Press Your Luck 44 (Patreon)

Nearly a week had passed, with each day between Lucy and Daniel remaining just as awkward as her first day back. Luckily there was only a little adjustment needed to Lucy’s daily routine before she was into the swing of things again. She would normally wake up just before noon, skipping both breakfast and lunch, clean her tiny motel room, before preparing for work. When she returned sometime after midnight she would shower and remove her makeup and do her best to unwind by watching whatever she could find on local tv before drifting off to sleep and starting her day all over again.

Upon returning to the Sanders’ home she would only need to wake up around mid-morning, have herself a sensible breakfast, connect her phone to the television in the living room and for the next hour she would follow along with the wannabe yogis that populated youtube. Before cleaning her room again. By the third day, when her bed was perfectly made yet again, the dozens of pillows restored to their places and all but the stealthiest of dust bunnies had been found and taken care of, she found herself bored and attempted to relax in the empty home by watching the daily soap operas until the alarm on her phone told her it was time to prepare for her next shift. By the fifth day of this new routine she was still bored and decided to clean her room again for the second time that day. The room remained mostly spotless on the surface since she moved in, but today she would clean every nook and cranny she could find. This meant spraying the tv with glass cleaner and wiping it down until it shined, running a rag through any vents to collect the dust bunnies that had accumulated and pulling down the books from the shelf and dusting the shelf before opening the book itself and shaking loose any dust that may have been contained within. It wasn’t that Lucy felt the room needed to be cleaner and Harlow had never been a clean freak, but when she had first started living in the house doing chores was part of her job, it kept her focused on other things instead of freaking out. Now cleaning was just a distraction to keep her mind occupied, still she was just that bored.

With that done and still hours before her shift at the casino Lucy decided she might as well clean the rest of the house. The day time tv shows were reruns, her nails were already freshly painted and without anything to do, she felt listless. Lucy hand washed what little dishes were in the sink, scrubbed the countertop, swept and mopped the floor. Vacuumed up the living room, made a mental note to get Daniel to move some of the furniture so she could properly clean later and then fluffed out the throw pillows on the couch. Slowly Lucy ventured into Daniel’s room, and shook her head at the sight. Judging by the clothes on the floor, he had fallen back into old habits. “Figures.” Lucy huffed before a smile slowly grew on the feminized man’s face as Lucy began picking up his clothes before cleaning the room in earnest, hoping it would show her best friend just how serious she was about making amends.

Walking around the house in her black mini-skirt and white crop top as she cleaned more of Daniel’s room while his clothes ran in the laundry. Working in the evenings had been helpful in avoiding him, typically she would be gone before he got home from work and she would be asleep before he left. Lucy had done a pretty good job so far of staying away from Daniel. As difficult as that was since she again shared a house with him. After not running into him for a few days she couldn’t help taking in a deep breath of his scent as she made the bed. A brief thought of how she could really make things up to him was pushed away. Avoiding him couldn’t last forever and by the third day Daniel started coming home before she left for work.

“I thought they needed you all day?” Lucy asked, instinctively greeting her Daniel with a hug fighting the urge to kiss his cheek and ‘check her lipstick’ even now and having to remind herself that Daniel wasn’t hers, they were never really a couple, it was all pretend, it was all fake, just like her… Intellectually ,Lucy knew who she was, who he was, but thoughts of being Harlow had to be pushed away. Every single time she gave in and stopped being Lucy things got worse. Her plans were going to work out and she could be a man again soon, but now, she was Lucy and Lucy couldn’t help herself.

Danny blanked as Lucy broke the hug, silently gasping as her hand gently caressed the bulge in his pants, his own member responding to the touch. Was she teasing him? Or had she simply forgotten herself? The immediate image of himself picking her up in his arms, tearing her mini-skirt off and taking her right there on the kitchen counter flooded his mind, before bursting into an awkward grin as he felt his cock twitch at the mental images in his mind, “I–” He cleared his throat– “I told them about the try-outs and they were okay with me coming home for a long lunch.”

For a brief moment Lucy let herself imagine Daniel picking her up and kissing her before setting her on the kitchen counter and– Lucy cut off that train of thought, reminding herself of what was real and what wasn’t and simply returned her own genuine smile at seeing the happiness on her Dani friend’s face. “That’s awfully nice of them at least." She smiled, completely unaware that she was stroking Danny's forearm, like she did at work in order to get better tips.

“Yeah, they can be.” Danny caught Lucy’s hand in his, ‘for a bunch of killers.’ He thought to himself, not wanting to worry his life long friend any more, knowing how she constantly worried about things.

