My Kind Of Bad

Chapter 7

Billy was in good spirits. And the lasagna he had made from scratch was delicious. Neera hadn’t tasted anything as nice as that meal. Everything was homemade, right down to the garlic bread. She sipped at her water as Billy talked with Kurt and made jokes, discussing what had happened that day with some of his crew members.

It was nice being in the company of people who were warm and friendly. Kurt had made the right decision. If Neera had had any say she would have been at home still depressed and worrying about things that would happen in the morning. But Kurt had decided that what she needed were people around her.

Neera was glad she had been talked out of staying at home.

Billy sipped at his wine and turned to Neera, who sat opposite Kurt. Taylor sat next to Neera opposite her husband.

“So, Neera, how was work today? Kurt says you work in an architect firm as a receptionist.”

Neera glanced at Kurt, who raised an eyebrow before focusing on his meal.

“I did.”

“Did?”

“I walked out today.”

Neera looked down at the food, not wanting to look anyone in the eye. She wasn’t the one in the wrong but she still felt embarrassed. It had only happened a few hours ago and she was still feeling a little raw.

“My boss…he said he was going to fire me because I didn’t let him know about his wife coming in while he screwed his secretary. He tried to blackmail me with s*x. Said if I had s*x with him I could keep my job.”

Taylor gasped. Billy swore softly. Neera felt comforted by their reaction.

“And what did you say?” Taylor asked.

“I told him where he could shove it.”

“Good for you.” Billy’s voice was warm. Neera looked up and saw him smiling at her. “No woman should have to deal with that. Although it must be a bummer that you haven’t got a job now.”

Neera shrugged.

“I’ll find something. I have a good work ethic and no workplace is allowed to give a bad reference. I’ll find something.”

“Well, I may have something.” Billy glanced at Kurt. “I’m not much of a bookmaker and I have a lot of books to look after. Plus me and paperwork aren’t best friends.”

“You should see his office.” Taylor laughed. “It’s waist-high with paper. You have to virtually swim through it.”

Kurt chuckled.

“I can verify that.”

Billy grinned. He tore apart a piece of garlic bread.

“I’ve been thinking about getting an admin assistant. Someone who’s good with numbers.” He paused. “Kurt said you studied mathematics in university and wanted a job in accounting. It’s not much but I can pay you well and you’d be doing me a favor. It could help you until you find something better. Would you like it?”

Neera stared at him. He was offering her a job? She looked at Kurt, who sipped his wine and looked everywhere but at her. She wondered what he had done.

“Did you put him up to this?”

Kurt finally met her eyes and grinned.

“I plead the fifth.”

Taylor giggled. Neera knew that Kurt had spoken to Billy about it, probably while she was in the bath. That would explain why they were here. But she couldn’t be mad for doing it behind her back. He was only trying to help.

She gave him a swift kick under the table, not able to wipe the smile off Kurt’s face, and smiled at Billy.

“I’d love to do it. I’ve always wanted a job in accounting.”

“Great.” Billy grinned back. “Would you start on Monday?”

“I can start tomorrow if you want.”

Billy laughed.

“I’d love you to start then as well but give yourself a couple of days to relax and enjoy yourself. It’s going to be pretty intense.”

Neera could handle intense. She thrived on it. She looked at Kurt, whose eyes were twinkling.

Maybe she was hasty in her pre-conceived idea of bikers. They were lovely people and they accepted her. That hadn’t happened for a long time outside of her friendship with Rita, Elizabeth and Petra.

Neera felt like she was finally at home.

The front door opened and closed. Voices sounded in the hallway. Neera froze, her fork halfway to her mouth. She recognized the male voice. And she had hoped she wouldn’t hear it again.

While she had been lucky not to run into Jason since seeing him at the barbecue, Neera had figured it would only be a matter of time before she ran into him.

Neo appeared in the doorway. She was dressed in tight black trousers and a top that could only be described as a bra. She stopped when she saw Neera, who tried not to squirm under her sudden scowl.

“I didn’t know you were here.” She sneered.

Neera had a feeling Jason had been saying something about her. Neo had even spoken to her so that seemed like the only logical explanation. She looked away. Billy frowned at his daughter.

“Neo, where have you been?”

“Out.” Neo said shortly. She nodded at the table. “Is there anything left? Jason and I are starving.”

Taylor glanced at Neera, concern in her eyes. She lowered her glass.

“Neo, are you sure you should bring that man in here? He and Neera have history and it’s pretty recent. We’re not turfing Neera out because your ‘boyfriend’ is here.”

“Then turf her out.” Neo said simply. She glared at her mother before drilling her glare into Neera. Then she snarled and turned away. “Jason and I will go to my room. We’ll come down when that woman’s gone.”

Neera didn’t breathe properly until Neo and Jason went up the stairs, the bedroom door slamming a moment later. She glanced at Kurt, who reached across and took her hand, giving it a squeeze.

She managed a smile back but now the food felt like lead in her stomach. Now she was beginning to wish she hadn’t agreed to coming.

*****

The evening had passed pleasantly enough. Kurt always enjoyed having meals at Billy’s. He hosted lots of parties and small intimate dinners for his people, cooking for everyone. He was an excellent cook. And Taylor, even with her flirting, was good company.

Neera had appeared to enjoy herself as well. She laughed and joked with Billy and had several in-depth conversations with Taylor. They were becoming fast friends and Kurt hoped that this would help Neera with her current situation regarding Jason.