“Well, if you left then you didn’t want to be there. Why would I go after you and try to get you to do something you didn’t want to do, be somewhere you didn’t want to be?” I could actually hear the self-satisfied smile in his voice. Roan was convinced he had a valid argument.
History suggested if I discussed my grievances with him long enough, the idiocy seemed to rub off and his ridiculous reasoning began to make sense. I needed to end this conversation before that happened. “I have to go. I have to get ready.”
“Coming over after work?” he asked.
“Nope.” The word came out just as sharply as I intended. “I can go to my own house and not have an orgasm. I don’t need to drive to the other side of town to get used by you.” Then I slammed the receiver down, leaned forward on the desk, and shut my eyes a moment while I waited for the frustration to dissipate. My solitude lasted all of thirty seconds before I could feel someone standing beside me. Slowly, I opened my eyes to see Denzi looking down on me with a worried look. “Well, Denzi Miller. How the hell are you? I seem to be having the day that just keeps on giving.” I smiled sadly.
Pulling her chair over from the next cubicle, she sat down. “I have some time, doll. Let’s talk.” She leaned forward conspiratorially and looked around before she opened her mouth again. “What’s going on?” Then before I could even consider how to respond, she spoke once more. “I may have overheard the tail end of that convo. Just sayin’. What’s going on with Roan?” The sympathy in her eyes nearly made me cry.
Nodding, I sniffled. “Yeah. We hardly ever have sex. There’s always an excuse. Even worse, when we do have sex, it’s less than satisfying.” Reaching for the tissue box on the shelf above me, I yanked one out in anticipation of the tears I just might not be able to hold back this time.
Denzi chuckled. “If you need help shooting down an excuse, I’m so your girl. We’ll get you two doing the horizontal cha cha in no time.” She smiled confidently at me. I wished I shared her enthusiasm. “Wait. Is he a selfish lover? Do you even want to have sex with him?” The sideways look she offered suggested I might just take this as an opportunity to move on. “You know how much fun we could have single together, right?” She waggled her eyebrows suggestively.
“Tempting, but I feel like at my age, I need to start getting serious about a permanent relationship,” I explained honestly.
Opening her purse, Denzi felt around inside until she found what she sought. Dipping her finger in a pot of lip gloss, she puckered and applied before responding. Snatching my tissue, Denzi wiped her fingers. “Please, you weren’t going to need this.” She wadded up the soiled Kleenex and tossed it in the garbage can under my desk. “Oh, and we’re twenty-four, it’s not like we’re old maids, crazy pants.” She shook her head at me.
“The sex with Roan used to be good, as I recall…”
Her eyes flew upward to the ceiling. “Oh Lawd! Please help this child.” Then she trained her look on me. “As you recall? What the hell ever. You should be going at it like rabbits! So what are these excuses?”
Opening my hand I began ticking them off on my fingers in order of most frequently in play. “He needs the testosterone for work. It’s too early. It’s too late. It’s not time yet. He wants a shower first. He just showered…” I smiled. “You see where I’m going with this. “It’s one reason after another.” My eyes began to water at the humiliation. “You’ve probably never experienced anything like this,” I mumbled, in full wallow mode.
“Hell right, I haven’t. Oh, but not due to my looks,” she insisted. “It’s all about my attitude. Any man is lucky to have me. And if he doesn’t appreciate me, fulfill my needs, he can just keep on walking because if not, I’ll do it for him.”
Watching her made me smile. Denzi was so full of life. Normally so mellow, like a reformed hippy, she still surprised me when she let this side of her personality shine through. “I love you, Denzi. What would I do without you?” I asked affectionately.
“Your own hair and makeup,” she joked with a smirk. While I had been speaking, she had been removing one item after another from her purse and lining them up on the side of the desk. “Seriously. You need to go in about twenty minutes. Let’s make your outside match your inside. Never forget you are simply beautiful, Delilah.” She smoothed the hair back from my face. “Ugh, but this hair must go.” Standing, she worked on fixing me up, making one of those sloppy stylish buns everyone but me seemed to know how to create.
