Page 13 of One for the Money
“Fine. But six months only.” He pushes to his feet, his massive body and presence taking up more space than seems possible. “And do not make any trouble.”
“Yes, sir,” I quip, giving him a two-finger salute. “You don’t have to worry about me. You’ll hardly know I’m here.”
“I highly doubt that,” he mutters before stomping out and slamming the door behind him.
The trailer jolts to a stop,waking me up from my unrestful sleep. My mouth feels like it’s full of cotton, and my eyes are crusty. It’s been a long time since I’ve slept deeply. My body is ready to react to a threat at a moment’s notice now, and it’ll take me a long time to break that habit.
I don’t know what I was dreaming of, but there was nothing restorative about that nap. I almost feel more worn out than I did before.
We were heading to a town only about two hours away, and a quick peek at the clock on my phone indicates we’ve probably just arrived. That theory is confirmed when I begin to hear the loud noises of the back trailer being disconnected from the caravan.
Within an hour, all of our trailers are disconnected, and we’ve found our home for the next week.
I’m getting dressed, about to head out to see if there is anything I can help with before I run to the store, when my phone buzzes.
Unknown
Doc, I think I have hemorrhoids. Do you treat those?
For a brief moment, I wonder if this is a joke, or some hazing from the road crew, since most people don’t see a doctor about hemorrhoids, and it’s certainly not something they would text about unless it were a dire situation.
However, as a professional, I need to respond as I would to any client who comes to see me face-to-face for treatment.
They can be easily managed with over-the-counter creams and suppositories. If you don’t have any, I can pick some up during my supply run.
And you’ll help me apply it, right? I’m not sure I’m flexible enough.
Ah, so definitely a joke then.
I actually didn’t expect anything like this, which, honestly, is on me. I should’ve known better. A bunch of guys on the road by themselves, with no women around for months at a time? They’re bound to be crass and have no idea how to handle themselves.
Unfortunately, that’s outside of my scope as the physician here. If it becomes a serious issue, we can discuss mobility aids to ensure you can access the treatment you need.
What are we paying you for then, Omega bitch?
Oh, that’s a fun escalation.
I shove my phone in my pocket, choosing to ignore theconversation. I’ll pick up the cream on the off chance he wasn’t lying, but I’m not going to engage with him anymore.
It’s just a little hazing.
Nothing to be concerned about.
Chapter 5
We’re setup in a fairgrounds, and the only stores within walking distance are a gas station and a smoke shop, neither of which is helpful for my needs. I can’t use my card, so a rideshare app to get into town is not a viable option, either.
Maybe I can order something for delivery?
But what if I order blankets and I hate the way they feel, and I’m stuck with an uncomfortable nest? I’d rather be in a barebones nest than one that makes my skin crawl with incompatible fabrics.
And oh God, what if they have a smell to them that won’t come out no matter how much I wash them?
I’ll have to ask if there is a vehicle I can take into town. There’s no way the only transport is our trailers and the big tractors that haul them. Or maybe I can find an old-school cab company that accepts cash payments.
I’m on my way to Jude’s trailer when a slim man stops in front of me.
He smells like weed, and his gray eyes are bloodshot.He’s got a sleepy smile, and his brown, shaggy hair falls into his eyes. “Hey.”
