Going through her closet one more time, Beth brushed through her dresses, checking each hanger. Though she'd already made her choice still she found herself pulling dresses and holding them out, thinking it over before putting them back. What was considered fancy enough? Too bad she hadn't gone shopping the last six months just to give her a couple of fresher options. But then she hadn't had the money had she? That wasn't her focus, as she'd thought about how to make the house her and Dean's, to replace a few items that they'd gotten from his parents. It was generous of them to help and in fact several pieces of furniture came from them but they weren't her style. She looked forward to making their place their own. Had looked-
Her hand went to her hip. Not now. She also refused to dwell on the quickness of Rio changing his mind. Not even giving her a chance to come down from the terror that cut through her chest when he'd held the gun to her chin. When she closed her eyes she could still remember the crane in her neck as the gun, as he, had forced her head up. But if this was what it took to even the score it was better than – she didn't even want to think about it.
What she could expect, she wasn't completely sure. It wasn't like he had given helpful instructions to decide on the perfect outfit for tonight. Pick some bags up, bring them to the party, come back with new bags. That was all he said. Well, except for a last instruction. Don't look in the bags, and evidently don't ask questions when she'd tried. They wouldn't get the address until that night, on a burner phone he'd given her. You'd think he'd give a better idea of just how formal this event was to help them fit in, she had thought, finally settling on a red dress. It hugged around her waist and came down a couple of inches below her knees and as she turned in front of the mirror she decided it was versatile enough with a more dressed up or casual crowd. It'd have to do. She let go of her hangers, calling out for Buddy to take him on a walk before Ruby and Annie arrived, in the last moment deciding to change into her dress before stepping out.
If Dean has seen her. If he would she would've been ready to tell him she was going on a night out with the girls. He'd probably ask her why she was wearing that particular dress with everything that had gone on. She'd worn it on several happy occasions, their anniversary, one of her birthdays. Now she wore it to give her courage.
Buddy rushed to the door before the doorbell rang, wagging his tail, Beth behind him, fixing her necklace in place. She'd want to find comfort Buddy was excited to see a guest, but since Rio and his men had come over she couldn't put her trust in his joyful anticipation. Buddy seemed happier to see Rio than some of Dean's friends.
"Hi," she smiled at Ruby as she swung the door open. 1-1 for Buddy then.
"Hi," Ruby replied, her posture a little stiff as she smiled back, stepping inside the house.
Beth's smile wavered as she looked down at her dress following Ruby's exasperated expression.
"What?" She closed the door. "He said wear something fancy."
Ruby pet Buddy, who appeased, headed to the living room. She was dressed to the nines too, but while Beth had gone for a brighter color, her choice was a classic black number.
"So much for keeping it on the down low," Ruby said with pursed lips.
"He said dress up," Beth repeated herself, putting her hands on her hips. "It's a formal event, we want to blend in."
Ruby made a motion to put down her bag, instead keeping it on her. "Do we even know where we're going yet?"
The burner that had followed Beth around since she'd gotten it was sitting on the living room table, still showing no messages.
"Not yet," Beth said. "Want a drink?"
Ruby stood in place, her eyes surveying the room. "Sure."
"He's not going to pop behind a couch," Beth said as she walked in the kitchen.
Ruby waited a moment before walking after her. "Are you sure about that?"
If she were perfectly honest, no, she wasn't.
Listening to her best friend's tone Beth grabbed a chilled wine bottle and raised it to Ruby who nodded. She grabbed a glass, thankful Ruby couldn't read her mind, how she'd carry the burner phone with her from the bathroom to the kitchen to her bedroom and back, waiting for the screen to light up, her heart skipping each time she checked it and found no new messages.
"Where's Annie?" Ruby checked her phone.
"She'll be here soon."
Ruby nodded.
"You look great," Beth said, passing the glass of wine to her.
"Thanks," Ruby said and gulped the wine down. "You do too," She put her glass down. Beth nodded at the glass and Ruby shook her head to say no, she didn't want more.
"It's just that there's dressing up- and there's that," Ruby lowered her head to look Beth's outfit over. "We don't even know what kind of trade we're doing but we know it can't be good. And you want to draw all that attention?" She put her hand on the base of the glass.
