Playing House: A Heart Strings Love Affair, #2

By J. Haney

Hey you, remember me? Yeah, I'm that girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Yes, that one with two lovers. Sheesh is that all I'll ever be known as now? Last you heard from me I was moving in with one of my lovers. Remember how I said my life wasn't like an 80's movie? I was kind of wrong because I did find my knight only mine came in two.

My life now is not all pizza and beers for our little triad. As per usual, my jacked-up past has come calling back at me. Yeah, you know the one I'm talking about or should I say hate talking about.

Suppose you should come on and find out what I'm going on about.

 

Trigger Warning

**Sexual Abuse

***Drug Use

• Language: English
• Publisher: J. Haney
• Release date: Oct 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223263661

Book preview

1

Abigail

Once upon a time, I was a loner who lived here, there, and everywhere. Now, I live with one of my lovers in his mother’s house. My room is technically the last room on the left, but I don’t usually sleep there. Except this week. This week I’ve either stayed locked up in my bedroom, been at school, or been at the shop.

It’s shark week and I swear the idiots in my life try to push my buttons the most this week of all weeks. I’m supposed to be getting my shit from the trailer, but Mom is always home and I really don’t want to be lifting anything right now. I’d much rather lay here in a ball and die.

The doorknob rattles followed by a knock. Abigail, are you okay? Clayton asks from the opposite side of the door.

I'm all right.

Is there anything I can get you?

I’m a big girl, I can handle myself.

I hear footsteps retreating. Thank God! I walk over to the dresser to grab my guitar. I’ve been working on a new song. I want to play My Church by Maren Morris this weekend at Mac’s. With fall break ahead of us and then Thanksgiving, I should have plenty of time to practice.

My cell rings on my nightstand, reaching over I hit the talk button. Yeah?

Monkey, where are you? Fred’s gravelly voice comes through the phone.

Not feeling well and I’m pretty sure it will be a weeklong thing. You good without me?

Yeah, we’ll survive. Take care of you and don’t let them boys bother you too much.

Thanks, Fred, I hang up and setting the guitar aside burrow under the covers.

It’s around two thirtyish, when I emerge, so Clayton should be gone. Walking over to the door, I listen. I don’t hear anyone upstairs, so I grab the stuff I need and walk toward the bathroom. Shutting the door, I start stripping my clothes. Sitting down on the toilet, I start to take care of business when the door opens and in walks Clayton.

Dude, seriously? I shout, covering myself.

I’m sorry, Clayton apologizes, pulling the door shut with him on the other side of it, I didn’t realize you came out of the room. He chuckles.

This isn’t funny! Aren’t you supposed to be at work?

I was on my way out the door, but I had to take a piss.

The door was shut, Clayton!

Again, I’m sorry. I’m gonna go, I’ll piss at work. See you at dinner.

Bye.

Finally, peace and quiet. I can take a shower and go watch TV without being driven insane.

2

Vic

Pulling up in front of Clayton’s, I honk the horn and wait for him to come out. He has this this What the Fuck look on his faces as he hops in, shutting the door and I pull back on the road.

We’re headed toward Corbin. Need me to stop in town first?

Yeah, if you don’t mind, I need to take a piss. Abigail was hogging the bathroom before I left.

I look over at him with a confused look. Why isn’t she at work?

Damned if I know, but she fucking bit my head off like three times.

We both know the girl can be moody.

Hence my still having to take a piss.

Don’t piss your pants, we’re almost to the garage. I’ll talk to Fred while you piss, I chuckle as Fred’s sign comes into sight.

Whatever, dickface.

Parking in front of Fred’s, I barely get the truck shut off before Clayton’s out the door and on his way inside. Getting out, I make my way toward Fred’s office. Clayton’s walking this way just as I make it to Fred. He’s sitting at his desk with his feet propped up.

Hey, boys, need you to make a delivery to Monkey, Fred hands me a big box and I now know why Baby Girl is being moody. It’s shark week. Mister Perfect will just have to learn like the rest of us.

Clayton scratches his head. Uh, am I missing something?

Remember you sayin’ she was bein’ moody?

Yeah, damn near took my head off.

You got a full week of that.

Ah, hell, Clayton moans pitifully.

