Are You Listening to Me? Read online

  “Hey there, old man,” Jack finally noticed Toby.

  “I wish you would quit ‘old manning’ me! I have a name, Jack. You wouldn’t like it if I kept calling you old man, would you?” Toby stared at the young visitor.

  “Toby, this is our new neighbour, Camden. He and his sister have moved into Miss Mildred’s old place. Unfortunately, while we were gone, she passed away. Camden, this is my cat, Toby,” Jack introduced.

  Toby circled around on the porch, eyeing Camden. Camden was eye-balling Toby. “Something wrong with this fellow. Don’t like what I see behind those eyes!” Toby prided himself on reading people.

  “Does the cat really understand when you speak to him? It isn’t like he’s going to remember my name or anything.” Camden’s statement caused Jack to raise his eyebrows, but then he laughed.

  “Oh, Toby understands more than you might think. He’s a very smart cat. Actually solved a crime about six months ago and was awarded an honorary detective certificate,” Jack explained.

  Camden stared at Toby. “You don’t say. Well, my sister and I will sleep much better knowing how protected our new neighbourhood is.” He laughed and then checked his watch. “Wow, I didn’t realize it was lunchtime. Emma will be worried.” He stood and extended a hand to Jack. “It was nice meeting you, always good to know your neighbours.”

  “Likewise,” Jack said as he shook Camden’s hand. “Come around anytime. Bring your sister.”

  “Will do. Emma doesn’t go out much, though.” Camden stooped over to pet Toby.

  Toby arched his back and hissed. “Don’t you be touchin’ me!” Toby raced to the door and meowed.

  “Looks like your cat doesn’t like me,” Camden pointed out to Jack.

  “You bet my paws, I don’t!”

  “Oh, Toby just gets a little cantankerous sometimes,” Jack chuckled. “You’ll get used to him.”

  “No, he won’t!” Toby hissed again.

  Camden shrugged his shoulders and left.

  Once inside the house, Jack looked at Toby. “What’s the matter with you, old boy? Not everyone is out to commit a crime. That isn’t any way to welcome someone new into the neighbourhood. He and his twin sister have just moved here from B.C.; he has a job at the gym. Told me his sister isn’t well, so she doesn’t work. Their parents died when they were eighteen, and he’s just always been there for her. Quite a young man who would sacrifice his life to be there for his sister when she needs him.”

  “Still don’t like him … can’t fool an old cat like me!” Toby walked over to the refrigerator and sat down.

  “Okay, okay … I get the message,” Jack snickered as he picked up the phone and dialled the local fish and chip shop. “Lunch will be here in half an hour,” he said as he headed for the living room and his favourite chair.

  Toby followed and jumped up on the back of the couch. He stared out the window. Things were changing too fast in the neighbourhood, and he didn’t like it one bit. He watched the workers over at the gym as they put the finishing touches on the front flowerbeds. He thought of the girl in the yard … the big, black dog … the young man who had just left. Yes, things were changing in the neighbourhood and Toby was not a happy cat!

  ~

  Emma had lunch on the table when Camden walked in. He gave her a hug. “Sorry, I’m late. I stopped by our neighbour’s house and had a nice chat. He seems like a nice fellow. His cat’s a bit weird, though. Didn’t like me much.”

  Emma giggled. “Well, Cam, you never were much of a cat person, you’ve always liked dogs. Let’s eat before the lunch is cold.”

  “I have an orientation at the gym this afternoon,” Camden mentioned. “Just for a couple of hours. Manager wants to go over some details with the employees.”

  “Good. Maybe you’ll meet some nice people, maybe even a sweet girl,” Emma grinned. “You can’t spend your entire life looking after me, you know.”

  Camden looked up from his dish. “And why can’t I do that, Emma? Are you unhappy?”

  “Of course I’m not unhappy, Cam. It’s just that it isn’t normal to live with your sister for the rest of your life. Besides, maybe I want some nieces and nephews.” Emma reached over and touched Camden’s hand. He pulled it away.

