Chapter Two: Awakening
Holy fucking shit!
I groan inwardly, my stomach churning in knots, over and over and over again, becoming one giant swirling vortex of entropy. I feel somewhat nauseous. I swallow, my heart beating at an ungodly rate. It feels slightly worrisome. I shake my head, biting my lip. My nerves have heightened to a whole new level, a level I've never imagined achieving.
I turn on my heel and stand still. I place my head lightly between my hands, contemplating whether or not to continue the interview.
The man is gorgeous. No, fuck gorgeous. He's a fucking God! An Adonis. The epitome of male beauty!
This strange man, a man I have never laid eyes on before, stands behind me, waiting for me to get my fucking shit together.
I don't blame him! I think inwardly.
But then again, how the hell am I supposed to concentrate when someone that attractive is so close to me? It's physically impossible. There's no way in hell I can face him.
Fuck! Katie! Get your shit together! You've got this, okay? I say, attempting to gather my unruly thoughts.
I swallow my woes and turn around and face the strange man. Opening my eyes, I see right away that his long, muscular arms fit nicely within the seams of his navy-blue Brunello Cucinelli suit, and as my eyes trail his peculiarly large frame, I find he's wearing very expensive black men's Rockfords. His shoes emanate his sexy, large frame. As I said, the man is about six-foot-five inches and smoldering. His large, pale grey eyes are void of emotion and feeling.
"H-Hello, my name is Katharine," I stutter.
He raises a brow and stays silent. I bite my lip nervously, feeling embarrassed and somewhat ashamed.
As if he would give a fuck about you? As if your name is important to this randomly hot man. He doesn't fucking care. At. All.
I shake my head, attempting to rid my mind of my intrusive thoughts. Fuck! I'm dumb!
"I have fifteen minutes," he says and turns and walks towards the elevator.
I follow meekly behind him. The male receptionist at the front desk watches us blatantly, his mouth falling open wide and surprised. I smirk at him and wink. Viscidi pushes the elevator button, the doors opening a second later. He makes his way inside and gives me a blank stare. I shuffle nervously, make my way in, and stand as far away from him as humanly possible. The doors close, and we make our way down, and as we do, he turns towards me, his eyes trained on my chest. Suddenly, I feel the atmosphere in the elevator change drastically—every atom: Proton, neutron, and electron heating and intensifying every part of my body.
I feel my hand twitch, my nerves rattled, and my heart palpitating, and before I know it, he's on me, his soft, thin lips with his pronounced cupids bow connected to mine in an infinite exchange of passion and heated sexual tension.
He grabs my chin and intensifies his kiss, his tongue meeting mine. He swirls his tongue around, once, twice. I feel my feet lift onto my tiptoes, my arms wrapping around the nape of his neck. He lifts me in a soft yet palpable embrace, his arms wrapping around my ass. I feel my insides unfurl, a soft, tingly feeling developing inside my lower abdominal muscles.
I swiftly pull back and look directly into his eyes. His pale eyes are dark and heated, somewhat dangerous and mysterious. It's somewhat worrisome. I'm breathing hard, attempting to find myself within his sultry gaze. But before anything else can continue, the elevator bell dings, the elevator doors opening with a flourish. Simultaneously, our heads turn towards the open doors with the people gawking at us on the other side. I look back towards him, my anxiety increasing to an unfeasible amount. He rolls his eyes and swiftly drops me to my feet. He runs his large hand through his hair, his long, adept fingers pulling the strands lightly.
I shake my head and cross my arms, standing awkwardly beside this beautifully confusing man.
Well, I guess I'm not getting the job now!
I scoff lightly. I sense him turn, reacting, yet saying nothing.
