Cheap & Classy (Hide Your Crazy) (4 page)

Chapter 6

Lifestyles of the rich and famous. Maybe I should just be a porn star?

I would rather be anywhere but sitting at this table, staring at the computer screen, waiting for that call. All I had to do was click the accept button, and I would be transported to my own personal hell. Personally, I would rather stab my eyes out with an unsharpened pencil then sit in on this video call, but what options did I have. I could click the ignore button, and go about my merry way, but that would give my mother the satisfaction of claiming I didn’t care. Technically, I really don’t care, but I can’t let that spiteful bitch win. Everyone tried to one up you in that type of world, and just being present for the meeting would piss my mother off in the end. Pathetic and petty? Sure, but at that moment I really didn’t care.

The screen lit
up with my father’s company logo, asking me to accept or reject the call. Mentally, I clicked the little red button as my hand hovered over and accepted the call. My stomach plummeted while waiting for the call to connect.
This is fucking stupid.

“Hello Molly Anne McGlenister,” my father’s associate
, Peter, said as his image appeared over the screen.

“Good morning Mr. Thompson.”

“I am glad you were able to join us this morning. However, it is such a shame you couldn’t be with us in person.”

I flashed the perfect fake smile everyone back home was so accustomed to, and sat there awkwardly. This was going to be the longest conversation in my entire life. I should have taken a couple shots before I subjected myself to such torture. Failure number one for a Monday, ugh.

I w
atched as my mother and sister walked into the conference room. The fake smile disappeared from my lips, and I fought tooth and nail to keep a snarl from making an appearance. I was never one for physical violence, and normally wussed out in any type of confrontation, but, at this moment I would kill to land a swift right hook to the side of my sister’s head. Of course they were both dressed to perfection, it really shouldn’t have surprised me any. Mother had on a cold grey suit, with her favorite pair of pearls dangling from her neck. Her blonde hair was swept neatly back from her face, securely at the back of her head in what I assumed was the perfect French twist. Even the sound of her heels clicking on the floor made me want to vomit all over that pristine suit. The mere sight of her sent me into a downward spiral of rage, and somehow I had to sit through this meeting looking at her hateful face. Fucking cruel world.

My sister was a perfect carbon copy of my mother, gliding right behind her in a
dark navy blue pantsuit and matching headband. Her long blonde hair framed her face perfectly, and curled slightly around her breasts. Of course, she too was wearing her own set of pearls, a southern girl’s staple in proper attire. Everyone that was anyone in their world didn’t leave the house without their pearls; and I couldn’t even begin to think of where I placed my set. Fiddling with my bare neck, I forced my hands back into my lap before I could draw attention to my lack of pearls. Shit, even on the other side of the country they had a way of making me feel inadequate and insecure.

My mother turned toward
the camera with a blank stare on her face. She was completely void of emotions as she stared at the screen, without a doubt judging my appearance. I don’t think there has ever been a time where she was satisfied with my look. Even when she controlled what I put on every morning, pageant attire, even the underwear I used to wear, there was always something that didn’t work just right. Sure, my hair might still be blonde, but this morning I flat ironed it stick straight and had taken a pair of texturizers to the ends last night, making my once sleek bob choppy again. I almost started to second guess my sunshine yellow blazer and black tank top combination, but then again who was I trying to impress? Unbuttoning the two jacket buttons, I slid the top off my shoulders and sat there in my tank top, leaving my pasty white skin exposed for the world. Okay, maybe it wasn’t the entire world. Just what was left of my evil family and my father’s business associates.

Clearing his throat to signal he was ready to start,
Mr. Thompson nodded to my mother, who as if on cue, reached over and snatched a tissue from the box in front of her. Dabbing her eyes softly, she glanced back at the camera and narrowed her perfectly lined eyes.
Keep putting on an act, Mother, everyone can see straight through your narrow minded bullshit.

“I would like to start out by saying how deeply sorry we are to be calling this meeting. Arthur was a wonderful colleague, husband, and father. I can speak for everyone at the firm and whole heartily
say he will be missed.” Once again, as if they were all trained monkeys, the rest of the people in the room nodded in grievance, and my sister let out a pitiful sniffle.

“Please you stuck up bitch,” I muttered softly, rolling my eyes at the gestures made.
The only good thing that could come of this meeting was my car, and I just had to stick it out to find out where in the world she was being kept. She was the only thing I cared about in this whole circus show of a meeting,
so let’s get this freak show on the road.

“The reaso
n why we have gathered today is to go over the dispersal of Arthur’s properties and belongings. Now, under normal circumstances, all of his assets would be automatically transferred into Mrs. McGlenister’s ownership. However, there were certain things dictated in his will that make this a little more complicated,” Mr. Thompson spoke, only glancing briefly over at the computer screen, then back to my mother. My mother fidgeted in her seat, and it brought a smile to my sour face knowing she was uncomfortable in this setting. Maybe all of her ugly tendencies and malicious ways would be brought to light. Then again, maybe she would just be painted as the perfect housewife and mother, yet again. Fifty to one odds on the later thought, considering I knew my luck was never that good.

