Standing Up Again –Chapter 4

(Orin's POV)

Some people aren't meant to be crossed. I'm one of those people. You mess with me, you'll be sorry. Unfortunately for me, lotsa people don't understand that. You gotta pound it into them. Audrey's one of those people. Just didn't get that I'm the boss, I make the decisions. She knows better now. I got her right where I want her.

And Mama told me I'd never get a girl. Ha. I sure showed her.

Lately, though, I've been getting a strange feeling. Something that tells me Audrey ain't gonna be around much longer. Well, that's just not gonna fly in my book. When's she gonna learn I'm all she's got? Nobody else cared enough to pick her up off the street and give her a taste of real life.

For instance, she's late for dinner tonight. That's why I'm coming to that damn shop to pick her up, the nitwit. She doesn't have brains enough to dump that job and shoot for the moon. Like I said, I made her what she is.

I park my motorcycle – illegally, but I could care less – and make my grand entrance. Audrey tenses up. Good girl.

(Audrey's POV)

Oh my God. He's here. I can't believe I forgot! I'm dead. Literally, my life is over.

Turning my head a few degrees to the left, despite the stiffness in my neck, I see Seymour's incredulous face. I haven't introduced the two to one another, but Seymour's smart. He knows who it is.

In fact, I'd hoped never to have to introduce them, but my own stupidity brought this upon me. And upon Seymour. I don't know where Mr. Mushnik could be.

Orin takes a step toward me. "Third time this week," he says, quietly, dangerously, clenching and unclenching the fist at his side.

My heart leaps into my throat. "I-I'm sorry," I stutter. He's limited my vocabulary, I swear.

"Yeah, you better be, you worthless bleach blonde. Now go." He points outside to the motorcycle on the curb. Thank goodness he hasn't hit me yet. But he will. It'll come later tonight.

"Uh – er, Orin, before we go, I'd like you to meet Seymour. I work with him." I gesture with a shaking hand to Seymour, who smiles a false smile. "Hi," he says. "You must be Audrey's boyfriend."

Oh no. What if Orin starts a fight? I'd hate him to hit Seymour even worse than me!

Luckily, Orin stays where he is. He kinda gives Seymour the once-over, which clearly makes Seymour uncomfortable. Me, I'm petrified.

And then Orin stares at me again. "You gonna introduce me or what?"

I leap into action – well, not physically, but you know what I mean. "Oh, right, of course, Seymour, this is Orin Scrivello, D.D.S. My boyfriend."

Orin doesn't look away. I squirm. "Anything else?'

"Who I love a lot?"

"That's more like it." He grins and jerks his head toward the window. "Now come on, we got a reservation for dinner."

I give Seymour a miserable gaze as I follow Orin out the door. There will be violence later. I could promise anyone.

"Er…bye, Audrey. Nice to meet you, Orin!" he calls after us.

But he couldn't be less sincere.