From the corner of my eye, I see him walk out of the elevator and down the hall. I look confused and glance up at the floor number. We're only on the twelfth floor. What the hell? I shake my head and walk towards the other side of the elevator, indicating that they could come in now. They do swiftly and wait for the door to close. We descend, and this time, the atmosphere in the elevator is awkward and uncomfortable. A woman with blonde hair looks slightly back, looking at me. When she catches me watching her, she whips her head around and stands stock still, slightly shifting from foot to foot.
When the elevator doors finally open, I push my way through the crowd of people before they've even moved and make my way out of the building. I walk down to the corner and get into the car, not waiting for Parker to open my door. I was told to text him when I was finished, but I decided otherwise. But then again, I was also preoccupied with more important things.
Parker whirls around and looks at me, his face confused and full of whatever sort of sandwich he was eating a moment earlier. He swallows down his food with one big gulp and starts the car. I take out my phone and decide to text Atonia. I need to talk to someone about this. I can't keep it all to myself.
"Holy fucking shit!" Atonia screams.
I roll my eyes and wave my hands in embarrassment.
"No, no. I can't," I laugh loudly, the food in my mouth almost falling out.
I swallow and take a sip of my water. I chuckle as Atonia makes a comical comment, causing me to choke a bit. I place down the cup and put my hands on my hips.
"You are too much," I say with a small smile.
"I can't believe he fucking kissed you!" She says a little too loudly.
"Shh!" I say, holding my finger up to my mouth. "I don't want Shayla to hear," I murmur worriedly.
Atonia rolls her eyes and quiets.
Thank God!
"Fine," She conceits.
"Thank you."
Atonia places her chips on the coffee table in the living room. We're sitting on the floor, our legs crossed and our mouths full. She smiles and claps her hands. She finds this entire conversation comical; it somewhat irritates me. She irritates me. I turn around and see Shayla making her way out of the kitchen. She turns as she walks past us, stopping momentarily. She frowns slightly.
"What are you two talking about?"
I turn towards Atonia, my eyes wide and worried. Atonia swallows and shrugs.
"Nothing. We're just talking about my boyfriend." Atonia says, lying on the spot.
Fuck! That wasn't right. She knows damn well she sucks at relationships.
Being as bright as I am, Shayla gives her a cryptic look. She rolls her eyes, smiles, and returns to her bedroom. I'm guessing into her office. Shayla works at a publishing house in Seattle, SIP. She loves it. That's how I met her—when looking for a job. I decided to work at a small bookstore with a coffee shop connected to it. It's across the street from Joe's Coffee, Beans, and Café. We're rivals. Even though Atonia and I are best friends, we work as rivals across the street. We have more customers, not that Atonia wants to admit it.
Atonia grabs her things and leaves with a flourish. She starts work a couple of hours before I do. I take out my phone and call Ceri Pierce, another friend of mine, and meet her at the café. I wear sweatpants and tennis shoes, grab my keys, and leave the car.
I find Ceri reading a book near the fireplace. She has a small cup of coffee on the table beside her. She looks up as she senses me coming toward her. I take a seat next to her and fiddle with my fingers. She places her book down, looking at me skeptically.
"What's going on?" She asks, her soft voice warm and gentle.
I shake my head, leaning into my hands. I feel Ceri get up and disappear. I suppose I needed a second. And that's what I do. I take about five minutes before Ceri returns and sits beside me. I sit up and grab the cup of coffee waiting in her hands.
"Thank you," I whisper.
"So, are you going to speak? Or continue to brood?" She asks sardonically.
The best way to describe Ceri is sardonic, sarcastic, and brash. She's a bit rude and bitchy, but she's my best friend. I've known her for years. She was one of my first friends, one that Dad didn't need to pay after we became friends. Ceri is a model. She's beautiful and Bulgarian. She has dark brown eyes, perfectly threaded brows, and long locks that hang past her breasts in loose curls. She's around five-foot-nine and thin. She has nice tan legs, large breasts, and beautiful full lips.
"Katie!" I hear my name called.