Normally she'd go with a more conservative look, put on a dress that'd help her weave seamlessly in with the crowd. A dark blue. A maroon red. A black, flattering choice like Ruby had on. No, Beth's wasn't the safest choice and it wasn't her to go out and look for attention but maybe after – maybe that's something she was looking for now.
Maybe she wanted to stand out. Even if it didn't exactly make sense. Maybe she was just still riding high from getting a second chance.
Before she could answer the phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen. "We have an address."
Ruby nodded. "Look. all I'm saying is that we need to be careful-" Ruby's words cut off as Annie walked in the room, having likely used her key.
"OK, I'm ready to bounce. What?" Annie put her arms down, palms facing Ruby and Beth.
"What are you wearing?" She asked Beth as Beth asked her the same question.
"What is that – do you even own a dress?" Ruby asked.
"Yes but –" Annie stretched her shoulders uncomfortably in her shirt. "I'm behind on my washing and it's a skirt and a shirt!" Annie pointed to her white skirt decorated with red umbrellas and then to her light blue button shirt. "At least I'm not dressed for prom!" She motioned towards Beth.
"It's called dressing up, which for the last time, is what he told us to do," Beth glanced at Ruby for support.
Ruby just threw her hands up. "Let's go."
In twenty minutes time they arrived at the tall, regal building. Flowing, colorful posters hung from the arches announcing the night's event. The steps leading to the entrance were crowded as people made their way in, some stopping to shakes hands and hugs. Laughter and chatter made their way to where the women were standing across the street. Beth soaked in the festive ambiance. Not even Dean and her frequented places like this very often.
"OK, he said the alleyway-" Beth said, Ruby and Annie behind her.
"We could've just parked there," Annie grumbled.
"You're not even wearing heels," Ruby glanced at Annie's shoes.
"It's chilly."
A few blocks down Beth made the turn she'd been instructed to take, grateful to find the passage was empty. Their steps echoed against the walls and she glanced around, searching for a familiar face of one of Rio's associates. Not seeing anyone, she slowed down, then stopped, Ruby and Annie standing behind her.
"How do we know-" Annie asked as she sided to Beth and Ruby.
"I take it that's him?"
Beth followed Ruby's gaze to find the bearded sturdy man. Rio's quiet colleague. It was like he'd appeared out of nowhere. The women closed the gap between him and he passed each a black leather bag. They were large but still fitting as evening purses. Nice touch, Beth thought.
"Don't look inside," The man said as he passed a bag to Ruby, repeating Rio's instructions.
She'd say it wasn't necessary but without looking behind her Beth was certain Annie was three seconds away from dropping her bag on the nearest surface and rummaging through it.
As if he read her mind the man paused on Annie before turning his face to her and Ruby. Without another word he walked away, disappearing into one of the buildings from a side door.
"You know we're still accessories even if we don't open the bags right?"
"Don't think about that," Beth fixed the handle on her shoulder, taking count of its weight, before turning to Ruby. "Just think once this is done this is behind us. She fixed her eyes on Annie, who balanced the bag on her side and shook it a little, her fingers hovering over the zipper.
"Don't," Beth cautioned.
"Please," Annie scoffed but moved her fingers away. "You wanna see what's inside as much as I do."
Beth tried to fix her face into a dismayed expression as if she wasn't going through the possibilities as soon as she spotted the bags. She leaned slightly, imagining what she was carrying. Was it drugs? Guns, she thought, as the memory of Rio's gun flashed behind her eyes. Her heartbeat stuttered as she caught herself widening her eyes at the memory.
It wasn't easy being the responsible one, she thought, her own fingers itching to unzip the bag she was carrying. "It doesn't matter if we know what's in here or not."
Ruby covered Beth's hand with hers, stopped Beth from pulling on the bag's zipper. "No. We're not doing it."
The hall was beautiful. Wooden banisters rounded the angled marble stairs on each side of the room. A bright, intricate chandelier lit the room, lined with bulbs perched like on tall candles surrounded by a string of smaller light bulbs. Around them men in suits and women in dresses filled up the space.
