Chapter 6
Chapter 6 Uncle Joe To The Rescue
The rest of the week at school was uneventful, thankfully. I went back to being the antisocial kid from high school while in class. Not talking to anyone, or staying around to socialize. Even though I knew each and everyone of them already heard the news of what happened, thanks to a certain bitch who shall not be named I'm sure, behind my back. Causing me to send up numerous prays for the end of each day to hurry, and this semester officially be over.
When I made it back to Joss and Tess's apartment each night I still felt drained from hiding at school. Which is the only reason I let both of them talk me into staying with them over the summer break. Instead of going home like I originally planned, and Lord knows I could sure use my momma's hugs right about now!
But, neither Joss nor Tess played fair either! Supplying me with copious amounts of wine each night. While reassuring me with their help to find a job, and also find and finish each piece of paperwork for a loan. All but insuring my acceptance.
During our Friday night wine session I asked both girls if they would come with me to get the rest of my things from my dorm room. Both women agreed immediately. Joss even jumped up from her seat to pace the floor. Muttering all the things she would do to Mandy if the bitch still happened to be there.
So, the next day, the three of us were standing outside of my dorm at noon. Joss and Tess grabbed my hand in one of theirs as we made our way inside the building, and up to my dorm. Which was thankfully empty of all of Mandy's things. While my side of the room remained untouched.
With Joss and Tess's help we had all of my things packed and ready to go in minutes. We each carried several boxes and bags down to my car. Before peeling away from the curb leaving that hell behind!
Once we made it back to the apartment the three of us had a lazy night to ourselves. After they helped me unpack some of my stuff, and put the rest in an empty hall closet. The one thing I'm most thankful to them is the fact that when the three of us woke up the next day, it was like nothing was going wrong!
Toss and Jess made it a point to laugh and joke around with me. They made sure I got out of bed, took a shower, and at least left the apartment everyday! Slowly but surely, both of them kept me from sliding further into a black hole of depression. That I just desperately wanted to lose myself in!
Both women would go through each newspaper, wanted ad, and website for job listings, and leave each one on the kitchen table for me to go through. Before leaving for work themselves. Every afternoon we would meet up in the living room with our laptops, and spend hours sending away for any and every possible form of loan we could collectively find.
I wasn't holding out any hope with the loans, but thankfully I managed to get three different job interviews within the first two weeks. None of the jobs would pay nearly enough for what I need for one semester of tuition, but anything will help at this point!
It didn't take long after meeting the man from him to piss me off, though. As soon as his assistant introduced us the sleaze ball couldn't take his eyes off my cleavage! Then while he was escorting me to my chair, his right hand fell down to my ass. Which is nicely showcased in my tight black and white pin striped pencil skirt. That made me feel awesome before leaving, but not now!
I almost said "Fuck This Shit!", and left when his beefy hand grabbed a handful of ass cheek as I sat down, but I managed to bite my tongue and wait it out instead. At least I already know the old man has a serious problem keeping his hands to himself! Glad I know now, and don't have to find that little nugget of information out later!
I plaster a fake smile across my face, ready to sell it for this job, for the rest of the interview. I must say things were going great. Mr. Bloom and my tits had a nice conversation about the mundane tasks the job would require, and after that I would have bet I had the job in the bag!
After talking for about twenty minutes Mr Bloom excused himself to go check on the last of my paperwork. He came storming back into his office seconds later. His face was the color of cooked lobster, and spitting mad in anger.
"That will be all, Ms. Black. I demand you leave this office immediately, and never grace the doors to this building again! You will never work for this firm! Good Day!" Mr Bloom said while pointing a shaking finger out the open door for me to go through.
I had absolutely no idea what just happened, and I sure as hell didn't wait around to ask either. I jumped up from my seat immediately, then sprinted down the stairs, and out of the building. Several security guards meeting me along the way. Before following me completely off the property.
The entire trip back to the apartment my mind is trying, and failing in spectacular fashion, to workout what exactly just happened back there.