“Do you want, like, w-want me to make you something to eat first?” She stuttered at the goosebumps sent up and down her arm from Daniel’s gentle caress. By now she was more than used to casually being touched by men, being in Vegas, gambling and all the alcohol they could drink, almost all men got a little handsy or wanted to pull her in close so she could blow on their dice while they pinched, groped, slapped her ass or breasts. Daniel’s touch was different though, the way it softly caressed her felt more real and couldn't help letting out a small contented sigh.

Danny suddenly realized he had been rubbing his thumb back and forth across the back of Lucy’s hand when she stuttered,  “You don’t need to worry about me.” The large man said, pulling his hand away awkwardly, the muscles in his arm jerking back towards Lucy’s hand in protest. “I just came in to change,” He said, gesturing to his suit , “so I’ll quit bugging you.”

“You never bug me.” Lucy told him soft and sweet.

Danny smiled and gestured awkwardly towards the direction of his room, “I-I should. Yeah.” A dry laugh fell out of his throat as he quickly walked past Lucy. Chastising himself for being an idiot. Danny never was much of a flirt. That was Harlow’s style, not his. But he had promised Val that he didn’t want Lucy to move in with them again just to restart their relationship. It was about helping a friend in need. And here he was touching and flirting like nothing had changed. Taking in a slow, deep breath Danny held it as he reminded himself that he wouldn’t be doing his old friend any favors by letting her slip into old ways. Harlow had made great strides to come out as Lucy, using the disguise as an excuse, but being transgendered wasn’t an excuse to accept the toxic behavior and he was not going to be the one to let Lucy slip back into it just because he felt a bit lonely.

Lucy for her part stood in the kitchen, biting her nails that she had just painted the morning before and cursing herself for coming on to Daniel Danny. She had to stop thinking of him like he was hers. She had promised Val. Besides she wouldn’t be here for long, and totally didn’t want a relationship with a man, all of that was just an act, it was just Lucy and she wouldn’t be Lucy for much longer. Still her eyes drifted down the hallway to her friend’s bedroom door, hoping he appreciated the clean room. “Besides… like, starting up anything with D-Danny now would only cause him more pain.” She said to herself.

That first day Lucy hid in her room until she heard Danny in his homemade gym in the garage before stepping out and continuing her cleaning. Finishing by making lunch for him before getting in the shower and going to work. Waiting until she was in the Uber before slipping on the fake wedding ring and taking it off in the car when she came back home after midnight. The ring was her little protection, she could use it to get out of some situations and with it and a bit of flirting could get even bigger tips. It was funny to her how easy some men were to manipulate and wondered how often Harlow had been parted from some of his winnings from a pretty little bimbo that was more than she seemed.

The next day had pretty much been the same except Daniel…Danny, Lucy reminded herself, had finished his workout earlier than she expected and caught her setting a plate of leftover meatloaf on the table. “Someone’s hungry.” Danny chuckled as he wiped his neck with a hand towel.

“You’re so silly.” Lucy giggled. “I, like, could never eat that much. It’s for you, goof.” She smiled and gave Danny’s sweat-slick arm a squeeze.

"Shit, sorry.'' Danny apologized, seeing the smile on his friends face, on the beautiful redhead's face fall away as she pouted and looked at her fingers after she had snapped her hand away from him like she was pulling her hand back from a slimy snake.

Lucy’s smile snapped back into place, “You’re totally fine!” She said but quickly washed her hands in the sink. “And, like, I guess. But, like,...” She hesitated. She couldn’t tell him she wanted to make him happy and that making him food was small potatoes compared to how much Dani Danny helped her over the years. ‘Small potatoes!’ She gasped mentally, ‘I totally should’ve made him potatoes to, like, go with it!’ “Your dad would, like, always cook steak when you were training and, like, I can’t cook steaks but, like, I figured protein is protein, right?”

Danny smiled. “For the most part, yeah.” He knew not all protein was the same but he wasn’t about to correct her now and seem ungrateful. “This is great, thank you.” He caught himself leaning towards Lucy about to give the beautiful girl a kiss on the back of her head out of habit. Instead he gave her a pat on the shoulder and walked to the table.

Lucy hummed happily, unaware of the big man’s lame attempt not to kiss her. “It’s totally not a problem.” Her phone beeped its warning. “Shoot. I gotta get ready for work.” She placed a glass of tea beside Danny’s plate, letting her fingers trail softly up his arm as she hurried off towards the shower.