The key was to look like everyone else, she thought as she took in the opulent scene, trying to remember the last time she'd been to a similar event.
"How do we know who we- we're meeting here?" Annie asked as a man passed them with a smile.
"I'm guessing that whoever it is, they'll know," Beth said quietly as the women walked further inside the room.
Eyes were on her, she could feel it, but it wasn't even that that was pushing her to hold her head high. Annie's shot furtive looks around the crowd as Beth turned her head to Ruby, who was keeping a brave face on but whose expressions were easy to read on her face.
They stopped at a tall round table, Beth setting her purse on it.
"What are you doing?" Annie asked, clutching her bag closer.
"Putting my purse down," Beth said.
"Wine?" A waiter with a tray of glasses stopped beside Ruby.
"Thank you," Ruby said, taking two glasses.
"Do you want one?" Annie motioned at a glass and Beth put her hand up. She didn't mind not drinking. She didn't want to dull her focus, not even with a drink.
"What is this?" Annie looked around the room, leaning her elbows on the table.
"It's a fundraiser," Ruby said, holding her glass. "Didn't you see the signs?"
Annie shook her head. "What? I was thinking about something else," She said, her eyes scanning the room.
Beth wondered if Annie's fidgetness was reflected in her own expression as she tried to keep her posture relaxed and and return smiles at the people passing by their table. Ruby stayed focused on her drink, occasionally glancing at the bag she had put at her feet.
"How are you all doing tonight?" A woman with bright green dress interrupted their silence.
The three women replied with a concert of "Good."
"Have you seen our silent auction?" She asked. The women shook their head. Was this Rio's colleague, Beth wondered, taking stock of the woman, imagining her doing dealings with him, and the thought drew her to take the woman in more closely.
"Did you get a chance to see our silent auction?" The woman asked, not even glancing at any of their bags.
"Not really," Ruby said.
"You have to see it," the woman smiled said and drew an elbow to Annie.
"Oh, I already saw it," Annie said quickly. "It had some good choices."
"We just added some last minute treats. You have to check it out!" The woman said, practically starting to drag Annie away. But not her bag.
"Oh. Oh, OK," Annie said, glancing at the woman and then Beth before heading towards the other side of the room.
"What are we supposed to do?" Ruby asked. "Do you think it was-"
"No. Let's keep an eye on her."
Ruby nodded.
She didn't suspect that this was something Rio had a hand in. The woman didn't give their bags even a second look. Rio didn't strike her as a guy who wasted time when it came down to business.
As they kept their eyes on Annie, the woman with her just took her from one table to the next, pointing out at the notes and items on the table.
"Can you see what she's looking at?" Ruby tried to stand taller and look over the other guests. The room had gotten crowded and it was easy to lose Annie behind the flurry of people. Maybe she'd have a drink of wine after all, Beth thought, catching a glimpse of Annie point at something at the table and the woman beside her burst into laughter.
"Oh, it's you!"
Beth turned her head to find a woman hugging Ruby, Ruby's arms going around the other woman cautiously. A shorter woman wearing a pantsuit stood beside her.
Beth had never seen them before in her life and by Ruby's subtle friendly expression she hadn't either.
The taller woman glanced at her partner, then back at Ruby and Beth. "Oh! We have a lot to catch up on. I was just going fix my make up. Care to join?"
Beth's eyes went to Annie, thankfully visible for a few seconds, who gave her s short nod. I'm OK, she seemed to say.
Beth picked up her and Annie's bag.
"After you," she said.
Now that they were actually heading to another spot and Beth was pushing the bathroom door her heart rate picked up her stomach knotted, reminding herself to keep her feet steady on the smooth floor.
The two women confidently approached the mirror, setting their bags on the counter. The taller woman had a chameleon look about her, one Beth imagined helped her blend in a crowd no matter where she was, despite her hight. Probably helped her get this job.
The shorter woman motioned for them to set the bags down on the other side of the short counter, and Beth did, Ruby slowly following suit.
"Been here long?" She asked Ruby and Beth as she applied her lipstick.