“We will be here for you all in every step of the way during this horrible time. Our firm wants to make this as painless as possible, considering the last few weeks have been extremely taxing on your family,” another associate named Robert spoke, at least I think that was his name. I had to stifle a giggle after that statement. Painless my ass. We were dealing with property, money, and the family name. There would be no way it could remain painless, that was not the style of my family. This would end up being a long drug out affair, knowing damn well my mother would fight tooth and nail with whatever my father left me. I really wanted to just tell them to sort this junk out all themselves; all I cared about was my car. But, call me a glutton for punishment,
because I just kept sitting there in silence; wondering when the shit would start hitting the fan.

“Well, let us get down to business, shall we?” Mr. Thompson asked the group, making eye contact with each person in the room, ignoring me on the screen at the end of the table. “First, I think we need to go over the residential properties.” I really had to force myself from checking out; considering I didn’t care that my mother got the house and probably the vacation property in Cape Cod.

“The house that resides at 57324 E Greenridge will continue to be kept in Mr. and Mrs. McGlenister’s name. If Mrs. McGlenister chooses to remarry at a later date
, the transfer of ownership will carry into her newly taken last name.” 
I could have told you that one. Now let’s hear the results on the beach house. Dare I guess Mother’s too?

“
As for the property in Cape Cod Massachusetts, there will be a transfer of ownership to one Rebecca Bishop, formally Rebecca McGlenister.”
Wow, didn’t see that one coming. Interesting.
“Those are the only two residential properties to divide out. Do either of you ladies have any questions?” Mr. Thompson asked, pausing for my mother to speak up.

“No questions at this time
, Peter,” mother said sweetly, glancing over at Rebecca and smiling. I knew they were gloating over the houses, and it made me want to reach into the damn screen and knock their pretty blonde heads together. “I do not care,” I mouthed silently, resting my hands underneath my chin for what was going to be the longest family meeting in the history of the McGlenister clan.

Glancing down at my phone, I realize it has only been fifteen minutes, and all we have accomplished so far was where my mother was living. Rolling my eyes, I let out a sigh knowing all the work I could have been accomplishing instead of sitting here, stuck on the computer.

“Are you needing to take care of something, Molly Anne?” Mr. Thompson said loudly, instantly snapping my attention back to the screen.

“I apologize for my interruption. I was just thinking about all the work I needed to accomplish today.”

“Well, let’s continue so we don’t have to keep you from your job too long,” he said with irritation. Tossing a sweet but forced smile at the group once again, I silently killed everyone in the damn room off in my head, multiple times.

“Molly Anne, please don’t interrupt again. Our time is precious, and they are doing us all a favor meeting with us so early today,” my mother scolded with a smile. It takes an evil southern woman to be able to accomplish the task of making you feel like shit while smiling. My mother had mastered this task.
Nodding my head silently, my mind started to make up words to say to the witch that should never be verbally repeated ever again.

Thirty minutes later, and the Lord being the only one to remember what had been divided, I still continued to sit there like the misbehaving kid in the classroom. I had yet to be “awarded” anything from my will, since most of the crap was split between my mother and sister. Once again, like every other family gathering, I just sat there, bored out of my ever living mind.

“We need to discuss the vehicle situation. Arthur wanted us to ask you
, Miriam, if you would like your car purchased from the lease, or we are also allowed to extend it for another two years. The decision is yours.”

Mentioning the vehicles brought my attention back to the group. The daydreams of ponies and unicorns were getting pretty elaborate, and I was in the middle of naming my future ranch, but I needed to pay attention since I was betting my baby would be the next topic for discussion.

“Gosh, Peter, I just don’t know. Can I get back to you on that?”

“Sure
, Miriam. You still have another six months on the lease. However, we are prepared to break the contract and pay the penalty if you would like something different,” Mr. Thompson commented, leaning back in his oversized chair and crossing one leg over the other.

“Come on, come on,” I mumbled, biting my bottom lip in anticipation.

“You gentleman are wonderful to us,” Mother cooed while reaching over and grabbing Rebecca’s hand. My stupid sister immediately nodded her head in agreement.

“Next is a rather exten
sive topic,” Mr. Thompson paused, readjusting his body in the chair. “We need to go over the shareholders for the Law Firm.”

“Wait,” I squeaked, leaning closer to the screen. “What about my car?”

Mr. Thompson flipped through a large stack of papers on the table in front of him quickly, pursing his lips tightly together. I noticed a grin spread across my sister’s face and my heart basically stopped in my chest.

