Chapter Three- Hunt
Xxxxx
Dorm A102
It's been a month since school has started, and the four roommates have gotten very close in that short period of time. They were different in their own ways, but were able to forge a friendship, a brotherhood of friendship.
Jason, The Oldest, was like a father figure to them all. If there was a problem, they would come to him for help.
Rocky, The Eating Machine, acted like a kid, but had a serious side as well.
Conner, The Jock, was raunchy, a little airheaded, but he knew how to handle business.
And last, but not least, Tommy, The Younger Brother, they all protected him in some way, and they gave him advice when needed. In return, he would help them with their homework.
Speaking of Tommy, he had just walked into the living room. He was wearing a light gray sweater, with a white polo underneath it, and the collar of the polo was sticking out. The collar rested on the sweater. He had on gray, slate colored dress pants, and black dress shoes. His hair was neatly spiked, and to complete his look he had on his eyeglasses.
Rocky was the first to notice. "Chow! Mira que guapo. (Look at that handsome guy.)" He smiled from the kitchen. He's cooking chicken wings for Conner and Jason.
"Dayum!" Conner yelled. "If I was a girl, I would totally bone you!"
Tommy shook his head. "Should I take that as a compliment?" He mused.
Jason eagerly nodded his head. "Definitely, Kat won't be able to keep her hands off of you." He said.
Mr. Oliver stopped dead in his tracks. I would hope she doesn't do that. "We haven't even kissed." He whispered before he headed out the door.
"Stop right there!" Rocky ordered as he plated the wings. "What do you mean you haven't kissed her?" He questioned. He turned off the pan. "Guys, food's ready."
Conner and Jason got their plate, and they went to sit on the sterilized couch. both young men eagerly digged in.
Thankfully, Conner and Kira were keeping their sessions to Kira's dorm.
"Back to you, Tommy." Jason grumbled through a piece of the chicken. "You haven't kissed her?"
Tommy turned red.
Conner stopped chewing his food. "He hasn't kissed her." He observed Tommy's expression. He, then, continued chewing his food with enjoyment. "Damn, Rock you know how to fucking cook. Shit is bomb!"
"Why do you think I work at the University Café?" Rocky questioned him as he took a big bite. "Hell yeah!" He loved food…
He brought them out of the revelry. "I think it's enough we are dating." Tommy commented. He began to fix his collar. "Look, Kat is a sweet girl, and I don't want to move things any quicker than we are now."
"What the fuck?" Jason had to question. "Bro, you've been dating her for a month now, and you haven't even kissed her. Molasses is moving quicker than your relationship."
Rocky and Conner busted into laughter. They were laughing so hard, tears were coming from their eyes.
"Thanks." Tommy sarcastically muttered.
"Have you ever kissed a girl?" Conner inquired, once he wiped his mouth.
"No." Tommy genuinely replied.
His roommates mouth's were open. They were stunned.
Tommy cleared his throat. "I should be heading out to pick her up." He looked at his watch. Oh great, I am going to be late. He went to head out the door, but was stopped.
"Bro, if you want some real, real advice." Rocky offered. Tommy cautiously turned around to face Rocky. "Kiss or she might break up with you. A girl likes affection."
"I've kissed her." Tommy countered. His friends gave him the 'where-did-you-kiss-her' look. How can they read me like a book! "I kissed her hands." He confessed. He closed his eyes, expecting the backlash.
All three of them laughed at him.
He groaned.
"I expected the cheek, but the hands?" Conner queried in disbelief. He really was shocked. "Damn, Bro, that's low."
"Well, he could always go lower." Rocky insinuated with a smirk. Jason and Conner evilly smiled at the idea. They all gaped at Tommy wondering what he would do.
Tommy couldn't take it anymore. "Good night, gentlemen!" He shook his head. He loved his roommates, but they really could calm it down with the dirty jokes. The aspiring paleontologist walked out of his dorm.