"No," Ruby said and Beth knew she wanted to say yes.
"We just got back from Russia. It wasn't like this. Not this time. Oh, I'm so happy we got to go before it got cold."
The shorter woman nodded, glancing behind her as women walked by. As the women left she pulled Ruby's bag and quickly put it over her shoulder, the taller woman taking the second bag and putting her lipstick away. She made to take the third bag when the shorter woman shook her head. Thinking it over for a second, she left it on the counter.
Beth stared at the remaining bags, imagining what was inside.
"Any chance you know where your other friend is?" Ruby asked.
The taller woman shook her head.
"It shouldn't be long," the shorter woman said.
"Nice seeing you ladies," Her friend smiled before the two stepped out.
Two down, one to go, Beth thought as she exchanged glances with Ruby, and saw the same thought reflected back to her.
The large hall had filled up even more when they returned. Beth exchanged glances with Ruby as they made their way through the crowd.
Their table had already been taken, unsurprisingly. Now that their hands were hot Beth was itching to leave but she tried to keep.
"There's a spot right there," Beth said, point at a clearer spot in the corner. The room had filled up there wasn't much breathing room space as people excused me past.
"Where is she?" Ruby muttered.
Finally a spot at a tall table opened up and Beth moved to stand over it. Placing the still unswitched bag over it, Ruby pulled a glass of wine from a passing waiter, Beth accepting it as well this time. Her fingers tapped on the table before she stopped, sipping on her glass. Was Annie OK? Her eyes swept through the room.
"You also looking for someone who looks like our travelers?" Ruby asked in hush tones.
That was what she was doing. But who knows who it could be. Beth's fingers moved over the bag protectively.
"Is that for me?" Annie appeared from the crowd, downing Ruby's drink. Ruby pursed her lips at her.
"Where did you come from?" She asked her.
Annie put up her hand. "I just got the whole tour-"
Her words were stopped when a woman put her hand on Beth's hand. Beth's hold on the bag tightened as the woman put a bag down, picture image of what Beth was holding.
"I'm so sorry I'm late, you know how the traffic is," she said, holding her glass to her chest.
Beth loosened her hand on the bag and tried to stop her instinct from stepping back and giving her space.
"Good to see you made it," she said, trying to return the woman's friendly tone.
"I hope we get to catch up. Is it-?" The woman motioned for Beth to clear the table to set down her glass. Beth took the hint and picked the bag up, setting it beside the other one. The woman smiled, setting down her drink and swiftly picking up the new bag. With a flashing smile, she was gone.
It was relief Beth had expected to sweep her once the bags were change but it wasn't it. It felt like there were timed bombs under their feet. She nodded at the women, and Ruby stepped forward, Annie and Beth behind her.
Rio had texted them where to meet and Beth had it mapped out already. Just to get out. Keep their steps light and steady, down the hall to her car.
The breeze from outside was hitting her face, the ornate door coming closer, when a tall man stepped in front of her.
"Excuse me miss," he said. "This woman says that you have her bag."
A woman dressed in a sequined green dress smiled at her.
Ruby and Annie had already made a few steps ahead but stopped, turning back to Beth. Beth made a motion with her eyes. Wait.
She smiled tightly to the woman in front of her. "I'm sure we can work this out, don't you?" She clasped her hands.
The man glanced between her and the woman who narrowed her eyes at Beth, but nodded. Beth's eyes went to Ruby and Annie and her eyebrows raised at them. Keep going. I'll be right out. Both hesitated, concern etched on their faces before Ruby patted Annie on the arm, started walking slowly as Annie hesitated to join her.
"I don't know who you are," Beth said, bringing confidence she didn't quite feel into her voice.
"It doesn't matter," the woman met her eyes squarely. "You know who sent me. You'd be very sorry if you don't hand that over."
Beth made no motion to move, not even to hold her bag closer. Was this a test? Did Rio change his plans in the last minute? She couldn't believe that. Every bone in her body screamed at her. Don't trust this woman.
"Do you want me to call him back over?" The woman said, something menacing in her tone.
Beth ordered her thoughts to slow down, her breathe steadied as her mind cleared.
