"So what did he do to make you bite him?" I cross my arms, following Geoff down to the basement.
"Dunno. He made me feel weird and uncomfortable."
"He does that to people. I'd tell you to not take it seriously, but I probably would have if I were in your situation. He's scared off more than a few girls."
"Like I said, I can take care of myself." He opens the door to the room I met him in and walks in, I follow behind.
"Don't doubt that. Your nails are freakishly long." I look down at them and shrug. "Have a seat." I shake my head and lean against the wall. Geoff sits down and picks up the remote. "Something wrong with my couches?" He looks over at me and smiles.
"No. It's just a long story."
"Yeah, I heard from Shay."
"Heard what?"
"Nothin' really. Just that you have a long and boring story." I nod.
"Sounds about right."
"Do you at least sit on the floor? I feel weird with you standing there."
"Yeah, floor's are okay." I take a seat on the floor in front of one of the couches and lean against the edge. More comfy than standing, I guess. "Why are you doing this for me? You never met me before last night. Most people don't care." He shrugs.
"Doesn't seem right to me, you being so young. Thought I'd help you out a little, even if only just for a night."
"Well like I told Shay, I'm not a charity case and I can take care of myself. Been doing just fine." He looks over at me, a small frown on his face.
"Yeah, I can see that. What if it'd been someone else's yard you jumped into? And I hadn't of stopped Doug from gettin' you?" I shrug, not answering him. "Thought so. Look, I know you don't want my help, but you need it, at least from what I can tell. You're 17 for fuck sakes. 17 year olds don't belong on the streets, selling their bodies." I stand up, my temper flaring.
"Maybe you should have told my dad that when he kicked me out of my house. I don't need you telling me what I do and don't need, thanks very much."
"I didn't mean to get you mad Mick, I was just sayin'." I sit back down, my temper subsiding.
"I know, sorry. I'm not used to people helping me. I've had to take care of myself for 7 years. It's weird having someone want to help me."
"Why did your dad throw you out?"
"I dunno. I came home one day from school and my clothes were lying on the porch. He'd changed the locks and everything. I didn't stick around to find out why."
"How'd you get to Detroit? Shay told me you lived in Maine."
"Yeah. I babysat the kids across the street and had money saved up. He forgot about the attic window and I got in that way. I got my money and some other stuff and got out of there."
"Sounds like a bastard." I nod.
"He was."
"What about your mom or siblings?"
"My mom died when I was 6 and my sister left when I was 8 to live with our aunt."
"Why didn't you go with her?" I look around the room. I feel like I've said too much already. I hardly know this guy. But oddly, it feels good to finally tell someone.
"My dad went to rehab twice for drinking. He pretended everything was fine and dandy and I had to live with him since he was cured. Eventually they closed the case file and never saw us again. By that time I was being beaten up almost every night."
"I'm sorry Mick." I look up at him in surprise.
"Sorry?"
"Yes, sorry. I assume no one's ever said that to you before?" I shake my head, picking at the carpet with my fingers.
"I've never told anyone before this."
"Why did you tell me? You don't seem the type to trust easily." I shrug.
"I have no idea really. I guess it's just nice to tell someone."
"Well I'm flattered you told me. I have to go into work early tonight if you wanna sleep in my bed again. I'd offer Shay's but I dunno if he's coming back tonight or not."
"I saw him at Doug's with a girl."
"That was Becky. They've been friends since they were kids. They get pretty friendly and a lotta people think they're goin' out."
"They don't like eachother?"
"Not like that. I don't think they ever will."
"You got a girl?"
"Nah. I'm focused on work right now, not really looking for anyone. You with anyone?"
"Nope, my one and only boyfriend turned out to be an asshole, so I've given up. For now anyways."
"You're young yet. You'll find someone."
"I'm not a child."
"I know, that's not how I meant it. I meant you've still got time to find someone." I smile slightly.
"I know, I was kidding. And really, thanks for all this."
"Don't mention it, I'm happy to. You tired?" I nod.
"Yeah, pretty tired actually. I didn't sleep well last night."
"Shay told me you were up same time as him at like 7:30, I can imagine you're pretty tired. Come on, I'll get you to bed." We both get up and he walks down the short hallway and opens his bedroom door. I take off my jacket and shoes while he pulls the blanket down for me. I drop onto the bed and lay down, falling asleep almost instantly.