Xxxxx
Cheesecake Factory
Tommy and Kat were waiting to be seated. Their host grabbed two menus. "Tommy Oliver, party of two." He called out. Tommy and Kat followed the host to their table. Because he was chivalrous he held out her chair for her. She happily sat down. In return, Tommy sat across from her. Their host handed them their menus. "Your server, Carlos, should be with you shortly."
Kat slightly froze at the name, but she shook it off. She gazed at the menu. "I don't know what to get, everything looks so good."
Tommy nodded. "I think I'm in the mood for pasta." He looked at the pasta entrees. "I like choices, but there's quite a bit here."
Their server came. "Good evening, how-" He looked at Kat. "Kat! Is that you?" Carlos exclaimed. He gave her a side hug.
Tommy watched. He didn't really mind much, since he thought they were old buddies.
She nodded. "Wow, Carlos." The smile that she held since being picked up by Tommy faltered a bit. "Um, how have you been?"
"Good, good." He said, and then he took a look at Tommy. He gave him the once over. "So, is this your boyfriend?" There was a hint of abrasiveness in his voice.
"Yes." Kat said.
Tommy smiled. "Nice to meet you, Carlos." He held out his hand. "I'm Tommy."
Their server ignored the hand that was offered. "What would you guys like to drink?" He had a pad and pen in hand. Tommy retracted his hand.
"Raspberry Iced Tea." Kat replied, she was a bit nervous.
"I'll take a regular iced tea." Tommy answered. He watched as Carlos left. What was that about? "Is that a friend of yours?"
"More than a friend, he's an ex-boyfriend." She explained the reasoning for Carlos' actions. "We used to date in high school. He's one of the bad boys I told you about." He played with her cream colored napkin. "I guess, he's mad that I broke up with him. He is my last boyfriend."
Tommy remembered. In high school, Kat did have her fair share of relationships. The guys she dated were definitely bad. Some were suspended, and others were the ones who were in and out of detention. He guessed Carlos still held a torch for Kat.
Carlos brought back their drinks, and he took their orders. That left a little bit of alone time for Kat and Tommy.
Kat used her foot to massage one of his legs. She seductively smiled at him. There was 'hunger' in her eyes. She was definitely on the hunt for more of Tommy.
Tommy got really uncomfortable. "What are you doing?" He whispered. He slightly moved his legs away. This is awkward.
She couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Tommy, it's just a little bit of fun." She said to him.
"Can you please stop?" He kindly requested.
"Tommy, is there something wrong with me?" She was a bit annoyed with his wish. She sighed. "Why are we dating?"
"What?"
"Why are you dating me?" She questioned.
He thought about it. "I like you." He replied.
"I like you too." She informed him, and gave him her best smile. And then she got serious. "You don't act like you like me though."
"I do." He assured her. I think, no I do.
Their food arrived, and they began to eat. There were conversations here and there, but when the pregnant pauses had arrived, it was obvious this date wasn't what either of them expected.
Once their bill arrived, Tommy paid and left a tip. He was still cordial, and opened the door of his truck for her. She climbed in, and she shut the door herself. He went to his side of the car and got in as well. Silence entered the capacity of his truck.
To lighten the mood, Tommy turned on the radio. He caught some of the song, "Where we Belong", by Josh Blakesley.
here we belong
the place that we call home
we come to live and love where we belong.
A chosen place revealed,
people being healed,
new life will begin,
the dead will rise again.
Open up the doors
Kat sat there rather uncomfortable while listening to the religious song. "Is it okay if I turn it off?" She asked.
He was brought out of his reverie by her proposal. I should've been more courteous of her feelings. "Uh, yes." He said.
She turned it off.
Both of them sighed. They weren't sure what went wrong. As soon as they arrived on campus, Tommy drove to Kat's place. He parked his car and was the first one to exit. Politely, he helped Kat exit her car. They did hold hands as they walked to the door.
"We have arrived." Kat motioned the door in front of her place.