“Molly, I don’t have any record of a personal car awarded to you.”

“Where in the hell is my car, Mother?” I snapped, gripping either side of the laptop angrily.

“Language
, Molly Anne. We don’t speak to our elders in that tone, young lady,” Mother warned, narrowing her eyes at the screen.

“I apologize for my outburst
, Mother. However, I thought I would find out the location to my vehicle,” I sneered through clenched teeth.

“Oh
, Molly Anne, don’t you remember? Daddy sold that car once you left to go on that road trip thing you participated in.” My sister grinned. Even through the computer I could see her eyes twinkling with pride.

“You fucking bitch.”

Chapter 7

Twinkle twinkle
little whore, close your legs, you’re not a door.

My whole body shook as I sat there, completely dumbfounded, staring at the screen. The only thing I cared about in this whole damn meeting was my car, and my bitch of a sister and crazy ass mother both knew that. They knew I wouldn’t contest what was being divvied out, because I still had my car. She was the only thing I wanted from that family. A gift from my father years ago, and they refused to let me have those memories. Of all the spiteful, hurtful, downright ugly things they have done over the years, this one took the cake.

“Please tell me you are just being a stupid snatch
, Rebecca. Please,” I begged, fighting the tears pooling in my eyes.

“Peter, do we need anything from Molly Anne? Her behavior right now is upsetting, and I would rather continue this meeting without her,” Mother stated, playing the wounded
victim card she had perfected over the years.

“Miriam, we do have the matter of
the divided shares in the firm. Molly does have stock in your husband’s business,” Mr. Thompson commented, reaching over and grasping Mother’s hand across the table.

“I personally don’t give a fuck about the practice. I want to know where in the hell is my car!”

“Your vulgarity is offensive, Molly Anne, and I will no longer tolerate it. When you are back to your proper senses, please contact Mr. Thompson on what needs to be done with your share of the business. Until then, I do not wish to speak with you. You may end the call now, Peter.” Mother glared at the screen, and then turned back to Peter with a smile.

“You selfish………….” The call had been ended. Letting out a frustrated scream, I slam
med the laptop closed and hurled it across the small bus. “That pie-eating, bitch nose, pirate!” Dropping my face into my hands, I let the tears I had been fighting spill over my cheeks. I can’t believe they really sold my car and waited until now to tell me. I knew my family was messed up, but this was the last straw. I could deal with my mother insulting and reprimanding me. Hell, I could even put up with Rebecca doing the same. But when they sold the only possession I whole heartedly wanted, I don’t think ever facing those two women again would ever be possible.

“Molly?” Megan’s voice drifted up the stairs,
and moments later her concerned face poked around the corner. “Are you okay?”

Letting out a soft sniffle, I wipe
d the remaining tears from my cheeks and nodded my head. I hated the fact I was crying over this, but I didn’t know what else to do. I could possibly try and track down who they sold it to, hopefully buy it back. But, I had no clue on the starting location for my search. Lord knew I couldn’t just ask my mother for the name and phone number of the purchaser. It would be a cold day in hell before she forked that information over.  My baby was gone, and I would never see her again.

“I’m really sorry to bother you right now, but we have a slight problem with the meet and greet,” Megan said cautiously, still hovering by the bus steps.

“No;
it’s fine, Megan.” I stood, wiping the wetness from my tears off on my jeans. Megan hesitated before taking a step over my laptop on the floor.

“I take it the laptop was being bad?”

“You could say that.” I laughed, forcing the notch in my throat down further. I needed to keep my emotions in check, get the problem fixed, and go about my job. No more meltdown for me, I had a job to do. “So what is going on?”

“Well, the room they booked us into is seriously the size of a broom closet. I have no idea how we are going to fit both bands in there, let alone another two hundred fans.”

“Alright, let’s go see this problem room.” I gestured for the steps, forcing a tight smile across my lips. Megan stepped over my laptop again, and bounded down to the bus door. Glancing down at my computer sitting on the floor, I purposely smash my right foot over the apple symbol, hearing a slight crack beneath my feet. The sound was unbelievably satisfying to my ears; giving me a weird sense of control over the situation. Sure, I probably just broke my laptop, but I could always buy a new one. And with that thought, I headed down the steps to solve the second problem of the day.

The concert hall was a lot smaller than the last venues, but Megan wasn’t lying about the meet and greet room. The dark grey walls only added to the closed in feeling, and the single window on the back wall let in only a fraction of light that was needed to bring life to the closet.

“You weren’t kidding,” I said with a frown.

“Yep. Like I said earlier, I have no clue how we are going to make this work.”

Rubbing the ba
ck of my neck, my eyes nearly went crossed as I stared at the single table in the middle of the room. There was no possible way to make this spot work.

“What do you want to do?” Megan asked, leaning back against the cold brick wall.

