My Mind's Eye (Pub Fiction #1) Read online

  “Okay, Kat,” my mom says, “your father and I are going to get out of your hair and let you get on with getting settled.” She’s gathering up all the boxes and packing peanuts from the kitchen where she unpacked our cookware. “He’s almost done with installing the extra carbon monoxide detectors. I think we may need one more for the basement, he said, but other than that, you’re all set.” She smiles warmly, knowing how important these things are to me.

  “Perfect. I can grab an extra one from the store if we need it. Are you sure you don’t want to stay, Mom? It’s almost supper and I think we’re going to order pizza soon.”

  “No, it’s all right, honey. You and Claire have this time, get to know the other girls and finish with the movers. I don’t have a clue where you ladies want all this stuff anyway,” she laughs. “Besides, your father is done checking all the smoke detectors, and the new fire extinguishers have all been installed in your room and the upstairs bathrooms. I know he’s tired, and we have a long drive ahead. But thanks, sweetheart.” She hugs me and I revel in her warmth. My parents have been amazing with my crazy need to feel extra safe in our new home.

  ***

  “Thank God the girls all seem really nice, too, eh, Claire?” I say, as we’re unloading the rest of our belongings from the moving truck. Having just met our roommates, I have a very good feeling about them. I’m relieved. I’ve been agonizing about whether or not we will get along, or if they’d be a bunch a rowdy freshman girls.

  As soon as we all met, I was instantly put at ease, especially since Amanda, Kym, Beth, and Radha seemed to have been just as nervous as I was, which caused me to relax big time. The last thing I need is to be having battles on the home front.

  “Yes, I was really worried,” says Claire. “More for you than me, though. You know me, I love a good party, and I have amazing stamina.”

  Love to party, does she ever, I laugh to myself before she finishes.

  “I know you were worried they’d be a bunch of freshman party animals, and how you need to keep your focus on school, so I’m glad they are more on the quiet side,” she continues. “I think we’ll get along well. I’m excited to be the resident party girl. Maybe I can corrupt you all.”

  Claire beams, the smile on her face giving off a look I know all too well. She is already cooking up raging party plans in her head. I can’t help but grin at her comment, because over the years, Claire has definitely helped bring me out of my shell. I can only imagine how serious she might be about the notion of corrupting some new blood.

  “Hey, Kat!” she says.

  “Yeah?”

  “Now that I know you’re feeling better about the new roomies situation, I have to say, since you don’t have to worry about the girls, you’ll be able to focus on school and boys this year. I mean, come on, Kitty, have you seen some of the hotties walking around here? Yummy!” Claire yells, as she heads inside with another box. “I say we forget the unpacking and go introduce ourselves to the neighbourhood.” I know Claire is essentially egging me on. She knows my priorities, but she’s just enough of a little shit to test my resistance anytime she can.

  “Absolutely not, no way. The last thing I need is to get caught up in a relationship. I have enough going on with a new house, unpacking, the new job, new friends, and our final year and placements. Oh, and let’s not forget to throw in that shithead, Seth. That ass is still trying to win me back. I am done.”

  “Oh, come on, Kitty Kat. You can’t deny yourself fun forever. And nothing says fun like hot sex with a super-hot stud,” she says with a smirk on her face.

  “God, you’re relentless, Claire,” I say, offering a scowl at her suggestion. “Listen to me, chick. This year is all about school and work. Only work and school. What I will not be adding to my year is more boy troubles. Fuck. That.” I cross my arms over my chest, levelling her with a glare, which I hope shows her I am not backing down on this one.

  I’m by no means a prude or a Debbie Downer, but I’m certainly not a drunken sorority girl looking to hook-up and marry the beyond-too-cool, popular quarterback. I have goals and a plan, and some cocky player isn’t going to mess that up. The last thing I need is more pressure. Besides, Seth is all the boy trouble I can handle as it is.

