Save a Soul Mishalecki Chapter 2
Misha spent his Monday morning visiting local grocer's picking up fresh produce donations. On delivering the load to Molly and the kitchen staff, he found his six new recruits toiling away. Dicky was mixing something in a large bowl. Sebbie stood by idly cleaning his nails with a paring knife. Berg and AJ were icing up a cooler of water bottles. Jenny stood over a huge pot tasting and adding spices. "Did you bring me tomatoes? I need tomatoes."
Molly rolled her eyes trying to fight the pride in her eyes. "Seems we got a master chef in the making Mr. Misha."
"Jenny, I got a huge box of tomatoes in the back of my car. Any of you got a minute to help me haul stuff in?" Misha scanned the group.
"Moose just finished making coffee. He can help." Molly's eyes sparkled as she nudged the tall man toward Misha and the back door.
Moose trudged out to the silver Prius, head hung.
"How's your morning going?" Misha ventured.
"Fine." The curt response was nothing like the sweet banter they'd shared the day before.
The older man knew enough not to push the boy. "Better get Jen his tomatoes." He handed the box to Moose and leaned in to grab a box of apples to carry in himself.
Back in the kitchen, Jenny paced in front of the simmering pot. Beads of sweat dotted his clear face. "Finally! Seb, bring your knife over here and dice me up four large tomatoes. Make sure they aren't bruised."
"Keep your pant on love." Came Sebbie's laid back reply. He saddled up next to Jen on the empty counter and chopped up a tomato from the box Moose had tossed on the floor.
Moose followed Misha back out to the car silently grabbing another box out of the back seat.
"I'm sorry." Misha broke the tension. "Did I do something yesterday to deserve the cold shoulder?"
Moose leveled his eyes with Misha's, shoulder's falling in a defeated pose. "No." His voice was suddenly small. "I've just got stuff going on."
"Ya know, some times stuff is easier to deal with when you share it." The shorter man shifted the box he was holding.
"I don't think so."
"Well, when you go for the court ordered counseling with Father Mac, maybe you'll see that I'm right."
Moose's lips pursed uncomfortably. "Father? Hell no! I am not having some religious nut. . . . just no!"
"Hey, calm down. Father Mac's a friend of mine." Misha settled his box back in the car and placed a warm hand on Moose's shoulder. "It'll be okay Jared. I promise."
"Right. We'll talk about our feelings. Say a couple prayers and abracadabra we're all pooping rainbows and butterflies and nothing hurts." Moose's face clouded with anger. "Listen Sister Mary Sunshine, sometimes you just can't save everyone."
"Not trying to. Just saving the ones that will be best for my army to take over the world." Misha winked. "Tall guys make awesome soldiers." He hauled in a box of greens, leaving Moose next to the car, torn between laughing and crying.
The tirade from inside took Misha by surprise. "Who the hell taught you how to dice tomatoes?" Jen was screaming at Sebbie.
"No one! Really, I can't work under these conditions." Seb dropped the knife on the counter.
Molly scratched her head. "Jenny dear, the tomatoes are fine. Sebbie, could you run to the back with Dicky and grab the salad dressings. AJ and Berg, if you could take the greens from Mr. Misha and grab the large bowl and make a salad. Make sure you wash all the stuff."
Misha mumbled into Molly's ear. "Everything alright?"
"Yes. The artist is just a bit temperamental." Molly nodded toward a pouting Jen. Moose dropped a box loudly on a nearby counter. "Moose, could you put those pans of corn bread in the oven." She turned toward Misha. "Care to help us make apple crisp out of those Granny Smiths?"
Misha consulted his watch. "I've got just enough time before Mr. Simmons comes in. Alright, stand back. I'm gonna get my dessert on!"
The boys shook their heads and moaned at the center's leader. Misha washed off a large box of apples and began coring them on a side counter away from Jenny's masterpiece.
Dicky and Sebbie began setting up the section of he buffet line with salad dressings. They wiped down the counters and began setting out plates and silverware. AJ and Berg worked on the salad, finding some carrots and cucumbers in the boxes and dicing them into the washed greens.
Everyone continued their tasks, quietly stretching occasionally to see what Misha was doing in his little corner of the kitchen. Soon the large dining hall would be swimming with the areas poor and homeless looking for a hot meal and a warm heart. Moose fought the urge to gawk at Misha. The blue eyed man shoved up his sleeves exposing lean muscular arms. His shoulder's rippled under the thin fabric of his dress shirt. Before the first patron walked through the kitchen doors, cinnamon filled the air.
