The Storm
Stupidly Happy
When Mikey saw his friend Dale enter the restaurant he stood to wave him over. He’d set up this lunch with his long time friend hoping he’d be able to offer him advice.
“Hey” Dale said reaching the table. “Long time no see. It was great to get your call.”
Mikey forced himself to smile, “Yeah, it’s been too long. Have a seat.” As soon as Dale sat down Mikey got right to the point. “I need your impute on something.”
Dale, a law enforcement officer here in LA, nodded. “Sure, what’s up? You in some kind of trouble?” He asked lowering his voice.
Mikey sighed, “Not me, my brother.”
“Oh” Dale was obviously surprised, “Is it something I can help with?” He asked his mind going over possible scenarios.
The waitress appeared momentarily derailing the conversation. They both ordered then waited until she walked away from the table.
“Okay” Dale said, “So, tell me how you think I can help.”
Mikey looked at him closely. “Uh, Gee’s having some marital problems.”
Dale sighed, “I’ve heard.”
“Internet?”
“Yeah” Dale nodded, “It was brought to my attention by Josh Rice.” He explained naming a mutual friend. “Man, I’m really sorry but I’m not sure why you think I can help. Seems like that’s more of a legal problem. I’m guessing the woman didn’t sign a Confidentiality Agreement?”
Nervously Mikey took a sip of water then spoke. “No, she didn’t but that’s not why I wanted to talk to you. See, Gerard left town over a week ago and no one has heard from him since.”
Dale digested this information. “Okay” He said slowly. “Can’t you just call him?”
Mikey sighed, “He and Lindsey had a fight, she took off for New York. The last person he talked to was his friend Joe who said Gerard was very adjudicated and confused. As far as anyone can figure, Gee took off after that but he left his phone behind.”
“So what aren’t you telling me?” Dale asked.
“I went to his house, obviously he’d been drinking, smashed a glass against the wall…”
Dale, who knew Gerard, understood. “He’s drinking a lot again?”
Mikey nodded sadly, “Yeah, he has been. I’ve talked to Lindsey and she’s been checking, he hasn’t used any of his credit cards.”
“He doesn’t want to leave a trail.”
“I guess that’s true but he did withdraw money from the back before he left. Dale, I gotta tell you I’m worried sick. The fact that he left his phone behind, the fact that he’s not been in contact with anyone…I’m just wondering what I can do. Far as I know he didn’t take his laptop so I’m not sure if he even knows what the fuck is going on.”
“And you have no idea where he might be?”
“None.”
Dale thought a minute, “Well the problem is as far as the law is concerned he’s an adult who obviously doesn’t want to be found.”
“But what if something has happened to him?” Mikey asked.
“Has he missed any scheduled appointments?”
Mikey sighed, “No, we’re supposed to be on vacation for a month. Gee had cleared his calendar to spend time at home.”
“You know which vehicle he took?”
“Yeah”
Dale shrugged, “Well I can run his plates, see if anything turns up, if he’s been stopped for some reason but if not…I’m really sorry but from what you’ve just told me there really isn’t much you can do. Obviously he knew his cell could be traced so he left it behind. He knows using his credit card would give away his location.” He paused, “You know Mikey, I get that you’re worried but maybe you shouldn’t be. Maybe he just needed some time to get his head straight about things.”
“Gee has never done anything like this before.” Mikey said softly, “We’ve always stayed in contact.”
The waitress reappeared with their orders.
When they were alone again Mikey spoke totally ignoring his lunch. “But you’ll run the plates?”
“Sure.” Dale nodded, “I’m just sorry I can’t help you anymore than that. But hey, I’m sure Gerard is okay. You’re just getting yourself worked up over nothing.”
“You know what’s going on.” Mikey reminded him. “He’s got a hell of a mess he needs to deal with. This shit just ain’t gonna go away.”
_______________________________________________________
Gerard glanced up from his writing to look over at Lucy. She was curled up on the sofa, legal pad in hand, reading his work. “Uh, so you able to read my handwriting?”
She nodded without looking up, “So far.”
He frowned having hoped for some kind of comment on his story. He turned his attention back to the paper in front of him. A moment later she was at his side.
“What’s this word?” She asked pointing to the paper.
He glanced down, “Oh” he grinned, “It’s supposed to be accelerated. Spelled it wrong.”
She giggled, “I thought so, just wanted to make sure.” She returned to her previous spot.
He tapped his fingers on the deck, “So what do you think?” He finally asked feeling a bit nervous, wanting her opinion but dreading it at the same time.
Lucy looked up, “This is really good. You’ve captured my attention from the start.”
Gerard’s eyes narrowed, “You’re not just saying that?”
“No” She smiled, “I’m not just saying that to please you. I really mean it. I love the main character and that’s important. I can’t stand reading a book where I don’t care if the main character lives or dies. I like this guy, but it’s more than that.” She set the pad down on her lap trying to put her feelings into words, “The way you write, describe things, makes me feel like I’m there, in the story. And the main character, the way you’ve written his thoughts, I can feel his internal struggle. Yeah, he’s done some bad things but that doesn’t make me hate him because I can tell he’s trying to admit those truths to himself, and change.
Gerard cringed inwardly knowing how much of himself he’d put into that character.
Lucy went on. “His struggles make him very human, very believable.”
He beamed under her praise. “Thanks.”
“It’s true. Honestly Gerard this is better than a lot of published novels I’ve read. It’s obvious to me you’re a writer and a damned good one.”