  I shake off the image of my ex, who has become a pain in my ass, trying to wear me down and listen to him explain things to me. I’ve been ignoring his calls and texts for months now. Shuddering at the thought of Seth, I offer to take Claire over to Starbucks for a well-deserved moving break, to which she agreed instantly. “Hell yes, I could totally go for a java fix. It’s almost nine o’clock. I am done for tonight, chick. Let me grab my purse,” Claire replies before heading to her room. “I’ll meet you outside, Claire Bear,” I shout. I ask the other girls if they want to come, but they’re all busy unpacking. Standing on the little porch, I can’t help but notice how the sky seems lit up with what I imagine is millions of stars. I smile while looking up, admiring them and thinking of how all these stars could be symbols of the good things to come. I sure hope so.

  I spend the next few days settling into our new place, getting to know the girls, and happily embracing the fresh start to the school year.

  Chapter 3

  Kat

  A week later

  “Dude, you really need to paint your room; this yellow is terrible. How can you sleep in here?” I ask Clare. I’m sitting on her bed flipping through Cosmo while she’s destroying her already mess of a closet, looking for clothes. “I haven’t had time. I’ve had better things to do with myself.” She exhales a deep breath. “Besides, I like it. I think I’m going to leave it, actually. I feel like it’s my homage to the sun, and you know how much I love the sun and all things hot.” She giggles while looking through her closet.

  I laugh at her because she’s such a dork sometimes. “Well, it’s ugly if you ask me, but I guess it does kinda suit you and your sunny disposition,” I tease.

  I continue to flip through my magazine, sharing the odd tidbit of gossip with Claire. I’m waiting on Claire to need me, as I’ve been entrusted with the very important BFF job of “outfit checker.” The job where you give your opinion on how your friend’s clothes look good, just to have them change in the end again anyway. Well, yeah, that’s what I’ve been summoned to do for Claire tonight.

  “Who would have thought the fire would have actually turned out to be a good thing?” Claire asks as she’s zipping up her dark wash jean skirt. She’s on her tenth outfit now, I swear. She’s dolling herself up all sexy for her date with Colby, the hottie next door.

  “You didn’t just say that, did you?” I question, rolling my eyes at her comment before continuing to read the article on the latest hair trends.

  “What? Silver lining, Kat, remember? We’re always looking for the silver linings.”

  “Whatever,” I say. “I’m not really sure boys are considered a silver lining, but I’ll go with it.” I can’t believe how boy crazy Claire can be all the while still finding time for school and her friends. Sometimes I wish I was more like her and less the worry wart I tend to be.

  “Are you nervous to start work at Pub Fiction?” Claire enquires as she’s deciding on what shirt to pair with her denim skirt.

  Pub Fiction is located downtown and is pretty much the hottest hangout for the local and university students, as well as the younger working class crowds in the area. I landed a shooter girl job, while Claire will be working as bartender at the main bar. While she’s getting ready for her date, I’m supposed to be getting ready for my first training shift, but I’m clearly side tracked. Starting work at Pub Fiction is something I’m pretty stoked about, to be honest. With a few weeks to go before the fall semester, I want to save up and make as much money as I can. My goal is to save up extra money in order to make a big payment toward my loan. It’s a bit of wishful thinking on my part, but it would be nice.

  My family is your typical blue-collar, middle-class household, but my parents have recently taken a
financial hit with my brother, Wes, and me being in university at the same time. My parents are very big on us getting an education. They have always made us the deal that as long as we work part-time, they will pay half of our tuition. Thank goodness I have been very lucky to have had that help. I do have some student loans that I will be paying back after graduation, but not nearly as much as a few of my friends. My parents are really great and have always been supportive of us, but they can be a bit overbearing when it comes to school. They’ve raised us with the idea that a good education should always be our main priority, which will help to better ensure we find ourselves good jobs. Jobs that will, hopefully, allow for the freedoms that go along with financial security. Plus, with me being in my last year, it’s probably a good idea to start trying to support myself as much as possible. Clearly, I can’t depend on my parents and their generosity forever. I’m a grown woman and they have done way more than necessary for me. My grandparents left money in their will to help toward our education, but my parents have struggled regardless. My father often works overtime at the steel plant and my mother teaches summer school and extra classes in the fall. Besides, with Wes in his first year, my parents will likely continue paying tuition money for a few more years to come, so I think the least I can do is to start trying to pay my own way. And from what I hear, there is a ton of money to be made in tips at Pub Fiction.