Misha stepped away from the apple concoction and grazed his body across Moose's torso. The front door opened and an old man in a green army jacket teetered inside. "Howdy idjits! What are we eating today?"
Molly giggled, meeting the man before he made it across the dining hall. "My gang made chili and cornbread today, Bobby."
"Good. Werewolves hate cornbread. Won't have to worry about an attack." Bobby strolled with Molly to the buffet line. "Had to kill a vamp last night. Built up quite a appetite."
"Morning Bob. Love to stay and chat, but I've got a meeting today. We're still on for Wednesday morning right?" Misha headed for his office.
Bobby grabbed his plate and silverware. "As long as no ghouls show up, I'll be there Collins."
"Great." Misha left the dining hall.
AJ stood behind the buffet counter across from Bobby. "Salad? I got all kinds of dressings?" He fidgeted as he dished out the food. "Did you really kill a vampire?"
"Yeah, chopped his head off. It was pretty run of the mill." Bobby pointed at the ranch dressing bottle.
Molly chuckled as the two continued to chat. AJ served all of Bobby's food and followed him to a table to continue their talk.
More locals began to trickle in the dining hall. Jenny's chili was a big hit. The boys spent lots of time with the patrons of the dining hall. Misha returned after his meeting to find Berg and AJ both chatting with Bobby at a corner table. Dicky laughed in a corner with a young woman and her toddler. Sebbie smiled at a young teenage boy eating chili with a pretty girl. Jenny stood over his chili, sharing recipe ideas with Molly and a few older woman. But the one that caught Misha's eye was Moose. He was smiling, playing chess with Mr. Lyons, an older man with long white hair and a flannel shirt. Moose smacked the timer of the chess board, his hand flexing around the small box. Misha watched, a small sparkle of amusement dancing in Moose's hazel eye. Misha wished he knew what stopped that twinkle, what caused the tall young man to frown and clam up around the center.
By three o'clock, the food was put away. A few stragglers sat in the dining hall visiting and enjoying the company. Misha helped the boys with dishes and cleanup. Misha asked Jenny to help Molly make a meal plan for the rest of the week. The excitement showed in his mossy green eyes. Sebbie and Dicky were sent to Doris to sort through a bunch of donations that the center was planning on using for a tag sale. AJ and Berg signed out, heading for their jobs at a local restaurant. Moose sat in the corner, still glowing from his victory over Mr. Lyons.
"Jared." Misha approached him cautiously. "Can you, help me in my office?"
"Yeah." Jared stood, stretching to his entire 6'5" status. He followed Misha to the office.
Misha pointed to a stack papers on his desk. "I just need some help filing these. Not a lot of fun, but necessary." Misha smiled up at the man next to him.
"Ok, where do I start." Jared sat in a spare chair and began flipping through the papers.
Misha licked his lips, contemplating his next move. "Do you have a job?"
Jared shook his head, eyes glued to the papers.
"Well, I can help ya find one. It's one of the things I do here. Your smart. Shouldn't be hard." Misha opened a drawer and started flipping through files.
"Remember, I'm doing community service. I have a record." Jared sneered.
"I know people. We can get you a clean start." Misha pulled out a folder. "You wanna tell me about the fight?"
Jared chuckled. "What's to tell? We were in a bar, we trashed it. We got caught. Community service and retribution."
Misha grabbed a few papers out of Jared's hand and filed them into the drawer. "Okay, so, tell me about your family. I bet your dad's tall."
Jared's face clouded. "I don't see my dad. He's away."
"Oh, sorry." Misha hung his head.
Jared bit his lip. "So how's that ex of yours? Mark was it?"
"Getting married. I got an invite. She's gorgeous." Misha swallowed.
Jared smirked. "Yeah, but does she look as good in a skirt as you?"
Misha laughed, handing Jared one of the folder's.
"So are you going?" Jared took the folder, shoving a pile of papers into it.
"To Mark and Lucy's wedding? No!" Misha opened a new drawer. "Why would I go?"
Jared sorted through a few more papers until a thought crossed his mind. "What if, what if a tall young fairly good looking guy went with you?"
Misha's hid the grin that cracked across his face. "Do you think Jenny is free?"
Jared's face fell, a pout playing on his lips. "I, um"
Misha rescued him. "Why would you want to go to my ex's wedding?"
"Curious to see who would dump the Overlord is all." Jared smiled into the pile of papers.