The guilt that washed over him was hard to hide. He turned back to the paper to write again. He was shocked when he heard her voice standing next to him. He’d been so lost in the story he hadn’t heard her move.
“If you’d like.” She said sounding unsure, “I could type this up I’m actually pretty good at typing. I was just thinking it might help you later on.”
The fact that she wanted to be a part of this pleased him. “That would be great if you’re sure you don’t mind.”
“It’s the least I can do.” She smiled, “I mean I know this would be easier for you if I had a computer.”
“Hey, I’m sorta liking the old school way.” He grinned. Inside he was jumping for joy, this meant they would be spending even more time together, working side by side.
“The typewriter is in the closet. Not sure how much paper I have we might need to go into Iola for more.”
As she started for the door he spoke. “Lucy, thanks.”
The smile she gave him filled his heart with happiness.
______________________________________________________
Lucy stopped typing for a minute to stretch her arms. For the past few hours she’d been working on the two legal pads Gerard had filled stopping often to ask questions when she couldn’t quite make out what he’d written. She’s been very pleased when he’d asked her opinion on several points.
Gerard looked up from his spot on the sofa, now that the desk had been turned over to Lucy and the typewriter, to see why she’s stopped.
“Gonna stretch my legs and get a glass of ice water, would you like one?”
While part of him wanted to join her in her break he was in the middle of a very important chapter. “Sure, thanks.” He nodded then returned to his writing.
When she returned she set his glass of water on the table then moved back over to the desk.
Gerard finished the sentence he was writing the sat forward reaching for his glass.
“Uh” She said swiveling in her chair. “I think this sentence needs a little work.”
He took a drink, placed the glass back on the table then walked over to the desk. Leaning over her shoulder he read then sentence she pointed out but, try as he might, reading the words wasn’t nearly as interesting as her neck. She’d put her curly hair up in a bun leaving the soft skin nicely exposed.
“See?” She said waiting for him to comment. “I sorta think it’s too long.” When his lips pressed against the side of her neck she giggled, “You’re not even reading it are you?”
His laugh vibrated against her skin sending a chill down her spine. “I was trying to but your neck was begging me to kiss it.”
“My neck would do no such thing.” She laughed. “Now pay attention. I want to get this chapter finished.”
“Slave driver.” He muttered turning his attention to the paper. “Damn, you’re right. That is a run on sentence from hell.”
“Yep.” She picked up her red pencil then turned to the legal pad. “What if…” She crossed out a few words the inserted two commas. “We do that?”
He loved how she said “we’. “Yeah, that’s much better. Now stop bothering me, woman.” He kidded.
“Bothering you?” Bothering you? Excuse me Mr. Kissy Lips, but you’re the one bothering me.”
Gerard laughed, “Kissy lips?”
Lucy loved being playful with him. “Yes, kissy lips. Your kissy lips we’re distracting me.”
“I’ll show you kissy lips.” He growled snaking his arms around her body, pinning her to the chair. He leaned down and started placing soft kisses up and down her neck.
“Oh” Lucy leaned back as a shiver ran down her spine. “I’ll never finish at this rate.”
He swiftly swiveled the chair around and she found herself facing Gerard who had fallen to his knees. “Oh, you’re gonna finish.” He growled giving her that smile that made her blush from head to toe. “A big finish that’s gonna make your toes curl.”
Lucy grabbed the arms of the chair trying to scoot back. “Gerard, you have work to do.”
“Nope, I’m on my break.” He said running his fingers up her bare legs. “You took a break.”
“I just went into the kitchen to get water.”
His fingers continued their upward march. “You spent your break the way you wanted now I’m gonna spend mine doing what I want.”
“And what is it you want?” She whispered feeling her body already reacting to his touch.
He looked up into her face, “I’m gonna spend my break giving a certain beautiful woman some pleasure because doing so makes me very happy.”
“Gee” She started to go on but when his fingers started to tug down her shorts her mouth snapped shut.
“Just lean back and relax.” He whispered as he tugged down her shorts. The panties were next.
“I’m not exactly relaxed.” Lucy said softly still clutching the arms of the chair. “Nope, not relaxed at all.”
He grinned, “Oh, that’s too bad.”
Lucy took a deep breath as she watched his tongue lick a hot, wet path up leg. He moved his body forward in the process pushing her legs apart. Now his tongue could flick and tease her inner thigh.
“Gee.” She moaned his name softly.
“You purr like a kitten.” He blew on the wet path delighted to see her shiver. “And you purr for me.”
“Just for you.” Lucy whispered.
Her words warmed his heart. He reached around to gently push her bottom making her slide closer to the edge of the seat. Now he had perfect access to her heat. “God Lucy.” He ground out, “You’re so hot and wet.”
“Your fault.” She said closing her eyes, letting the feel of his tongue flicking her nub take over.
He continued to tease the nub then alternate by quick strokes of his tongue up and down her slit. Soon she was moaning loudly. Gerard spoke without raising her head “That’s it sweetheart. Let me hear you.” While his mouth lowered to press against her sex his fingers reached up for her breasts.
“Oh” Lucy moaned feeling it building. “Yes”
His tongue flicked, his fingers tweaked. Lucy’s moans filled his ears. When suddenly he felt her whole body tense he knew the orgasm was peaking. He continued to make love to her with his mouth until her body relaxed. Slowly he looked up. “Good?”
