Saving Us

by Ashley Johnson

  “I’m Mrs. Horn. Please forgive me, I’m horrible with names. You are?”

  “I’m Sybil Hayes.” I extend my hand and she grabs mine shaking it.

  “I was also looking for you Mrs. Horn. I’m Blaine Williams.” He flashes his smile at her and she smiles warmly back. What a kiss ass. I feel myself rolling my eyes and I hope neither of them are looking at me.

  “Let’s get you two into the computer and I’ll show you what needs to be done.”

  She leads the way towards a computer with Blaine and myself trailing behind her. She’s pointing out different sections in the store briefly acquainting us with our new surroundings. He’s walking close to me, almost too close for my comfort. I can smell his cologne and I have to admit he smells like sex on legs, but I quickly dismiss that thought. I refuse to think anything about this guy.

  “So, Sybil is it?” He leans into my ear. His breath tickles against my skin and I try to distance myself. “Maybe we could grab some coffee sometime?”

  “Don’t count on it. I’m busy.” I whisper back.

  “I don’t believe you.”

  “Well, believe because I don’t have time for you.” I snap at him.

  He doesn’t have a chance to say anything else because we are now at the computer where Mrs. Horn shows us how to clock in. My teachers this morning shot me the dreaded sympathy look. Everyone knows about me, poor Sybil Hayes whose boyfriend committed suicide last semester. I hate the looks, you would think they had something else to think about by now. I quickly decide I like Mrs. Horn. If she knows anything, she doesn’t act like it and I get no special looks or treatment from her.

  After a few quick instructions, she sends Blaine to straighten the books and I get sent to unload a box of new sweaters and t-shirts. All I have to do is hang them up and make them look nice, sounds easy enough. I’m more than relieved that Blaine is not around me and I can concentrate on my job.

  It only takes me about an hour to hang the clothes and I take a step back and smile at what I’ve done. Mrs. Horn walks by and commends me on a job well done. I move to continue straightening displays and anything else I can do to make time go by. After two hours have passed, I stand back and admire my work. I continue to smile, until all my happy thoughts are interrupted.

  “Good job, doll face.”

  I immediately scowl. I don’t even have to turn around to know it’s Blaine. I knew better than to think I could get away without having to see him again today. Why did I take this job again?

  “What did you call me? I have a name and it’s not doll face.”

  “You’re so cute though, I want to call you doll face.”

  This guy has some damn nerve. “Yeah, well I want to call you…”

  “You two can go ahead and call it a day and finish up tomorrow. Thank you so much for your help.” Thank you Mrs. Horn for saving the day. I want to wrap my arms around her but that may look funny, so instead I smile and thank her. Without looking back, I hurry to clock out and grab my backpack.

  I run out the door and make a beeline to my truck and once I’m inside I feel safe again. I’m flustered more than I should be. I should have just ignored Blaine and his stupid comments, but I let him get to me. Frustrated, I hit the steering wheel and let a few cuss words fly. When I’m content, I drive away and head back to the one place I feel safer than anything. Home.

  Chapter 5

  Blaine

  I knew she was beautiful. I knew that from looking at her pictures before I came here. Caleb Thomas was damn lucky to have her, but he threw that shit out the window. It was his fault though, when he went to Landon, he should have known what he was getting into. He knew Landon would come for him if he didn’t keep up his end of the deal. He never paid what he promised and he knew what would happen. I can remember like it was just yesterday, when he came to Landon, begging him not to go after his family or his fiancée. He offered every last penny he had but it wasn’t enough. His interest had already skyrocketed to where no matter what he paid, he’d never be free of the threats. Landon doesn’t play with his money. He’s deathly serious and when I say deathly, I mean it. He’s had to do it before and if Caleb hadn’t taken his own life, Landon would have had to do it again. Landon didn’t tell him that though. Sad part is, this poor girl has no idea. She’s so naïve to any of this. She has no idea that I was sent here to either get the money or get her. Seeing her made it worse, I said she was beautiful but no. She’s a damn goddess. I have to stop thinking with my dick and remember what I was sent for. I have a job to do and Landon expects me to complete it. Fuck, I never thought I’d say this, but I’m in over my head.