Tommy nodded. "Yes." He began to look at his feet. Another loaded silence reappeared. "Good night, Kat."
"Good night, Tommy." Her accent was thick. She looked at him expectantly, and Tommy wasn't sure what to do. He leaned in a bit, and she did as well.
He saw her leaning in, but he couldn't do what she wanted. He gave her a soft peck on her cheek. "I'll see you in class."
Kat gruffly nodded and rolled her eyes. She unlocked the door to her place, and once she got in she slammed the door.
Tommy jumped upon hearing the impact of the slam. He lowered his head. She hates me. Of course she does, you can't get over the fear of kissing her.
He was 18, and his roommates were his age as well. Conner had sex all the time, and from what Jason and Rocky have said about their girlfriends, he knew they weren't virgins either. So why was he so worried about kissing a girl? He got in his car and drove back to his dorm.
Xxxxx
Dorm A102
A week later, things between Kat and Tommy were somewhat strained. From what he knew, they were still boyfriend and girlfriend. That was far from his mind though. His mom called him, and told him his Dad was laid off from his job. Money was tight in the Oliver household, so Tommy needed to find a means to bring in an income.
He was on the computer trying to look for a job.
Jason had found a job. He was a part time worker at a steel plant in town. Rocky worked at the University Café.
Conner was in the same boat as Tommy, and he needed a job too. He had the newspaper open.
"I am so fucking beat." Jason rowed his shoulders back. He started to get out the cricks from his neck too. "Working at that steel plant is working my muscles to the core." He worked Monday through Saturday. Friday and Saturday he worked 8 hour shifts. The other days, he worked about 5 hours or so.
Rocky nodded. "Man, you know how many people come in to the University Café to eat? I couldn't believe how much I have to cook." He was somewhat sleeping on the counter in the kitchen.
"At least you guys have jobs." Conner pointed out. He kept circling hopeful possibilities. "My girl is so fucking rich. I wish I had her life." He shook his head at the thought.
"She doesn't need to work?" Rocky was intrigued at the thought.
He shook his head. "She comes from money." Conner further elaborated. "To be honest, she doesn't even need to go to school, but she does. She really wants to be a music teacher."
"I'm surprised she wants to be a music teacher, if anything she could be a sex ed teacher." Jason was quick to quip. Conner threw a pillow at him. Jason caught it and threw it right back at Conner's face. "Ah ha!" He praised himself at his skills.
Tommy had ignored the childish antics of his friends. He discreetly retreated to his room. He pulled out the card Anton Mercer gave him from about a month and a half ago. He dialed the number.
"Dr. Anton Mercer." Anton answered.
He was nervous. "Uh, yes, Dr. Mercer, this is T-t-Thomas Tommy Oliver Jr. I met you a long time ago, you probably don-"
"Ah, yes, son of Thomas and Mary Beth Oliver, you are the one that's going to Reefside University for Paleontology." He remembered.
"Yes, sir."
"What do I owe this call?"
"I was wondering if you had an internship available now, or anything else. I don't know if my parents have told you, but my Dad lost his job, and money is tight."
"I'm so sorry to hear that, Tommy." There was sincerity in the apology. "My offer still stands, I would love for you to come on the dig in the Winter. Unfortunately, I have nothing available right now."
"Oh well thank you, and I accept your offer for the dig." Tommy was at least thankful for that. "Thank you for hearing me out."
"Good luck to your Dad and you."
"Thank you, have a nice day. Bye." He sighed and hung up the phone. This job hunt is getting harder and harder. He really wanted to help his family out any way he could. He wiped his hands over his face, and he felt like he wanted to scream. Tommy got up from his desk and walked to the living room. No one was there. "Great, what do I do now?" He said aloud.
For a few minutes, Tommy thought about it. He grabbed his car keys and headed down to his truck. Maybe he would have some luck downtown.
Xxxxx
Downtown Reefside
Tommy parked his car in one of the free parking spaces. One of the very few he could find. He wandered around for a bit. He went into a few places, and they weren't hiring. He was feeling really defeated.