  “I am a little. I mean, I’ve waitressed before, but Molly’s Grill is no bar, and I was never a shooter girl. Maybe I should have applied to be a bartender like you. I really should have taken that mixology class with you last year; then I would have had that along with my Smart Serve. At least that way I wouldn’t have to think about falling flat on my face while carrying a tray full of drinks.”

  “Oh, my goodness, Kat. You’ll do great. I would think carrying a tray full of shots will be a lot lighter than all those plates of food were,” she says. I nod at her point because she’s probably right. Toting trays of shooters should be a breeze compared to lugging those heavy plates. I think it’s the bar atmosphere that has me more worried. God, I’m my own worst enemy at times. Seems I can always find something to stress about.

  “Maybe you’ll meet a nice little hottie who you can hook up with tonight after your shift?” Claire teases. I shake my head at my friend always trying to pimp me out. I ignore her comment, moving right along without entertaining her suggestion.

  “How about you? Are you excited for your hot date tonight?” I ask. We have only been here a week, and already Claire is announcing, “Boys, I’m here!” to any potential prey living within our little neighbourhood. “I swear, Claire, you might as well get a squad car megaphone and call the boys outside for a meet-and-greet,” I tease her and can’t help but laugh at the face she makes. I actually think my comment may have shocked The Claire Knox.

  “Listen here, friend. I can’t help it if I attract the opposite sex. If they happen to find me, you can’t possibly blame me for that.” She smirks, feigning innocence. “It’s totally not my fault. All I was doing was sitting on the porch, reading one of my smut books on my Kindle, taking a much-deserved break from unpacking. He was walking up to the house next door and we just happened to spot each other. Turns out he lives there, naturally, we struck up a conversation, and by the end, he offered to help if I needed it. See, not my fault,” she says, shrugging.

  “Uh-hmm, whatever you say, Claire Bear.”

  “I consider myself quite lucky for finding such a gorgeous man so quickly. Have you met anyone yet, Miss Snotty McUptightface?”

  “Oh, sweet Claire,” I mock, hands on my hips. “I think, by definition, unpacking means opening boxes and actually putting things away, not just rifling through them whenever you need something. Besides, maybe you should spend less time focusing on me and my lack of a love life, and more time unpacking all of your damn stuff.” I glance over to the back corner of her room before adding my last dig.

  “Oh, whatever, Kat.” She sticks out her tongue at me. “There’s time for that shit later. You need to get your priorities in check, woman. It’s time to focus on adding some fun in there. I think your priority list should be: Boys, boys, parties, then boys again. Who cares about all the other shit? There’s always time for that stuff,” she insists while following my eyes to the back corner of her room.

  “I’m thinking the crazy, leaning tower you have over there needs to be your top priority, Claire Bear,” I say. “They are a huge safety hazard, one I think is going to cause you some serious pain when it falls on you.” But it’s true; she’s got boxes stacked way too high that they’re almost taller than me.

  “Dude, you really need to unpack that stuff.” I grin before singing, “Honey, we’re home, time to knock the tower down!” At the sound of my lameness, we both fall into a fit of laughter.

  “She is right you know, Claire,” Radha says, popping her head in the doorway. “That thing is scary over there.” She nods in the direction of Claire’s tower.

  “Yeah, yeah, I’ll get to it.” She waves us off.

  “Kym and I are heading out to grab some groceries. You wanna join?”

  “No, sorry, we can’t right now. I wish I could, but I have work tonight and Claire has her date with Colby. Thanks for asking though.”

