In Search of Lucy (11 page)

The drive-by on the first hotel validated Benny’s reason for having two choices. Both girls made faces and shook their heads when Benny turned into the parking lot. The outside was very poorly lit, and there was a big rig truck parked along the long side of the lot. Two men leaned up against a small car with the door open playing music. You could barely make out their figures, but you could see the glowing of their cigarettes as they went from down by their sides to up by their mouths.

The second choice wasn’t Park Avenue, but it looked safe. It had a big drive-through entryway were you could park by the door for loading and unloading. Benny pulled up and ran inside to make sure they still had vacancies. The price was actually cheaper than they had originally thought, so they decided to get two rooms. The girls would share one, and Benny would have the advantage of getting his own room, although he may not have seen it that way. It was almost seven, and Benny took the opportunity to point out how
right on schedule
he was.

The Motel 6 in Tucson was conveniently located right across the street from Perry’s Pizza. Once all three were checked in and had their things settled in their rooms, they headed across the street on foot for dinner. “This is so cool.” Anne commented on how this was only the third time she’d stayed in a hotel room.

Benny and Lucy laughed as they all headed down the sidewalk to the light where they would cross. “You crack me up, girl,” Benny said, tucking his hands in his jeans pockets. “You are so easily pleased.”

“What? I’m just enjoying being here…with you guys.”

“Yeah,” Lucy added. “I just love walking the streets at night in a strange town.”

“That’s what’s so great.” Anne was a step ahead, so she pressed the button on the crosswalk. “We have Benny to take care of us.”

Benny puffed out his chest and wore a huge smile. “That’s right, girls, I’ll protect you if anything happens.”

“Oh brother!” Lucy shook her head. “Look what you got started, Anne.”

“Well it’s true.” Anne slipped an arm through Benny’s arm as if he were escorting her across the street. “Don’t you think so, Lucy?”

Benny was loving the attention, and Lucy’s uneasiness was an added bonus. When they reached the curb, he put an arm around her and gave her a good shake. “It’s okay, Lucita, I know I’m your hero. You don’t have to admit it.”

Lucy rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t help smiling just a little.

The pizza place was bathed in lacquered wood, with high-backed booths and octagonal tables. It was seat-yourself, and there were plenty of open tables. Of course Benny headed straight to a booth facing one of the two televisions in the place. Anne followed while Lucy headed to the bathroom. Both stalls were occupied, but she was the only one waiting.

When Lucy returned to the table, she found what appeared to be three iced teas already deposited in front of Anne and Benny. Anne was on the phone, so she asked Benny, “What’s with the teas? Don’t they have beer here?” Benny shrugged and pointed to Anne, who held up one finger and made an apologetic face.

“I’m so excited for you, Aunt Mary,” she said into the phone. “I wish I was there, though. Promise me you’ll be careful.” She tilted the bottom of the phone back towards her neck and whispered to the two of them, “Auntie’s got a date.” She gave a breathy giggle and spoke back in the phone. “I know. Okay. Love you…bye.”

“You ordered these?” Lucy asked Anne when she hung up.

“Uh…I hope you don’t mind.” She could tell Lucy didn’t get it by the confused look on her face. “I just thought…well, you really shouldn’t be drinking, right?”

“So you didn’t think I could make that decision for myself?” Lucy sat back against the booth and folded her arms. The truth was that she was probably angry because she really wanted a beer.

Anne leaned forward with her elbows rested on the table trying to muster up the right words. Benny was torn between the baseball game on the TV hanging from the ceiling and refereeing his own match right there at the table. Add to that the smell of melted cheese that was probably gnawing at his severely empty stomach.

“I’m sorry, Lucy. The server was here, and…I was just trying to help. Please don’t be mad at me,” Anne pleaded.

Lucy’s anger melted away with those last spoken words. That was the same thing Katie used to say to her when they were growing up. They both knew when their mother was angry that the consequences would most likely be disastrous. Katie worried that one day Lucy would lash out in the same way. There were times when Katie had done something wrong or was acting like a typical sassy child, and Lucy would begin to get frustrated with her. Katie always knew the exact right moment to utter those same words: “Lucy, please don’t be mad at me.” Lucy never wondered or even cared if it was a child’s tactic. She just took Katie in her arms and held her, telling her over and over again, “I could never be mad at you…I love you.” Lucy wished that had continued to be true. And she hoped that at least this visit—this situation—could help bring them back together.