  “What’s wrong, Cam? I’m sorry if I offended you,” tears began to brim in Emma’s eyes.

  “I don’t ever want to get married, Emma; you know that. You shouldn’t want to either after what we’ve been through! Look at our parents, the exemplary pair they were!”

  “But that was them, Cam; we aren’t them.”

  “I thought you wouldn’t want to have anything to do with men after what happened to you!”

  “I’ve been reading some books on healing after traumatic events. I know I’ll never forget what happened to me, but I know now I can heal and move on with life. I think it would be lovely to have a husband and children. We don’t have to be like our parents, Cam. We can learn from their errors. Actually, I thought, once we get settled, I’d like to get some counselling.”

  Camden’s fist came down on the edge of the table. “Out of the question, Emma. There’s no way I’d agree to let you relive that! No way! Subject closed! We’re doing just fine; why stir the pot?” Camden pushed his plate away. “There now, see what you’ve done––spoiled my lunch.” He shoved his chair back from the table and stood. “I’m going for a walk to cool off before I have to be at the gym. I can’t show up all upset.” Camden slammed the front door on his way out.

  The tears that had threatened earlier released. Emma pushed her plate aside. Duke came and laid his head on her lap. She stroked his neck. “It’s okay, Duke, Cam’s just nervous about his new job. He’ll calm down, he always does.” Emma went into the living room and lay down on the couch. The disagreement had worn her fragile state down. Duke stretched out on the floor beside her.

  ~

  Camden was in a frantic state of mind. The last thing he needed was Emma going to some shrink and talking about all the happenings in their past, and about how many times they had moved, and about him––especially about him. Camden knew he lost it on her sometimes and he also knew she wondered about what was really going on with him. He saw the way she looked at him when he was in one of his moods.

  He walked a few blocks until he felt settled, and then turned around and headed to the gym. It would be good to show up early. He pushed the front door open and entered. Everything smelled new. There was no one in sight, so Camden sat on one of the couches in the front lobby. The front door opened and a young girl entered. She walked over to Camden and held out her hand.

  “Hi, I’m Paige Young. I’ve been hired on as the main receptionist.” Paige’s voice was pleasant. “And you are?”

  Camden stood. “Camden Gale. I guess I’ve been hired on to do odd jobs and fill in wherever needed.”

  “Pleased to meet you, Camden Gale.” Paige smiled. “Are you from around here?”

  “No.” Camden offered nothing further.

  “Well, that’s a bonus. I’ve lived in Brantford all my life. Probably will live here the rest of it, too.” She laughed. “So where do you come from, Camden Gale?”

  Camden didn’t like to tell strangers too much about himself, but she did look kind––not like some of the others he had met at the gyms he’d worked at. “British Columbia,” he finally answered.

  “No shit! I’ve always wanted to go there. Are the mountains as beautiful in real life as they are in pictures?” Paige’s eyes were bright with enthusiasm.

  “There are no words to actually describe their majesty,” Camden answered, sure that was what Paige wanted to hear. “You should take a trip out there someday and see for yourself.”

  The front door opened again and two young men walked in. They introduced themselves as Vincent Reid and Nolan Innis. They had been hired on as personal trainers. Just before two o’clock another girl showed up, introducing herself as Sophia Vasser, a personal trai
ner.

  The group stood around looking at each other. “I wonder where Miss Hanley is,” Sophia said.

  “Right here.” An older woman came around the corner. “Sorry, I was checking out the women’s change room. For anyone who doesn’t know me, I am Isabella Hanley, the manager.” She smiled. “Follow me, everyone.”

  Isabella directed the small group to a room just off the reception area. “This is where we will have our staff meetings,” she informed. “This is also where you will have your lunches and breaks.” She pointed to the lockers on the end wall. “You will each be assigned a locker for your personal effects; you will be responsible for your own lock. The owner of the gym will not be responsible if your belongings are stolen.” She looked at her watch. “Mr. Rawlings will be here around two-thirty. I am to show you around until then.”