“Outside?” I questioned. That was the only other logical choice, considering all the rest of the venue rooms were being used by the bands and crew. “Megan, go find Allen and see if they have anymore white pop up tent things like they use over craft service. I’ll go talk to the manager and see if they have more barricades they can set up outside.”

“Won’t that cause an issue with the other ticketholders outside?

“Probably, but hopefully they will see it as a free look at the bands before the show tonight. I don’t see any other option. We will just have to have all security on hand in case it gets a little rowdy.” I shrugged my shoulders and immediately grabbed my cell, sending Stephanie a text with the new plans. I refused to cancel the event, considering NP would have my head when it violated the contract with the venue. Giving a refund on tickets was not something a company took lightly, and if I could prevent that misfortune from happening, then I had done my job.

“Do you want me to inform the guys after I talk with Allen?” Megan volunteered.

“I got it, no worries,” I responded with a half-smile. I refused to let this morning’s troubles affect my job.

“Okay. I’ll message you once I talk with Allen.”

“Thanks Megan.” I glanced down at my watch and realized Pleasure Revenge should be in the middle of sound check. I was almost positive that the guys wouldn’t have a problem with being outside, considering the Californian sunshine was blaring down upon us today. Sunshine, fresh air, and girls in very little clothing.
What could possibly go wrong?
I laughed to myself. Knowing my luck, an earthquake would happen, open the ground, and swallow us all whole. I really needed to stop reading those damn end of the world type books.

Heading down to PD’s dressing room, I could hear the music way before seeing the door. Normally the guys kept it pretty low key before their shows. Reaching for the door handle,
the vibration shocked my senses. “What in the hell?” Opening the door and peering inside, it looked like a damn bomb went off. Clothing scattered all over the damn place, empty beer cans and alcohol bottles scattered the floor, and half naked women frolicking about like damn drunken fairies.

No one even realized I had opened the door and was stan
ding there with my mouth hung open. Pretty sure the ratio of girls to boys had to be at least eight to one, and considering this room wasn’t very big, claustrophobia had already started in. I really shouldn’t be shocked, considering the lack of morals most women backstage displayed, and after all, they are pig headed little boys wanting to see a little booby action.

“Guys!” I shouted loudly. Looking around, I realized not a single person heard me. Storming over to the speakers, I pushed my way past two
topless chicks making out to yank the power cord out of the wall. “Perfect.” I grinned, letting the cord drop out of my hand.

“What the hell? Oh hey……………….Molly,” Chance slurred, giving me an
‘I’m already drunk for the day’ type of grin.

“First, ladies please place your tits back into their holsters and exit the room, thank you. Gentleman, I suggest you all go clean yourself up so we can have a little chat, okay?” The
irritation in my voice was obvious as the women scrambled around the room, tossing me nasty looks as they wandered out into the hallway. “Go ahead and glare at me, Sweetie. I don’t really give a fuck.” Crossing my arms underneath my chest and rolling my eyes, I tapped my foot on the hard concrete while waiting for the rest of the hussies to clear the room.

“What gives
, Molly? We were just having some preconcert fun.” Eric laughed, standing up from the couch and zipping his pants.

“You guys are gross, and not to mention stupid. You all have a meet and greet in an hour and the location has changed.”

“So what?” Chance barked, still laid out on the couch with his cock out for the world to see.

“Put that diseased thing away
, Chance; no one wants to see it,” I threatened.

“I’m sure most of the women you just chased out wanted to.”

“Yep, and this is why you do mandatory STI tests.” I liked sex, too, just with people who kept it in their pants more often. Well, technically I liked sex with Reid, who hated to keep it in his pants, too.
Judgmental much, Molly?

“So what’s up?” Brantley questioned, pushing himself off the far wall and joining us on the couches.

“Well, the indoor space reserved for your meet and greet was too small………………..so I’m moving y’a’ll outside.”

“Y
’a’ll? Bringing back those southern roots now are we, Molly?” Brantley joked.

“Suck it
, Brantley.” Tossing a glare in his direction, I quickly glanced over at the other members to get their take on being outside. “Anyone have an issue with it?”

A collective no came from the group as I nodded my head. “Alright. Security will escort you guys out the back door in…………….” I glanced down at my phone to check the time, “forty-five minutes. Please no more drinki
ng, guys.” Smirks turned into glares as I smiled during my last comment. I couldn’t have them belligerently drunk while meeting fans. Some people actually still looked up to these idiots. I don’t know who those people were, but I bet there had to be some………………..somewhere. “So sober up, wipe off the lipstick and whatever other bodily fluids hanging around on your skin, and I’ll see you all in a little bit.”

“Did you see the rack on that redhead?” Eric cheered as I was walking out the door. Yep, this no dating thing was going to work out just perfectly for me.