Chapter 3
Minutes before five in the evening, I parked and took one last peek in the visor mirror before exiting the vehicle in front of Char Bar 7. Through the years, this place had gone through numerous transformations. At one time it had been a Hickory Tavern, but then the bigger beautiful newer one popped up just down the road in Ballantyne and this one lost its clientele, closed, and sat vacant for a bit. Then it was turned into another bar that didn’t last long enough for me to remember the name. For the last couple of years it had been surviving under this new identity. It was a nice place with okay food in a decent location. There were worst dives to be assigned to. I should know. The past five years, I’d worked most of them. At the very least, when my job was done, I was close to the apartment Denzi and I shared.
So why was I so miserable? I couldn’t put my finger on any one thing. It just all added up to...God, I didn’t feel like being here. I checked my phone one last time to ensure I hadn’t inadvertently turned off the app everyone in the office used for safety purposes. Sometimes, because of consistently being assigned boring ops, I was sloppy. After all, five years had passed with little to no excitement whatsoever. Satisfied I was following protocol, I exited my cute little black Fiat and strode into the place.
The brick stairs were really taking a toll on my stiletto heels. Why did I ever let Denzi talk me into buying those shoes? Then I smiled to myself as I turned and used the key fob to lock my vehicle. She wasn’t always wrong. She had steered me completely right on my car. Taking a deep breath, I focused and accepted it was time to go in. Just before I reached for it, the bar’s door opened as a waitress rushed out to the heated patio. I hesitated for a moment, trying to decide if this would be the best place to lure my target, but decided I really needed to give the rest of the bar and restaurant the once over first. For all I knew he was already inside eating dinner with another woman. How many times had that happened to me? It made for an easy night. I would sip a glass of wine on the company dime, take a few discreet pictures of the happy adulterous couple, and then we’d share it with the wife or girlfriend. Case closed.
In the pictures the wife provided, this man had a comb-over, his eyes looked glazed over and I’m not sure he had smiled ever. So, yeah, I kinda hoped he was with someone already and it wouldn’t have to be me. Walking inside, the warmth hit me instantly, which was a nice break from the late fall chill, along with the inviting smell of steaks grilling. Then I realized something. There was not one single person in the place. Though I was normally reasonably confident, the combination of fighting with Roan and Carter’s brutal honesty had me reeling. What if Roan really was the best I could do? What if we broke up and I was alone forever?
Immediately, my eyes started watering and I made a beeline for the bar. Blinking back tears, I stared the bartender down to get his attention. He was talking to the manager and nodded to indicate he would be right over. Sure enough, seconds later he stood in front of me.
He set a napkin in front of me as he asked, “What can I get you?”
“Just a glass of Merlot,” I announced as I eyed the napkin he’d laid before me. While I knew it was supposed to be for my drink, I started to pick it up in the hopes of salvaging my makeup, but a hand came down on top of mine.
“Here, use this,” a kindly voice suggested as the man passed me a handkerchief.
“Thank you,” I mumbled, thoroughly ashamed I’d been caught crying in public. I had to be hormonal. There was no way this was normal for me. Then I dabbed at my e
yes, careful not to mess up my eye makeup. If I could pull myself together, I still had a shot at completing my assignment. If I didn’t, I’d have to deal with Carter. The choice was obvious. Pasting a smile on my face, I moved to return the linen square to the gentleman. “I’m not sure about the etiquette for this,” I began, my eyes low and my embarrassment real. “Do you want this back?” For the first time, I looked him in the face. It was Herman Barnes, my target.
“Nah, keep it,” he said with a smile. “I have more.” He winked.
Now, I have to admit he didn’t seem nearly as creepy and gross as he had in the picture she provided. Maybe Herman and I actually had something in common. I take lousy pictures. Roan has told me time and again there is something about me that just doesn’t translate onto film. Why couldn’t he just tell me I look great? Did no one ever teach him how to treat a woman? Then I heard Denzi’s voice in the back of my mind, reminding me I was the one who chose to be with him when I could cut and run. The more I thought about it, the more I felt I should definitely cut and run. Guess I knew what I was doing Saturday. *le sigh*
“What brings you here?” Herman questioned. “Meeting someone?” He seemed really interested. This had to be my easiest op ever. God, I needed a challenge.