I’ll run back over there and drop this off before we head over to Corbin, I tell Fred before motioning to the door with my head. Come on, Mister Perfect, we’ve got to feed the beast.

Don’t let her hear you say that.

Hell, I ain’t scared of her. Poke her in the lower regions and she’ll leave me alone.

You're just cruel, man.

We get back to Clayton’s and both jump out. Walking in, she has three Coke cans beside her and a bag of chips on her lap. Clayton takes one look at her, and he’s gone. No idea what he’s doing, but I walk over and bend down in front of Abigail.

I’ve got a delivery for you, Baby Girl. How ya feelin’?

I wish you all would leave me the hell alone.

All right, well, call me if you need anything and I’ll pick it up before I drop Clayton back off tonight. What do you want for dinner? I can pick something up and drop it off. We’ve got to make a run to Corbin, but then we’ll be back this way.

I’m fine, Vic! I’m gonna finish my movie, then go to bed.

I nod, standing up and kiss her cheek before walking out the door. A few minutes later, Clayton walks out with a satisfied smile on his face.

As he gets in the truck, I ask, How’d you do in there?

Fine, I gave her some Tylenol and a heating pad. She didn’t eat me, so I’d say that’s a win.

First one down, only a billion more to go. I laugh and pull back onto the road.

3

Clayton

Learning my way around the towing business isn’t all that hard. Mostly, it’s a boring job. I’m guessing it’s gonna be even worse when I’m sitting in the truck by myself.

Vic and I have been working together for a couple weeks so I can get the routes down. We serve most of the county and two surrounding ones as well, so that takes some bit of learning since a lot of the smaller roads aren’t on the GPS or Google maps. We had one job this morning, and have sat for most of the afternoon, doing nothing useful. Then there was a crash on the interstate that needed back-up, so they called us in, and we had to get the flatbed from his dad’s place. The Townsend Company is made up of seven trucks and two flats, not big, but it makes money enough that Vic is looked at as doing well. Abigail is the opposite, but he’s never looked down on her, and now, like me, he’s in love.

Funny how things turn out. Funny that she chose us, both of us. Fred told me to make sure that if we are gonna be with her to treat her right. I’m making good on that every chance I can. Right now, I’m heading home with dinner in hand. Fred said to make it greasy, so Vic and I stopped by Mollie’s Diner.

I’ll see ya in the morning, I say to Vic, hopping out of the truck. My girl is probably in bed, but she needs to eat, and I am gonna make sure she isn’t just filling up on chocolate and pop.

I go inside and there’s no sign of her. Well, there are indications of her having been here. Empty cans of Coke line the coffee table and Charleston Chew and M&M wrappers are strewn about, along with Milky Way and Kit Kat wrappers, like a candy bar graveyard. I shake my head and go upstairs. I’ll deal with that later.

Making my way to her bedroom, I knock and listen. I hear her snoring softly and chuckle. Greasy needs to be eaten while hot, so I twist the knob, checking it. It’s unlocked, good. I let myself in and the room is trashed. Clothes are everywhere and there are more cans of Coke, along with Mountain Dew this time, and chocolates on the floor. Stepping over this, I reach the bed.

Abigail? I give her a gentle shove.

You’re touching me, she whines into her pillow.

Yes, I am. I’ve brought dinner, fish and chips from Mollie’s, get up and eat with me.

I’m sleeping or do you not understand the eyes shut, lights off kind of thing? She rolls over and glares at me.

Don’t give me that look, little woman. I’ll have you know, I’ve dealt with this type of situation for years, and while I was insensitive earlier, I am aware of it now. I know you’re tired and crampy, which makes you cranky. You’ve gorged yourself on sweets, you need real food to balance ya out. Now please, don’t make me eat it all alone.

Who the hell do you think you are? Last time I checked, you weren’t my daddy and you sure as hell ain’t my momma.

I slap the bag on her chest with a thud. Just eat it. It’s good food, so don’t let it go to waste. I turn my back and walk out the door, half expecting her to throw it at my head. I don’t get assaulted by fish and chips, but I do, however, hear a can slam against the door as it closes.

4

Abigail

Iwake to a knock on my door. This rap is different than Clayton’s, meaning it’s one of two people and neither are anyone that I want to deal with this early in the morning. My best option is to keep quiet in hopes that they’ll think I’m asleep.