She opened her eyes to see his adorable grin. “Yeah, good. No, strike that. Much better than good.”
He leaned back on his heels. “Glad to hear that. I aim to please.”
“Goof.” She softly pushed her foot against his chest.
He grabbed her bare foot and as she watched he kissed her ankle.
“Gee?”
Suddenly her playful tone was gone. He looked up questioningly.
“This scares me.” She whispered.
He dropped her foot then moved to take her hand. “I know, me too.”
The moment was broken by the sound of Rex barking.
“Shit, someone must be here.” Lucy said quickly getting out of the chair then pulling up her shorts.
“Blue pickup truck at the end of the driveway” Gerard had pushed open the drapes. “It’s backing out now. Just turning around I guess.” Silently he was cursing the truck for its horribly timing.
Lucy nodded, “That happens a lot. Probably someone who’d come to see the ghost town.”
Gerard dropped the drape back into place. “You know you still haven’t given me my private tour.”
Lucy grinned, “We should go tomorrow morning before it gets too hot. I’ll take my camera.”
“Cool.”
“So anyway” Lucy took a deep breath, “What would you like for dinner?”
He sighed understanding it was important not to push her but wishing with all his heart he could rewind time to the point she’d admitted she was scared about their relationship. “What do we have to throw on the grill?”
“Well” She said slowly, “Not a whole lot. We’re definitely gonna have to go to the grocery store soon. If we’re gonna grill it will have to be hamburgers.” She smiled “Oh, and we could have some zucchini too.”
“Zucchini"
Lucy smiled, “Yeah. Don’t tell me you’ve never had it.”
He walked back over to the sofa to sit. “Only fried and I wasn’t a fan.”
“Well then you are in for a treat. It’s great on the grill, I cut it into chunks and season with pepper, garlic salt and a bit of butter.”
He grinned, “Well I’m up for trying new things.” His voice was low and husky, “Aren’t you?”
Lucy caught his meaning, “Oh, I know you’re definitely up to it.” Her body was still reeling from the orgasm, “Me too.”
Their eyes locked filled with desire. It was Lucy who broke the spell, “But right now I’m going to finish this chapter and you are going to write a bit more.”
He sighed dramatically, “Man, you are a slave driver.”
“Just doing my part to help the next great novelist work.” She turned back to the typewriter.
Gerard watched her a moment with a smile on his face, watching as she worked to put his words into type. However, a moment later his smile faded, she believed he was going to be some great novelist. He had no such expectations. If his work did get published it would be because he’d trade on the name he’d already made for himself.
Lucy stopped typing instinctively knowing something was wrong. “Gee?”
“Just thinking, I’m kinda stuck on a plot point.” He lied.
“Oh, okay.” She smiled. “So a bit of writers block?”
He nodded going along with the lie.
She typed another few sentenced then stopped. Glancing over she saw he still was staring down at the paper. “Gee?”
“Yeah.”
“Uh, well, I just realized something…I don’t even know your last name.”
His heart began to race. “It’s Way.”
“Gerard Way.” She said slowly. “W-A-Y?”
He nodded not trusting his voice, no trading on his name at this moment.
Lucy gave him a curious look confused by the look on his face. “A nice name. Easy for readers to remember. I can definitely see it on a book jacket.”
He couldn’t deal with the guilt he was feeling. Throwing the legal pad on the table he stood. “I gotta think this plot point through. Maybe after dinner I can start again.”
“Oh, okay.” She nodded. “Well, I only have a few more paragraphs on this page.”
“Finish up.” He moved towards the door needing to put some distance between them to gather his thoughts. “I’m gonna go have a smoke and chat with Rex, maybe he can help me work this through.”
Lucy laughed, “Hey, if he does he’ll probably want to get a shout out in the author’s notes.”
He forced himself to smile, “If he helps me with this I might make him co-author.” He left the room quickly closing the door behind him. For a moment he simply stood at the door but when he heard the sound of Lucy typing he moved away, his head lowered, his emotions mixed. Sooner of later he’d have to come clean about who he really was and that was more frightening to him than anything in a horror book.
____________________________________________
Alicia placed her bag on the table then went in search of her husband. She knew he had planned on meeting Dale today and was hoping he’d offered some helpful advice.
Mikey glanced up as she walked into the study but his thoughts were on the phone call he’d just answered. Gripping his cell tightly in his hand he spoke. “So you haven’t heard anything? He hasn’t used a credit card?”
Lindsey sighed, “I told you I’d call if I heard from him.”
“Right, I know.” He said quickly not wanting to anger his sister-in-law. “I just thought…”
“You thought that’s why I called.” Lindsey said “I get that. And just so you know I’ve called a lot of people myself trying to find him.”
Mikey was pleased by this admission. However that feeling passed quickly when she continued speaking.
“I need to talk to him” She paused, “Actually it doesn’t matter right now I just thought he should hear it from me.”
“Hear what?”
“I’ve retained a lawyer here in New York. I’m starting divorce proceedings.”
“Lindsey, no.”
Her voice was harsh. “Yeah, I have, it’s the right thing to do.”
“You and Gee need to talk this through.”
“There is nothing to talk about. I’m divorcing him. I want this over as soon as possible.”
Mikey leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. “Maybe if you just talked to him…”
“There is nothing to talk about.” She snapped. “Other than the details of the divorce.”
“Lindsey, don’t rush into anything.”