  She practically ran from me after she clocked out on the computer. My flirting definitely sent her over the edge. I try to look for her but all I see are the throngs of students milling around and she is nowhere to be found. I’m a little aggravated and for a second, forget why I’m even here. My phone rings and I pull it out of my pocket to see Landon calling. He’s the reason I will never forget why I’m here in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

  “Hey Landon.” I answer coolly.

  “Did you find the girl?” He asks without any hello or anything.

  I run my hand over my hair before letting out an aggravated sigh. “I found her. She barely talked to me though and she bolted out of the bookstore before I could say anything else.”

  “I didn’t send you there to hold a fucking conversation with her. I sent you there to collect what’s mine. Do I need to send someone else to do the job?”

  Dammit, he sees straight through me and he’s just over the phone. Stop thinking with your dick, Blaine. “No Landon, I’ve got this. Do you really think it’s best to just walk up to her and say give me the money your fiancé owes?”

  “Why didn’t you? I don’t have time to play games, Blaine. Get the job done and quit fucking around or you and the girl can both go meet Caleb six feet under.”

  I gulp at his words knowing this is no damn joke. In a matter of minutes, he could be here and all hell would break loose. I suddenly feel something different come over me. I can’t let anything happen to Sybil. I’ll take care of this my own way, not Landon’s, if I have to. He will never know that though.

  “Look, have I ever done you wrong Landon? I’ve always taken care of the problems you’ve sent me to handle. This girl is nothing different. I said I’ve got it ok?”

  “You better. I think I’ve been nice enough giving her time to mourn his untimely death. I’m not feeling so generous anymore though, so just get it done and then hopefully she can enjoy the rest of her life. I’ll check in later.” End of call.

  I mutter a few curse words as I stuff my phone back into my pocket and then head to my truck. It’s only early afternoon but I need a damn drink. Landon didn’t have to go there and he did. I have to do my job and I have to do it right or it just may cost me and Sybil our lives. I drive to the nearest bar and order a Crown and Coke. I tell the bartender to keep them coming while I sort through these thoughts in my head. Funny thing is, every thought I have ends with her beautiful face staring back at me. I’m screwed.

  ***

  Sybil

  I walk into the apartment still feeling flustered but I have to shake it off before Cory and Megan show up later. I can’t let them know any of this, it’s not like anything happened. Right? I just had an encounter with someone of the opposite sex for the first time since Caleb. It was an unwelcome encounter, even though he was definitely easy on my eyes.

  I pull out the pack of crawfish tails and set them in warm water to thaw. While they thaw, I pour myself a glass of wine and sit on the couch. I hate how lonely the couch feels sometimes but I don’t let myself think on that right now. I can’t get those damn ocean blue eyes out of my head. The fact that I’ll have to work with him for the rest of the semester aggravates me. He seems like the kind that can mess everything up and possibly make me forget. I never want to forget. Ever.

  After thirty minutes of watching boring telev
ision, I go and pull the tails out and begin to prep dinner. Cory and Megan will be here soon and I’d like to have dinner ready by then. I set my pan on the stove and begin cooking my Spanish rice. Once it’s cooked, I add the crawfish tails and cheese mixing it all up into a delicious concoction. I almost send myself into a panic when I can’t find the flour tortillas I just bought them the other day, but I’m relieved to find them sitting off to the corner. The oven is preheating and I can’t wait to finish and get these baking. Smelling them now is making my mouth water. I roll the enchiladas and pour the sauce over them before I set them in the oven. I have twenty five minutes to kill, so I retreat back to the couch. I’m barely relaxed when I hear a knock at the door. I bring my wine glass back up to my lips before setting it back down again to go answer.

  Out of habit, I look into the peep hole and see Cory and Megan standing on the other side. I unlock the door and let them in. Cory hugs me before walking straight to the oven and flipping on the oven light to look at dinner.

  “Damn Syb, those look amazing. Is it time to eat yet?”

