the best.”

Ever the optimist. Talia loved that about Pastor Merritt. His grin hadn’t faltered since he’d addressed her and he was once again sitting behind his desk, sifting through one of the many stacks of papers.

“So what are you two up to today?”

“I thought we’d help you file some of this, maybe copy some more flyers…we didn’t get as many today.”

“Oh, didn’t you?” Pastor Merritt asked. “Hmm. Hubert must have cut the numbers. Even recycled paper asks a high price.” He said a little under his breath.

The clock on the wall behind her suddenly chimed. Pastor Merritt rose to his feet at the sound. “Dear me, its late. Would you forgive me Talia dear if I excuse myself? Its time I prepared for Meeting.”

He swept from behind the desk and as he moved she caught it. If ever the term ‘he smiled from ear to ear’ was appropriate, it was then and the subject was Pastor Merritt who was beaming as his gaze shifted between Talia and his son. Brevin had moved away from her when speaking with his father and so the Pastor’s glances were all the more obvious. Without another word, he left the room.

Brevin cast her an awkward glance. “I guess we should get started.”

Her stomach was still fluttering from the Pastor’s revealing glances so she shrugged slightly. “I guess.”

“Dad’s filing system is pretty non-existent but I’ve been organizing things into those boxes over there.”

“What is all this?”

He picked up the sheet at the top of the nearest pile to him. “The business side of religion. Contacts, records, things like that. And of course he’s mixed his sermon notes in here and there. Pack rat, you know? He likes to keep everything to refer back to. It’d help if he could actually find them though.”

“Its nice of you to help him out. I didn’t realize there was so much paper work involved.”

“Didn’t you ever visit your dad’s office?”

“Well, yeah but…it was different out there. I mean, there was always so many people around, I guess I never noticed.”

“Or your father just had better organization skills than dad’s ‘throw it here’ approach.”

She bit back a smile. “Could be.”

“Come on. I’ll show you what I’ve been doing.”

The next half hour was spent on her knees, sorting papers first by content then by title and finally by name if it involved one of the congregation. Tedious work. She would have been bored out of her mind if it wasn’t for Brevin’s presence who was working along side her looking just about as excited as plank of wood. At least they felt the same about today’s activity.

In a way it was strange sitting together in that silent room after so many days spent on the loud city streets. They’d been quiet for some time with only the sound of shifting papers when Talia caught him watching her from the corner of her eye. God why did his expression have to be blurred by the peripheral? She couldn’t tell what kind of an inspection he was making. Had she done something to annoy him, or was he intrigued? She risked a glance but Brevin looked away just when she turned.

Enough of this.

“What was that you were talking about with your dad?”

“Hmm?”

“The Estate or something?”

He’d stopped his movements. “You’ve never heard of it?”

She shrugged. Why would she be asking if she knew?

“I thought everyone knew about the Estate. That’s what they call Bo Barris’ place down town. Most every important transaction in the city is conducted in that building. They let you in there, they mean business. And if they like what you have to say, you’re set for life.”

“Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”

He laughed but it seemed a little forced. “I guess it depends on how you look at it.”

“Your dad didn’t sound very excited about the idea.”

“He may not have been excited but he’ll do what he has to do. Besides, you heard what he said. Its not likely they’ll take something like a ratty old building to the big boys.”

He was trying to hide it, but there was disappointment in his voice. Talia didn’t shy from her inspection of him now. He sat hunched forward, gently tapping his thumb on the stack of papers in his lap, lost in his own thoughts.

“Have you ever been there?”

She was favored with his dark eyes and they looked amused.

“Me? No way. I’ve seen it from the street though. Its tucked behind the old park with a gated entry and looks more like some French villa than City building. I think someone said it was built by an eccentric billionaire before the war. But then, that could just be Bo himself so…”

“The one with the columns, right?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ve seen it. I thought it was a museum or something. Is that why the park is closed? Because it belongs to Mr. Barris?”

