Trust Ch. 08

"Did you use to strip?"

"No, not every girl who works in a strip club is a stripper."

"Sally, I wasn't implying anything but most girls who work in a strip club are strippers."

"Yeah, I know, but I wasn't. I only cleaned tables. I didn't get tipped like the rest of the girls. I got paid to clean the tables. That's what I wanted. I was inconspicuous until he decided that he was going to grab me."

"Come again?"

"I had to fill in for one of the waitress and I was clearing off tables and delivering drinks when he grabbed me and spilled the drinks all over me and himself and I got pissed and shoved him off me. I didn't want him or anyone touching me and when he grabbed me again, I told him to fuck off. And then Roger fired me because I wouldn't waitress or strip. I only went back to help out a friend who's having problem with bio. She's got one day to study for the test and it won't happen again. I swear I'll never go by there again. I swear."

"Sally you have to report it to internal affairs."

"No, I can't...there's no need for that."

"Why not? Why are you so adamant about not reporting this guy? Did something else happen? Tell me Sally. I can't help you if you don't tell me everything."

"Nothing, this is the last time he's going to have contact with me. If it happens again, I'll report it, I will. Now I'm hungry and I'm gonna go home."

"No, you're gonna get something to eat and then you're coming home with me."

"No I don't need..."

"I said you're coming home with me." Mike looked around for the waitress and signaled her to come over. Suddenly his phone rang. He had forgotten about Storm.

"Hey man, I'm sorry."

"Don't worry I heard everything. We have to talk."

"Yeah, I agree. She's fine."

"Good keep her close."

"I will." Mike handed the phone to Sally.

~!~

They were on their way to Mike's apartment. Mike had followed Sally home to pack an overnight bag for her stay with him for the next day or so. While she was in her apartment getting her things he went outside to look around and speak with Storm and watch for anything suspicious.

"Where is she?" Storm asked as soon as he answered Mike's call.

"She's inside getting some stuff to spend the night."

"Where? My place?"

"No. She's gonna stay with me tonight at least."

"Why? She can go to my place. It's safe. The house is armed."

"She's gonna be fine. She's safe but we need to talk about something else."

"What?"

"She still doesn't want to report him. She doesn't want to give up any information on the club...nothing."

"Nothing?"

"Nothing...something else has her scared. She's hiding more than what we think and I don't know where to begin to find out."

"We have to find out what it is Mike."

"I agree. I have to go. Later."

~!~

"Hello. Have dinner with me tonight," Storm asked Sally as soon as she answered the phone. He arrived not too long ago and his first call was to his assistant telling her to expect him in the office shortly and the second was to Sally.

"I can't, I'm working," Sally replied.

"You don't normally work on a Wednesday."

"I do every now and then but I changed my schedule this week."

"Oh...why?"

"I wanted the weekend off."

Storm smiled. She'd accepted his invitation for the weekend. "So do I take it then that you're taking me up on my offer to come away with me for the weekend?"

"You're not planning on killing me are you?"

Storm burst out laughing. "Not the type of death I had in mind for you or me." He began laughing again and when he stopped, he asked,

"So am I going to see you tomorrow night then? Come over after work tonight."

"No. I can't. I have some things I need to get done tomorrow and I'm working tomorrow night. Hey, hold on a sec please."

"Sure."

"Hey Paul," Sally said to her neighbor who just came into her apartment.

"Hey doll, where have you been? I've been trying to introduce you to my new lover for the longest..."

"Been busy but I did stop by the other day and if it's the same person, cute. I need to ask you for a favour. Can you please watch my apartment for the weekend? I was trying to find Rhonda but she's not answering my calls?"

"Who'd she jet off with this time?"

"Don't know and quite frankly, don't care. Would it be a bother?"

"You know nothing for you is a bother but where are you going?"

"Someone invited me on a trip for the weekend and I want to go."

"Really...I'm intrigued. Do tell."

"No. I'm not saying anymore."

"Sally I want details."

"Thank you and good bye."

"Okay, I'll catch up with you later."