Everything was going fine one minute, and then the next I'm being escorted from the building.
You would think that was just a strange overreaction on Mr Bloom's part, but the same damn thing happened at my next two interviews as well! Only I didn't even manage to make it past security with them.
My fourth and final interview is at the end of the week, and all my hopes are riding on it. I got a good feeling when I first read the ad. For a personal assistant to a Mrs. Ellen George. Jr Partner of one of the largest Hedge Fund groups in Manhattan.
I made sure to do an extra deep search about Mrs. Ellen George leading up to the interview. Reading several big name articles about the almost forty, all business, brunette bombshell becoming the youngest and first woman to make JR. Partner at the prestigious male dominated firm. I liked the woman immediately!
The morning of the interview I began repeating the same positive mantra in my head while getting ready. I made sure to stop and buy a dozen donuts for the security guards. Just a small bribe, or distraction, whichever term works better for you, to insure I made it to the elevators at least!
Ten minutes later I'm face to face with the woman herself, Mrs. Ellen George. The stocky, well dressed in an immaculate expensive power suite, escorted me to her corner office, and shutting the door behind her. Before offering me a seat.
The interview started off great. Better than I could have imagined if I'm being honest. Ellen, as she asked me to call her, and I talked for more than thirty minutes. And, unlike Mr Boone, Ellen is easy going, and so interesting to talk to! Straight away talking to me like an actual equal, instead of her employee. It just made me like her even more!
"Well Abbie, this has been great! I absolutely love your attitude, and determination. I think you will be a good fit here." Ellen tells me with a wink as she gets us from the seat behind her desk. "Just let me pop outside, and get the rest of your file from HR. I'll be back in just a minute. Sit tight."
"Okay." I answers back with a beaming smile.
But, when Ellen came back into her office five minutes later, my smile evaporated from my face.
Ellen's eyes were glued to the manila folder in her hands. Watching as she fanned though each of the pages. Instead of even granting me the decency to look at me as she started to talk.
"I'm so sorry to have to do this, but I must ask you to lea.."
I held my hand up in the air stopping her before she could even finish. "I'm sorry Mrs. George, but this is my fourth interview in a little over a week, and funnily enough I've been escorted out or away from each one. Can you please tell me what I've done? Or, why this keeps happening to me? Please!"
Mrs. George looked up at me then, and gave me a small, sympathetic smile. "Ms. Black I'm sure you are aware Mr. Devon Davis is a rich and powerful man here in New York City. Two weeks ago Mr. Davis politely called some of his high-powered friends, and let each of them know if they hire you, a Ms Abbie Black. Said company, will lose all current and future business with Davis Holdings, and from the vast amount of all its subsidiaries. I'm sorry, Ms. Black, a few of those men just happen to be my Executive Partners. I'm so sorry there's nothing I can do."
It feels like I'm sucker punched straight in the gut at the news. I guess it wasn't enough for Trevor to ruin my academic career, he made sure his dad had me blackballed from working anywhere in the city! What sort of man does that to a person! More importantly, what the fuck kind of job would I be able to get now?
I shake the whirlwind of thoughts from my chaotic mind, and give Mrs. George a single nod. I give the woman my sincerest thanks before turning around, and leaving her office. Walking the rest of the way through her building and out the front doors with my head held high!
My good mood and false bravado last for half of the trip back to the apartment. Even though I'm still technically not allowed to drink, I stop at one of the bodegas along the way, and purchase the only three men in the world who don't talk back, always make me feel good, and are the only company I feel fit to keep. Jim, Jack, and Jose!
I silently let myself in once I make it back to the apartment. Then close the door behind me, but don't go any further. Joss and Tess are sitting on the couch watching reruns of Grey's Anatomy, and thankfully oblivious to me. So, I tiptoe my way into the kitchen, setting my bag of goodies down on the counter, and grab the first clean glass I can find out of the cabinet. Filling it full with one of the bottles from the bag, and gulping down every drop.