She laughed her nerves out. "Something makes me think that you won't do that. You know why?"
"You're right. It doesn't matter who you are. Cause his guys – are right out there. So you can try to get this bag from me, maybe you'll make it to the elevator, maybe you'll even make it through the back door. But it's only a matter of time before they catch up with you."
She was fibbing, holding on to whatever threat Rio's guys would have. If she was a cop she would've arrested her already. She was clearly going for another scam.
The woman scrunched up her face. Beth met her gaze head on, paralyzed for a moment when the woman made no response. Easing her posture, she waited her out. After a long pause, finally, the woman moved aside.
The air hit her face as a car honked. The sounds of cars replaced the music that was playing softly inside. A large crowd milled at the entrance as she searched for Beth and Ruby.
"Beth!"
She turned to find her sister and best friend standing on the corner.
"Ready?" Annie asked tensely.
Beth nodded. Their shoes clicked against the pavement as they stepped further and further away from the building.
"Maybe we shouldn't walk so fast..." Ruby said, slowing down her steps. Beth and Annie followed her lead, Beth's skin on alert.
Holding her breathe she nodded at a couple of police officers as they passed them on the street.
"Why didn't you go to the car?" Beth asked.
Ruby and Annie glanced quickly at each other like it was out of the question. "In case you needed back up," Ruby said.
"We were going to give you two minutes when you showed up," Annie said.
"How far is the drop off point?" Annie asked. They had been driving for a few minutes, Beth keeping an eye on the rear view mirror.
"No one's following us," Ruby followed Beth's glance.
"So, uh… Am I the only one thinking we should take a look?" Annie tapped the balls of her fingers on each other.
"Yes!" Ruby called out.
"Beth?" Annie tried again.
"B?" Ruby added incredulously as Beth slowed down into a dark alleyway.
"He never said we can't check the bags we got," Beth said, sure Rio wouldn't approve, but her imagination was running wild with what could be inside.
"Make it quick," Ruby said and Beth smiled.
"That a girl!" Annie put her hand on Ruby's shoulder.
The spot was secluded enough that they could stop and take a quick peek. The women got out of the car and Beth opened the trunk, the women hurrying to grab the bags and get back in the car.
"Bills," Annie said. "Do you think it's real?"
Ruby shook her head. "Who knows. What's this?"
"Don't you want to look?" Beth asked, looking behind her.
Annie shook her head, her hands on her bag.
"You already looked didn't you?"
"Duh," Annie turned her palms over on the zipped bag. "Bills too."
Of course she would've already sneaked a peak.
"What is this?" Beth held a teddy bear in her hands. The bag was full of them, cute, furry teddybears with plastic stomachs filled with jelly beans. Ruby pulled one, passing another one to Annie who shook it.
"Be careful," Beth warned, turning hers in her hand, the candy moving around in the plastic ball. That's what they were there for? Cash and teddy bears."
Annie passed the bear back to Ruby, her eyes going to her phone.
Beth wasn't going to break it though she was tempted too. But in their brief interactions she had a feeling Rio would make sure to count every single one of them. Still, she was curious.
Over Ruby and Annie's conversation she turned the bear over, feeling through the fur until she was able to unscrew its plastic stomach. Pills tumbled on her lap before she sealed it shut, a few escaping.
She spent ten minutes with a phone's flashlight to be sure she didn't miss any of them.
Was that what he was doing? Smuggling pills?
"What's this?" Annie asked, pushing a small flat box to Ruby. "It's locked. I can't open it."
"Let me see," Ruby put her hand out, and turned the box over in her hand, lifting it to the light. "Can't open it," she turned it back to Annie. "Where's your locksmith skills?"
"Not gonna work for this."
"Dropped out too early from class?" Ruby asked, not waiting for an answer. "It's probably jewelry," Ruby said as she watched Beth put the pills back in place. "It could be filled with diamonds."
Annie shook the box. "It doesn't sounds like diamonds." She put the box back in the bag, zipping it up. "Gangfriend stays busy."
"Gangfriend?" Ruby turned her face back to Annie.