“It’s no big deal,” Lucy said calmly. “You’re right. I’m just
really
hungry…and tired. I
do
need to be taking good care of myself now. So who’s the date with?”

“Oh…it’s Mr. Ahern.” Anne’s tone jumped right back to its normal pep. “It’s so adorable. She made him muffins when his parakeet died, and now he’s asked her to lunch. That counts as a date, right?” She didn’t wait for an answer. Benny shrugged but kept his eyes on the game. “I told her that definitely counts.” Lucy had stopped listening and didn’t even notice Anne’s phone ring again. “Yikes,” Anne said with a surprised look. “It’s Auntie again…better take this.” She shrugged an apology and walked toward the bathroom with the call.

The mention of dates made Lucy think of a time when her mother had a date. It was almost like Linda was her old self again, but it didn’t last long. The two days leading up to the date, she was home a lot—cleaning, painting her nails, and she even spent some quality time with Lucy and Katie. Lucy remembered how strange it was that her mother said, “This guy’s a real sweetheart. You’re gonna love him.” But the night of the date, Linda just stared out the window until she saw his car pull up, and then she ran out to meet him. All Lucy could see was a shadowy figure in the front seat of a blue jeep. The next day it was like it never happened. Lucy knew not to mention it, but she didn’t get to Katie in time to stop her from asking. “He was a jerk—most men are,” was the only thing her mother would say.

The three ordered their pizza and salad and talked about the drive over the next two days. Benny would try to get the girls dropped off in Fort Worth by dinner on Friday night. Then he would drive the hour to his cousin’s place in Dallas.

While they were still at dinner, Benny’s mom called to check in on him, Lucy sent a text to Katie updating their ETA, and Anne went up to get quarters for the arcade. They were trying to prolong going back to the hotel as they knew they would just be sitting around talking and watching television. In the corner of the restaurant was a small room with about six games including one pinball machine, a dance simulation game, and one of those claw machines that never seemed to pick up anything but your quarters. There were two children, who appeared to be brother and sister based on the arguing that was going on, pretending to play a car racing game. A teenager wearing shredded jeans and flip-flops was playing the pinball game, throwing out quiet swears every few seconds. He had one of those Beatles-type haircuts that was a bit longer in the front, and he kept flicking it back with his head.

Benny and Anne played a few games, with Lucy watching from her seat pretending to be busy on her phone. Anne gestured toward the teenager as she passed, shooting a
he’s cute
look to Lucy. But there was something else about the boy that fascinated her. He didn’t seem to be having fun playing, but was more focused on working something out in his head. Lucy sensed he was trouble, but then again it could have just been her cynicism. She reached over and grabbed the happy hour flyer that was on the table and a pencil from her purse, and she began sketching the boy. She seemed to look more at the boy than the paper, her hand moving automatically around the paper. Within minutes, a sketch appeared depicting a tall teenager with his hair accentuated across his face. She stared at it for a moment, then simply folded it up and put it in her purse. Then she walked over to join Anne and Benny.

After about thirty minutes, it was unanimous. They couldn’t deal with the game noises any longer, so they decided to head back and see what movies were available to purchase back in the room. It had gone from dusk to dark while they were inside, but the cool air felt nice, even to Lucy. As they walked they talked about their favorite type of movies; Anne liked the romances of course, and Benny was all about the thrillers. Lucy said she didn’t have a preference as long as Benny didn’t select from the “Adult Favorites” section. Anne confirmed that was a good point, and Lucy added that she probably would be on the computer for a while anyway.

Back at the hotel, all three gathered in the girls’ room. Benny relaxed in a black and green cushioned chair, plopping his feet on a small, fragile end table. Anne lay down on her stomach across the green and gold checkered bedspread, while Lucy was propped up with a pillow on the other bed. The laptop was closed and lying beside her as she ostensibly watched
The Breakup
, which was a compromise on Benny’s part. He was pushing for action, but he settled since he had heard the movie was funny and had one of his favorite actors, Vince Vaughn. He admired him for his genuine comedic presence.