“Its why they call it The Estate.”

In the back of her mind she remembered something like this. A trivial fact that meant nothing to her at the time, dropped by Becca or someone else. The underworld of the City never was top of her list to explore. There was always a Bo Barris and though she caught the smallest glimpse of him getting out of a car once, he might as well have been nothing more than a rumor. Obviously he was much more than that to Brevin. This was the most engaged she’d seen him since they started working. She was going to ask him if *he’d* ever wanted to go to the Estate but was interrupted by the sound of music humming down the hall. She recognized the hymn as “Go tell it on the Mountain”. Already there were voices joining the piano.

“I guess they’re starting.”

Brevin stood up, helping Talia to her feet as well. They hadn’t made much headway, but considering the amount of work Pastor Merritt had left around his office, it wasn’t surprising. Together they entered the main chapel. Talia moved to let Brevin part company at the first pew but he stopped short in front her.

“Uh, Talia I was wondering… Would it be alright if I walked you home after the Meeting? There’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about and uh…well…”

Brevin’s eyes were downcast as he spoke so there was no way he saw the quick spring of a smile light her lips. At least, she didn’t think he did. Talia had to swallow once so that her voice didn’t shake.

“Of course. I’ll tell my Aunt.”

“Talia. You’re earlier than usual.” Her Aunt said with the giddiest expression Talia had ever seen on her guardian’s face.

“Brevin and I were working in the back.”

“Yes, I saw.”

Talia looked around the room. Her Aunt wasn’t the only one giving her a meaningful look. Eyes in the congregation were turned in her direction, even her cousins who were surly too young to even care about things like that had curiosity in their glances. It was the same kind of look Pastor Merritt had born and it certainly wasn’t disapproval. Talia immediately looked for Elise, but she wasn’t anywhere in the room.

“Where’s Elise?”

Her Aunt sighed. “That girl.” Was all she said.



The days were longer now, so the sun hadn’t set but it had long ago settled behind the streets of buildings and soon the sky would alight in a hazy orange. Out west, out *there*, sunset had been her favorite time of day, sitting on the porch with her father, the sun melting into the mountains while he sang to his girls nestled on either side of him. That was before the sky turned red. Before they fled to the coast on the other side of the cliffs.

“Don’t you miss the sunsets?” She asked lazily as they strolled to her building.

Brevin merely nodded and offered an agreeing “Mmm.”

He’d been so quiet she wondered if he’d forgotten what it was he wanted to discuss. The silence made for a rather awkward walk no matter how she tried to ease the tension. Sometimes she caught him look in her direction and move as if he was going to speak but he never did. They’d had quiet moments together, but not for such a long stretch and it never felt so one sided before. She was almost relieved to reach her front door.

They stopped in the dimly lit hall. There were voices murmuring in the walls around them, a thud from the apartment next to hers.

“Um, do you want to come in?” She asked with raised brows.

“No that’s alright.”

“Okay. Well, I’ll see you tomorrow then?”

Brevin didn’t answer. His bottom lip was tucked between his teeth as he watched her with furrowed brows. God, he was good looking. The shadow around his eyes was more intense in the poor light, and oh so attractively adding to his brooding demeanor. She almost forgot he’d been practically on air when she met him only a couple hours ago and couldn’t decide which Brevin she liked better.

It was while she was lost in her patently obvious ogling of him that he did it. One step was all it took before Brevin’s lips were pressed against hers.

Jack.

Talia didn’t want to think of *him* at that moment. She couldn’t help it though. Brevin was kissing her and the only other reference she had stored away in her head was the ruggedly handsome blond. Her lips moved instinctively, a flood of all too familiar heat spreading through her body. But then he was gone. She’d barely gotten a peck.

“Sorry,” Brevin mumbled. He was shifting on his feet again. “I guess I should have asked you first.”

“Its alright. I – liked it.” Now kiss me again!