Baby Girl, open this door. I know you’re awake, Vic calls from the opposite side of the door. Mister Perfect, I need a screwdriver.

Go away, Vic! Clayton, I swear to God, don’t give him anything!

Dude, you’re on your own, Clayton says.

Pop, there goes the door with both Vic and Clayton walking in. Covering my head, I yell, Clayton, you’re a cocksucker and Vic, go away.

Get up, or I’m calling Fred, Vic threatens from somewhere close.

Fuck you.

I’m pretty sure we’ve done that, but if you want us to earn our red wings, strip.

I’m out of the bed in seconds and in Vic’s face. Why are you always such a dick?

Because I can and you love me. Nice shorts, let’s go eat.

I don’t want to and you can’t make me. I put my hands on my hips, looking from him to Clayton with a smirk.

Vic doesn’t waste another second before I’m up and over his shoulder. I beat my fists against his back. Wanna smack while it’s in the air?

Clayton, get me down. This isn’t fair, I beg as Vic walks us down the stairs.

You threw a can at my head—you’re getting what you deserve—you’re not playing nice.

I glare at him just as we make it into the kitchen. Can I at least have a shirt? Clayton takes his shirt off and hands it my way just as Vic places me on my feet. Vic kisses me on top of the head and I punch him in the side.

Fuck, Baby Girl, that shit hurts, Vic cries.

Taking the shirt from Clayton, I slip it over my head and take a seat. Vic sets cups of orange juice at three spots as Clayton is placing the plates on the table.

The rest of breakfast goes off without another word. Clayton really has outdone himself, making fried potatoes, bacon, and eggs. It’s all delicious.

As I’m finishing off my drink, there’s a knock at the door. I watch listen to see who it could be as Clayton gets up. The only visitors we ever get are Vic, Wayde, and Adam.

Abigail, it’s for you, Clayton yells from the door.

Vic and I both give each other confused looks and make our way to Clayton. I place my hand on his shoulder and he turns to the side so I can get in front of him. I come face to face with my Dad.

There’s my girl. Time to come home, I’m back for a while, Dad says.

Dad, I live here now with Clayton, I stand a little taller.

No, you live at home with your mother and me.

I’m eighteen, you can’t make me go back there. If you’d like to talk, you can come in, but I’m not going back there to stay. I’d really like to get the rest of my stuff. I turn, heading for the couch, noticing Clayton has cleaned up the living room.

Vic stops me with his hand on my arm. I’m gonna start cleaning the kitchen, Baby Girl. he kisses my head and walks off.

Clayton walks up to me after he lets Dad in. I’ll be just in the other room. He does the same as Vic and kisses me on the head, then walks into the kitchen.

There’s no way there is anyone luckier than I am to have both of those amazing guys in my life. I take a seat in the chair as Dad sits on the couch just staring at me.

5

Vic

It’s quiet in the living room for a while and I’m starting to feel a little on edge. Clayton and I have cleared the table and put the extra food away, he’s got the sink filling now, and I’m leaning against the door, waiting for someone to speak.

The rumors are true, I see, Mr. Greenwood starts.

What rumors are you referring to because I hear a lot every day? Abi asks with a sassy tone.

The one that says you’re dating two different boys. I always figured you and Vic would end up together, but who’s this other boy?

Clayton’s my roommate and lover. Vic’s my other lover. So, I guess that rumor would be true. They both love me and make sure I’m well taken care of, Abi states matter of factly.

What the hell are you thinking, Abigail?

I’m thinking that it’s my life and I’m eighteen and can do as I please. You’re never around anyway. So, what’s it matter?

It matters because you are still my daughter, and I don’t like to come home and hear people talking about you.

Well, Dad, you are a bit late for that since I’ve been talked about for as long as I can remember. If not for the fact that I live on the wrong side of the tracks, then because my mother is a whore and sleeps with anything with two legs. I’m not going home and that’s the end of that. I would like to get my stuff if you can get Mom out for a while.

Abigail, what happens if you and these boys don’t work out? Where will you go?

Fred’s. I could be there right now if I wanted. Dad, I’ve not slept in your house since I got my car. So, please, just drop it.

Fine. I’ll be getting her out today for a bit. I’ll honk as I go by. Keep in touch.

The next thing I hear is the front door opening and closing. Without knowing what Abi is going to do, I walk over and begin helping with the dishes just in case she walks in here.