I turn and find James walking towards us. Ceri rolls her eyes and laughs. I hit her arm and smile at him. James has always liked me. I found this out when Ceri first told me. She was shocked that I couldn't tell; everyone in our friend group knew.
I stand up and hug him tightly.
I've always considered him a good friend, but that's about it. Nothing more. Nothing less. He will always be just a friend.
"How are you?" He asks happily.
I pull back and find his eyes dilated and his lips parted. I take a couple of steps back, feeling awkward and strange. His face makes me uncomfortable. He has dirty blonde hair, baby-blue eyes, and white skin. He is around six-foot-three and pretty. He is your stereotypical boy next door. The hot guy that everyone finds attractive. However, to me, he's just a friend. Only a friend.
"I'm good." I turn towards Ceri. "I was just talking to Ceri about female stuff," I say, wanting to be alone.
I need to talk to her about guys. About the … kiss.
He turns towards Ceri, narrowing his eyes slightly.
"I see," he murmurs and leaves.
I sigh and turn towards her anxiously.
"I was at Everest Enterprises and kissed the CEO." I spill.
Ceri spits out her coffee mid-drink. She ignores the droplets of coffee falling onto her sexy, black corset and looks at me with large eyes and a gaping mouth.
"Fuck!"
"You fucking kissed the CEO!" Ceri is shell-shocked.
It could only be for a couple of reasons when Ceri stays silent. The first, she's pissed and about to beat ass; the second, she's shocked and in disbelief. I, unfortunately, have the ladder. I would rather have her be pissed at me than have her be in doubt and confused. I can anticipate her anger, not her surprise.
"Yeah." I blush embarrassedly.
"Was it just the kiss, or was there fucking?" She asks bluntly.
This time, it was my turn to choke on my coffee. Instead, I spit mine right out, fully covering myself.
"N-No. It was just the kiss." I whisper.
She arches a brow, skeptical as fuck.
"I see." She says quietly and takes a tentative sip of her coffee. "Did you like it?" She asks, looking up at me.
I feel flushed and nervous, and my hands are clammy and tingly. I feel somewhat nauseous and feverish.
She whirls her head around and looks at me, her eyes large and curious.
"Did you feel his cock?" She asks, snickering.
I arch a brow, a lump forming in the back of my throat.
I shake my head, embarrassment flooding over me like a wave.
"I-I was up too high," I murmur.
I take a sip of my coffee, waiting for her reaction.
And as if I'm psychic, her eyes widen, her mouth gaping, and her hands on my shoulders.
"What the fuck?" She asks, absolute astonishment exuding off of her in waves.
I nod and take another sip. I take out my phone and check the time.
5:32 PM.
Shit!
"I-I have to go to work now," I say, standing.
She stands with me, and we hug. Her arms tighten a fraction before pulling back. I hand her my cup and make my way to the restroom. I use the bathroom and wash my hands. I skip the paper towel roll stationed on the sink and make my way back out. She hands me my coffee cup, and we make our way out. By this time, it's raining and cold. I pull up my hood and make my way back out. I drive towards the opposite side of the street and into the driveway of Books and Café, where I work and park my car. I turn off the car, grab my purse, and swiftly enter the café.
The minute I entered, I saw Beatrice, my coworker, standing at the shop's front counter. The store is open, but there are only about three people inside. There were more people inside Joe's, Beans, and Café. Odd.
I shake my head and go to the left towards the bookstore. I go behind the counter and place my purse on the high chair beside the cash register.
The last customer comes in and checks out a book. I look at the clock on the wall and see it's five-forty-five. It's time to go. My shift ends at six, but my boss won't mind if I leave a bit early. I'm the only one in the library, and since that's the case, I have the closing shift. I grab my purse, phone, and keys and make my way out of the library. I turn off the lights and close the large gate. I lock it and make my way towards the entrance. I pass Beatrice cleaning off the tables in the food area. I wave and make my way out. She closes the main café, while I just close the gate to the library.