"I don't remember his name."
"Jimmy?" Ruby asked.
"Jimmy?!"
Beth fumbled with her teddy bear as she listened.
"Something with 'o'. Otto?" Ruby narrowed her eyes.
"Are you listening to what's coming out of your mouth?" Annie asked.
"Do you?" Ruby snapped back.
"It's Rio," Beth looked up from the teddy bear.
"Oh it's Rio, is it?" Ruby taunted.
Beth stilled her fingers. "Shouldn't you know?" She asked Annie." He's your new best friend's brother."
Annie broke into a big smile. "I just wanted to hear you say it," she lifted her chin.
"Can we put these away?" Ruby motioned to the bags.
"Gangfriend sounds better," Annie put her hand on the car door.
"Some friend," Ruby murmured.
Metallic. Metallic and dusty was the first thing she registered as she stepped in. The same man. She dropped off the bags at the warehouse. Beth surveyed the space. People were putting items away in boxes. The same teddy bears but also carrying ready boxes to vans sitting in wait.
And on the side Rio stood. It was him and another man in a sharp suit surveyed the area.
"Wait here," Beth told Ruby and Annie as she walked over to the Rio, a few people passing by.
"So this is it right?" Beth asked him. "We're OK now, you and your guys won't be showing back in my house? No guns?"
Rio was glancing at a document alongside a man in a suit, for all intents and purposes ignoring Beth completely.
Beth turned and glanced at Ruby and Annie who gazed back at her with wide eyes. Gasped with courage, she turned back to Rio. "You know what, I"m going to need you to say it."
Rio turned his face to her, his eyebrows moving up slightly. He turned his body to her and met her eyes as the man beside him surveyed her quietly.
"We're good."
Beth nodded, turning back to Ruby and Annie.
"What'd he say?" Annie asked, her eyes moving behind Beth.
"We're good. Let's go," Beth said, walking slowly but intently towards the car, a part of her still dreading him calling on them, changing his mind.
"Did you hear that?" Annie whispered, not too quietly, to Ruby. "We got the all clear!"
This was the last time they'd have to see him and she wouldn't be relieved enough, Beth thought as the car peeled away and headed to the main road, leaving the clanking and shuffling behind them.
"Ruby punched a a guy," Annie said.
"I didn't punch a guy," Ruby turned her head to Annie, sitting in the back seat. "I side swapped him, that was not on purpose, I just looked behind me for one second and he nearly ran me over."
"What did that woman want from you?" Beth asked Annie, looking at her through her rear view mirror, bringing up the woman who'd taken her sister by the arm and led her away.
"She thought I was a trust fund baby," Annie exclaimed as Ruby laughed.
"What?" Beth asked.
"Apparently," Annie said as Ruby continued laughing. "Some rich kids set their own fashion in a black tie event. She thought I'd just snap up something from what they were selling."
Ruby pulled away from Annie. "That's not something I'm proud of. We were just going to get in and out."
"What about you?" Annie scratched at her chin. "We were going to come back and get you when you didn't come out."
"Good you didn't. I took care of it," Beth bunched her shoulders.
"That's the last time that we do something and one of us gets left behind," Annie said.
Beth didn't reply. It was enough it was just her getting attention. She didn't want that on anyone else.
"We're a team sis," Annie stressed, as if reading Beth's thoughts. "No one's left behind."
"What's with the battle cry? We're never doing this again." Ruby said. The car got tense as Beth didn't reply. "B?"
The truth was Beth had never felt like that. Never felt proud she'd gotten away with it.
"What would be the reason to do it again, right?" She finally asked.
Ruby nodded and put her hands in her lap.
"So did you keep one of them?" Annie put her hands on Ruby's back seat as she leaned forward
"What?" Beth asked as she slowed the car down.
"The pills."
Ruby shook her head.
"No," Beth said.
"What'd you think they were?" Annie asked. "Molly? Oxy?"
"I don't know. But I took some photos-"
Ruby's head shot to Beth. "What for?"
Beth shrugged her shoulders. "I'll look it up."
"I wonder what other tattoos he has," Annie sat back looking out the window as Ruby mumbled something under her breathe.