"It's this Saturday. I'm sure you have plans."
"Nope. I'm all yours!" Jared's dimples made Misha's breath catch in his throat for a moment.
"Well." Misha tossed a business card from the drawer to the grinning man across from him. "You've got plans Friday. Go to that address and talk to my friend Jeff Morgan. He can hook you up with at job."
"So I go get this job and I get to go to a wedding to make your ex jealous? Hmm." Jared sorted through some more of the clutter on Misha's desk.
Misha sat in the chair next to Jared, knees grazing each other in the small space. "What?"
"Why help me?" Jared leaned in a little closer to the older man.
Misha suddenly felt a bolt of panic rise up in his chest. "It's my job."
Jared fell back into his chair, disappointment painting his suddenly young face. "Yeah, of course."
Misha leaned into him, hand steadying itself on the taller man's leg. Before he could think, their mouths were touching. He felt a soft warm flick on his lips. He opened them and the warmth darted in to meet his tongue.
A flush of cold air attacked Misha's face as Jared stumbled out of his seat. He knocked over the chair, hand fumbling for the door knob. "I can't be this!" He yelled, voice thick with want. "No! I just can't." He flung open the door, crashing into a young girl and Father Mac waiting on the other side.
"Jared!" Misha hollered as the young man ran past the stunned newcomers and out the front door.
"Mr. Collins? Ten minutes until our yoga class." The young girl grinned.
Misha took a deep breath, but Father Mac interrupted any response he was preparing. "Why don't you go see if Doris can lead tonight? Misha and I need to talk."
Misha sat down at his desk, head resting in his hands.
"Attractive guy huh?" Father Mac began.
Misha huffed. "Aren't you married to God?"
"Right now, I'm just Mac. Your friend who doesn't judge you. Who is amazed by all the good work you do here and who's worried about you."
"Well, don't. I'm fine Mac." Misha forced a smile.
"He's the first guy you've noticed since Mark. But, he's not ready Misha." Mac bit his lip.
"Mac, it was a mistake. I know better then to get involved like that. It was just a lapse in judgment."
"Okay. But I hope you don't give up on him completely. He needs a strong male role model. And he seems to open up to you." Mac sighed. "I think we can save this group of guys, Mish. Molly's making some calls about getting Jenny into a culinary program at the junior college. It's not too late for them. They have the potential to be great men. They just need some help."
"And that's what we're here to do." Misha let out a deep breath. "Help."
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Molly rolled her eyes trying to fight the pride in her eyes. "Seems we got a master chef in the making Mr. Misha."
"Jenny, I got a huge box of tomatoes in the back of my car. Any of you got a minute to help me haul stuff in?" Misha scanned the group.
"Moose just finished making coffee. He can help." Molly's eyes sparkled as she nudged the tall man toward Misha and the back door.
Moose trudged out to the silver Prius, head hung.
"How's your morning going?" Misha ventured.
"Fine." The curt response was nothing like the sweet banter they'd shared the day before.
The older man knew enough not to push the boy. "Better get Jen his tomatoes." He handed the box to Moose and leaned in to grab a box of apples to carry in himself.
Back in the kitchen, Jenny paced in front of the simmering pot. Beads of sweat dotted his clear face. "Finally! Seb, bring your knife over here and dice me up four large tomatoes. Make sure they aren't bruised."
"Keep your pant on love." Came Sebbie's laid back reply. He saddled up next to Jen on the empty counter and chopped up a tomato from the box Moose had tossed on the floor.
Moose followed Misha back out to the car silently grabbing another box out of the back seat.
"I'm sorry." Misha broke the tension. "Did I do something yesterday to deserve the cold shoulder?"
Moose leveled his eyes with Misha's, shoulder's falling in a defeated pose. "No." His voice was suddenly small. "I've just got stuff going on."
"Ya know, some times stuff is easier to deal with when you share it." The shorter man shifted the box he was holding.
"I don't think so."
"Well, when you go for the court ordered counseling with Father Mac, maybe you'll see that I'm right."
Moose's lips pursed uncomfortably. "Father? Hell no! I am not having some religious nut. . . . just no!"
"Hey, calm down. Father Mac's a friend of mine." Misha settled his box back in the car and placed a warm hand on Moose's shoulder. "It'll be okay Jared. I promise."
"Right. We'll talk about our feelings. Say a couple prayers and abracadabra we're all pooping rainbows and butterflies and nothing hurts." Moose's face clouded with anger. "Listen Sister Mary Sunshine, sometimes you just can't save everyone."