Benny and Anne were enjoying the movie and exchanging looks and laughs during funny scenes, but Lucy was looking right through the screen. She couldn’t help thinking of Kyle and wondering what he was doing. She drafted her e-mail response to him in her own little computer brain. She had several ideas down and had almost worked out the final wording, so she reached for the computer and opened it up on her lap. She clicked on her e-mail and went right to the message from Kyle. She read it again just to make sure. Anne and Benny both pretended not to notice.

Waking up in the same room with someone was strange for Lucy. The first time she woke up, she wasn’t sure where she was. The thick, double-lined drapes were like an iron curtain blocking out any hint that daylight had arrived. Lucy assumed it was five or six in the morning until she squinted over at the clock that was between the two beds—ten after seven. That’s when she noticed Anne and reality set back in. Yes, this was all real. She
was
going to be reunited with her estranged sister, the one who’d abandoned her, who’d left her to deal with their absentee mother. Save Katie’s life by giving her one of her vital organs? No problem, Lucy was used to having her insides ripped out.

She thought about the day she’d finally moved out of the house. Her whole being had felt about as empty as that house. Lucy actually had a bit of hope on that day though. She tried to convince herself that it was a new beginning. Everyone and everything she had was gone from her life. Nowhere to go but up. Or so she let herself think. Only it didn’t quite happen that way. That’s what happens when you think you can do it all alone. She hadn’t built any friendships, no alliances to help her. Any money she made was spent on technician school and paint supplies. She hadn’t saved a dime. So her only choice was to take whatever job she could get and move into an affordable apartment.

Lucy turned over and decided she needed a few more minutes, even though falling back asleep was hopeless. It wouldn’t matter anyway because after five minutes there was a knock at the door. She closed her eyes and pretended not to hear it. Two seconds later and the knock was even louder, followed by, “C’mon, chiquitas, let’s get a move on!” She wondered how Benny could sound so cheery after spending the night in that place. In fact, he was always that happy, and she couldn’t figure out why. Yanking back the covers, she slipped her sock-covered feet into some sandals. She wore black leggings and a long white T-shirt. “Just a sec,” she said loudly as she tried to smooth down her hair on the way to the door. As Lucy opened the door, she noticed Benny’s arm raised up toward the door. He had been covering the peep hole.

“Hey, you don’t just open up the door like that.” Benny walked in and shut the door. “What if I was a serial killer?”

“That’s right, a serial killer with an accent that sounds just like a Mexican comic I know,” she said sarcastically. Then she sat back on her bed with her legs crossed Indian style.

Benny plopped down on the edge of Anne’s bed with an extra jolt, but she didn’t budge. “What’s with her?”

“I don’t know, I guess she’s a heavy sleeper.”

“Well I want to get down to the continental breakfast before it’s all picked over. Maybe stash a few things for the road.” Benny got up and headed toward the door. “Mind if I meet you girls downstairs? I’m starving.”

“Fine with me. I don’t eat much in the morning anyway.” Lucy didn’t bother to get up.

Benny entered the tiny café with a low grumble in his gut. He absolutely had to start every day with breakfast, and preferably something hearty. He was relieved that it wasn’t too crowded and there was someone looking after the stations. At least that’s what Benny hoped when he noticed an elderly woman rearranging a pastry tray, which was exactly where he was headed. He figured he could pop something in his mouth while he was preparing everything else. Looking like a man on a mission, he whipped down the line, piling on scrambled eggs, bacon, and a small mound of cantaloupe.

He was still chomping on a mini muffin when he snaked a cheese Danish in his free hand. He took a quick spin around to see where he should sit. Among the available options there was a long table that was only being used at one end by a young couple with a gooey toddler, and two smaller tables that were empty but would be tight when the girls arrived. Not in the mood to have food flung at him, Benny headed for one of the two smaller tables. Sitting alone at the adjacent table was a young kid who somehow seemed familiar. Benny stared at the young man as he approached, trying to place him. Then, he watched as the pastry organizer walked over and said to the boy, “Excuse me, but only registered guests may enjoy the breakfast.” She wore blue polyester pants that looked a couple sizes too big for her mega-petite frame.

Pushing the mouthful to the side of his cheek, he replied, “I am a guest here.”