After finishing her shower she found a clean and now redressed Daniel picking his keys off of the hook in the kitchen. “Kay, I’m off!” She cheered.

“Have fun.” Danny called back.

“You too.” Lucy said, hugging Danny and enjoying the gentle scent of sandalwood on his shirt before reaching up and planting a kiss on Daniel’s cheek. She was in her uber by the time she realized what she had done and touched her lips at the warm memory, having to fight the smile trying to force its way to her face.

By the third day of Danny’s lunch time retreat Lucy did everything to keep busy and ignore him she could when he came inside to change by keeping herself occupied with cleaning the already spotless kitchen. That is not to say when Lucy came into the garage and placed a bottle of ice water she didn’t linger a moment to watch Daniel in his sweat drenched tank top as he lifted a heavy barbell with three plates on each end before lowering himself into a squat before raising himself up again and repeating the action. Lucy bit her lip and forced herself back inside to clean the living room again.

Lucy couldn’t help but let her mind wander to old memories. Memories that mingled with fantasies. Wherein Lucy, dressed in an extreme parody of a french maid’s uniform, dusted the room, not with the washrag she had been using but a feather duster was suddenly distracted by a strong arm wrapping around her waist as another groped at her extremely low cut uniform. The familiar musk enveloped her as Daniel kissed the nape of her neck. His left hand around her waist slid underneath the hem of her short skirt, gingerly caressing her inner thigh before sliding into her stiff and exposed dick.

The sound of an alarm, unfortunately, snapped Lucy out of her fantasy. Checking her phone she realized it was her daily reminder to shower before work. “Aw poo!” She huffed. “Guess it’s, like, another cold shower for me.” She said, her hand touching the life-like prosthetic that kept her real bits hidden away and out of reach.

By the time Lucy had gotten home it was after midnight and the house was dark except for the small kitchen light over the stove either Val or Danny had left on for her so she wouldn’t trip over furniture in the dark. Not that she needed it, much like their parents the Sanders siblings hardly, if ever, moved the furniture except to clean. ‘I’ll get to that tomorrow.’ She thought as she peeled off her heels and sauntered into the bathroom to enjoy a relaxing warm bath before slipping into the soft embrace of her bed. ‘Heck, why bother, like, dressing for bed.’ She giggled as she dragged the warm water over her chest and closed her eyes.

After Lucy’s warm shower she wrapped a towel around her chest and slipped quietly out of the bathroom when Valerie threw her arms around Lucy suddenly, nearly knocking the girl standing on the balls of her bare feet to the floor. “Val! What the frack are you doing?!” Lucy yelped in surprise. “I’m naked!” She shouted, gripping her towel tighter.

“Thank god! You’re alive!” Val cried as she stepped back, releasing Lucy.

“Wha–?!” Lucy had barely time to even look at Danny for an answer before the breath was squeezed out of her as Danny suddenly wrapped his arms around her like an overly affectionate python. “Wh-whasgoinon!” Lucy choked as she wriggled in Danny’s arms, gaining herself enough freedom to breath.

“We just got a call from your mom and she said the police said they found your body!” Danny shouted once he pulled away from the confused redhead.

Lucy’s mouth fell open in shock as she tried in vain to form words. ‘What? That isn’t supposed to happen yet! I’m so not ready for this!’ She thought angrily. “I–”

“Why didn’t you answer your phone?” Danny demanded, cutting Lucy off. “Your mom is in hysterics! I called a dozen times!” Danny yelled. “Val even called! We were just about to go to the casino when we heard the shower. You couldn’t have said you were on your way?!”

Lucy’s mouth formed into a pout as she turned to look at anywhere but Daniel. She was used to Valerie yelling at her, it was something she had done all their lives. But Danny was such an easy going guy it was easy to forget he could get upset. She hated to think about the few times she knew she had hurt him was likely a drop in the bucket when compared to the times she hurt or upset him and he simply let her slide. “We’re–” Again Lucy’s air was forced out of her small frame when Daniel pulled her into another titanium tight hug.

“I was scared something happened to you.” Daniel whispered in her ear.

“I’m sorry.” Lucy whispered back. “I’m so sorry.” She said again as she buried her face in his chest. The words felt hollow. For that’s all they were. Words. Daniel deserved more than just words.

“That’s all well and good,” She said after giving them a moment, “but why don’t you tell us what the hell is going on? Why does your mom think you’re dead? And why didn’t you answer your phone?!” Valerie yelled. Now knowing Lucy was alive she could allow her worry to be replaced by anger.

