Pulling Puzzles Apart

Chapter Twenty Two

Again sorry about the lack of updates…anyway enjoy

Hugs Ruthyroo xx

The morning came around too soon and looking at Brendan sleeping soundly for once almost made me want to stay in bed with him, but I had more important things to do today. He had given me so much without even realizing it and now it was time to give something back. I had to get a job. I had to show him how serious I felt about our future…our future together. I knew it wouldn't be easy finding someone to employ me, but I have determination and sometimes that is all you need. Look how far Brendan has come, and his past was far worse than mine. I owe him this.

I quietly get out of the bed and head to the bathroom to have a wash and get dressed. The clothes on my back weren't the best, but being clean and smelling nice might just count for something. I notice a bottle of 1 million on the side so I generously cover myself in it. God it smells so lush…it makes me feel good, like I'm carrying Brendan around with me. I guess I am. I look at myself in the mirror one last time and I smile because I don't look too bad. Being with Brendan is definitely paying off. I head over to the front door and make my way out into the big wild world.

I spend hours walking around, entering every shop and pub that I come across and so far with not even a glimmer of hope. I don't know if it's because of me or the fact that there really are no jobs, but I keep trying because I need to do this. The next building I come across is a pub called The Hairy Lemon. I notice a sign outside that reads kitchen staff wanted…apply within and I take a deep breath and walk inside. The pub is warm and inviting and the lady behind the bar notices me straight away. She smiles as I make my way over to her. As she serves a customer I notice her unique style, piercings and bright red hair.

"Hello what can I get you?" she asks me.

"Um…oh…I'm here about the job."

"I thought so; I'll just get my manager for you Okay? I won't keep you a minute."

I felt nervous, but nothing was gonna make me turn around and give up. I kept thinking about what Brendan had shared with me and how much it took for him to trust me. Can you imagine how happy he'd be If I went back with a job? I notice the girl coming back and so I smile at her again.

"Hey my boss is just coming take a seat okay?"

I sit down at a table not far from the bar and wait to find out if I even stand a chance with this job. I'm feeling pretty nervous now, but I'm not kept waiting long when a talk, dark, handsome man approaches me. He put his hand out to shake mine, so I stand up and he introduces himself.

"Hello I'm Toby…I'm the manager here. I believe you're looking to apply for the Kitchen job?"

"Yeah…hi my name is Ste…I'm willing to do anything."

"Well we only have a kitchen potter vacancy available at the moment. If I go through some of the things I expect then that would be a good start."

1. Ensure basic cleaning jobs are carried out as quickly as possible.

2. Collect and wash up pots and pans.

3. Clean food preparation areas and equipment, in addition to crockery and cutlery.

4. Unload food and equipment deliveries.

5. Keep the storeroom organised.

6. Keep work surfaces, walls and floors clean and sanitized.

"How does that sound?"

"That sounds great."

"So when would you be able to start?"

"Straight away…I'm out of work at the moment, so anytime is good for me."

"So have you got a CV or any references that I can look at while you are here?"

"Um…"

"Is that a problem Ste?"

"No, but I haven't really got a CV or any references though."

"Oh I see…"

"But I can sort something out…I just thought I'd try my luck today."

"Okay Ste well put something in place and then come and see me again."

"Okay thank you for your time."

I was just saying goodbye to Toby when the girl behind the bar called over.

"Boss…that was Billy on the phone; he's called in sick again today."

I could see the look of disappointment on his face; I guessing his absence was a regular thing.

"Luck you say Ste?" Asks Toby playfully.

"Yep, at the moment is all I've got."

"So did you wanna start now?"

"Really? You're giving me the job?"

"You have a week's trial, but I still wanna see a CV and some references okay?"

"Yeah of course…thank you."

"Right if you follow me, I'll show you to the kitchen and show you what you need to be doing. Daily jobs will be the same, so once you know it and know where everything is then you've pretty much cracked it."

"Thank you so much."

It felt great to be working, I felt dead proud. I wanted to tell Brendan of course I did, but he would have to wait until I finished and could get home to him. I worked alongside of the chef, Mario I think he said his name was. He was pretty easy going considering you hear some pretty horrendous stories about cooks. I spent most of the five hours I was there washing up and seeing deliveries in, but I loved it. Toby seemed like a great boss too, easy to get on with and all the other staff seemed to like him.

"Good work today Ste. We'll need you tomorrow too. 12-9 if that's okay with you?"

"Yes that's great and thank you for giving me this chance."

"No worries, just don't forget to sort out some references."

"I won't. See you tomorrow."

I couldn't believe my luck and I couldn't wait to get back and tell Brendan. He's gonna be so proud of me. I felt so happy; could this really be the start of the rest of my life? I think I smiled the whole way back to his flat. I knocked on the door enthusiastically and within seconds the door was opened, but I didn't get the greeting that I wanted.

"So you've come back then have you?"

He smelt of whisky and his eyes looked dark, scarily dark. I hadn't taken my phone with me when I set of this morning, I didn't expect to work for five hours. He couldn't really be funny with me could he?

"Of course I have…I've got some news."

He walks up to me and stands over me making me feel intimidated. I don't know what's got into him, but I wish he would just listen to me.

"Let me guess…after what I told you last night you've had a little rethink about everything and you've decided that I'm just too messed up for you. You've probably been down some alleyway getting head of a random guy. I know how much you love it Steven."

His words hurt me, really fucking hurt me and right now I want to be anywhere else but here. I start to cry a little, fucking hell I'm such a girl. I wish I was stronger but I'm not. I push him out of the way with all of my might and he stumbles back slightly.

"Do you wanna know where I've been today?"

"Enlighten me Steven!"

"I got myself a job…I walked around for hours, went in every shop, pub and building that I came across. I wanted you to be proud of me. I wanted to show you that I could be good and normal. I wanted to show you how you've made me become a better person. I guess I did it for nothing."

"Steven I'm sorry…I just panicked…please…"

"Just save it Brendan. At least I know what you think of me."

I storm into the spare room and slump down against the door. I can't believe how shit he has just made me feel. It's always gonna be like this with him isn't it? He doesn't trust me and no matter how much I'm sugar coated I will always be a street rat to him. I get up off the floor and crash out on the bed, right now I just need to forget…I need to sleep.

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