"Not trying to. Just saving the ones that will be best for my army to take over the world." Misha winked. "Tall guys make awesome soldiers." He hauled in a box of greens, leaving Moose next to the car, torn between laughing and crying.
The tirade from inside took Misha by surprise. "Who the hell taught you how to dice tomatoes?" Jen was screaming at Sebbie.
"No one! Really, I can't work under these conditions." Seb dropped the knife on the counter.
Molly scratched her head. "Jenny dear, the tomatoes are fine. Sebbie, could you run to the back with Dicky and grab the salad dressings. AJ and Berg, if you could take the greens from Mr. Misha and grab the large bowl and make a salad. Make sure you wash all the stuff."
Misha mumbled into Molly's ear. "Everything alright?"
"Yes. The artist is just a bit temperamental." Molly nodded toward a pouting Jen. Moose dropped a box loudly on a nearby counter. "Moose, could you put those pans of corn bread in the oven." She turned toward Misha. "Care to help us make apple crisp out of those Granny Smiths?"
Misha consulted his watch. "I've got just enough time before Mr. Simmons comes in. Alright, stand back. I'm gonna get my dessert on!"
The boys shook their heads and moaned at the center's leader. Misha washed off a large box of apples and began coring them on a side counter away from Jenny's masterpiece.
Dicky and Sebbie began setting up the section of he buffet line with salad dressings. They wiped down the counters and began setting out plates and silverware. AJ and Berg worked on the salad, finding some carrots and cucumbers in the boxes and dicing them into the washed greens.
Everyone continued their tasks, quietly stretching occasionally to see what Misha was doing in his little corner of the kitchen. Soon the large dining hall would be swimming with the areas poor and homeless looking for a hot meal and a warm heart. Moose fought the urge to gawk at Misha. The blue eyed man shoved up his sleeves exposing lean muscular arms. His shoulder's rippled under the thin fabric of his dress shirt. Before the first patron walked through the kitchen doors, cinnamon filled the air.
Misha stepped away from the apple concoction and grazed his body across Moose's torso. The front door opened and an old man in a green army jacket teetered inside. "Howdy idjits! What are we eating today?"
Molly giggled, meeting the man before he made it across the dining hall. "My gang made chili and cornbread today, Bobby."
"Good. Werewolves hate cornbread. Won't have to worry about an attack." Bobby strolled with Molly to the buffet line. "Had to kill a vamp last night. Built up quite a appetite."
"Morning Bob. Love to stay and chat, but I've got a meeting today. We're still on for Wednesday morning right?" Misha headed for his office.
Bobby grabbed his plate and silverware. "As long as no ghouls show up, I'll be there Collins."
"Great." Misha left the dining hall.
AJ stood behind the buffet counter across from Bobby. "Salad? I got all kinds of dressings?" He fidgeted as he dished out the food. "Did you really kill a vampire?"
"Yeah, chopped his head off. It was pretty run of the mill." Bobby pointed at the ranch dressing bottle.
Molly chuckled as the two continued to chat. AJ served all of Bobby's food and followed him to a table to continue their talk.
More locals began to trickle in the dining hall. Jenny's chili was a big hit. The boys spent lots of time with the patrons of the dining hall. Misha returned after his meeting to find Berg and AJ both chatting with Bobby at a corner table. Dicky laughed in a corner with a young woman and her toddler. Sebbie smiled at a young teenage boy eating chili with a pretty girl. Jenny stood over his chili, sharing recipe ideas with Molly and a few older woman. But the one that caught Misha's eye was Moose. He was smiling, playing chess with Mr. Lyons, an older man with long white hair and a flannel shirt. Moose smacked the timer of the chess board, his hand flexing around the small box. Misha watched, a small sparkle of amusement dancing in Moose's hazel eye. Misha wished he knew what stopped that twinkle, what caused the tall young man to frown and clam up around the center.
By three o'clock, the food was put away. A few stragglers sat in the dining hall visiting and enjoying the company. Misha helped the boys with dishes and cleanup. Misha asked Jenny to help Molly make a meal plan for the rest of the week. The excitement showed in his mossy green eyes. Sebbie and Dicky were sent to Doris to sort through a bunch of donations that the center was planning on using for a tag sale. AJ and Berg signed out, heading for their jobs at a local restaurant. Moose sat in the corner, still glowing from his victory over Mr. Lyons.
