Beautiful Deceit

by Albany Walker

  I'm boxing up one of the small orders when Brian's massive frame fills the door. He has a large black leather duffle hanging from his shoulder. He scans the area, likely looking for Beau when his eyes land on me. He walks over to where I am stationed behind the check out desk.

  "Samantha," he greets.

  "Hey Brian. How's it going?"

  "Good, doll. Where's Beau?" He asks, still scanning the room.

  "He's in the back, in my office. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen him. Come on and I'll show you." I quickly inform a wide-eyed Erin that I'll be right back and lead him there.

  I rap on the door gently then open it slowly, "Beau, Brian's here," I say then see him with the phone to his ear. “Sorry,” I mouth to him, turning to Brian to signal that Beau is on the phone.

  "Yeah, yeah. He's here now. I'll call you back." He hangs up and greets us with a grateful smile on his face. He glances down seeing the bag Brian drops in an empty chair. "Thanks man," he says to Brian. Neither says anything else, and I get the feeling they are waiting for me.

  "Ah well, I have some stuff to finish up so...." I trail off, making a weak excuse to leave.

  "Thanks, Sammy. I just want to fill Brian in about last night. We'll be out soon," he adds almost apologetically.

  "Alright then. Do either of you need anything, a drink?" I ask before leaving.

  "We're good. Thanks," Beau replies.

  It's an hour before they both walk out and head to the drink counter. Having them here feels nice, even if the reason they are isn't.

  Beau walks over to me looking fabulous, even in days old clothes. It’s unfair.

  "Sammy, I have a few things I need to do. Brian is going to stay here with you. He will take you home if I'm not back before you leave for the day." I look over at Brian who's made himself at home with a mug and a newspaper that must have been left on the table.

  "That's not necessary. He doesn't need to sit here all afternoon."

  Beau grunts and takes a sip from the white mug in his hand.

  He looks at me from under his brow then says, "I want him to."

  "Beau seriously, I'll be fine. There are cameras here, and I’m not alone. He doesn’t need to sit around here all day.”

  He sets the mug on the desk and snaps, "He's staying. Please stop being difficult."

  "I'm not trying to be difficult, you jackass," I whisper. "I was trying to make it easier on y'all."

  "Please don't," He says and walks over to Brian who's shaking his head at Beau.

  Beau grabs the bag from the chair next to Brain then holds his hand out. Brian sighs deeply, giving Beau a pointed look, but pulls a set of keys from his pocket.

  Beau walks out without looking back. Brian makes eye contact with me, and I shrug as a reply. Beau must be having a hard time dealing with his longtime friend’s death. I can't be upset with him for being snippy. Brian shakes his head like he can hear what I'm thinking. He gives another deep sigh, and an annoyed sound comes with it.

  I get back to work quickly, hoping to get out of here early so Brian doesn't have to waste his day.

  At one o'clock, two men walk through the door asking for me by name. I am reminded that I called last week to add more security to the store.

  "Shit."

  Brain is at the register next to me before I can begin to explain what I'm looking to add. He listens while I struggle to order a few extra cameras inside and outside of the store. I glance at him a few times, aware that he likely has way more knowledge in what the store might need.

  When I'm done, he asks if I mind him adding a thing or two. I tell him to do whatever he thinks will work best. He follows the men out to the truck, so they can gather supplies. I'm sure he wants to monitor what they're doing anyway. I find myself grateful that he is kept busy with them. His presence in the store, especially with him monitoring each person that comes in, wasn’t the most welcoming sight for customers.

  I have dinner delivered around five, and to Brian’s bemusement, I also order food for the installers. I eat with Brian and the two men in the lounge, then watch the storefront while George, Jude, and Molly go to the back and eat.

  I interrupt Molly once when I can’t figure out a complicated order, and she’s able to whip it up no problem. She doesn’t seem to mind though. My hope for leaving early is banished completely. As I stand at the register rubbing my feet, I text Jess asking if she will open tomorrow with the spare key I gave her.

  Brian escorts me home after eight. I invite him up since Beau isn’t home, and I feel a bit more comfortable with him. I smile, thinking about how much I have improved. He accepts saying he'd like to talk to Beau anyway.

  “He didn't answer his phone when I tried calling a while ago.”

  As we settle in, I turn on the tv and hand him the remote.

  "I don't really watch much tv. You can turn on anything you'd like."

  He takes it from my hand and says, "I thought you were a Top Shot girl. I missed all last season. Beau said you have it DVRed." Beau mentioned that? What else have they talked about?

  "I do actually. I've seen most of them, but I don't mind a repeat. I won't tell you any spoilers," I say with a small laugh. "I'm just gonna change. Can I get you anything?"

  He leans back, getting comfortable, "Nope, I'm good."

  I grab a few things and head to the bathroom. Once I'm inside, I decide to take a nice long shower. The mirror is fogged when I get out. I take my hair out of a high knot and braid it. I'll wash it tomorrow morning before work.

  As I have company, I grab one of the few comfortable bras I own and throw a shirt over it. As long as I don't jiggle around too much, I should be okay. I check the mirror to make sure, then pull on some lounge pants and open the door.

  The cold air hits me, making me shiver.

  Brian's head is tipped back, and it looks like he might be sleeping. His feet are up on the edge of the ottoman. I walk over quietly and sit on the opposite end. His eyes are closed so I stay quiet and watch the rerun of my show.

  I wake up to Brian's voice sounding particularly irritated, "What do you think I'm doing buddy? I'm curled up on the couch next to your girl. She looks real cute tucked up next to me." I open my eyes and see him across the room grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge.

  The intercom buzzer starts trilling. Brian laughs into the phone.

  "Yes, I'm fucking with you, you asshole.... you deserve it, that's why. You can't treat a woman like shit just because you're pissy. She probably would have let your ass get away with it, but I won't.” He gets up, stretching leisurely. The trill of the intercom repeats incessantly. “Stop with the fucking buzzer. I'm coming!" He smashes his finger on the phone, ending the call.

  Brian surprises me when he bypasses the button to allow Beau entrance. Instead he unlocks the door and stomps down the stairs.

  I get up and grab a water before walking over to the bed. I strip out of my pants and bury myself under the covers.

  I'm back asleep before the door opens.

  Chapter 21

  Tuesday morning I wake up later than usual. I didn’t set my alarm last night. Once I am up, I text Jess to let her know I'd be in before noon to help with the lunch rush. She promptly replies.

  No worries, boss lady