His mom still worked, but that literally put his parents living from paycheck to paycheck. He wasn't even sure if they could even do that.
He continued walking, and he didn't notice the uneven pavement. Tommy tripped over it, and he landed with a thump right on his chest. "Umpf." Tommy sounded out.
"The city has been meaning to get that fixed." A man slightly chuckled at the minor scene before him. He went to help Tommy up. He whistled. "On a new, white tee as well. Damn."
"Thanks." Tommy acknowledged as he dusted himself off. He made eye contact with the man before him.
"I'm Theodore Jay Jarvis Johnson." He held out his hand.
The young, college student took it. "I'm Thomas James Oliver Jr." Might as well tell him my whole name too.
"I go by TJ." The other man informed.
"In that case, I go by Tommy."
"What are you doing out here? You look like a college student." TJ examined him.
Tommy nodded. "I am a college student, but I need a job." He began to scan the streets. There was still more ground to cover.
"Really?" The guy questioned. Tommy nodded. "Maybe I can get you a job with me."
Just like that? I'm beginning to like this TJ guy. "Is it far from here?" He questioned.
"A couple of blocks up, and to the left. It's an easy walk. I just had to buy a pack of cigarettes." TJ indicated the green and white box. "Do you want one?"
"Oh, no. I don't smoke." Tommy kindly declined. "Thanks for the offer though."
"Do you mind if I smoke one?"
"No, go ahead."
TJ lit up his cigarette, and they began to walk up the street. There was silence, but TJ broke it. "How old are you?"
"18" Tommy answered. He kept his eyes straight ahead.
"Young'n." TJ complimented. He laughed again. "I bet you couldn't guess how old I am."
The college student turned his gaze back to TJ. He observed the bald head, the slightly yellowed teeth because of the cigarette smoking, and this guy was built as well. But, all African Americans were practically built. This man looked about 5'9-11". He was obviously at least 18. The law is the legal age to buy tobacco was 18. He went a little beyond that.
"Um, are you 21?"
TJ heartily laughed. "I wish, I'm 27."
"What?" That definitely stunned Tommy. Where does he keep his fountain of youth at?
"What school do you go to?" He looked to the left, so he could blow the cigarette smoke away from Tommy.
Tommy kept pace with the African American man. "I go to Reefside University." He said.
"Word? My girl goes there." TJ finally stopped in front of the place. "Here it is."
They stopped right outside a hole in the wall place. It looked about 5,000 square feet. There was a sign that displayed 'K.O. 35 Girls'. It was daytime, but at night it would light up. After all, it was neon. Actually, the whole place was outlined in neon. There was a woman in a bikini decorating the side. Leading up to the doors was a rectangular red carpet, outlined in silver.
"This is the place?" Tommy squeaked as if he just gone through puberty again.
TJ smiled. "Yup, this is where I work. Come inside." He gave a slap on the back to Tommy and led him in.
As Tommy looked around the place, he realized it was a club. Not just any club, but a strip club. There was a main stage with a pole, and lined throughout, in somewhat random spots, were circular platforms with poles. There was a bar and grill, along with a private room area called, 'Out of This World'. Chairs and tables were in the place. Everything was decorated nicely, and there were pictures of women on the walls. All of them in provocative clothing.
To be honest, the place looked pretty classy. If there wasn't any type of décor like that, this would be a fairly high scale restaurant. As of right now, it was closed, so no one was in there.
"TJ!" They heard a women exclaim. Both men turned. "Who's this?" The red headed woman looked at Tommy. She gave him the once over, and there was a smile happily present on her face.
"He's looking for a job, and I think he would do fine here." TJ informed. He turned his attention to Tommy. "Tommy, this is Hayley Z., she's the bartender here."