  “Just a few more minutes, I promise Cory. Are ya’ll as excited as I am that the first day is over?” I ask suddenly wishing I hadn’t.

  Megan makes a gagging noise and starts laughing. “I hate biology.”

  “If you would have studied last semester, you wouldn’t have to suffer again, Meg.” Cory states causing her to stick her tongue out at him. I laugh at the two of them. They are funny together.

  “Well, I did study. It’s not my fault.”

  “Yeah, ok. Tell that to your professor. How was your day Syb?” He asks and I feel my face turn beet red. Great.

  “Yeah Sybil, how was the bookstore? Anything cute in there that I may want? Oh, do you get a discount? That would be freaking awesome!”

  I roll my eyes, laughing, as I push back those eyes that pop back in my mind. “It was ok, classes weren’t bad.”

  “Hello, earth to Sybil. I asked about the bookstore!”

  Cory playfully smacks her arm laughing, “Chill Megan, she’ll get to it and I’m not buying you anything out of there until you show effort in Biology.”

  She ignores his comment and looks back at me with hopeful eyes. I’m not sure what she’s expecting me to say, but I don’t plan on letting anything out about Blaine and his sex on legs persona.

  “It was alright, Meg. Nothing great. I hung some sweaters up and fixed some displays. Not too bad for a few hours’ work. I think I may like it.” But I don’t want to like anything about it. Not while he works there too.

  “I wear a small in case you want to get me something for being an awesome best friend.”

  I laugh as I go to pull dinner out of the oven. “I’ll remember that, just don’t hold your breath waiting on anything.”

  “You and Cory are always conspiring against me, it’s not fair.”

  Cory rolls his eyes at her as he walks over to the food. The aroma smells heavenly and my stomach has officially started growling. I hand them each a plate and we sit down to eat.

  “I’m not even that tired today.” Cory says from nowhere after swallowing a bite of food. I look at him and begin laughing.

  “Yeah, you didn’t have class until 11:00am. Lucky you.” I retort.

  “Hey, not my fault you two weren’t smart. Maybe you’ll learn next semester.”

  “Doubt it, I’ll probably be retaking Biology.” Megan states and starts laughing when Cory shoots her some eyes, “I’m kidding babe, and I’m totally passing this semester. Serious Megan is here now, no need to worry.”

  When we finish eating, Cory insists on cleaning the kitchen. I decide I don’t want to argue right now, so I let him. Megan and I retire to the couch while he loads the dishwasher.

  “I think I’m going to hate the bookstore.” I tell her. No clue why I felt compelled to tell her, but I tell her everything.

  “Why’s that?” She asks.

  “I’m apparently not the only new person working in the bookstore this semester. There was a guy,” her eyes light up and she looks like she’s not sure what to say. I decide to continue, “He tried to talk to me and I shut him down. He seemed cocky as hell. He has these beautiful eyes though and he smelled amazing. He was probably just trying to be nice, but I was mean to him. He’s the first guy that’s talked to me since Caleb, and I-I can’t. I ran out before he could find me.”

  “Oh Sybil,” she pulls me in for a hug.

  “Am I interrupting a girl moment? Because I can go back in the kitchen.” Cory’s voice breaks through my thoughts and I break the hug from Megan and smile.

  “Not at all. Come sit with us and we can find something girlie to make you suffer through.” I smile jokingly, as I grab the remote.

  Megan never mentions anything about our conversation around Cory, which I’m grateful for. I have no intentions of talking to Blaine again, unless it’s something for work. He’s no one to me and never will be.

  We decide on reruns of The Big Bang Theory, but never actually watch it. We sit around laughing and talking. For once since this morning, I’m completely at ease smiling and I feel at peace. Then I look up and see a picture of Caleb and I hanging on the wall and I fight the pang of emptiness that really lies within me. He’d want me to smile and be happy though. I can’t be sad every time I see a picture of him. I smile at the picture and then turn back to Cory and Megan, getting caught up in a conversation about 80’s night. Maybe I should have stayed zoned out, but I can’t avoid this forever, Megan won’t let me.

  “You said you’d think about 80’s night, so have you decided yet? Cory said this may be the last one if I don’t at least pass my first Bio test. You have to come.”