I get inside the car, closing the door swiftly. The rain is falling harder now, crashing onto my windshield like bullets. I turn the car on, putting the heat on full blast. I increase the speed of my windshield and look at my gas gauge. I'm half-packed. I'll need to fill the car up again. I pull out, walk towards Ceasers, the convenience store near the café, and pull into the gas station.
I turn off the car, zip my coat up, pull up my hood, and leave. I take my card out, selecting the correct transactions to get gas. I begin putting gas in the car, the rain falling even harder now. I can't see anything past the lights from the convenience store. Thankfully, because I wasn't entirely out of gas, it didn't take too long for me to refill. Dad always says never to allow the gas to pass the half mark. I finish up and make my way back into the car. I throw the receipt into the back and drive to Taco Bell to grab some dinner.
I make my way back home, finding the front door already unlocked. I walk in skeptically and shut the door, locking it behind me. I place the tacos on the island counter and take out a plate. I place the two tacos onto it and grab a glass, filling it to the brim with water. I grab a couple of napkins and take my dinner to the living room, where I find Shayla sitting on the couch, drinking a glass of red wine. Knowing her, she's drinking a merlot. Something expensive, red, and dry.
Shayla pauses her show and looks at me. I can sense by the quiet silence of the room that she's stressed. I sit on the couch, cross my legs, and grab food. I take off the wrapper and dig in. The minute the flavors touch my tastebuds, I groan, a loud groan, the flavors enveloping me whole, taking over my every sense.
"Wow," Shayla mocks.
I open my eyes and turn towards her.
"Yeah, I was hungry," I say with a mouth full of food.
Since I was so hungry, I didn't care about the abrupt, rude manner in which I showed my unchewed food. I grab my phone and place it on the charger. With all this food, I'll need to exercise. I check the time, six-forty. I'll go to Planet Fitness tonight around seven.
I finish my food quickly and return to the kitchen to wash my dirty dishes. I clean my used glass and place it back into the cupboard. I finish and make my way back into my room. I wash the makeup off of my face, and I take off my work clothes and put on a pair of gym clothes, all Nike, of course. I put my hair in a bun and grab a rain jacket. I grab my towel, shampoo, conditioner, and some body wash and place it into my usual Nike duffel bag used for exercising.
I enter the living room and approach the door, but Shay stops me before I get there.
"I would like to come with you?" She says irritably. I turn around and look at her, thoroughly confused. "I need to get out of the house," she answers my unspoken question.
I nod, saying nothing more, and wait for her to prepare.
"I'll be in the car," I yell and go downstairs. I turn the car on, hoping it would be warm enough by the time Shay got in the car. I turn on the stereo, and the Twilight Audiobook automatically plays from my Bluetooth. I shake my head, smiling slightly.
Shay makes her way out two minutes later, a black duffel bag accompanying her. I unlock the doors and wait for her to get inside. She huffs, still irritable, and puts her seatbelt on. We drive to Planet Fitness and get there around seven. Unfortunately, all the weirdos come to Planet Fitness at night. We are not susceptible to that indifference. A random homeless woman is standing oddly in front of the building. Her body sways lightly from side to side.
"Fucking junkie!" She yells and jumps out of the car.
Thankfully, the woman is too tweaked out of her mind to have heard her. She walks around her, looking bat obnoxiously as she does, and makes her way into the building. I sigh, turn off the car, and make my way inside.
Ten minutes into my routine, I see Brandon entering the room from the men's locker room and onto the treadmill next to me. I flush lightly, confused and shy.
Oh, right! Brandon exercises all the time. He tends to come here at night. When I usually text him, he's at Planet Fitness. I roll my eyes and continue my pace. Shay walks toward the weights and begins on a weight too large for her to lift. I shake my head and up the speed. I run, attempting to get her bad mood out of my mind.
She's really fucking pissed. I wonder what happened? What could have happened for her to be in such a mood?
I sigh.