The girls turn my way, because of the noise, and jump from the couch instantly. Running over to me with matching concerned looks on their faces. While I fill my glass again, and down the whiskey straight.
"What happened?" Joss demands as she comes to a stop in front of me.
"Don't tell me it happened again?" Tess asks the obvious question.
Which I chose to answer instead of Joss's. "You bet your sweet ass it did Tess. So, fuck my life! I'm getting fucked up instead!"
I tell them while pouring myself a third drink. But, before I can even bring it to my lips, Joss places her hand over the top, and stares me down. Tess follows soon after with a death stare of her own, silently demanding answers.
I switch my pleading gaze between the both of theirs for several minutes. Before finally giving in, and blowing out a deep breath to gather my thoughts. Then close my eyes as I begin to talk.
"Well girls it would seem I've found out why I've been having such a bad run of luck lately. It would appear Trevor's dad, Devon Davis, some big shot company executive here in the city, has made it clear to anyone worth working for, that if they in anyway hire me on as an employee. Said company with lose all current and future deals with Mr. Davis company, and the rest under his company's portfolio. In layman's terms, if they hire me, bye bye millions of dollars for their company. Meaning I'm blackballed from getting a job anywhere in the city. Now will you please remove your hand Joss, so I can finish my drink?"
I don't feel like talking, or playing anymore games after that, and I guess neither did either of them. Joss removed her hand from the top of my glass, so I could finally bring the amber liquid to my awaiting lips. Then took a seat at one of the bar stools beside me.
Tess, on the other hand, goes around the counter into the kitchen. Grabbing two more glasses from the cabinet, and bringing them to me to fill up. Then gives one of the glasses to Joss while raising hers into the air for a toast.
"To karma, and the universe giving that asshole what he truly deserves." Tess says to Joss and I, and we toast our own glasses in agreement.
I take a big gulp from my fourth drink. Then give both girls a play by play of my interview with Mrs. Ellen George, and the rest of the information I needed. Only stopping long enough to drink another shot of whiskey. Joss and Tess sticking with me, and matching me shot for shot.
The three of us are well past drunk, and firmly on our way to being plastered by the time I finish. By then both of their brains are on to the planning stages again, and start making lists of easy jobs I can get that pay cash. Everything from taxi driver, go-go dancer in one of the upscale clubs, even stripping!
"Ha! My mother would kill me if she ever found out I started stripping! No way, no how! Hell I think I would break down, and call my long lost uncle for help before ever willingly stripping!" I say to both of them in protest.
To my utter horror both Joss and Tess completely ignore me though, and start debating the pros and cons if I got the job. Both telling me how much of a plus it is that I have a killer body, and I'm only nineteen.
"Your age alone will drive those old perverts to shower you with money! Trust me." Tess said.
Despite my numerous protest the girls make a list of all the high-end strip clubs in the city for me to apply to. Emptying the last of my bottles just as they finish the list. Thankfully Joss has a stash of moonshine hidden in her room though, because they insist on teaching me some stripper moves then. Only neither of us can stop falling over and laughing long enough to actually get anything done!
The next morning I'm slow to wake up. I slowly open one eye to peak around the living room. Noticing empty bottles and glasses all over the tables and floor. The entertainment center is still playing the music we were trying to strip to the night before. While several different articles of clothing are thrown around the room from the three of us. There's even someone's stocking slowly going in a circle on the end of one of the ceiling fan blades.
I close my eyes, and stretch out the kinks in my body. Before blindly searching under my pillow for my phone, and getting up to go to the bathroom. Once inside I keep my eyes downcast as I walk by the mirror hanging of the far wall. I'm too frightened to even look at myself this early in the morning.
I take care of my most pressing needs first. Then make my way back to the bathroom sink to slaps some water on my face. Trying in vain to bring some symbolisms of life back into my face. Before giving up, and taking a seat on the edge of the bathtub for a moment of peace.
A few moments later I pull my phone out of the back pocket of my shorts. Waking the screen up then going to the app to check my emails. Hoping another job interview might have came through, but of course that's not my type of luck.