A mirthless chuckle escaped my lips. “I’m here to drown my sorrows.” I picked up the wine glass the bartender had set down and took a healthy sip. “I just realized I’ve wasted a year of my life on a bad boyfriend. You?” My eyebrows rose in an effort to display some interest.
“Ah, well, I just finished work and I’m trying to stall before heading home.” He waved to the bartender who quickly appeared for his order, since we were still the only two customers inside the bar. “Can I just get a Bud Light?”
As soon as the bartender moved to get his drink, I initiated further conversation. “Bad girlfriend?” I asked sympathetically.
“Bad wife,” he admitted. “I asked her for a divorce, but she refuses to leave, so I spend as much time away as possible.”
Nodding, I tried to commiserate as best I could to win his trust. “I completely understand.” Then I laid a hand on his, much like he had just done to me minutes before. My purse began to vibrate. “Hold that thought,” I murmured as I peeked inside. Pulling it out, I realized that Roan was calling...again. Seriously, how did he not understand I was working? This just further cemented my belief he didn’t respect me. Showing my phone to Herman, I groaned. “And this would be the bad boyfriend now.” Then I made a point of sending him to voicemail.
“Was he the reason you were crying?” Herman asked with a frown. “You know...it’s better to be unhappy alone than it is to be unhappy with someone.”
Nodding, I used the handkerchief to swipe at my nose before I spoke again. Feeling more confident in my decision to dump Roan, I replied, “Your advice is very profound.” Then I glanced at the truly soiled handkerchief. “Well, now I guess I really do have to keep it,” I noted with a smile that never reached my eyes.
“Definitely. And that wine is on me,” he mentioned as he paid the bartender for both of our drinks.
Tilting my head, I smiled. “Aw, you didn’t have to do that, but since I’m having such a lousy day, I appreciate it.” It seemed like a good time to take a moment. I’d have to get a leash on Roan before he ruined my op. “I’ll be right back. Time to powder my nose.” Then I stood, winked at him, and sauntered through the bar and restaurant to the bathroom. I had made it all of two feet when he called after me.
“For the record, I think you’re perfect!”
For a moment, I stopped in my tracks. It was meant to be a compliment, I was certain, but still the way he said it made me shudder slightly. Perfect. Without looking back, I kept walking until I was safely inside the bathroom. As soon as the heavy wooden door shut behind me, I pulled my phone out of my purse and returned Roan’s call.
“Hey, babe!” Roan chirped happily as soon as he picked up.
“For the love of God!” I groaned. “How do you not get that I’m working? Do you want to ruin things? Do you want me to lose my job?” I had been asking the questions so quickly he hadn’t had a chance to respond.
Finally, in his saddest voice, he answered, “I wouldn’t mind if you lost your job.”
“Well, unless you plan to pay my bills, leave me alone!” My frustration was obvious.
Quietly, he agreed. “Okay. How long?”
“I can’t give you a time. You should know by now how these things work.” I sighed heavily. “I’ll call you. How about that?”
“That’s fine,” he mumbled morosely.
I almost felt guilty for hurting his feelings, but I was afraid if I was nice, if I backed down, then once again the lesson would be lost on him. “Thank you,” I said firmly. “I’ll let you know when I’m done.” Then we ended the call. Finally, I was confident he wouldn’t be bothering me further. Peeking at my face in the mirror, I realized all I needed to repair the damage was some lip-gloss and some fresh powder on my nose. Less than a minute later, I emerged, hoping he hadn’t cost me my target in the meantime.
Nearing the bar, I saw Herman was holding my drink protectively while he awaited my return. He smiled widely when he saw me, exposing crooked stained teeth. It took everything in me not to falter. As I returned to the empty stool beside him, he passed me the glass.