Brody probably broke up with her… again…
I finish around eight and make my way into the showers. I allow the warm water to cascade down my back before washing my entire body. I wet my hair and put in shampoo and then the conditioner. I apply soap onto my body, the soft Dove fragrance illuminating my little corner. I hear Shay pass me and decide to finish. She'll want to go home. I wash off the suds, dry off, and return to my locker beside hers. She slams her door shut as she finishes and grabs my keys. Knowing me, she knows I like to dry my hair. I don't like leaving with wet hair, especially while it's wet and cold outside.
I get dressed and finish with my hair in fifteen minutes. I grab my luggage and make my way out of the women's locker room. I find Brandon waiting for me at the entrance counter, smiling from ear to ear. I shake my head, and we leave. I'm grateful that the homeless tweaker seems to be scarce. I find Brandon's car parked next to mine, his large, grey RAM a bit too close to my side. I roll my eyes, and he laughs. I hug him and get inside.
Shay is waiting for me once I get inside, her eyes narrowed, her brows furrowed, and her lips in a thin line.
"Are you ready?" She says, a bit too loudly for my liking.
"O-Okay, okay. Fine." I acquiesce.
She sighs and sits back.
"I'm sorry," She whispers apologetically.
I shake my head, "It's okay." I say and pull out of the parking lot. I drive home slowly, barely able to see the road ahead of me. I intensify my lights, hoping it helps. It somewhat does. I give a light smile before turning left and entering the underground parking lot. I park and make my way into the elevator. Shay makes her way in after me and pushes the button. She leans against the wall, quiet and forlorn. I shake my head and giggle slightly. Formidably, the thought of me and Viscidi in the elevator reminisced in my mind at the worst moment.
Shay turns towards me, looking at me confused and concerned.
"Don't worry," I giggle-snort and stop.
"It better have been good," she says funnily.
"It was," I say and roll my eyes.
The doors open on our floor, and we make our way to our door. We live on the top floor of Ascent South Lake Union in the penthouses. We live in the largest one. We have four bedrooms, three bathrooms, small office spaces in our quarters, and a walk-in closet.
I unlock the door and directly head towards my room. I close the door, locking it behind me. I lean against the door, sighing lightly. I place my dirty clothes in my hamper and remove my jacket, placing it on the back of my vanity chair. I sit on my bed, turn on my phone, and see a text from Dad.
To: Me
From: Dad
Message:
How was your meeting today?
I shake my head and text back, attempting to sound as nonchalant as humanly possible. H
He doesn't need to know anything about today.
To: Dad
From: Me
Message:
Everything went well, Dad. He seemed nice and well-mannered. Thank you for today.
Also, he's fucking hot!
I hit send and, giggle childishly and wait for a reply.
Ten minutes go by before I get another message from him. His message is short, sweet, and to the point.
To: Me
From: Dad
Message:
Awesome!
I love you. Goodnight!
To: Dad
From: Me
Message:
Goodnight!
I love you, too!
I hit send and place my phone on my bedside table. I take my meds and change into my pajamas, which includes a large oversized t-shirt and my pair of panties. That's about it. However, I do wrap my hair up, containing it in a soft, silky scarf.
I make my way into the bathroom and brush my teeth. I put on some ChapStick and make my way into my room. I turn on my bedside lamp, close my blinds, and get into bed. I turn off the overhead light and turn on my overhead fan to the highest level with a small remote stationed on my bedside table. I grab my book, "The Forbidden," by Jodi Ellen Malpas.
I jolt and wake up. I find my head throbbing like crazy and my allergies out of control. I wipe my eyes and look around. I find that my window is open. I hadn't even realized it was open. I must have forgotten to close it the last time I opened it. Fuck! I feel like shit! I get out of bed, wobbling slightly.
I thought I heard something…
I look around my room, confused. I turn on my bedside lamp and check the time.
2:05 PM.
It's early in the morning. Too early.