“I’m not rushing into anything, his has been a long time coming. I know I told Gerard I would stay married to him in name only but I realize now that was a mistake. We can’t do that, it wouldn’t be fair to Bandit.” Suddenly her tone softened, “Mikey, I get that this is hard for you to hear but your brother and I have done nothing but make each other miserable for over a year and a half. At first I wanted to blame him for everything and when this shit with Karli came up, that was what I did. But I know now it’s not all on him.” She paused, “Mikey, I don’t hate Gerard. He will always be a part of my life because of our daughter.” She paused again trying to get her emotions under control, “We had a lot of great times together but both of us changed, we grew apart.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Mikey whispered.
“I just wanted you to know before you found out some other way. And…” her voice grew unsteady, “I know how worried you are about him. But honestly Mikey, you shouldn’t. I’m sure he’s fine. He likes to run away from shit he doesn’t want to deal with, usually he just ignores it but this time he obviously really ran away. I’m sure when he gets tired of hiding he’ll come back, not caring how much shit he put you through.”
“Sorry, but it sounds like you do hate him.” Mikey said angrily.
“Sad thing is, I don’t.” Lindsey whispered. “The divorce is what’s best for both of us.” With that she disconnected.
“She’s divorcing him?” Alicia asked softly.
Mikey nodded while putting his cell down. “Yeah.”
She walked over then perched on the side of the desk. “You kinda saw this coming, right?”
Mikey sighed, “I didn’t want to. I wanted to believe they’d be able to work it out.”
“What did Dale say?” She asked trying to get his mind off Lindsey’s call.
“Not much really. He’s gonna run Gerard’s plates but that’s about all he can do. Gerard is an adult who obviously doesn’t want to be found.”
“Dale thinks that too?”
Mikey nodded.
She hated to see her husband this upset. Slipping off the desk she slowly moved to sit in his lap. Mikey immediately put his arms around her. “Hey” She whispered. “It’s all gonna be okay.”
He didn’t respond, he only hugged her tighter.
____________________________________________
“So what do you think?” Lucy asked watching as Gerard slowly chewed his first bite of grilled zucchini.
“This is pretty good.”
Lucy smiled, “Told you.”
“Yeah, you did and you we’re right.”
“When we go to the store we should get some corn on the cob and asparagus too. Both of those are great on the grill.”
“I like them both.”
“Me too.” She smiled then suddenly looked down.
Gerard was confused, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing is wrong.” She said looking up slowly, “I’m just…” She forced herself to admit the truth, “Just really stupidly happy.”
He reached across the table for her hand. “Stupidly happy?”
“Yeah” She nodded, “Stupidly happy. That’s happy for no real reason. I mean we’re just eating dinner.”
He gazed deeply into her eyes, “Eating dinner together.”
Lucy felt lost in the depth of his eyes, “Yeah, together.”
“So maybe that’s the reason for happy?”
She looked down at their clasped hands. “Gerard, you’ve turned my world upside down and…”
“It scares you.” He whispered.
She nodded without looking up. “Very much but it’s sorta a good scared.”
He laughed softly, “Stupidly happy, good scared. I love the way you phrase things.”
When she looked up her smile was huge. “Now you see why I’m not a writer.”
“In a way you are.” His thumb caressed her fingers, “You tell stories through your photographs.”
His words pleased her, “You think?”
“I know. Now lets finish our dinner before it gets cold.”
“Okey, dokey. And then you’re gonna write some more?”
He honestly hadn’t planned on it. “I don’t know.”
“Oh Gerard, you have to. I’m dying to know what happens next.”
At that moment he knew the only thing he wanted was to bury himself in her, body and soul.
Gerard did return to his story after dinner while Lucy went back to typing. The hours passed quickly and now it was almost midnight.
“Hey” He said looking up to see her yawn. “It’s late, we should get some sleep if we’re gonna explore the town early tomorrow.”
Lucy pushed back from the deck, “Suppose you’re right. I am sorta tried.” She didn’t want to admit it to him but for the past hour her body was feeling very sluggish.
Gerard got up then went to the air conditioner to switch it off. Together they walked up the stairs.
“Well” Lucy said reaching the top step. “Good night, I guess.”
He took a step closer to her, “You guess?”
She sighed, “I really am tired.”
He reached out to brush a stray strand of hair from her eyes. “Me too. But..”
She waited staring into his eyes.
“I’d really like to hold you in my arms.”
Lucy’s breath caught, her emotions pulling her in two directions. “I’d like that too.” She whispered “But…” She glanced down the hallway towards this bedroom. When he understood her heart was deeply touched.
“You don’t want to sleep with me in the bed you shared with Rafe.”
She nodded looking down.
Gently he tilted up her chin with his fingertip. “Lucy, that’s okay. I understand your feelings. But I bet we could both fit nicely in your twin bed.”
Her heart began to race, “It’s sorta small.”
“All the better to cuddle in.”
“Yeah, that’s true.”
She was already in bed when Gerard returned after changing into sweatpants. He crawled in next to her and immediately she moved into his arms.
“This is nice.” She whispered laying her head on his chest.
“Very nice.” He kissed the top of her head, “Go to sleep my beautiful woman.”
Her eyes fluttered closed as she snuggled closer to his body grateful for the cool night breeze coming through the windows. “Nite Gee.”
“Nite, Lucy.”
Soon she fell asleep but for hours Gerard stayed awake lost in so many thoughts and fears.