I close the app, and move my finger to cut my phone back off, but an unread text message notification catches my eye. I tap on the app, and am truly stunned at what I see. It's a text from my long lost uncle, Joe Black.
'Why on earth would he send me a message?'
I've only seen my uncle once before in my entire life, and I think my mom told me I was only three months old at the time! Needless to say, we don't exactly talk that much, if ever. It's not like I know that much about him either. Other than he lives here in New York City, and he owns his own business.
Other than that, the last time I can even remember talking about him is from the start of last school year. I told Joss all about him and the rest of my family drama then. But, I vaguely remember saying something about him to Tess last night as well.
I hesitantly move my finger over the notification opening the message. The original message has been deleted. And, the only details in Uncle Joe's messages is an address. With instructions to meet him there today at three pm.
I check to see what time the message was sent. Eleven-thirty this morning, and notice a received time of one o'clock this morning. I guess either Joss or Tess stole my phone sometime during the night, and sent him the original message. Whatever that could have been I don't know!
I exit off my messages to see what time it is now, and notice it's already close to noon. I better get a move on if I'm going to make it to the meeting on time. So, I toss my phone on the bathroom counter, and jump into the shower.
By the time I finish showering, do my hair and makeup, and am ready to find something to wear two hours later, Joss and Tess are awake.
When I walk into the living room they are both lying on the couch watching tv. Both looking like I did earlier, zombie extras from The Walking Dead.
"Morning. You're up early." Joss says to me, but I ignore here for now.
Instead, I make my way to the hall closet, and take a cute pair of blue and white polka-dots fifties style shorts. Along with a sheer white lace , belly shirt. That had hugh sleeves that billowed out at the end. Like something a medieval princess would wear. Finally finishing the look with a pair of white peep-toe wedges.
Once I'm dressed I walk back into the bathroom, and give myself one last through glance in the mirror. Before walking back into the living room and stopping in front of the tv. Holding my hands out to the side, and turning around in a circle.
"How do I look ladies?" I ask both of them.
Tess gives me a silent thumbs up as she takes another sip of her hot coffee. While Joss lets out a loud wolf whistle. Killing my ears, and making my hungover head pound away to the beat of my heart.
"You look seriously hott! Where are you going this early anyways?" Joss asks.
"Simple. Since it looks like one of you were nice enough to text my uncle, that I've only met once in my life, last night for me. It would seem I have you to thank for this. My uncle Joe text me back this morning asking to see me. Hopefully, he has a job for me though, so wish me luck! I gotta go, otherwise I'm going to be late!" I tell them as I gather my purse, and coat.
"Good Luck!" Joss and Tess scream out in unison as I run out of the front door.
I hail a cab surprisingly fast, and spend the next forty-five minutes sweating nervous bullets in the back seat. Finally coming to a stop along the Hudson Docks. In the middle of several old looking, hopefully abandoned, warehouses close to the water's edge. I don't give my surroundings another thought, instead I hand over the money for the fare, and step out of the cab.
Thankfully the building in front of me has the same address as the one my uncle sent me, so I don't have that far to walk. The two-story brownstone building isn't too big compared to the others around it. The windows on both floors are blacked out on the outside, so you can't see anything inside.
The only other thing I notice is a set of double doors in the center of the building. Cautiously I make my way up the few stairs to the doors, and whisper a silent prayer. Before slowly opening the door, and walking inside.
I walk inside into a small, but classy designed, reception area. There is only a single welcoming desk at the other end of the open room. With a giant of a man on the other side of the desk blocking a set of double doors behind him.
I put on my best smile, and turn up the charm as I walk across the room. Coming to a stop in front of the guy, and extending my hand toward him in introduction.
"Hello, I'm Abbie Black. I'm here to see Joe Black. I have an appointment at three."
The mountain of a man doesn't spare me a single glance. He just points his strong arm and fingers behind me, at a partially hidden door along the other wall. I turn back to face the man with a shocked look on my face, but try to clear it before he even notices.