  Camden stuck close to Paige as they walked around the Gym. Isabella explained to everyone what their responsibilities were and said they would each be given a procedure’s manual to look over before the grand opening on Thursday. Isabella had spoken directly to everyone except Camden. Finally, she turned to him.

  “I’m sorry; I have not had the pleasure of meeting you in person. I understand you applied for a position here from out of province. Mr. Rawlings said you have worked in the gym environment before and he’s hired you for general duty and fill-ins. I will give you a list of your tasks before you leave. You and Paige will also be responsible for selling the protein drinks and bars at the front desk. I would like you two to come in for a couple of hours tomorrow so I can show you where everything is there. Is ten o’clock okay with both of you?”

  Paige and Camden nodded in agreement.

  A friendly, deep voice boomed through the building. “Isabella, you back there?”

  “Over by the treadmills, Mr. Rawlings.”

  A tall, heavyset man walked around the corner. He had a friendly face. Camden remembered him being pleasant on the phone when they had talked about the job. He had also been very sympathetic to Camden’s situation, especially when Camden told him of Emma’s health issues and that she had been recommended to see a specialist in Brantford.

  “How is everyone today?” he asked. “Ready for a busy few days I hope. I have advertised a pretty tantalizing opening price for membership and am expecting a line-up at the door.” Mr. Rawlings paused and looked at the group of young people. He walked up to Camden. “You must be Camden. How was your trip? How is your sister?”

  “Trip was good, sir. My sister is settling in fine. She sees the specialist next week,” Camden returned.

  “Good, good. Where are you living?”

  “We actually found a house to rent right on this street.”

  “Excellent.” Mr. Rawlings turned to the others. “Well now, for the next few minutes, I want you all to humour me. You humour me because I own the business,” he chuckled. “Actually, you humour me because I want the best gym in town. I know what I am talking about and if you follow what I am about to say, and what you read in your booklets, which Miss Hanley is going to give you, you will all continue working here for a very long time––if you want to.” He laughed again.

  For the next half hour, Mr. Rawlings went over in great detail what he expected of his employees. In return, he would treat them well. He wanted everyone to be like a big happy family. Camden winced at those words: in his mind, there was no such thing as a happy family.

  When the orientation was over, everyone left except for Camden and Isabella. “Come to my office, Camden,” Isabella directed. “I have that duty sheet for you.”

  Camden followed her, and she handed him a piece of paper. “I’m sure you have done most of these things before if you’ve worked at gyms. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask me. As we get busier, Mr. Rawlings will probably hire someone to help you out, but he is not the kind of man who over-hires and then lets people go. We might have to work a little harder at the beginning until we know exactly where we stand. I hope that’s okay with you.”

  “Yes, ma’am; I don’t have a problem with working hard, or working long hours.”

  “Mr. Rawlings asked how your sister is––is she ill?”

  Camden was caught off-guard. He wanted to make sure he didn’t say anything different to different people, especially those he worked with.

  “It’s okay––you don’t have to tell me. I didn’t mean to pry. Just know, if you ever need to talk about anything, my door is open. We like to make sure our employees are happy.” Isabella laid her hand on Camden’s arm.

  Camden pulled his arm away. “Thank you.”

  Isabella was shocked by his reaction. “Well, I guess we are done here; I’ll see you in the morning at ten.”

  “For sure.”

  As Camden left, Isabella couldn’t help thinking there was something very strange about him. She made a mental note to ask Mr. Rawlings exactly what he knew about Camden Gale.

  Wednesday, May 20, 2009

  C

  amden was waiting at the front door of the gym when Isabella arrived at 9:45. She smiled. “Good to see an employee who likes to be on time.”

  “I don’t believe in giving any employer an excuse to fire me,” Camden replied. “If I do my job and show up every day, and on time, what reason would they have to let me go?”