“Hey” Dale said reaching the table. “Long time no see. It was great to get your call.”
Mikey forced himself to smile, “Yeah, it’s been too long. Have a seat.” As soon as Dale sat down Mikey got right to the point. “I need your impute on something.”
Dale, a law enforcement officer here in LA, nodded. “Sure, what’s up? You in some kind of trouble?” He asked lowering his voice.
Mikey sighed, “Not me, my brother.”
“Oh” Dale was obviously surprised, “Is it something I can help with?” He asked his mind going over possible scenarios.
The waitress appeared momentarily derailing the conversation. They both ordered then waited until she walked away from the table.
“Okay” Dale said, “So, tell me how you think I can help.”
Mikey looked at him closely. “Uh, Gee’s having some marital problems.”
Dale sighed, “I’ve heard.”
“Internet?”
“Yeah” Dale nodded, “It was brought to my attention by Josh Rice.” He explained naming a mutual friend. “Man, I’m really sorry but I’m not sure why you think I can help. Seems like that’s more of a legal problem. I’m guessing the woman didn’t sign a Confidentiality Agreement?”
Nervously Mikey took a sip of water then spoke. “No, she didn’t but that’s not why I wanted to talk to you. See, Gerard left town over a week ago and no one has heard from him since.”
Dale digested this information. “Okay” He said slowly. “Can’t you just call him?”
Mikey sighed, “He and Lindsey had a fight, she took off for New York. The last person he talked to was his friend Joe who said Gerard was very adjudicated and confused. As far as anyone can figure, Gee took off after that but he left his phone behind.”
“So what aren’t you telling me?” Dale asked.
“I went to his house, obviously he’d been drinking, smashed a glass against the wall…”
Dale, who knew Gerard, understood. “He’s drinking a lot again?”
Mikey nodded sadly, “Yeah, he has been. I’ve talked to Lindsey and she’s been checking, he hasn’t used any of his credit cards.”
“He doesn’t want to leave a trail.”
“I guess that’s true but he did withdraw money from the back before he left. Dale, I gotta tell you I’m worried sick. The fact that he left his phone behind, the fact that he’s not been in contact with anyone…I’m just wondering what I can do. Far as I know he didn’t take his laptop so I’m not sure if he even knows what the fuck is going on.”
“And you have no idea where he might be?”
“None.”
Dale thought a minute, “Well the problem is as far as the law is concerned he’s an adult who obviously doesn’t want to be found.”
“But what if something has happened to him?” Mikey asked.
“Has he missed any scheduled appointments?”
Mikey sighed, “No, we’re supposed to be on vacation for a month. Gee had cleared his calendar to spend time at home.”
“You know which vehicle he took?”
“Yeah”
Dale shrugged, “Well I can run his plates, see if anything turns up, if he’s been stopped for some reason but if not…I’m really sorry but from what you’ve just told me there really isn’t much you can do. Obviously he knew his cell could be traced so he left it behind. He knows using his credit card would give away his location.” He paused, “You know Mikey, I get that you’re worried but maybe you shouldn’t be. Maybe he just needed some time to get his head straight about things.”
“Gee has never done anything like this before.” Mikey said softly, “We’ve always stayed in contact.”
The waitress reappeared with their orders.
When they were alone again Mikey spoke totally ignoring his lunch. “But you’ll run the plates?”
“Sure.” Dale nodded, “I’m just sorry I can’t help you anymore than that. But hey, I’m sure Gerard is okay. You’re just getting yourself worked up over nothing.”
“You know what’s going on.” Mikey reminded him. “He’s got a hell of a mess he needs to deal with. This shit just ain’t gonna go away.”
_______________________________________________________
Gerard glanced up from his writing to look over at Lucy. She was curled up on the sofa, legal pad in hand, reading his work. “Uh, so you able to read my handwriting?”
She nodded without looking up, “So far.”
He frowned having hoped for some kind of comment on his story. He turned his attention back to the paper in front of him. A moment later she was at his side.
“What’s this word?” She asked pointing to the paper.
He glanced down, “Oh” he grinned, “It’s supposed to be accelerated. Spelled it wrong.”
She giggled, “I thought so, just wanted to make sure.” She returned to her previous spot.
He tapped his fingers on the deck, “So what do you think?” He finally asked feeling a bit nervous, wanting her opinion but dreading it at the same time.
Lucy looked up, “This is really good. You’ve captured my attention from the start.”
Gerard’s eyes narrowed, “You’re not just saying that?”
“No” She smiled, “I’m not just saying that to please you. I really mean it. I love the main character and that’s important. I can’t stand reading a book where I don’t care if the main character lives or dies. I like this guy, but it’s more than that.” She set the pad down on her lap trying to put her feelings into words, “The way you write, describe things, makes me feel like I’m there, in the story. And the main character, the way you’ve written his thoughts, I can feel his internal struggle. Yeah, he’s done some bad things but that doesn’t make me hate him because I can tell he’s trying to admit those truths to himself, and change.
Gerard cringed inwardly knowing how much of himself he’d put into that character.
Lucy went on. “His struggles make him very human, very believable.”
He beamed under her praise. “Thanks.”
“It’s true. Honestly Gerard this is better than a lot of published novels I’ve read. It’s obvious to me you’re a writer and a damned good one.”
The guilt that washed over him was hard to hide. He turned back to the paper to write again. He was shocked when he heard her voice standing next to him. He’d been so lost in the story he hadn’t heard her move.