"Thanks." I tell him with a lot less confidence than before.
I turn around, and walk across the room to the door opening it up. Inside is a set of stairs leading straight up to the top floor of the building. Before opening up to a small room like the one downstairs. But, unlike that one, this room has three separate doors around it. Two of them just say Private, but the last has the words Joe Black Owner etched into the glass at the top half of the door.
I bring my fisted hand up ready to knock on my uncles door, but take a moment to take a deep breath in and out to help collect myself. I give the glass two sharp rasp. Then hide my hands behind my back as I stand there waiting.
Seconds later the office door swings open. On the other side of the door is an almost replica of the man downstairs. But where the man downstairs had a light to him, from either his hair and eyes, or just his demeanor, this man was a few years older, and much darker.
The man I'm guessing is my uncle Joe waves me inside the office while holding his finger to his lips silencing me. I gently close the door behind me as Joe walks back across the room to his desk, and takes the phone off the receiver. I let my eyes travel roam over the entire space impressed at what I see.
Even though the room is fairly larger than normal offices I've been in recently. The desk in the middle of the room is so grand it dwarfs everything else. There are two leather wing-back chairs in front of the desk. Along with a smaller leather couch on this side of the room by the door.
Uncle Joe glances back at me while talking on the phone, and motions for me to take a seat in one of the chairs. As I'm sitting down he gives me the universal sign for one more minute and points to the phone. So, I give him a nod, and begin discreetly studying the man who is the only other member of my family.
Joe Black is almost four years older than my mom. Which means he's forty years old this year. His brown hair is slicked back over his head, and his facial hair is perfectly lined and trimmed. But what shocks me the most, he has the same clear blue eyes that my mom and I share. His physics isn't as large as I thought, but still nothing like the typical forty year old male.
Unlike my mom and I, Joe is tall. I can tell as much even though he's seated. Just from the way his entire frame dominates the over-sized chair he's in. While I'd bet my last dollar the Rolex on his wrist is real! Even the suit he has on looks like it costs more than my car!
Joe slams the phone back down a little too hard, but thankfully it snaps me from my inspection also. He reclines back against his seat giving me a thorough once over also. I cross my arms over my chest, and send him a glare to hurry up and finish already.
"It's been a very long time Abbie, but I must admit you look just like the spitting image of your mother the last time I saw her. How is my lovely sister Jenny doing these days?" Joe surprised me by saying and asking that.
I have to clear my throat before I can speak. "Mom's doing great. She's been dating this guy she met online since I left a few months ago. She seems happy that's all that matters."
"Good." Joe said to me as soon as I finished while giving me a small smile.
Both of us seem to lapse into an awkward silence after that. Neither of us knowing exactly what to say to the other now that the safe, mutual topic we had is out of the way. After awhile Joe manages to break the uncomfortable silence.
"So. Your text said something happened at school, and now you need a job to pay for your tuition. What happened? Last I was told, you were doing fine, and your scholarship was secure for another year." Uncle Joe asks causing me to look at him questioningly.
Above all I'm speechless though! I had absolutely no idea uncle Joe has been keeping tabs on me. Let alone knew anything about my schooling, or what has been going on with it. I didn't question how he knew what he did though. Instead, I didn't hold a single thing back as I spilled every little detail to him.
These last few days I've wanted to call my mom so damn bad, and tell her everything that's going on. I caught myself several times dialing her number while I'm suppose to be calling someone else. But, every time I see or pull her number up on my phone I chicken out. I just don't think I would be able to handle the disappointment I know will be in her voice right now.
It's alright though, Uncle Joe can be my surrogate for now. He looks just like the male version of my mom, only taller, and I can already tell their hand gestures and mannerisms are the same. Making this a lot easier to say to him actually. As long as he doesn't breathe a word of this to mom, ever!
