Keeley's Fight (The Protectors 1)

Looking up and smiling at him and Ty, she completely ignored Keeley and asked, “Gentlemen, how can I help you today?”

Not really pleased with this woman, Nate pulled her from where she was currently trying to burrow her way into his back, placed her in front of him and said, “Well, we’re here to get our girlfriend some new clothes –” Before he could finish she interrupted him saying, “Yes, of course. You’re what, a size twelve?” Not waiting for a reply from anyone, she walked over to another section of the store, talking and not realizing they hadn’t followed her. “We don’t have much for bigger girls, but we have a few things that might be –” Turning, she finally realized they hadn’t followed her, nor were they going to. Tapping her foot in impatience and almost stomping back towards them, she said, “Perhaps this store isn’t for you.”

Keeley looked at him with such a look of despair, all he could do was cup her cheek and whisper in her ear, “Ignore her, she’s just jealous, now go look at anything you like. My sister will be out soon.” Kissing her forehead, he gave her a light tap on the butt to get her going. Smiling at him, she went to a rack with some jeans on them.

“Damn, does she ever have the softest skin man,” Nate whispered to Ty. “I can’t wait to see what she picks out.”

“Me too bro, me too.” That was all either of them said for a while, as they watched her look through the rack of jeans and grab a pair.

*******

Keeley was still feeling overwhelmed and uncomfortable with this whole trip, but she knew they wouldn’t give her any other choice. Plus, she couldn’t really say no when she did, in fact, need new clothes. She could have done without the snobby employee though. She was very pretty with her long straight blonde hair, flawless tanned skin, bright green eyes, and perfect size two body. In comparison, Keeley felt frumpy. She was five feet two inches tall, and while she only weighed one hundred forty pounds she was short, so it showed.

Looking through the jeans, she found a couple of pairs for a reasonable price in her size, but were way too long on her short frame. Not seeing another employee, she was forced to ask the woman up front, who was trying to get Tyler and Nathaniel’s attention but to no avail. “Umm, excuse me miss, do you have these with a shorter leg?” She asked her.

Sighing dramatically like she had interrupted her, she said, “Let me see them.” Handing them over, she waited. Giving Keeley a dirty look she said, “These won’t fit you, you’re much too big, you need to try a bigger size and we can hem them for you.”

Instantly angry, she wanted to slap this woman. Before Tyler or Nathaniel could speak up she said to her, “I think I’ll wait for Kennedy before I look through anything else, and also if you could get me the manager or owner I’d appreciate it.” Turning her back on the woman and the guys, she walked out the door and sat on the bench in front of the store.

Keeley knew she wasn’t model thin or anything, but she didn’t think a size ten was fat. And that nasty woman was implying she was huge. She’d never been so mad or insulted in her whole life. Closing her eyes and inhaling the fresh air, she just sat there enjoying the dewy afternoon, after the rain they’d had most of that morning and afternoon. The sun was shining and felt wonderful on her face.

Face in the air and feeling content, she leaned her head back only to be startled by two women sitting down on either side of her. Looking to her left the woman was older, maybe fifties, with brown hair that had just a hint of gray for streaks that she wore wonderfully. She had blue eyes that seemed to shine with happiness. This was a woman that wore her age well and enjoyed life to the fullest. Looking at the woman on her right she was startled. She looked just like Tyler and Nathaniel’s mother, only with gorgeous red hair. But she had the same brown eyes and the kindest smile. Looking straight again, she waited. Not really sure what they wanted from her.

“You must be Keeley. I’m Kennedy but please call me Kenny; I’m Nate and Ty’s little sister. This is my boss and owner of Bella’s, Isabelle.”

“It’s nice to meet you both,” she said shyly, not looking up.

“Well now, dear, those boys tell me you are in need of some clothes. Let’s go on in there and take a look,” Isabelle told her.

Before both women could stand up she said, “Um, no, it’s ok. I think I’d like to stay here a little bit longer. You go on though.” Once they left her alone again, with bewildered looks on their faces, she went back to enjoying the sun. Eyes closed, head back, she just breathed in the fresh air once more.

*******

“Look lady, if you don’t get your skinny ass out there and apologize to her, I’ll have your job.” Ty was getting sick of holding in his temper with this stuck up bitch. He kept his eyes on Keeley the whole time he argued with her. When he finally saw Kenny and Bella sit down with her, he felt an immense sense of relief that she wasn’t alone, and had some nice female company.

Looking at the current problem in front of him, he let all of his anger show in his eyes and she finally realized she’d made a mistake. “I’m sorry if I insulted her, but she clearly was too big for those clothes.” Turning and walking away from them she didn’t think they saw the eye roll.

The ding from the bell above the door alerted them that the girls were coming in. Turning to greet them Ty didn’t see Keeley. “Where’s Keeley?” Nate asked before he could.

“She seems awfully upset guys, what happened?” Kenny asked them.

“Go ask the wicked bitch of the east over there. I don’t know how you keep her employed here Bella. If I didn’t know and love you I wouldn’t recommend this place to anybody, and to be honest, if she stays I’m still not sure I will, because Christ is she mean!” Ty told her vehemently.

“You mean Veronica? That can’t be right, she’s sweet as pie,” Bella told them.

Barking out a laugh, Nate informed her, “No way in hell is she sweet. She just told Keeley she was fat, not once but twice. And also told her that this was probably not the right store for her to shop in.”

“That’s why she’s upset. Keeley told her that she’d wait for Kenny, and would like to speak to the manager or owner, so please do me a favor and not say anything to her. We’re gonna go sit outside with her, and let’s see if Veronica tells you anything or not. Ok?” Ty asked.

“Yes, yes, of course. By chance, do you know her size? Perhaps, Kenny can get some things together for her to look at in a minute?” Bella asked them.

Handing over the jeans that she had just been looking at Nate said, “She was looking to see if these had a smaller length before she walked out.”

Walking out, they went and sat down beside Keeley. “How you doing, Butterfly? I’m so sorry she was such a bitch to you,” Nate told her.

“I think I’d like to go home now. I don’t feel very well,” she replied without looking at either of them yet.

“Ah darling, don’t let this bring you down. You’re beautiful and there’s nothing that two-faced bitch can say or do that will convince us otherw