“If you’d like.” She said sounding unsure, “I could type this up I’m actually pretty good at typing. I was just thinking it might help you later on.”
The fact that she wanted to be a part of this pleased him. “That would be great if you’re sure you don’t mind.”
“It’s the least I can do.” She smiled, “I mean I know this would be easier for you if I had a computer.”
“Hey, I’m sorta liking the old school way.” He grinned. Inside he was jumping for joy, this meant they would be spending even more time together, working side by side.
“The typewriter is in the closet. Not sure how much paper I have we might need to go into Iola for more.”
As she started for the door he spoke. “Lucy, thanks.”
The smile she gave him filled his heart with happiness.
______________________________________________________
Lucy stopped typing for a minute to stretch her arms. For the past few hours she’d been working on the two legal pads Gerard had filled stopping often to ask questions when she couldn’t quite make out what he’d written. She’s been very pleased when he’d asked her opinion on several points.
Gerard looked up from his spot on the sofa, now that the desk had been turned over to Lucy and the typewriter, to see why she’s stopped.
“Gonna stretch my legs and get a glass of ice water, would you like one?”
While part of him wanted to join her in her break he was in the middle of a very important chapter. “Sure, thanks.” He nodded then returned to his writing.
When she returned she set his glass of water on the table then moved back over to the desk.
Gerard finished the sentence he was writing the sat forward reaching for his glass.
“Uh” She said swiveling in her chair. “I think this sentence needs a little work.”
He took a drink, placed the glass back on the table then walked over to the desk. Leaning over her shoulder he read then sentence she pointed out but, try as he might, reading the words wasn’t nearly as interesting as her neck. She’d put her curly hair up in a bun leaving the soft skin nicely exposed.
“See?” She said waiting for him to comment. “I sorta think it’s too long.” When his lips pressed against the side of her neck she giggled, “You’re not even reading it are you?”
His laugh vibrated against her skin sending a chill down her spine. “I was trying to but your neck was begging me to kiss it.”
“My neck would do no such thing.” She laughed. “Now pay attention. I want to get this chapter finished.”
“Slave driver.” He muttered turning his attention to the paper. “Damn, you’re right. That is a run on sentence from hell.”
“Yep.” She picked up her red pencil then turned to the legal pad. “What if…” She crossed out a few words the inserted two commas. “We do that?”
He loved how she said “we’. “Yeah, that’s much better. Now stop bothering me, woman.” He kidded.
“Bothering you?” Bothering you? Excuse me Mr. Kissy Lips, but you’re the one bothering me.”
Gerard laughed, “Kissy lips?”
Lucy loved being playful with him. “Yes, kissy lips. Your kissy lips we’re distracting me.”
“I’ll show you kissy lips.” He growled snaking his arms around her body, pinning her to the chair. He leaned down and started placing soft kisses up and down her neck.
“Oh” Lucy leaned back as a shiver ran down her spine. “I’ll never finish at this rate.”
He swiftly swiveled the chair around and she found herself facing Gerard who had fallen to his knees. “Oh, you’re gonna finish.” He growled giving her that smile that made her blush from head to toe. “A big finish that’s gonna make your toes curl.”
Lucy grabbed the arms of the chair trying to scoot back. “Gerard, you have work to do.”
“Nope, I’m on my break.” He said running his fingers up her bare legs. “You took a break.”
“I just went into the kitchen to get water.”
His fingers continued their upward march. “You spent your break the way you wanted now I’m gonna spend mine doing what I want.”
“And what is it you want?” She whispered feeling her body already reacting to his touch.
He looked up into her face, “I’m gonna spend my break giving a certain beautiful woman some pleasure because doing so makes me very happy.”
“Gee” She started to go on but when his fingers started to tug down her shorts her mouth snapped shut.
“Just lean back and relax.” He whispered as he tugged down her shorts. The panties were next.
“I’m not exactly relaxed.” Lucy said softly still clutching the arms of the chair. “Nope, not relaxed at all.”
He grinned, “Oh, that’s too bad.”
Lucy took a deep breath as she watched his tongue lick a hot, wet path up leg. He moved his body forward in the process pushing her legs apart. Now his tongue could flick and tease her inner thigh.
“Gee.” She moaned his name softly.
“You purr like a kitten.” He blew on the wet path delighted to see her shiver. “And you purr for me.”
“Just for you.” Lucy whispered.
Her words warmed his heart. He reached around to gently push her bottom making her slide closer to the edge of the seat. Now he had perfect access to her heat. “God Lucy.” He ground out, “You’re so hot and wet.”
“Your fault.” She said closing her eyes, letting the feel of his tongue flicking her nub take over.
He continued to tease the nub then alternate by quick strokes of his tongue up and down her slit. Soon she was moaning loudly. Gerard spoke without raising her head “That’s it sweetheart. Let me hear you.” While his mouth lowered to press against her sex his fingers reached up for her breasts.
“Oh” Lucy moaned feeling it building. “Yes”
His tongue flicked, his fingers tweaked. Lucy’s moans filled his ears. When suddenly he felt her whole body tense he knew the orgasm was peaking. He continued to make love to her with his mouth until her body relaxed. Slowly he looked up. “Good?”
She opened her eyes to see his adorable grin. “Yeah, good. No, strike that. Much better than good.”
He leaned back on his heels. “Glad to hear that. I aim to please.”