“Oh, may I see your room key?”

Benny arrived at the table and sat down right next to the boy. “Yo, bro, why didn’t you wait for me?”

Caught off guard by Benny’s presence as well as his words, the boy just continued chewing and stared at Benny in confusion.

“Here’s our key, ma’am.” Benny reached into his pocket and pulled out the room key. “Sorry about that. My cousin got here late last night. I forgot to give him one.”

The boy flicked his brown hair back just like he’d done the night before while playing the pinball machine.

“No problem.” The woman smiled. “Sometimes we get people in here, try and sneak in for free food.” She gave the boy a quick pat on the shoulder, and the two watched as she walked back to the food area.

“Thanks, man. I’m Chad,” he said, holding his hand out.

“Hey, it’s cool, Chad.” Benny took his hand and gave it a firm, quick shake. “I’m Benny.”

Strangely the two ate for a minute or two without either of them saying another word. Then, finally, Chad looked up and said, “Aren’t you curious?”

“About what?”

Chad smiled. “About me?”

“Naw…I been in your place before. I got a feelin’.” Benny understood having hard times, but he hadn’t been that young. He did wonder how old he was, so he decided to ask that.

“I’m seventeen,” Chad replied.

“Forgot my juice…you need anything?” Benny got up and headed back to the drink station.

“No thanks.”

Just as Benny sat back down, Chad looked up at the two women coming from the corner of the café walking towards the table, staring at him curiously. When they got to the table, they just stood there as if waiting for something.

“Hey, girls, grab some grub and join us,” Benny said.

“Us?” Lucy said, looking straight at Chad.

“Yeah, this is my buddy Chad,” Benny said, gesturing with his head.

Anne immediately stuck out her hand and smiled. “Hi, Chad, I’m Anne…and this is Lucy.”

Chad smiled and shook both their hands.

“C’mon,” Lucy said to Anne, nudging her arm. The girls walked off, leaving Chad following them with his eyes as they left.

“They’re too old for you, bro,” Benny chided.

“Hey, man, I was just lookin’. So what’s your story? You guys don’t seem like you’re on vacation.”

“It’s a long story, but we’re on our way to Fort Worth.” Benny’s plate was just about empty, and he contemplated seconds. The girls came back, and Benny noticed that both of their plates were about a third of what he just ate, and he decided against getting anything more.

“I’m actually headed that way too,” Chad commented. “Mind if I catch a ride with you guys?”

Everyone stopped eating and froze in time. They searched each other’s faces to see who would be the first to speak. Obviously it wouldn’t be smart to give a stranger a ride.
But he does seem like a nice kid,
Benny thought to himself. He looked at Chad and then to Anne, who appeared to be warming to the idea. But Lucy’s expression told him that she didn’t think it was a good idea.

“Well…” Benny spoke up first. “You said you were seventeen, right? We could get in trouble giving you a ride without your parents’ permission.”

“My parents don’t give a crap about me, and I’m almost eighteen…two more months. Hey, I’ll show you my license if you want.”

“I don’t know…” Lucy said to nobody in particular.

“Hey, it’s cool,” Chad said. He finished the last of his water and stuffed a wrapped muffin into a backpack he had on the floor. “I don’t want to cause any trouble.” He got up from the table and patted a hand on Benny’s shoulder. “Thanks anyway.”

“Hey, man, I wanna help you out…” Benny’s voice was apologetic. “But I gotta look out for these girls too.”

“That’s okay. Nice meeting you guys, and good luck on your trip.”

Chad took two steps toward the door, and then Lucy’s voice caught him. “Wait a sec.”

Chad turned and faced the three at the table. “Yeah?”

“We’ll give you a ride, but Benny has to search you.” The words seemed to surprise Lucy herself.

“What?” Benny and Anne said in unison.

“Your backpack, pockets, everything. We need to make sure you don’t have any weapons or drugs or anything. Is that cool?” Lucy seemed to enjoy being in control.

“Yeah…sure. I got nothing to hide.” Chad sat back down and displayed a very toothy grin, which spread around the table. “Thanks, guys, I really appreciate this. You don’t know how hard it is when no one wants to help you out.”

“I think I’ve got a pretty good idea.”