Monkey Business -16- by Melanie Brown

Monkey Business Part 16

By

Melanie Brown
Copyright © 2024

As we drove back into town, Colin looked over at me with a worried expression. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I don’t want to talk about it,” I said, not looking at him. After a few moments, I said, “Instead of taking me home, can you drop me off at the photography studio? I left my truck there.”

“Sure thing, Randi.” Colin glanced over at me. “You look really nice. Is that one of the outfits you modeled?”

“Thanks. And yes, it is.” I just stared out the windshield.

Colin persisted. “That’s a pretty dress. How did it get torn?”

Frowning, I said, “If you really must know, Alex tore it.”

Looking surprised, Colin asked, “How did he tear it? Did you go to lunch with him?”

I guess it’s normal to have questions lobbed at you when someone picks you up at a remote location, alone, clothes torn, and you’ve been crying. But I wished Colin would knock it off. I nodded. “Yes. We were having the lunch he promised me.”

Colin nodded. “I thought so since you did win 2nd place. Can I ask how he happened to tear your dress?”

The anger of the memory of Alex putting his hands on me made me lash out at Colin. “He was trying to grab my nipple! There! Are you happy?”

Looking horrified, Colin said, “No. Geez Randi. That’s terrible! I’m glad you got away from him.”

Looking at my hands, I said, “I’m sorry, Colin. I didn’t mean to yell at you.  But dammit! Why do all my dates end in disaster?”

Colin shrugged. “Well, we all told you he was too old for you…”

I closed my eyes and leaned back in my seat. “No lectures, please.”

Colin said, “Well, it’s true!”

I glared at him and growled, “Says the boy who abandoned me in a bar where I was attacked by a drunk.”

Immediately defensive, he said, “I never in a million years thought that would happen! My dad and I have been there a dozen times!”

Narrowing my eyes, I asked, “Did your dad ever leave you alone in a miniskirt?”

Coming up to the photography studio, he said, “I can’t say that he has. And honestly, you should be able to wear any kind of dress you want. It never occurred to me that someone would act that way.”

I shook my head. “Really? You didn’t expect drunks in a honky-tonk dive like that? You’re more naïve than I am.” I opened the truck’s passenger door.

“That’s probably true. You have my number if you want to talk.”

I sighed. “See ya, Colin. And thanks for picking me up.” I slammed the truck’s door closed.

*  *  *

Things went about as well as I expected when I got home, and Mom saw my torn dress and immediately thought I’d been raped. Dad blew his stack when I told him where Alex had touched me. It was all Mom and I could do to keep him from finding Alex and beating him to a pulp. The last thing we wanted was for Dad to go to jail.

Of course, I also got chewed out for going out with an older man. I promised Dad that I’d learned my lesson. No more men. I have to stick with boys my age. And maybe I shouldn’t wear revealing outfits. While not exonerating Alex, Dad felt it was partly my fault because of the way I was dressed. Mom took my side on that.

Anyway, the atmosphere was very chilly at home that evening. Colin called me five times. I ignored the calls until the last one. I broke down and told him everything that had happened.

“Next time I see that son of a bitch, I’ll beat the living shinola out of him!” exclaimed Colin when I had finished with my story.

“You’ll do no such thing, Colin!” I shouted into the phone. “Alex is a big guy. He’ll rip you to pieces. I don’t want your death on my conscience.”

There was a pause. “Does that mean you love me?”

I sighed. “Get real.”

Colin chuckled. “Anyway, girl. I am very happy you didn’t get hurt and that you asserted yourself. See you Saturday.”

*  *  *

“About time you got here, Randy,” said Nick as he loaded some tools into the bed of his truck. “We were afraid we’d have to leave without you.”

Shoving my hands into my pockets, I said, “Honestly, guys. I’m not sure if I want to go to the track today. What do I do if I see Alex?”

Colin smiled at me. “Don’t worry about him, girl. He won’t be there.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “How would you know?”

Grinning, Colin said, “I talked to Mr. Adams last night. Alex has been banned from the track. Mr. Adams doesn’t want you hurt, plus he was concerned about track liability.”

Nick said, “So go put on your leathers. Now that your parents know, you should save time and change at home.”

I nodded. “That’s probably true. I’ll be back in a minute.”

Nick said, “Don’t take too long. We’re already running behind.”

I turned to give Nick a salute.

*  *  *

As we walked back to our pit area after leaving the sign-up table, Becky came trotting up to us. She looked really hot in her leathers.

“Hey guys!” she shouted as she got close. “I need to talk to Randi. Alone.”

Colin laughed. “Just be that way!” He and Nick continued walking.

“What’s up, Becky?” I asked when we were alone.

She touched my arm. “First, are you okay, girl? I heard what happened with that Alex guy.”

“I’m glad you’re okay,” said Becky sincerely. “I was afraid of something like that since he asked me out when I was fifteen. Anyway, I’m glad you’re okay, and we don’t have to worry about Alex, at least for now. This isn’t the first time he’s been banned.”

“Really? Well, that sucks.”

“Honestly, I don’t think  he’ll bother you again.” Grinning, Becky said, “But that’s not what I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Oh?” I had no idea what she was leading up to.

“My boyfriend and I are going out for dinner and a movie tonight, and I thought it might be fun to do a double date. With you and Colin.”

I rolled my eyes. I’m not sure if I like the idea anyway, but to invite Colin? “Well, I don’t know…”

Grinning, she said, “You know he likes you, right? It seems you’re all he talks about.”

I wrinkled my nose. “Are you serious?”

Becky nodded. “Oh yeah. He talks about how beautiful you are when you’re modeling and brags about your racing and how he worries about you.”

I shrugged. “I had no idea.”

“If you want to do it, we can pick you up at your house at six. Then go get Colin.”

I said, “Sure. Why not?”

Becky smiled brightly. “Cool. I’ll talk to Colin.”

*  *  *

End of Part 16