Tommy looked at the woman. She was thick, but not fat, and she had a very unique style about her. She was wearing a v cut black shirt, 'KO 35' was plastered over here cleavage. Some of the cleavage was out because of cut of the letters. Her hair was in a funky bun, so her breasts were very, out. He blushed and looked away.
"Are you okay?" Hayley Z. was worried at the look on Tommy's face.
Tommy's attention was on the hardwoord floor, and he nodded. "I'm fine." Take a deep breath and look up. This is not a bad thing. It's all about helping Mom and Dad. He slowly rose his head, this time it took a minute rather than five. "Nice to meet you, Hayley Z." He held out his hand, and she did as well. They shook hands.
"Great, well I'm guessing I should get Andros and Zhane?" Hayley helpfully queried.
TJ nodded. "While you do that, let me head out and smoke another cigarette." He walked out.
"I'll be back." Hayley Z informed.
As she walked to the back, Tommy noted the tattoo on her back. It was the astrological sign for the, Scorpio. The elaborate 'M' as Tommy likes to call it. Also, on the back of her shirt was the word 'girls'. He looked around the place. It was nice, but Tommy was beginning to have his doubts. This is ridiculous, I can't work here. He began to walk out, when he heard Hayley call for him.
"Tommy!" She called out.
He turned around, and he got a really good look at Hayley Z. In addition to her top, she had on black leggings that hugged her, he cleared his throat, curves, and she had on black stilettos.
The college student got a good look at the two men with her as well. A man with dual toned hair and a man with bleached, blonde hair. Both of them looked young, but with TJ's apparent fountain of youth he hid some place, it could be a possibility these two men dipped in it as well. In spite of everything, they still looked like babies to him.
"Thank you, Hayley." The man with the dual toned hair said. She smiled and walked behind to the bar. It looked like she was doing inventory of some sort. "My name is Andros." He held out his hand. Tommy shook it.
"I'm Zhane." The bleach blonde guy said. He shook hands with Tommy too. "It's nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too." Tommy nervously said. They went to sit at one of the tables.
TJ walked back in. "Andros, Zhane." He greeted them. They pulled each other in for a guy hug. "What do you think?" He motioned at Tommy.
Andros and Zhane looked him over. They examined his built, his height, and his 'look'. He did seem somewhat skittish, but they had confidence in him. TJ stood behind Andros and Zhane.
"I'm guessing you met with TJ, and he brought you here." Andros supposed. Tommy warily nodded. "You met Hayley, and the reason why she was the one to get my partner and I was because TJ went out to smoke a cigarette. Probably the second one in less than 20 minutes."
What? How did he know that? The aspiring Paleontologist just nodded again. "I am." Tommy responded. "And that did happen."
The man with bleach blonde, almost silver hair, smiled at Tommy. "Great, you start tonight." He informed.
Tommy couldn't believe it. "What?" He was flabbergasted. "What do you mean I start tonight?"
"You're hired." Andros said. He looked at Tommy up and down again. He nodded. "Don't make it more complicated than it really is."
"Isn't that great!" TJ excitedly shouted. "Cool, I needed another guy here with me." He took off his jacket and motioned his shirt. It had 'Bouncer' on it.
"Um, okay. Uh, thanks." Tommy held out his hand and shook theirs. I can't believe that just happened.
Andros went to the back. He got a shirt and tossed it toward Tommy. Tommy grabbed it. "See you tonight. Be here by 7:00 pm, no later than 7:30. Got it?"
He gave a nod once again. Tommy gave a smile to the three men and one woman. Once Tommy was outside, he began to walk to his car. I'm a bouncer at a strip club. A strip club! He shook his head at the ludicrous thought. He decided to keep this to himself. No one could know about this. Not Conner, Jason, or Rocky. Kat couldn't know about this either. Especially his parents; they definitely couldn't know about this. What would everyone think of him?
Tommy remembered a wise proverb. "It is no shame at all to work for money." Tommy wisely remembered out loud. Does that matter how you make your money? He tightly clutched the shirt in his hands. He would probably keep it in his car, so no one could see it.