I shake my head and make my way to the door. I open it and immediately close it a second later. Fuck! I can hear Shay having sex in her bedroom.
"Tarent," She moans.
Fuck! She's with Tarent? I thought she was dating Brody—Tarent's friend.
I bite my lip and lean against the door, sliding slowly to the floor in one swift movement. I shake my head and lean my head in my hands.
I don't know what to think, do, or say. Everything is so confusing, and I know shit's about to get real if Brody were to see that she's fucked Tarent. Even though they broke up, I really thought they had a thing. Or at least, they used to.
I get up swiftly and make my way to the bathroom. I sit down and close my eyes. Somehow, it feels like I can hear them better in here.
Shit!
I finish quickly and go back into my room, ignoring the sink as I do.
My sanity is more important. I don't want to hear any more of that. It's fucking disgusting!
I get into my bed and grab my phone. I need a fucking distraction!
I decide to look up Markus Viscidi on Google. I want to know more about him. The results come up instantly. I make my way to photos and look around. There are hundreds of photos of him, maybe even thousands. There are pictures of him in public, around the city, with his security detail. He's even at his company. He's everywhere! There are even photos of him with other women.
I feel my heart sink to a whole new dimension. I feel as if everything I've done has come crashing down on top of me. I just met the man today, and I'm already jealous of him with other women. What the hell? That makes absolutely no sense! My heart flutters and beats to a new beat, a sadder beat. Something I haven't felt before. I feel somewhat forlorn and abandoned.
It really isn't that serious. You're being extremely dramatic!
I roll my eyes and shut off my phone, placing it harshly back on the bedside table. I toss and turn, my thoughts and emotions feeling unstable and intense.
Before I go under, my last thought is his large, pale, grey eyes looking directly into mine.
He flips me over, my body whirling around, facing the front of the bed. He grabs my hips and thrusts hard inside of me, once, twice; I feel my body coming anew, the impending orgasm intensified by each thrust he gives. I bite my lip, drawing a bit of blood. I clench my eyes close and cling to the duvet, my nails clawing into the fabric.
I feel my body sway as the orgasm overwhelms my senses. I hear him growl behind me, his thrusts much harder, rougher now. He flips me over, so I'm facing him. His teeth are clenched, his eyes dark and tumultuous. The danger lies within the black.
"Fuck!" He growls and comes loudly.
I feel his sperm overwhelm my vagina as it accumulates inside. It pools down between my legs and onto the duvet, his thick, wet come puddling around me.
I feel my body sway back and forth as my insides tremble and quake. I bite my quivering lip as a single tear cascades down my moist cheek and neck. He smiles a small, dangerous smile before disappearing into the dark.
I wake to Shay grumbling on the other side of my bedroom door. I flutter my eyes open and wipe away the sleep. I still suddenly as I feel the damp wetness that accumulated overnight. I pull down my covers and look down. My panties are completely soaked with arousal and sweat, and so are my sheets.
What. The. Hell?
I shudder lightly, a glimpse of remembrance breaking away the fog of sleep. I shake my head and take off my dirtied underwear, throwing them into the hamper. I do the same with my shirt; I grab a towel and a pair of clean clothing and go into the bathroom to clean off last night's arousing affairs.
I dry my hair with my Dyson Dual Hair dryer and tie my loose curls into a high ponytail before making my way into the kitchen to grab a bite to eat. I decide to make eggs and toast. Something easy and filling.
After last night's dream, I'm absolutely famished!
I grab a plate and a glass of cold water from the refrigerator and enter the dining room. I turn on the overhead television and change the channel to the morning forecast. I grab my phone and check the time.
7:38 AM.
I dig in, chewing loudly. I take a sip of my water, letting the water wash the food down. Apparently, It's going to be rainy outside. Fuck! I have a love-hate relationship with the rain. It's excellent for writing; it puts me in the mood, but when I have to go out in it, I prefer to skip out. It's typically cold when it rains, especially in Seattle during April. April showers, bring May flowers.
