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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
Conor arrived home around noon and was surprised to see that Jessica was also home. “Jess, what are you doing here? I thought you were at your dad’s office today.” Jessica was sitting at their little dining table eating a salad, “I could ask you the same thing! Isn’t today one of your shifts with the Grizlhut? And where were you last night? I never heard you come in.” Conor’s face heated as he tried to decide how to explain. “Well… last night I ran into some legal trouble… I was framed while on a Pizza run..” “WHAT!!! What the hell Conor!?” “I am innocent! My lawyer can explain. Anyway, Pops wouldn’t listen, he just knows the cops questioned me, so he canned me. Didn’t even let me explain…” “You got fired? Conor, we have rent due this week! Five days!” “I know, I know! But I have a new job! A friend helped me talk to the general manager at Jackson furniture! I start tomorrow. And from what I hear, they normally pay better than
Conor hung up with a small glimmer of hope, but still a bit at a loss as to how the week would go. He was hopeful that his new job would provide some opportunities, but that didn’t start until the morning. He decided to wander around town and perhaps look for something nice he could make for Jessica for diner. As he strolled through town, he come to a local megastore. Things tended to be less expensive here and they carried many products from all over the kingdom. Conor wandered inside, hoping to be inspired. He strode down one of the aisles, an elderly old lady reached for something on the top shelf. She was so short she was practically climbing the shelves to try to grab a box. Conor rushed over and offered to help. A look of relief washed over the lady’s face. “Thank you, young man. The one on the left please.” Conor easily grabbed the box of cereal and placed it in her cart. “No problem. Glad I could help.” The old lady smiled at him and said, “You are ra
Conor arrived home and set about preparing dinner. He started with a shrimp bisque bourbon soup, followed by a shrimp scampi. The smell of roasting garlic filled the kitchen as he worked. He placed two candles the store manager had provided on their small table and laid out a nice dining set. Everything looked set. He only hoped Jessica would actually be home on time tonight. Jessica walked in just as Conor set steaming bowls of soup on the table. “You made diner again?” Jessica sounded pleased but anxious. “Conor, this is really nice, but… we don’t have the money for this!” “Ha… well actually that is a funny story. Sit, and I will tell you about my adventure.” Conor recounted his trip to the store and how the manager had given them a voucher for the food. “I was even able to get some stuff for later in the week with the remainder.” “Oh, your poor face! That witch really did a number! I suppose your new look at least made you presentable enough she assumed y