Beth shrugged. She didn't care. It didn't matter."Why would you want to know? We're even, and that's it."
The pills? That was sheer curiosity.
The next day she changed into her DQ shirt mechanically. The back room was quiet, only disturbed by the cranking of the AC. It always felt too cool in there, no matter the season. She'd showed up early, her fingers and feet tense and jittery as she'd sat at home, until she couldn't take it anymore and started getting ready. The images of the warehouse played in her mind as she stepped into the bright front room, and it felt like she was playing two scenes at the same time. The still serene storefront and the hustle and bustle of the dusty warehouse. Dusty but charged.
But that moment was behind her, wasn't it, as was the favor, and she was OK with that, she told herself, prepping the ice cream while her coworker brought new containers out.
She was even going to forgive Dean. A part of her had made the decision the same day she'd found out what happened, if she were honest with herself. They were engaged. They'd been together for years and he'd supported her through difficult times. That had to count. She'd make him work for it of course. It wasn't an easy choice but it was the right one. Her mom was right. Men made mistakes. What would she do if it wasn't for him? Wasn't he the first guy who'd genuinely paid attention to her, who loved her? Anyone could make a mistake.
As she served the first few customers, she thought back to the conversation they'd had a few hours earlier.
"I wish I could take it back." Dean had said gently. "I don't know if I could forgive myself."
The clock ticked on the kitchen wall as they sat across from each other, filling in the silences. "I'll do whatever it takes to it up to you."
"Just promise me it's the last time, Dean," Beth cradled her right hand in her left. "Then we could work on this."
"I promise," he said. "Of course, I promise." He reached out and she put one of her hands on the table and let him hold it, a confused mix of warmth and sadness lapping at her, and she pulled it back.
"I need a little space," she said, the room feeling too small.
"Do you want me to stay with my parents a few nights? I can take Buddy-"
"No, it's OK." She wouldn't want to be left completely alone. "But I think that's a good idea. For you to be with your parents for a few days."
Dean nodded.
"I believe you. I want to believe it. I just need some time."
"I'm sorry," he had said, and she heard the honesty in his voice. His lips twisted slightly, like he was thinking over his next words. "I know I'm not in a position to ask you for anything."
You're not, she thought.
"I want you to think about what I have to say." he cocked his head slowly, looking down and tightening his lips.
"What?"
"I'm worried about you. It's not because it's him," he added quickly when Beth moved in her seat, knowing what he was talking about.
She wished she hadn't told him. She hadn't even told him the entire story, but he filled out the gaps himself.
"It could take you away from your sister. Is that what you want?"
"I had to do it," she snapped, coldness seizing her chest. "I had to help her, Dean, I had no choice."
"You could've told me. I could've helped you. Whatever happened with Amber-"
"Don't say her name," Beth snapped, her heart shrinking.
"You know I'd do anything to help you."
"I asked you for help, remember? You said you didn't have the money."
Dean's face fell. She didn't doubt he would've helped her if he could. But he couldn't.
"What would you have done?" Beth shook her head. "Taken a loan?"
"Maybe."
"With what collateral? We needed that money fast. And nothing happened."
"And I hope nothing does." Dean put his finger on the table. "You know that what I'm saying is true. You got the money. At what cost?"
It's not like none of his thoughts echoed hers. A passing police car was enough to have her see herself sitting tightly on the seat, watching the world shrink as she was driven to a precinct. To have her hands handcuffed. Her sister watching her – and then she had to stop the rolling images. She washed the floors, served ice cream. Served so many customers that her greeting words melted together.
Then she heard the voice. Whispering, needling. You got away with it. Power swirled into it, as she remembered the smiles she shared with Ruby and Annie as they drove away. Expecting to hear sirens behind them. Expecting to hear a knock on the door as she slept alone in her and Dean's bed. Nothing came.
And as she fell asleep she remembered what it felt like when she'd walked outside into the airy night, having made the deposit with Rio. The adrenaline of the event, the woman trying to threaten her.
