As they turned to leave, a shrill voice pierced the air, “That wouldn’t be the infamous Conor Brantley, would it? Does that bastard think he can show his face here after failing so publicly with Celia’s Herbals? And what is he doing in a suit like that! After his losses, he’s likely stealing it!”Conor sighed inwardly and turned to face the source of the voice. A girl, overly made-up and dressed head to toe in garish pink, stood clinging to the arm of none other than Nyman Banks.“Hello, Nyman. I see you have a new girlfriend,” Conor said coolly, his tone indicating he was ready to leave.Nyman smirked, his eyes gleaming with malice. “Conor, I hope you’re treating Jessica well. And yes, this is Natalia Silverton. So, tell us, Conor, are you stealing that suit, or have your prospects finally turned?”Before Conor could respond, Peter attempted to diffuse the tension by interjecting, “Well, Conor is working with me on a photo shoot.”Nyman laughed derisively. “HA! Okay, Conor. So, you’re
An hour later, Peter walked in to find the chair empty and Anthony grinning from ear to ear. “You brought me a challenge, my boy, and I do love a good challenge.” “Where is Conor?” he asked quizzically. “O Conor, Dear, come show us that devilishly handsome self of yours.” Conor stepped out from behind a screen near the rear of the shop and Peter was taken aback. Conor was thrilled as he watched a riot of emotion play over Peter’s face. “So, what do you think?” Conor asked, giving a bit of a spin. His shaggy hair had been neatly trimmed with a waved part to the right. His dark hair glistened as a light breeze from a nearby fan teased it. His beard had also gone from a scraggly unkempt thing to a sharp-looking close cut. “If your wife wasn’t pleased with you before, she might have to pause any arguments just to take it all in! Or at least be willing to give you a shot, just on looks alone!” Peter chuckled. Conor was pleased. The idea of improving himself and making Jessica happy w
“Conor?” The door cracked open, revealing a blurry-eyed teen in a rumpled tee-shirt.“Hey, Yuri. Can I hang out here for a bit? Things are a little… crowded next door.”“Yeah, sure. Crowded?” Yuri held open the door, his curiosity piqued.“Monster-in-law,” Conor muttered, stepping inside and giving Yuri a half-hearted smile.“Ah, I get it. Well, I can show you the new release images on the game! Mr. Nuri has been amazing to work with. Oh, I forgot to mention—Mom got a new job thanks to him! She’ll be working as an assistant for some photo company that needs a secretary. We’re probably going to move in a few weeks!”“Really! That’s great news! Where do you think you’ll move to?”“Well, Mr. Nuri told her about this new part of town. It’s a bit farther away from most things, but the rent is better, and there’s a lot more space. He said they’re putting in super high-end utility lines, so I should be able to run all my systems at full speed! Mom’s thrilled too—she hates the traffic in town,
The apartment “I am telling you, Jessica, he has already proven himself a failure. It's time to move on.” “Mom, I think he is really trying. You saw how he cleaned up and made dinner. He is working hard” “Jessica, it's been, like, two days of this new Conor. Are you really going to forget over three years of failures because he trimmed his hair? He just wants time in bed with you and you know it.” “It’s not like he has gotten any in a few years…” Jessica muttered humorlessly. “But he is trying to improve. I don’t see any reason to discourage his new attitudes. He has been working at the GrizlHut now for over two months. He seems to really be working hard.” “Just… don’t open yourself to just be hurt again. I don’t see him being able to be worthy of you, no matter how much effort he puts in.” “I know mom, but… I want to give him the chance.” “Nyman is not going to wait for you forever, dear. If you really want him, you need to be prepared to make the separation sooner than later.
A quick glance into the apartment convinced Conor to stay away that night. His room had apparently been volunteered to his mother-in-law. Thankfully, Yuri’s mother never seemed to mind when he was over, and she was still working all night shifts until her new position started. The next morning, when he woke up, it took Conor a minute to remember where he was. He rolled off the thin pallet Yuri had helped him make on the floor and stretched. He glanced at the clock and swore. He was going to be late for the Grizlhut shift again. Rushing out the door, he passed Yuri’s mom, just getting back from her shift. “Conor? Were you playing games all night? Yuri really needs sleep. I had hoped you would be a better influence on him!” “Sorry, Miss. Lochman. I really have to go, or I will be late.” Conor sprinted through the door, Miss. Lochman frowned in disapproval as he left. When he arrived at the GrizlHut, Cara was already prepping ingredients. “Pops wants your new dough today, so you be
The next day was more drudgery at the GrizlHut. Working with Cara was a boon, but overall, the work was boring, hot, and very greasy. Conor wished he could shower three times a day or more. But he stuck to his promise to Jessica and even volunteered to make deliveries that evening for the extra tip money. “In what car, Conor?” Pops asked. “You have been walking to work for weeks!” Conor stared at the ground realizing how stupid the idea had been. Cara poked her head in. “Conor… you can drive right?” Conor looked at her and nodded. “Are you sure? You are not without a car because of accidents?” “No accidents.” Cara stared hard at him as she considered. “Don’t make me regret this.” She fished her keys out of her pocket and held them out to Conor. Just as he was reaching for them, she pulled them back and gave him a hard stare, “You bring my car back in one piece tonight, and with a full tank of gas, you hear?” Conor nodded and she slowly handed him the keys. “If you damage my ca
Conor was relieved when Mr. Nuri walked into the interrogation room a few minutes later. He tried to stand but the cuffs held him down to the table. “Mr. Nuri! Thank Celia! I have no idea what is going on! I came back from…” Mr. Nuri cut him off with a gesture. “Not here, Conor.” Then to the detective who was lurking outside, “Uncuff my client.” “Sir, he is charged with serious drug trafficking crimes!” “WHAT?” cried Conor, horrified that he was even associated with such activity. “CONOR, not here,” Admonished Mr. Nuri. “Detective, I advise you to get your evidence in order. We will deal with you in the morning.” “I have video,” The detective said sheepishly. Conor looked puzzled. Mr. Nuri was furious, “Thank you for finally sharing that. Show us. AFTER you uncuff my client!” Reluctantly the detected did uncuff Conor before setting a computer before them. The video was dark and hard to make out. Conor was surprised that there was even a camera at this location. It was the first
The next morning, Jarad Brown, Mr. Nuri’s Paralegal, greeted Conor with breakfast. “Mr. Nuri was called away to one of our other offices out of town on urgent business. But I can take you anywhere you need to go this morning.” “Umm, well I probably need to check-in at work” Jarad drove Conor to the GrizlHut. As Conor walked in, he was met by the glaring eyes of a cross-armed Pops. “If you think that Mr. Cochan is going to tolerate a drug dealer working here and using his business as a distribution point, you are dumber than I thought. Hand over your uniform, NOW!” “But that’s not what happened! I can explain! No, my lawyer can explain!” Conor reached for the door but saw Jarad already driving away. “Now, Conor! Hand it over. Not only were you arrested but I had to deal with a customer complaint about you trying to charge her for something she didn’t even order! Jessica should never have married you and if I have any influence I will see you ou