  That hadn’t been the answer Isabella would have expected from a new employee, but she also had the feeling Camden was far from your ordinary employee. She hoped he was as good as he dictated he was. Time would tell. She opened the door, and they stepped inside. Camden followed her to the front desk and watched as she pulled some papers from under the counter. She then went around to where the drinks were served, retrieved a booklet and set it on the countertop.

  “Ever mix drinks at the gym where you worked?” she asked.

  Camden smiled. Isabella wondered why her question would elicit such a strange smile. “Of course,” Camden replied. “Actually, that was my main job at the last gym I worked.”

  “I see. Then all this should be familiar to you. Most gyms serve the same kinds of drinks because the clients usually want something quick, filling, and healthy.” Isabella glanced at her watch. “I hope Paige is not going to be one of those people who come in at the last minute.”

  No sooner were the words out of her mouth when Paige came flying through the front door. “I’m so sorry, Miss Hanley. I missed my bus and had to call a cab, and it took forever to get to my house and…”

  Isabella interrupted: “Well, you are here now. Try to make sure you are in good time from tomorrow on.”

  Camden threw Isabella a dark look. Fortunately, she didn’t see it. He was upset for Paige. She had explained it wasn’t her fault. Things happen. Why didn’t some people understand that? Why was Miss Hanley so curt with Paige? Who the hell did she think she was anyway? She would get hers one day. Camden felt a throbbing in his head. He drew in a deep breath in an attempt to alleviate the pain.

  The next hour was spent going over the registration form and how to mix the drinks. There was a cash register at the front desk and a separate one for the drinks and body building powders. If they were on the same shift, they would always count the cash floats together. They would be held responsible for any shortages.

  “What about overages?” Camden asked.

  “If it was intended for a tip, then you take that immediately and put it in a tip jar. If it wasn’t, then it stays in the till and is recorded as a sale.”

  “But the shortages come out of our pockets?” Camden’s words sounded clipped.

  “Yes, that’s right.” Isabella moved on to the next subject.

  Camden wasn’t paying attention anymore. His head continued aching. He was thinking how unfair the system was. He thought he and Paige shouldn’t have to pay shortages if they couldn’t keep overages. Who were these people anyway? He started to shake. Beads of sweat broke out on his forehead. He felt a hand on his arm and was about to
pull away when he realized it was Paige’s.

  “You okay, Camden?” there was genuine concern in her voice.

  “I think I need to go to the washroom for a minute. Be right back.”

  Camden stopped at the sink and splashed water on his face. He gazed at his reflection in the mirror. There were dark circles around his eyes. He always got those when his headaches started. He began to pace. He needed to settle down; it was too early to get this upset. What excuse would he give Emma if he said they had to move again so soon? And he wouldn’t have time to do what had to be done before leaving. He really didn’t want to, he was getting tired. He wanted to stop––truly he did, but others just wouldn’t let him. They needed to be taught a lesson. Camden breathed in deep, splashed some more water on his face, dried it, and then rejoined Isabella and Paige.

  “Sorry,” he mumbled. “Don’t know what came over me.”

  “Are you okay now?” Isabella questioned with genuine concern.

  “Yeah, I’ll be fine. Must’ve just been a bit of travel-lag catching up with me. It’s been a long couple of weeks.”

  Isabella looked at her watch. “Well, I guess we have finished here anyway. I’ll see both of you tomorrow morning at nine o’clock sharp.”

  Camden and Paige walked out together. He was feeling queasy. He wanted to ask Paige if she would like a ride home, but he was too nervous. She smiled at him and waved as she headed to the bus stop. “See you tomorrow, Cam.”

  She didn’t see him wince. Only Emma could call him Cam.

  ~

  Toby was laying on the back of the couch by the front window when Camden passed by on his way to the gym. Toby’s ears flattened and his tail swished angrily. Jack was sitting in his easy-chair, drinking his morning coffee and flipping through the newspaper. He looked up when he heard Toby’s tail tapping the couch.