  “Don’t pressure her Megan…” Cory starts when I interrupt him.

  “I’ll go.”

  They both stop wide eyed and stare at me. I’m even shocked by my response. Megan was right earlier though, this is another hurdle I need to cross. It’s been five months and I will be with my two best friends.

  “Are you sure Sybil? If you aren’t ready Megan will understand.” Cory asks softly.

  “Cor, I can’t live my life like this. Caleb wouldn’t want this and you know it. It’s been five months. I need to get out and stop staying inside this apartment like a hermit. If I keep this up, I may end up a cat lady before I’m 30.”

  He smiles and pulls me in for a big hug. Megan comes behind me, sandwiching me between the two of them. I’ll be forever thankful to the two of them for everything they’ve done for me. Now, I just need to get through the next few days. Can I do it? I can. I can ignore Blaine and his stupid attempt to start a conversation.

  They visit a few minutes longer before standing to leave. “Don’t forget, dinner at our house tomorrow. Although, I have no idea how we will top this one. I keep forgetting you’re like a little damn Betty Crocker.” Megan laughs.

  “I doubt I’m a Betty Crocker. I can’t bake to save my life, have you forgotten that?” I laugh, thinking back to Caleb’s birthday last year. I wanted to bake him a cake and it turned out rock hard. I could have given someone a concussion with it.

  “True, stick to the enchiladas. They were amazing!”

  I hug them once more before they head out leaving me alone. Each night gets easier and easier, but at the same time it’s still hard.

  Once I double check the lock on the door, I turn off all the lights and retreat to the kitchen where I refill my wine glass. I’ve had an exhausting day and all I want to do is take a nice, warm bath. I add a few bubbles to make it look pretty and I lay down to where the bubbles reach my chin. I close my eyes for a brief minute, while my hand subconsciously reaches down below where I’m aching to be touched. I miss Caleb’s touch. Slowly, I touch myself igniting sparks I forgot existed. I let a small moan escape my lips as I continue to bring myself to my own personal ecstasy. It doesn’t take long before waves of euphoria crash over my body and I whimper as I feel myself release. I smile feeling refreshed, when a pair of eye
s appear in my head. Those eyes aren’t Caleb’s, they are Blaine’s. Shit.

  I try to block them out as I open my eyes and sit up to practically inhale the glass of wine. I finish my bath and throw on an old t-shirt before cuddling in bed with a book. Not even ten pages in, I pass out. Guess I didn’t realize just how tired I was.

  Chapter 6

  Blaine

  I show up at the bookstore at the same time I did yesterday, hoping to see Sybil before it’s time to clock in, but I see she’s by Mrs. Horn and already working. Dammit. I make a mental note to get here earlier from now on, at least until I can get her to talk to me. Yesterday she made it very clear she didn’t want to talk to me¸ but I’m a guy. I’m charming and I know I can get her to look at me without seeming like she wants to lose her lunch. I toss my backpack in the designated area and then head over to the computer.

  She’s smiling and I’m mesmerized. I try to block out Landon’s words from yesterday and today. He’s already called, reminding me what he sent me here to do again. I gave him the same reassurance I did yesterday. Sybil doesn’t seem like the kind of girl though, who you can just force your hand upon. She’s the kind you have to earn her trust and work your way in with. Unfortunately, I don’t have that kind of time. The minute she sees me, her smile disappears and serious Sybil is back. The one who acts like she hates my guts.

  “Blaine, just on time.” Mrs. Horn smiles. I smile warmly back. “Now that I have the two of you here, here’s what I need done today. A whole new shipment of textbooks have come in. I need you two to pull the books that are being discontinued and get the new ones set out in their place. When you’re done, come see me and I’ll see what else there is.”

  The minute Mrs. Horn says we have to work together, I can’t help but smile. This is starting to work a little too perfectly for me. Sybil is wearing a scowl on her face. She’s clearly not happy but the minute Mrs. Horn looks at her, she smiles. I could look at her smile all day long. I want to keep her smiling but I can’t. That’s not in my job description.