Clayton gives me a funny look. So, are we not going to talk about that?

Nothing to be said till she’s ready, I whisper.

Clayton nods his head. We just act like everything is normal?

Well, we haven’t changed in the last twenty or so minutes. Yeah, everything is normal.

I need a drink.

Our girl can do that to ya.

Just as we finish up the dishes, I hear a voice behind us that makes us both turn on our heels. Y’all fucking suck. The sight in front of us is one fuming Baby Girl.

Clayton dries his hands before talking. You said things that needed to get said.

It’s not the time for that bullshit. Now, instead of going back to bed, I have to actually put clothes on because he will be honking when he gets her to leave the house. Thanks! Abigail is standing there with a hand on her hip.

How much time you think we got because I can run upstairs and empty a few totes.

I’ve got it. I don’t have enough for all that, anyhow.

Baby Girl, you need to let us help you get your stuff. No matter what it may be, I finally say to kill the tension in the room.

Have I ever needed your help before? I’m going upstairs. Can one of you feed the pup?

I’ll get him taken care of, you go on, I say and head to feed Chaos. As soon as she’s gone and I’m sure she’s out of earshot, I look at Mister Perfect. You know we aren’t going to work today, right?

Yeah, sorta figured. Her old man showing up kind of put us at DEFCON Two.

Clayton and I are sitting on the couch with Chaos when Abi comes down the stairs. She doesn't look happy, but we have to do something. Pulling out my phone, I shoot Wayde a text to grab lunch from Maggie’s. I also send one to Dad, letting him know that Mister Perfect and I need a day off. Both replies come quickly. Wayde says he’ll grab Adam at about two and then they’ll head this way. Dad just tells me to be careful. I’m sure he’s just worried that I’m getting too attached.

My parents know that Clayton, Baby Girl, and myself are in a relationship together. They might not understand it, but they know it’s my choice. They’ve been asking me about Thanksgiving and if I want to invite Abi and Mister Perfect, but I’m not sure how she’s going to take it.

I’m shaken out of my thoughts by a few honks from outside. Sounds like it’s show time. Let’s get my Baby Girl moved out and in with Clayton.

Lucky me.

6

Clayton

Duffle bags in hand , we head out. It’s a whole two-minute walk across the tracks to Abigail’s parent’s. They have the trailer just inside the right corner of the park. From the outside, it looks like any other two-bedroom trailer, big and bulky, except this one's got a big ol’ patch of Kentucky bluegrass up under and around it, where all the rest of the trailers have some patchy bits of grass here and there. She did say Mister Greenwood was a landscaper, and I guess he likes his lawn.

W-why don’t you guys just wait out here? Abigail mutters as we approach the door, her hand on the handle. It isn’t a lot of stuff, so you’ll really just slow me down.

"Baby Girl, we’re gonna make sure you get everything," Vic counters, going up the steps and putting his hand over hers on the handle. He whispers something and she nods, opening the door, and they disappear inside.

I catch the door on the backswing and pop up the stairs, going into the house. The first thing that hits me is the smell, something like burned onions and sewer water, which makes my eyes instantly tear. I try breathing through my mouth, but that makes it wholly worse because now I can taste it. Through bleary eyes, I look around, hearing Vic as he’s looking into what I’m assuming is the bathroom.

"Ugh! Fucking toilet is backed up, she should have this shit hole quarantined." He coughs, covering his mouth and trying not to gag.

I’m sorry guys, seriously, just go wait outside.

Just lead on, I holler from the back. We’ve come this far. I think we can handle the bog of eternal stench for ya. I attempt to chuckle even as my stomach churns as I pass by the source of the smell.

As I walk through the house, I see that it’s completely trashed, empty food cartons on the counters and tables, dishes piled high in the water filled sink. The furniture is so old, it’s got that yellow tinge, and the wood panels are cracked, showing the metal siding and window screws. I’m surprised I don’t see any insects, but I do see a glass pipe and a needle sitting out in the open, right by a coffee cup on the table in front of the television.

Not looking at us, Abigail rushes ahead and goes through an open doorway, Vic right on her heels. This? This is how she’s been living? What he wants her to come back to? What the fuck? He’s out of his fucking mind if he thinks for one second that I’d let her come back