"Later...thanks again. I appreciate it." Back on the phone with Storm, "Are you still there?"

"Yeah...who was that?"

"That was my very kind neighbor Paul. He's going to watch my apartment while I'm gone."

"That's great. So about coming over tonight?"

Sally laughed.

~!~

Storm was sitting behind his desk looking over some files when Ayasha walked in. Looking up he smiled happily as she seemed to be glowing. Being married suited her nicely he thought to himself and once again that tiny bit of jealously that she had found her soul mate. He couldn't have been happier for anyone one else the way he was for her.

"Sweetheart, when did you get back?" Storm asked coming around to see her.

"About two days ago but you were out of town. You didn't tell me."

"I left a message on your voicemail at home."

"Oh haven't check that one as of yet."

"And you've been back for two days now? What have you been doing?"

Ayasha laughed and placed the lunch she brought for them both on the table in his office. "I've been busy unpacking and stuff. I also had to clear up some billing issues for the decoration for the wedding."

"What issue? Send those bills to me. I want the accountant to make sure everyone is paid immediately."

"No need to worry. I've taken care of everything."

"How, you're not paying for the wedding. I am."

"No...I'll pay for it. I have enough..."

"Ayasha, as your only male relative and the head of this family, I will take care of you wedding expenses. It is my responsibility. Get all the bills sent over to the accountant today if you can and make sure I have everything you've charged on your Amex also."

"Storm, I've already sent the bills for the American Express over to him. I was waiting for the corrections for the decorations before forwarding it to him to have it paid from my money."

"Well do you don't have to take it out of your money because I have money for your wedding..."

"How much?"

"Not that you need to know the exact amount but a few million. And even if you exceeded what I had planned, I would still be able to cover it."

"Yes, I am fully aware of that. You have done well with the accounts. But enough about my wedding, I want to hear about you and a certain young lady. And let me say, I like her."

"Who are you talking about?"

"Don't play coy with me; Sally, that's who I'm talking about. Do I need to ask what happened after that kiss?"

"Aren't you hungry? I thought you came here to have lunch with me?"

"Yes, I did but that's not going to stop me from asking you questions or being annoying until I get the answers. So what is the nature of your relationship with Sally now?"

"You're married now I'm no longer your concern." Storm took a large bite of his salad.

"You're my bother. You'll always be my concern. I promised Dad I would always take care of you and I intend to keep my promise until the day I die and I'm not planning on dying soon. I can't anyway, I'm pregnant. So I have to live a litt..."

"Wait, wait a minute. Did you just say you're pregnant?"

"Yes, I did. You're going to be an uncle. Surprise!" Ayasha took a bite of her salad and smiled at the shocked look on his face.

Storm got up and pulled her into a hug. "I'm so happy for you sweetheart. Wow! Dad would have been so happy to be a grandfather. Wow! I'm gonna be an uncle. Uncle Storm."

Ayasha laughed, "I'm happy because you are going to have diaper duties."

"Come on sis, that's why you have nannies. I'm gonna be too busy being the cool Uncle to do diapers."

"Really? That's your reason? Eat your salad."

After a few minutes of them eating in silence, Ayasha broke the silence. "So what is happening between you and Sally."

"We're getting to know each other...wait a minute, how do you know you're pregnant already if you just got back from your honeymoon? Ayasha, were you pregnant before?"

Ayasha looked away before looking back at Storm. "Yes, I was pregnant before I got married. Collin didn't know and I wanted to surprise him on our honeymoon."

"Yeah, I'm sure he was surprised, wife and baby all at the same time."

"He doesn't mind. He's happy Storm. Are you still happy for me?"

"Silly question Ayasha, of course I am. I can't wait to meet my nephew."

"It could be a girl."

"Maybe but no matter what it is, I'll love them with all my heart."

"Yeah I know you will. Now don't change the subject again. What's going on between you and Sally and just for the record, I think you two make a beautiful couple."

"You think so huh?"

"Yes, I do, now tell me."

"We're going away for the weekend." And Storm braced himself for the teasing he knew was coming, especially after seeing the smile that lit Ayasha's face.

~!~