“Goof.” She softly pushed her foot against his chest.
He grabbed her bare foot and as she watched he kissed her ankle.
“Gee?”
Suddenly her playful tone was gone. He looked up questioningly.
“This scares me.” She whispered.
He dropped her foot then moved to take her hand. “I know, me too.”
The moment was broken by the sound of Rex barking.
“Shit, someone must be here.” Lucy said quickly getting out of the chair then pulling up her shorts.
“Blue pickup truck at the end of the driveway” Gerard had pushed open the drapes. “It’s backing out now. Just turning around I guess.” Silently he was cursing the truck for its horribly timing.
Lucy nodded, “That happens a lot. Probably someone who’d come to see the ghost town.”
Gerard dropped the drape back into place. “You know you still haven’t given me my private tour.”
Lucy grinned, “We should go tomorrow morning before it gets too hot. I’ll take my camera.”
“Cool.”
“So anyway” Lucy took a deep breath, “What would you like for dinner?”
He sighed understanding it was important not to push her but wishing with all his heart he could rewind time to the point she’d admitted she was scared about their relationship. “What do we have to throw on the grill?”
“Well” She said slowly, “Not a whole lot. We’re definitely gonna have to go to the grocery store soon. If we’re gonna grill it will have to be hamburgers.” She smiled “Oh, and we could have some zucchini too.”
“Zucchini"
Lucy smiled, “Yeah. Don’t tell me you’ve never had it.”
He walked back over to the sofa to sit. “Only fried and I wasn’t a fan.”
“Well then you are in for a treat. It’s great on the grill, I cut it into chunks and season with pepper, garlic salt and a bit of butter.”
He grinned, “Well I’m up for trying new things.” His voice was low and husky, “Aren’t you?”
Lucy caught his meaning, “Oh, I know you’re definitely up to it.” Her body was still reeling from the orgasm, “Me too.”
Their eyes locked filled with desire. It was Lucy who broke the spell, “But right now I’m going to finish this chapter and you are going to write a bit more.”
He sighed dramatically, “Man, you are a slave driver.”
“Just doing my part to help the next great novelist work.” She turned back to the typewriter.
Gerard watched her a moment with a smile on his face, watching as she worked to put his words into type. However, a moment later his smile faded, she believed he was going to be some great novelist. He had no such expectations. If his work did get published it would be because he’d trade on the name he’d already made for himself.
Lucy stopped typing instinctively knowing something was wrong. “Gee?”
“Just thinking, I’m kinda stuck on a plot point.” He lied.
“Oh, okay.” She smiled. “So a bit of writers block?”
He nodded going along with the lie.
She typed another few sentenced then stopped. Glancing over she saw he still was staring down at the paper. “Gee?”
“Yeah.”
“Uh, well, I just realized something…I don’t even know your last name.”
His heart began to race. “It’s Way.”
“Gerard Way.” She said slowly. “W-A-Y?”
He nodded not trusting his voice, no trading on his name at this moment.
Lucy gave him a curious look confused by the look on his face. “A nice name. Easy for readers to remember. I can definitely see it on a book jacket.”
He couldn’t deal with the guilt he was feeling. Throwing the legal pad on the table he stood. “I gotta think this plot point through. Maybe after dinner I can start again.”
“Oh, okay.” She nodded. “Well, I only have a few more paragraphs on this page.”
“Finish up.” He moved towards the door needing to put some distance between them to gather his thoughts. “I’m gonna go have a smoke and chat with Rex, maybe he can help me work this through.”
Lucy laughed, “Hey, if he does he’ll probably want to get a shout out in the author’s notes.”
He forced himself to smile, “If he helps me with this I might make him co-author.” He left the room quickly closing the door behind him. For a moment he simply stood at the door but when he heard the sound of Lucy typing he moved away, his head lowered, his emotions mixed. Sooner of later he’d have to come clean about who he really was and that was more frightening to him than anything in a horror book.
____________________________________________
Alicia placed her bag on the table then went in search of her husband. She knew he had planned on meeting Dale today and was hoping he’d offered some helpful advice.
Mikey glanced up as she walked into the study but his thoughts were on the phone call he’d just answered. Gripping his cell tightly in his hand he spoke. “So you haven’t heard anything? He hasn’t used a credit card?”
Lindsey sighed, “I told you I’d call if I heard from him.”
“Right, I know.” He said quickly not wanting to anger his sister-in-law. “I just thought…”
“You thought that’s why I called.” Lindsey said “I get that. And just so you know I’ve called a lot of people myself trying to find him.”
Mikey was pleased by this admission. However that feeling passed quickly when she continued speaking.
“I need to talk to him” She paused, “Actually it doesn’t matter right now I just thought he should hear it from me.”
“Hear what?”
“I’ve retained a lawyer here in New York. I’m starting divorce proceedings.”
“Lindsey, no.”
Her voice was harsh. “Yeah, I have, it’s the right thing to do.”
“You and Gee need to talk this through.”
“There is nothing to talk about. I’m divorcing him. I want this over as soon as possible.”
Mikey leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. “Maybe if you just talked to him…”
“There is nothing to talk about.” She snapped. “Other than the details of the divorce.”
“Lindsey, don’t rush into anything.”