“Here you go!” He seemed so enthusiastic it was unnerving. So I told myself he was just socially awkward and completely harmless.
“Thank you.” I nodded at him before I took another sip. I really just wanted a quiet minute to calm down. Closing my eyes, I inhaled slowly as I waited for the wine to work its magic.
“Bad boyfriend has your nerves shot,” he surmised. “I’m gonna go smoke. Wanna keep me company?”
Taking a glance at my wine, I decided I didn’t want to leave it unattended, so I quickly gulped down the rest of it. It hit me hard, way harder than expected. Smiling, I stood clumsily. “Yeah. After that, I think I need the fresh air.” Slowly, I walked by his side, struggling to balance with these wildly impractical shoes. When I stumbled slightly, he reached out and steadied me.
“Here.” Herman offered me his arm. “Those heels.” He shook his head.
“I know, right?! What was I thinking?” Then, like most drunks, I found myself answering my own question. “Well, I guess I thought it’d be sexy. Do you think I’m sexy?” Wow. I just had to stop talking, only I couldn’t. My edit button seemed to be broken. I felt really relaxed, warm and...relaxed.
Before I realized it, we were in the parking lot. Even though moments before I had been really toasty, now faced with the cold air and winter-like temperatures, I shivered. His arm snaked around my shoulder. It took everything in me not to tense up. Harmless Herman was creeping me out.
“I’ll keep you warm,” he assured me. Then his hand rose with another handkerchief in it.
Shaking my head, I reminded him. “I already have one.” I even held up the one he had given me earlier as proof.
“Yes,” Herman murmured, “but that one has tears and makeup on it.”
Looking up into his face, I nodded blankly. Man, my body felt heavy. My head was so cloudy. Stupid wine.
“Check this one out,” he suggested calmly. Then a smile spread across his face. “Does it smell like chloroform to you?”
Seriously, I laughed. I thought he was joking, playing around, which was why I let him hold the handkerchief over my face while I inhaled sharply. There was a definite odor there. The alcohol blurred my mind as I struggled to find the words to describe the scent. I felt weak. My knees threatened to give out on me. Luckily, he helped hold me up while we walked. I just wanted somewhere I could sit down.
“So, unlucky in love, just like my Norma Jean,” he whispered in my ear. “They’ll only care when you’re gone.”
Somewhere, in a place that seemed so far away, I heard a car door groan. My body was being lowered. Still, I inhaled, sniffing the handkerchief again and again w
hile I tried to figure it all out. What did chloroform smell like anyway? Then my mind went dark.
Chapter 4
When I woke, I discovered I was in the back seat of a strange car and my hands were cuffed. It took me a moment. Handcuffed? How much did I drink? What the hell had I done? Then as my vision cleared, I realized I wasn’t in a cop car. Judging from the thinning hair on the driver’s head, my wimpy, boring, moderately creepy, but otherwise seemingly harmless target, Herman Barnes, had managed to abduct me. What the fuck? I mean...seriously. Who does that?
Once I felt like I had my bearings, I popped up to a sitting position and nearly scared the poo out of him. (Just a guess, given his reaction, of course.) He gasped as his eyes bugged out and grabbed at his chest with one hand.
“You’re supposed to be passed out!” Herman exclaimed, exhibiting a combination of shock and disappointment. “I drugged your drink. I chloroformed you.” He sounded so dismayed, I had to comfort him.
“Well, this isn’t my first rodeo. I attended lots of frat parties in college. I’ve been drugged before. Maybe I’ve built up a tolerance.” Shrugging, I smiled sweetly at him. He seemed to brighten some. “As for the chloroform, did you know you have to hold it tightly over the face for five to seven minutes for the desired effect? It’s just a rookie mistake.” What can I say? I watch a lot of Forensic Files.
Herman was spluttering now. “No, I didn’t know that. You stopped moving. I didn’t know how long you’d be out, but I thought I at least had time to make it to the house. This is just...awkward.” He beat one fist against the dashboard. After two light punches, he winced and stopped.
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