My mood lifts at the thought of summer. It still rains during summer in Seattle, but less. It's also not as cold as to be expected. It's also not as hot in Seattle during summertime as it is in other states.
I look at my calendar and remember that it's Sunday. I have a hair appointment around one today at Serenity Couture Salon and Spa. I need to get my hair relaxed and my extensions reinstalled. I shake my hair, feeling the heaviness of my hair. My natural curly 4-C hair is growing back in at the roots. I've always had a complex with my hair. I've never liked it natural. I've been relaxing my hair for as long as I can remember, but around seventeen, I went natural. I was natural for three years before I decided I had had enough of my untamed hair, and on a whim, I relaxed my hair myself. Obviously, I hadn't done a very good job. My hair was thin and damaged. I had to go to a professional to get it fixed. I wore a bob for a while. But then again, that was when I couldn't take care of myself. That was a long time ago now. I honestly hate thinking about it. It makes me sad.
I make my way to work, deciding to work a bit before I get my hair done. They could probably use my help. It is Sunday, after all. The weekends are always the busiest of days.
I call in and tell them my schedule. They agree rather desperately. I feel somewhat sorry for them as I hang up the phone. I roll my eyes and clean my dishes. I place them back into the cupboard and return to my room. I brush my teeth and wash my face. I apply a bit of makeup. I put on a light-tinted facial moisturizer, concealer, a bit of contour, mascara, eyeliner, brow gel, eyelash gel, and brownish lipliner with a clear gloss. I'm going for more of a nineties look. My look is natural and basic yet put together and stylish. Just like me.
I put on a pair of skin-tight jeans, a light pink blouse with frills on the side and bottom, and a pair of Banking On Me High Cut Sneakers—Pink/Combo Shoes from Fashion Nova. My shoes match my shirt. I look nice. I rechecked the weather before packing a Plaid Girls Club Shacket—Pink/Combo from Fashion Nova. I grab my purse, portable charger, and a pair of socks and make my way out of the house.
Locking the door, I turn and find Brody standing behind me. I fidget nervously as my heart skips a beat.
Hell! I remember Tarent and Shayla last night. They were having sex! I knew this would be a problem. God! Why do awkward things have to happen to me?
I bite my lip nervously and avoid his gaze. I decide to look at the wall, thinking it is the safest place to look.
"Where is Shay?" Brody asks, irritation marring his voice.
I shrug.
"I-I don't know. I haven't seen her today. I think she left early… something about her mom…" I trail off ridiculously.
He nods and looks towards the wall.
"Are you lying?" He asks, turning back towards me.
I still, and my heart falters. For a fraction of a second, I think about running. I don't know Brody very well, but from the vibe he's giving off, it's probably not a good idea to test him.
"N-No." I stutter.
I can feel my body panicking. My hands are all sweaty and clammy. I feel my head throb with anxiety and unrelenting nerves.
I turn slightly and decide to make a run for it.
"Ya' know, I don't like liars." He says.
I still, my heart faltering once more. I swallow and take a tentative step back.
Fuck! What am I supposed to do? Shit!
"Y-Yeah…N-No. I'm not lying." I stutter once more. "—B-But I have to go." I say and slowly maneuver myself around him. I sense his gaze as I make my way into the elevator. I push the ground floor. I see him wave, his eyes dark and avoidant.
The elevator doors, and I automatically slump down to the floor. I can feel tears cascading down my cheeks. What the hell was that? I never knew he was that scary. Dangerous! Shay! I quickly wipe my face and take out my phone. I find Shay's number and call her. Fuck! No answer! She's probably still asleep. What the hell am I to do?
I debate calling Dad. He would definitely be able to deal with him and this situation.
I make my way to my car and drive away. I almost miss the street to Books and Café. I park in the parking lot, take my phone out again, and call her.
Yet again, no answer!