“Talia…” he sighed, and finally a smile broke his lips. “You know what I’m gonna ask right?”
“If what you just did was anything to go by…I have an idea.”

He laughed and she felt her hand being taken by his callused fingers. “I think…I think we’re good together. What do you think?”

Did he really have to ask? “I’d have to agree.”

“Then would you agree to go out with me? Exclusively. Together.”

Talia couldn’t help giggle as he stumbled over the words. She was glad to see he laughed along with her. “You mean like ‘girlfriend and boyfriend’?”

“Yeah, I mean like that.”

Talia smirked up at him, surprising herself with her playful behavior. When she’d imagined this moment she always saw herself turning blue from asphyxiation when she’d forgotten to breath. In reality, she found herself oddly calm.

“You know what I’m gonna say right?”

Brevin’s mouth twitched. “I hope I do.”

“Well, its not going to be ‘no’…” She said slyly, feeling one of those rare moments of being wholly herself. The smirk remained on her lips. She stepped forward and reached for his jacket.

Brevin’s smile was one of the most genuine she’d seen mark his features, and he laughed, honestly amused with eyes that searched hers as though seeing her for the first time. Maybe he was.

He kissed her again, this time spending enough time against her to let her move her lips to a more comfortable position. Still, they remained chaste even though she’d so wanted to open her mouth. His hands touched the waist of her jacket briefly but then the sound of footsteps entered the hall and they broke apart.

“Elise.” Talia stuttered, resisting the urge to wipe her mouth.

Her sister’s hair was in her face. One side of her jacket slovenly hung off her arm and she was taking small, careful steps. If Brevin hadn’t been there Talia might have asked what was on the tip of her tongue: What the hell had she been up to? She looked like she’d run in from a wind storm. Elise didn’t stop when she saw them, but her eyes narrowed considerably.

Next to her, Brevin shifted. His eyes weren’t darting around the dark hall, hiding embarrassment like Talia’s. He was watching Elise, more surprised than anything else, but obviously just as uncomfortable.

Talia’s sister didn’t say a word but shuffled her way past them. Her eyes swept Brevin with something close to malice as she went. Being Pastor Merritt’s son, he returned it with a smile.

“How’s it going?” He asked. There was barely a quaver in his voice.

“You tell me.”

With that she twisted the knob and disappeared behind the door. Talia thought she smelled the faintest scent of beer when Elise spoke. Her face flushed. Brevin had to have smelt it too.

“Brevin she…”

“You don’t have to explain.” He shoved his hands in his pockets and took a step back. “Just a bad night I guess. Everyone has them.”

She didn’t know what to say to that. Talia couldn’t remember the last time Elise had a *good* night. But then she’d never come home smelling of alcohol – especially knowing Aunt Alice would find out. Hopefully she’d gone straight to their room as usual.

“I better go inside.”

“I’ll let you then.” He dipped his head, grinned and pecked her one last time. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”


It was official. It was real. Talia was dating Brevin. She knew exactly what those clasped hands meant now. No mystery, no more. It was a nice feeling. Aunt Alice knew. The twins knew. Elise had to know too. But Elise hadn’t spoken all night, hadn’t even left their room.

She could hear Elise breathing in the bed on the other side of the room. Elise hadn’t gone out tonight, didn’t need to since she’d apparently done her partying during Meeting. Talia turned over in her bed so that she was facing her.

“Elise.” Talia whispered. “Are you awake?”

There wasn’t an answer, not even a hitch in her breathing. An idea was forming in Talia’s head, an explanation for the discussion they’d had those weeks before, for the angry look Elise had thrown Brevin that evening.

Did Elise *like* Brevin?

Talia turned over again and wrapped the thin blanket tighter. In sleep, they were walking in sunset, their fingers laced. He was laughing, and she melted into his mouth, in the deep familiar kiss that always left her breathless and dizzy.