Category: CITW: Side Story

Chapter 59.7 The Housekeepers’ War, Part IX

San Antonio, Part I

Maria’s POV

I am very interested in meeting the San Antonio RangeMen. This will be the first time I’m walking into a branch where there isn’t an established housekeeper. I’m not following in someone else’s footsteps. It’s just me this time. Rafe is also looking forward to a month-long vacation to another location. We’re giddy about this opportunity.

Lester, Tank and Rafe meet me at the airport. True to his silliness, Lester picks me up and twirls me around.

“Maria!”

I giggle and Tank slaps him on the head. He turns to me and gives me a warm hug, as does Rafe.

“Maria, welcome to Texas. Where are your bags?”

Continue reading →

Chapter 59.5: We Woo, Part I

Ram’s POV—Sunday Afternoon

I’ve had it. I’ve been staring at this computer for four hours now, moving stuff around, cataloging it, trying to get the Trenton RangeWorld ready for deployment. My butt is numb. Time to move.

I pull up Fandango and check out the movie listings. Great! A superhero movie is in theatres and it’s one I’ve wanted to see for a while. I hop up and stretch then check my wallet. Yup. We’re good.

My moves are gaining attention.

“Ram?” Bobby asks, frowning.

“I’ve had it, sir,” I reply, smiling. “If I look at that screen for one more minute today I’m going to scream. Time for something new.”

Everyone looks at me, confused. I turn to Steph.

“Steph, may I have the pleasure of your company at the movies? There’s some good ones starting in 45 minutes, if you’re interested.”

Continue reading →

Chapter 58.7: Will you give ME a chance, Part II

A/N: PPP means “Puff, puff, pass.” Weed Etiquette. I’ve never smoked.

Bobby’s POV

I’m trying my best not to laugh, but this is funny. Chiapas all over again.

Tank’s high as a kite. He’s laid out on the living room floor, passed out, a smile on his face.

Mrs. CJ and Lula are laughing their asses off and the sisters are staring at Tank in shock.

“Is he going to be OK?” Chenae asks, crouched next to Tank. She glares at Lula. “You should be trying to help him instead of laughing at him.”

Lula just waves. “He high, Chenae. Only a few ways to work that off.” She grins at me and I burst into laughter. Fuck it. I start video-taping this. No one will ever believe me if I don’t. Continue reading →

Chapter 58.5 The Housekeepers’ War, Part VIII

NYC, Part II

Lucia’s POV

I’ve been waiting. When Ella told me about the war against Miami, I got ready. I informed my children I was coming for a visit and I was staying at RangeMan for a few days. They’re looking forward to having me and I’m looking forward to seeing how the Miami men respond to me.

 Susan reported that after she ruined pounds of chicken breasts, the men apparently had a fight in the break room, including thrown punches. Antonio has been demoted from interacting with the housekeeper and Mario has taken his place. The men worked with Susan to discuss her usual procedures and they executed their first grocery run, which Susan said was successful, but they need work. Apparently, they fidgeted and non-verbally tried to get her to move faster, which she ignored.

Continue reading →

Chapter 55.9: Will you give me a chance?

Lula’s POV

I’m headed back to Carencro for another visit. Lester’s ’bout to head to the Jersey Shore, something Steph’s doing with the company men. We talked yesterday and she seemed distracted so I decided to catch up with her later.

I know Batman is out the country so I’m wondering what’s up. She’s usually only that distracted when he’s around.

I really enjoy my time with Mrs. Carol Jean and it’s hard not to want to spend time with her. She’s fun and feisty and she likes to tell me stories about Tank’s childhood. It’s obvious that Tank’s her favorite and he loves his momma. We finally decided that maybe we should think about buying a house in San Antonio, so she joined us and she and I went house hunting every day.

Continue reading →

Chapter 55.7: The Housekeepers War, Part VII

NYC, Part I

Maria’s POV

I haven’t been to New York since I was a newlywed, and I’m thrilled to be here. I can’t wait to see what special thing NYC does for the housekeeper. The Boston men purchased an iPod for me and downloaded some of my favorite songs and albums onto it. Now all their questions about my favorite music and dances make sense! They also said they sent a message to Armando to ensure I had a hookup available in my prep area when I get home. It’s such a sweet present and it made the train ride from Boston to NYC very enjoyable. They were sweet boys, when not pumping me for info. They behaved just like all the other men I’ve met so far.

Continue reading →

Chapter 52.7: The Housekeepers’ War, Part VI

Boston, Part II

Maria’s POV

Boston! I have to admit, I’m looking forward to being in Boston in the heat of summer. It’s nowhere near as hot here as it is in Miami. The cooling breezes and cold drinks are keeping me hydrated and happy. I’m met at baggage claim by two handsome young men, Mark and Rodney, the XO and liaison for the branch. They fetch my bags and escort me to the waiting SUV, where they fill me in on office procedure and tell me that if I need anything, just let them know. They don’t cover grocery procedures, so I ask. Again, they have the same grocery procedures as Trenton and Atlanta.

Things I’m requiring in order to return to Miami: respect, consideration, grocery procedures.

Continue reading →

Chapter 52.3: I stand by my choices

Lula’s POV

Mrs. Carol Jean cooks a traditional Louisiana breakfast the next morning and gives me another reason to love her. I swear, I wish this woman had been my momma. She cares and she knows how to smother shrimp and grits in cheese and butter.

“Have I met all the family? I remember you mentioning your mother-in-law. Is she still alive? Is your mother still alive?

Mrs. Carol Jean shakes her head. “My momma dead of cancer. Never knew my daddy. My mother-in-law is still alive but that’s like asking ’bout Tank’s daddy. He never goes to see her, doesn’t talk about her and doesn’t acknowledge her. She believed her son, never believed Pierre was Antoine’s. Don’t open that can of worms.”

Got it. I won’t make the same mistake twice.

Continue reading →

Chapter 51.5: The Housekeepers’ War, Part III

Boston, Part I

Susan’s POV

Steven and I were surprised when Ella called to say that she wanted to move us to Miami for two weeks. Once she detailed what was going on, I was curious. It sounded a little fantastical, so I talked to Patrick and Rodney.

That was a stunner.

“So, let me get this straight. Ella wants to move you to Miami for two weeks to determine the level of sexism in there?” Rodney asks, eyebrow raised. I nod and he snorts. “That’s easy to answer. High. Ridiculously high. Astronomically high. I wouldn’t send my ex-wife to the Miami office. Do you have to go?” Continue reading →

Chapter 51.3: The Truth about Love and Marriage

Lula’s POV

I need to talk to Steph. I got decisions to make and I want to do this right. I’m never gonna do this again.

“Now, I like colors and you like colors too, Lula, so we need to start thinking about yo wedding colors. You give it any thought?”

Nope. I’ve obssessed over it and I spent the past two weeks admiring my ring and handling Tank. Daily. Nightly. In our apartment. Everywhere in our apartment. In the RangeMan apartment on the temporary dining room table. Bobby’s still blushing red but I’ll bet he’s learned to knock first.

I can feel Tank cringe next to me. Before I can say anything, Tank cuts in.

“No pink, Momma.” He looks at me. “I know, it’s your wedding, Lula Bear, but I don’t do pink or any shades of red.” I’m ready to go rhino when he lifts and kisses my wrist. “I was a Crip, baby, and even though I put that part of my life behind me, you still won’t catch me in red.”

Continue reading →