Fuck! I yell and begin hitting the wheel of my car angrily. I feel sad and out of control. I stop as the car alarm goes off. I push on my key, silencing the annoying sound. I wipe my tears and make my way into the café.
Every fifteen minutes, I call and text Shay. She still hasn't replied. I throw my phone down onto the counter and pull at my ponytail. I bite my lip nervously, chewing it catastrophically.
"Woah."
I look up and see Brandon standing on the other side of the counter. I sigh and roll my eyes.
"I-I'm sorry," I mutter.
I feel hot, warm tears falling down my face again. As they do, the dam breaks and the sadness comes rushing through.
"Shit!" I hear Brandon make his way around the counter towards me. He wraps his arms around me, rocking me softly. He holds me tighter as my crying only intensifies with his loving actions. "Jesus! Katie!" He whispers in my ear.
I feel his soft breath behind my ear as he nervously attempts to calm me.
At this point, nothing else matters. Not the customers, not my boss, and not even Brandon. Nothing matters.
He hands me a tissue as we sit behind the counter, hiding quietly. I've legitimately been crying for fifteen minutes. I gasp and stand up, wobbling slightly, and grab my phone. I see that there are no calls or text messages from Shay. Which only worsens my mood. I begin to cry anew. Brandon wraps his arms around me once more.
Once I'm calm, he turns me around and kneels in front of me.
"Can you tell me what's going on?" His voice is soft and angelic. Kind and loving. I smile instantly.
I nod.
"Shay's ex-boyfriend, Brody, scared me," I say, wiping my eyes. Brandon stays quiet, expecting more.
I clarify.
"Shay was having sex with Tarent last night. Apparently, Brody and her didn't end on good terms."
He nods and stills, his eyes dark and unreadable.
"Did he threaten you?" He asks, an ominous tone in his voice.
I shiver slightly.
"No," I say and sniffle. "He thought I was lying and told me he didn't like liars."
Brandon nods.
"When was this?" He stands and looks around the room.
"Well, I left the house around eight. I've been calling her every fifteen minutes." I shake my head sadly. "She still hasn't replied."
He nods and tilts his head from side to side.
"So, you're worried about her?" He says angrily.
I nod, "Yes."
He quiets for a moment, contemplating his next move.
"Let's go." He says and grabs my arm.
I swiftly grab my phone and walk out after him. I suppose it is around break time. I have time.
I get into his car, and he turns onto the street and returns to our house. He stops at the corner of our building and gets out. I scramble out after him and make my way inside. I don't have my key, and apparently, I don't need it. The doorman, John, is here. His smile fades as he sees us, immediately moving out of our way. I give him a worried smile and enter the elevator after Brandon. I push the button to our floor, and we ascend.
The doors open on our floor. I still immediately as I look down the hallway towards our door. Two things are apparent: Number one, our door is broken open. The door is actually hanging off of its hinges. And number two, someone's obviously been inside.
Brandon sees everything as I do. He dashes down the emergency staircase, leaving panic in his wake. I feel my body stiffen, an out-of-body experience happening. As if I can't control myself, my legs begin to move towards the door, slowly but surely. I can't stop them. My brain is on autopilot. I stop at the entrance to the apartment, the door squeaking back and forth. I continue on my unbothered pursuit and look around the apartment. I pass the kitchen, into the living room, and down the hallway. My ears are ringing, and my blood pulsates through my veins, almost deafening me.
I turn into Shay's room, and the sight absolutely blinds me. Everything in her room is broken and thrown around. Her bed, her pillows, her lamp broken on the floor. Everything. Something ominous has happened. I walk around her room, looking at each side of her bed. I look underneath and find nothing. But that doesn't cease the ache in my heart. I make my way toward her bathroom. The light is off, but the door is open. I'm unsure if that's how she usually keeps it.
I can feel my mind attempting to stop, but my body prevails, and I go inside. When I turn on the light, everything stops, darkens, and goes black.