“Okay.” Lucy sniffed as she pulled away from Danny and allowed him to lead her to Valerie’s bed in the master bedroom, where he placed her as if the act would ensure she couldn’t move from the spot. “Well, like, we’re not allowed to have our phones on the casino floor so I just leave it in the dressing room.” She placed her hand against her forehead. All of this was too much. Danny was pissed at her, the doctor messed up yet again. He hadn’t even called her to give her a heads up it was happening! “I think, like, so we don’t help people cheat.” She said before quickly adding, “I really am sorry.” She said, looking between Valerie and Danny. His face had returned to its normal stoic expression but she still felt the tears welling up in her eyes again knowing how all of this must have hurt him.

Valerie sighed as she sat on the bed beside Lucy, curling her legs underneath her butt as she did. Her anger was already beginning to fade. She knew Lucy was an airhead, she couldn’t exactly be mad at her for being who she was. “How’d you get a ride home then?”

“Jason knows my schedule by now. He just picked me up and I was, like, so tired I totally spaced on my phone. I don’t think I even looked at my phone.” Lucy ran into the bathroom, to the annoyance of Danny, and grabbed her phone off of the counter beside her ring where she left them both. “Oh…it’s totally dead.” She lied, slipping the ring under the soap dish. Among the two dozen calls and messages from each sibling were four calls from the doc’s number. ‘This is, like, totally way too soon!’ Lucy thought angrily and turned her phone off before placing it back on the counter. ‘The Doc screwed me again! I don’t even, like, have a new name yet or money for the surgery!’ The sudden warmth of Daniel’s arm brought a level of comfort to her as well as brought her out of her head.

“Why do the cops think you’re dead?” Valerie asked, noticing how Danny continued to rub Lucy’s upper arm and decided to let it slide considering the night they both had. It made sense to let him find comfort in her tonight at least.

“That…, so, like, I called the doc last week and he agreed to help me fake my…fake Harlow’s death so I, like, so we wouldn’t have to, like, be afraid of Jefferson’s goons anymore but…he didn’t even give me a heads up!” Lucy slammed her delicate fist into the soft mattress, growling through her ever present breathy voice that despite the circumstances Danny couldn’t help feeling was adorable, like a baby kitten trying to be fierce.

The ringing of Danny’s phone interrupted their conversation. “It’s your mom.” He said with a heavy frown as he let it continue to ring, “What should I tell her?”

Lucy instinctively reached for Danny’s phone but snapped her hand back and clutched it to her chest as she shook her head. “You can’t tell her the truth.” She said quickly.

“You’re going to let your mom keep thinking you’re dead?!” Danny hissed. “It’s bad enough when we didn’t know but–”

“If we don’t all of this was, like, for nothing!” Lucy snapped back. The plan was risky from the outset but now that it had begun prematurely she had to salvage what she could.

"I can't do that to her. She's been through enough." Danny growled, the memories of Lucy's mother crying at her husband's funeral weighed heavily on his mind.

"If you tell her it could put her in danger!" Lucy shouted, slamming her fist again.

"Danny…you know she's right." Valerie added with a frown to match his own.

Danny answered the phone, catching it before the final ring sent it to voicemail, “Hey, Ms. Elwynn.”

“Thank God, Have you heard anything?” Samantha begged, her voice loud enough to be heard without the use of speakerphone, “What did the police say? Are they sure it’s Harlow?!”

“Please! Not yet.” Lucy pleaded, her voice shook as the tears welled up in her eyes.

“I…I’m sorry…” Danny shook his head, swallowing the lump in his throat, “It’s him. It is Harlow’s body.”

“No!” She wailed, “My baby! No! God please! You’re lying! Please! Please!” She begged and pleaded until her throat was raw. Her mournful wail for her baby devolved into incoherent pleas in the distance as they continued to listen. Lucy sobbed silently into Valerie who herself was barely able to keep herself together as the poor woman cried in sporadic bursts to someone who had rushed in when they heard Samantha’s screams.

“Hello? Mrs. Elwynn?!” Danny called after the crying had quieted down.

“Who is this? What’s happened?!” A woman’s voice demanded.

“My aunt Linda.” Lucy whispered, daring a glance at Danny who was barely holding back the tears in his eyes.

After speaking with Linda and assuring that Samantha would be safe Danny hung up the phone and stood up silently as he walked out of the room. “Danny.” Lucy called after him, stopping him at the door. “Thank you.”

“Don’t ever ask me to do that again.” Was all Danny said before walking out of the room, wiping the tears from his eyes before locking himself in his room.