"Jared." Misha approached him cautiously. "Can you, help me in my office?"
"Yeah." Jared stood, stretching to his entire 6'5" status. He followed Misha to the office.
Misha pointed to a stack papers on his desk. "I just need some help filing these. Not a lot of fun, but necessary." Misha smiled up at the man next to him.
"Ok, where do I start." Jared sat in a spare chair and began flipping through the papers.
Misha licked his lips, contemplating his next move. "Do you have a job?"
Jared shook his head, eyes glued to the papers.
"Well, I can help ya find one. It's one of the things I do here. Your smart. Shouldn't be hard." Misha opened a drawer and started flipping through files.
"Remember, I'm doing community service. I have a record." Jared sneered.
"I know people. We can get you a clean start." Misha pulled out a folder. "You wanna tell me about the fight?"
Jared chuckled. "What's to tell? We were in a bar, we trashed it. We got caught. Community service and retribution."
Misha grabbed a few papers out of Jared's hand and filed them into the drawer. "Okay, so, tell me about your family. I bet your dad's tall."
Jared's face clouded. "I don't see my dad. He's away."
"Oh, sorry." Misha hung his head.
Jared bit his lip. "So how's that ex of yours? Mark was it?"
"Getting married. I got an invite. She's gorgeous." Misha swallowed.
Jared smirked. "Yeah, but does she look as good in a skirt as you?"
Misha laughed, handing Jared one of the folder's.
"So are you going?" Jared took the folder, shoving a pile of papers into it.
"To Mark and Lucy's wedding? No!" Misha opened a new drawer. "Why would I go?"
Jared sorted through a few more papers until a thought crossed his mind. "What if, what if a tall young fairly good looking guy went with you?"
Misha's hid the grin that cracked across his face. "Do you think Jenny is free?"
Jared's face fell, a pout playing on his lips. "I, um"
Misha rescued him. "Why would you want to go to my ex's wedding?"
"Curious to see who would dump the Overlord is all." Jared smiled into the pile of papers.
"It's this Saturday. I'm sure you have plans."
"Nope. I'm all yours!" Jared's dimples made Misha's breath catch in his throat for a moment.
"Well." Misha tossed a business card from the drawer to the grinning man across from him. "You've got plans Friday. Go to that address and talk to my friend Jeff Morgan. He can hook you up with at job."
"So I go get this job and I get to go to a wedding to make your ex jealous? Hmm." Jared sorted through some more of the clutter on Misha's desk.
Misha sat in the chair next to Jared, knees grazing each other in the small space. "What?"
"Why help me?" Jared leaned in a little closer to the older man.
Misha suddenly felt a bolt of panic rise up in his chest. "It's my job."
Jared fell back into his chair, disappointment painting his suddenly young face. "Yeah, of course."
Misha leaned into him, hand steadying itself on the taller man's leg. Before he could think, their mouths were touching. He felt a soft warm flick on his lips. He opened them and the warmth darted in to meet his tongue.
A flush of cold air attacked Misha's face as Jared stumbled out of his seat. He knocked over the chair, hand fumbling for the door knob. "I can't be this!" He yelled, voice thick with want. "No! I just can't." He flung open the door, crashing into a young girl and Father Mac waiting on the other side.
"Jared!" Misha hollered as the young man ran past the stunned newcomers and out the front door.
"Mr. Collins? Ten minutes until our yoga class." The young girl grinned.
Misha took a deep breath, but Father Mac interrupted any response he was preparing. "Why don't you go see if Doris can lead tonight? Misha and I need to talk."
Misha sat down at his desk, head resting in his hands.
"Attractive guy huh?" Father Mac began.
Misha huffed. "Aren't you married to God?"
"Right now, I'm just Mac. Your friend who doesn't judge you. Who is amazed by all the good work you do here and who's worried about you."
"Well, don't. I'm fine Mac." Misha forced a smile.
"He's the first guy you've noticed since Mark. But, he's not ready Misha." Mac bit his lip.
"Mac, it was a mistake. I know better then to get involved like that. It was just a lapse in judgment."
"Okay. But I hope you don't give up on him completely. He needs a strong male role model. And he seems to open up to you." Mac sighed. "I think we can save this group of guys, Mish. Molly's making some calls about getting Jenny into a culinary program at the junior college. It's not too late for them. They have the potential to be great men. They just need some help."
"And that's what we're here to do." Misha let out a deep breath. "Help."
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