“I’m not rushing into anything, his has been a long time coming. I know I told Gerard I would stay married to him in name only but I realize now that was a mistake. We can’t do that, it wouldn’t be fair to Bandit.” Suddenly her tone softened, “Mikey, I get that this is hard for you to hear but your brother and I have done nothing but make each other miserable for over a year and a half. At first I wanted to blame him for everything and when this shit with Karli came up, that was what I did. But I know now it’s not all on him.” She paused, “Mikey, I don’t hate Gerard. He will always be a part of my life because of our daughter.” She paused again trying to get her emotions under control, “We had a lot of great times together but both of us changed, we grew apart.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Mikey whispered.
“I just wanted you to know before you found out some other way. And…” her voice grew unsteady, “I know how worried you are about him. But honestly Mikey, you shouldn’t. I’m sure he’s fine. He likes to run away from shit he doesn’t want to deal with, usually he just ignores it but this time he obviously really ran away. I’m sure when he gets tired of hiding he’ll come back, not caring how much shit he put you through.”
“Sorry, but it sounds like you do hate him.” Mikey said angrily.
“Sad thing is, I don’t.” Lindsey whispered. “The divorce is what’s best for both of us.” With that she disconnected.
“She’s divorcing him?” Alicia asked softly.
Mikey nodded while putting his cell down. “Yeah.”
She walked over then perched on the side of the desk. “You kinda saw this coming, right?”
Mikey sighed, “I didn’t want to. I wanted to believe they’d be able to work it out.”
“What did Dale say?” She asked trying to get his mind off Lindsey’s call.
“Not much really. He’s gonna run Gerard’s plates but that’s about all he can do. Gerard is an adult who obviously doesn’t want to be found.”
“Dale thinks that too?”
Mikey nodded.
She hated to see her husband this upset. Slipping off the desk she slowly moved to sit in his lap. Mikey immediately put his arms around her. “Hey” She whispered. “It’s all gonna be okay.”
He didn’t respond, he only hugged her tighter.
____________________________________________
“So what do you think?” Lucy asked watching as Gerard slowly chewed his first bite of grilled zucchini.
“This is pretty good.”
Lucy smiled, “Told you.”
“Yeah, you did and you we’re right.”
“When we go to the store we should get some corn on the cob and asparagus too. Both of those are great on the grill.”
“I like them both.”
“Me too.” She smiled then suddenly looked down.
Gerard was confused, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing is wrong.” She said looking up slowly, “I’m just…” She forced herself to admit the truth, “Just really stupidly happy.”
He reached across the table for her hand. “Stupidly happy?”
“Yeah” She nodded, “Stupidly happy. That’s happy for no real reason. I mean we’re just eating dinner.”
He gazed deeply into her eyes, “Eating dinner together.”
Lucy felt lost in the depth of his eyes, “Yeah, together.”
“So maybe that’s the reason for happy?”
She looked down at their clasped hands. “Gerard, you’ve turned my world upside down and…”
“It scares you.” He whispered.
She nodded without looking up. “Very much but it’s sorta a good scared.”
He laughed softly, “Stupidly happy, good scared. I love the way you phrase things.”
When she looked up her smile was huge. “Now you see why I’m not a writer.”
“In a way you are.” His thumb caressed her fingers, “You tell stories through your photographs.”
His words pleased her, “You think?”
“I know. Now lets finish our dinner before it gets cold.”
“Okey, dokey. And then you’re gonna write some more?”
He honestly hadn’t planned on it. “I don’t know.”
“Oh Gerard, you have to. I’m dying to know what happens next.”
At that moment he knew the only thing he wanted was to bury himself in her, body and soul.
Gerard did return to his story after dinner while Lucy went back to typing. The hours passed quickly and now it was almost midnight.
“Hey” He said looking up to see her yawn. “It’s late, we should get some sleep if we’re gonna explore the town early tomorrow.”
Lucy pushed back from the deck, “Suppose you’re right. I am sorta tried.” She didn’t want to admit it to him but for the past hour her body was feeling very sluggish.
Gerard got up then went to the air conditioner to switch it off. Together they walked up the stairs.
“Well” Lucy said reaching the top step. “Good night, I guess.”
He took a step closer to her, “You guess?”
She sighed, “I really am tired.”
He reached out to brush a stray strand of hair from her eyes. “Me too. But..”
She waited staring into his eyes.
“I’d really like to hold you in my arms.”
Lucy’s breath caught, her emotions pulling her in two directions. “I’d like that too.” She whispered “But…” She glanced down the hallway towards this bedroom. When he understood her heart was deeply touched.
“You don’t want to sleep with me in the bed you shared with Rafe.”
She nodded looking down.
Gently he tilted up her chin with his fingertip. “Lucy, that’s okay. I understand your feelings. But I bet we could both fit nicely in your twin bed.”
Her heart began to race, “It’s sorta small.”
“All the better to cuddle in.”
“Yeah, that’s true.”
She was already in bed when Gerard returned after changing into sweatpants. He crawled in next to her and immediately she moved into his arms.
“This is nice.” She whispered laying her head on his chest.
“Very nice.” He kissed the top of her head, “Go to sleep my beautiful woman.”
Her eyes fluttered closed as she snuggled closer to his body grateful for the cool night breeze coming through the windows. “Nite Gee.”
“Nite, Lucy.”
Soon she fell asleep but for hours Gerard stayed awake lost in so many thoughts and fears.
I absolutely loved this story! You are a very gifted writer & I
hope to find & read your other stories. I also look forward to reading Gerard’s book. Thank you!
1/4/18