It wasn't just that. Her sister needed money. Beth wanted her honeymoon but she'd also known feverishly she never wanted to feel that instability again. She'd do anything not to be in that position again. It's not like it would be a lifelong choice, she thought in the darkness of her bedroom, in the quiet drive from DQ. It'd just be for now. She'd get some money. One of Dean's friends was an investment banker. He could guide her and Dean on how to invest it. Though it would be best if Dean didn't know how she got the money. She'd have to think of a cover story for him. It wasn't the best way to start a marriage, but neither was – but she'd have to forgive him to move on from here. She was ready for that. But it'd take some time.
The cool night she'd slipped from home while Dean had come home to pick up a few things and she'd left the necklace on the warehouse doorknob it wasn't exactly what she'd meant to do. She wanted to talk to him, not leave some memento. Her steps echoed at the empty large room, no sign of activity. Her fingers went to the clasp and she left it around the doorknob. She walked away and didn't look back.
Because it wasn't just a moment and it wasn't just the warehouse. It was watching the building from a distance, collecting the bag from Rio's associate, walking in and feeling she owned that room. Holding her own with the woman who wanted her bag. Delivering the package was the prize but she'd gotten a thrill out of it each step of the way. She wouldn't focus on that voice, that was a side effect. If she was going to save her relationship, help Annie, and get the honeymoon of her dreams, she needed money. That was all there was to it.
It took him two days to show up. The night she'd left the necklace she lied in bed with her eyes open, her arms over her blanket, trying not to imagine him finding it but finding the image wrap itself around her regardless. What if he wouldn't guess it was her who left it? Or if someone else got to it first? She could only hope that that person would then bring it to him. A small smile broke on her lips as she stared at the ceiling, drawing an image of him holding the necklace in his hand and his expression clearing as he figured out who it was who left it. Her smile widened as the next steps fell smoothly one after the other. Her feet on secure ground. That was all she wanted.
Each time the silence at the house was cut, by chitchat on the pavement or by a passing car, she'd look up to find an empty room. He hadn't shown but it was a matter of time. She was sure of it.
"Yo," he said when he'd finally stepped in her kitchen with the comfort of someone who lives there. Her shoulders stiffened for a moment at his presence, not fully relaxing even as she quickly realized it was him. By now she should've know better to expect him to knock.
For the first couple of days she'd kept Buddy but the evening Rio showed up he was gone, Dean having had picked him up that day. His parents loved him and he in turn enjoyed the attention and extra walks. If he was home Beth was sure he'd be accompanying Rio in to announce his visit, tapping his paws on the linoleum floor.
She was nursing a glass of bourbon as he approached her. Thankful that there wasn't a chance Dean'd walk in on her, still staying at his parents to give her some space. Perks of being cheated on. She swallowed her bitterness.
It wasn't the time for that. Her attention focused on the man in front of her as she stopped herself from fidgeting. She calmed her excitement and planted more weight into the balls her feet. He'd have to be open to what she'd say, she assured herself. He was a businessman. She and the girls did the job and did it well. She'd thought back to Annie's comment about Ruby punching a guy. A small price for their work. Who knows, if Rio had heard about it maybe he would've liked it.
It was embarrassing to admit, but the day she'd texted him she'd changed a couple of times. Just twice. She didn't know how soon he'd be by, but she just wanted to be… Prepared. It didn't matter, she told herself, pulling her favorite jeans up, deciding to change her sweater to a bright blue one. She had turned in front of the mirror. She felt no guilt preparing, if anything she'd prefer he didn't show up while she was in her pjs – then felt her cheeks burn at the thought, and she turned away from the mirror, putting away the sweaters she'd tried on. Didn't people dress for job interviews, she told herself. A business proposal.
The day he showed up she was wearing a grey sweater, also carefully picked out. She'd be ready each day just in case. Her pitch was ready. Her heavy tumbler was in the air as he stepped closer to her. She took a drink of courage.
Rio's posture was rigid, more rigid than she's seen before. He wasn't happy and she hadn't even said anything yet. Not a good start. His eyes narrowed at her. She set the glass down. Something was wrong.
"Think your sister's been hanging out too much with mine," he said accusingly. "They got themselves into something."