  “But please let us know how much we owe you guys. How about Kat and I go next time? Maybe we can all take turns? We can talk about it together this weekend when we’re all around.”

  “Oh, right, I didn’t realize how late it was already. I’ve been busy getting all my stuff put away. But yeah, that sounds good. Text me what you want, and I’ll be sure to grab it.” She smiles before leaving. “I’ll see you ladies later. Kym’s waiting outside already. I better get moving,” her voice echoes in the hall.

  Sighing, Claire finally looks around at the mess. “I’ll try to tackle it this weekend. I should have time between my date tonight and my shift at Pub Fiction tomorrow. I’ll probably have enough time to get it all put away, that is, if I make it a priority anyway.” She grins.

  With the unpacking plan all hashed out, Claire continues to give me all the juicy deets about Colby.

  “He’s super sweet, Kat. As soon as I mentioned we had just moved in the day before, he straight away offered his help with moving stuff and whatnot, of course I totally took him up on his offer. Especially with that damn desk. There was no way I was getting it together all by myself. Besides, have you seen him?”

  “Yes, Claire, I sure have. He is definitely your type. All looks and muscles.”

  “Well, then you should also know, girl,” Claire says, “that you never turn down that kind of help.”

  I chuckle in response. Oh, Claire, totally boy crazy. She always has been; it’s just part of her charm.

  “I don’t know where this will go, but we really hit it off. Colby and I have a lot in common. I’ve really liked getting to know him. I’m actually excited about this one, Kat.”

  “Well, I’m glad. I hope you guys have a great time and are a match made in Village heaven. Who knows, right? Maybe my Claire Bear is growing up and will have a real-life relationship with a man. Maybe you’ll actually show this guy the real Claire Knox, eh?”

  “Oh my God, Kat. Let’s not get crazy. I mean, jeez, I can’t go showing just any guy the wizard behind the curtain, now can I? The reality in that is just too great for any mere mortal of a man.”

  With this, she smiles, but for a fraction of a second, I see doubt in her eyes. Sure, Claire is tough as nails and has overcome great personal tragedy, but I know she hurts. She doesn’t talk about her parents too often, but I know her. She isn’t always the girl she portrays herself to be. One day she will break, and I will be there for her as she has always been there for me. Thick as thieves, me and my sister from another mister.

  Claire has always been the more outgoing of the two of us, especially where the opposite sex is involved. I prefer to be chased rather than put myself out there so openly. But right now, I just don’t n
eed the hassle of a relationship, or feel the need to rely on anyone other than myself, especially after Seth. I’m a bit more reserved than Claire. I would never have the guts to ask a complete stranger for help, let alone initiate a conversation with a random person. If it had been me, I probably wouldn’t have said a word to Colby, even if he is our neighbour. I might have offered a smile and maybe a wave. It takes me a bit longer to trust men, thanks again to Seth, the cheating dickhead. Since we broke up, I’ve been watching from the bench. I’ll get back in the game soon, I’m sure. However, it will take the right guy to pull me from the comfort of the sidelines.

  Claire thinks I spend too much time worrying about getting my school assignments done and working, rather than cutting loose and having a string of dates lined up each week. She and I are like day and night sometimes. It’s amusing how different we can be at times, but to me, we’re simply the perfect balance. She’s the yin to my yang. And I wouldn’t change a thing about her.

  “We’re just going to dinner and a movie,” Claire says. “We’ve been spending time together here and there. But, yes, before you ask, I am kind of nervous and excited to actually go out on an official date with him and see if there is anything more than friendship and sexual attraction between us. I mean for now, it seems we’re compatible in the important areas, but I want to see if he’s committed dating material,” she quips as I start heading toward my bedroom. I need to get ready for my shift; I hadn’t realized how long we’d been chatting.

  I walk into my room—my own room, let me remind you—and I take a moment to just breathe and admire my haven. I love it! I can’t help the joy that floods me as I take in my surroundings. I’ve painted the room in light lavender, which is beyond the perfect colour. It makes me smile every time I look at the walls.