Before I finish Joe is up from his seat standing at the bar behind his desk. Looking at me while swirling a glass of scotch in his hand. His knuckles of the hand around the crystal glass are so white, because he's squeezing the glass so tight.
"Devon Davis." Uncle Joe scoffs the man's name. "I know that prick more than I'd like to, and it sounds like his son is just a chip off the old block as well. HA! I'm sorry you got messed up in one of Davis games, Abbie. I promise you I will help take care of this." He tells me before finishing off the rest of his drink.
"Thank you so much, Joe. Uncle?" I say excitedly before getting embarrassed by not really knowing what to call him. "You don't need to do much. I just really need a job. With a steady paycheck, and hopefully one of the student loans I've applied for comes through, that should be a starting point to pay for my tuition next semester." I'm literally on the edge of my seat as I finish.
"Absolutely not! I'll just start paying your tuition payments instead. The only thing you should be worried about is school." Joe says to me as he takes his seat back behind his desk.
I'm floored by his statement, and my anger grows to new heights as I watch him sit down. Before leaning forward to place my elbows on his desk, and give him the most serious look I could manage.
"Thank you, but I can not and will not accept that Joe! Not unless you give me a job here at your club to help cover the cost. Like I planned to do before walking in here." My words barely containing the fury I feel inside.
Joe and I have a staring contest then. Neither one of us blinking for several minutes, or willing to back down. Finally Joe closes his eyes and lets out a deep breath. Making me smile a cheeky smile in victory.
"Fine, if you insist. There is an opening here at the club. It will only be three days a month. No strenuous labor, or long hours. But, at least the pay is above average, and you won't have to pay me anything back towards your school. Do you accept my deal, niece?" Joe asks me with his hand outstretched between us waiting to shake on the agreement.
"I'll definitely take the job, but I won't accept you not letting me pay you back." I say before crossing my arms over my chest and pouting like a child.
"Of course you can! Do you know how proud your mom is that you made it out of that piece of shit town, and are making something of yourself? I can not, and will not, let the two biggest douche-bags in all of New York City ruin my nieces career before it even has a chance to start. Now, about that job." Joe pauses for dramatic effect.
But, in that moment, I don't care that I barely know the guy. I throw myself across his desk, and wrap my arms around him in a giant bear hug. While fighting back even more tears!
"Thank you. Thank You. Thank you so much Joe!"
It took Joe a second, but he finally returned the hug. "I promise you this, everything is going to be just fine now. I've been looking out for you and your mom for this long without either of you being the wiser. I don't plan on stopping that anytime soon."
We continue to hug for a moment longer. Before Joe pulls away first, but stops before letting me go completely. To look straight into my eyes as he finishes speaking.
"And don't you worry, I'll make sure to keep this from your mom the next time we talk on the phone. Wouldn't won't her worrying over nothing now would we?"
"Thank You." I whisper while looking at the ground.
Joe picks my chin back up, and gives me a chaste kiss on the forehead. "Anything for family." He breathes across my skin before releasing me completely.
I give him a single nod before getting up from my seat across from him. Then wait there while Joe comes around his desk, and begins to escort me towards his office door.
"Now I want you to go back home and relax. I'll have someone from the club text you all the information you will need about the job in the next few days. Don't hesitate to call me between then if you need absolutely anything Abbie, and I mean anything. I promise I'll always be there."
I give my uncle one last hug before leaving his office. For once since all this shit started, I finally feel like there might actually be a light at the end of this tunnel!
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Soooo.....how do y'all think it's going so far?!?!
Since I am hoping to get this version of the book published I'm only going to post the first 10 Chapters. That way it will give y'all something to look forward to! Hahaha!!!! (Like the even longer and hotter club scenes, and the more in-depth character development I've written into the story!) I hope that's okay with y'all!
Also, even though I've edited this story so far, if y'all see any mistakes PLEASE let me know! Don't forget to vote, comment, and tell your friends about this amazing little sinful universe!
Until next time My Loves!
Callie
© 2019 Copyright by Callie Sumner. All rights reserved.
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