I opened my bag and spread out all of my books, trying to decide which subject I’d tackle first. I glanced at my chemistry folder and my heart squeezed a little. I didn’t know how I could miss someone I had only been close to for such a short while. I looked down at my phone and thought about sending Riley a text, but tossed my phone in my bag instead.
“Ugh! Finally, you’re here. I need to go home and staple my eyes shut so I can get some sleep before classes tomorrow,” Zane said when he finally looked up from his books.
“You do that. There’s only room for one student in this shop anyway,” I said, pointing out my school books.
“Trade?”
“You wish.”
Max slapped her laptop closed and sighed a heavy sigh that told us she was done for the day.
“Go! Both of you. I’ll take it from here.” I shooed them out and then I was alone. Our only customer had taken his last cup of coffee to go just before they left. I pulled up a stool behind the counter and decided to start going over an essay I was writing for my literature class. I had only gotten a few paragraphs in before the shop bell rang. I looked up to find Chris and another guy I didn’t recognize. All of my internal alarm bells went off at the same time. I felt around for the phone under the counter to make sure it was handy, and I grabbed the pepper spray Max kept on hand. We also had a panic button, which I prayed I wouldn’t need.
“Hey Jane,” he said in a condescending and casual tone.
“What can I get for you guys?” I tried to conceal my nervousness. Krav Maga always taught us that enemies would use fear against us.
“What’s tasty?” The innuendo in his words made my stomach turn. His friend shot me a smirk that wasn’t friendly at all.
“Order or leave. I don’t have time for your garbage.” I made sure I sounded as commanding as possible.
“You know what? Nothing here looks very appetizing,” he said, looking me in the eyes.
“Great. Have a nice night,” I said with a hint of venom in my voice. I went back to my books to show them I was done with whatever game they were playing, but I made sure my hand was close to the panic button- just in case. A few minutes later I was alone again. The night was quiet with the exception of a few regular customers who stopped in. This made my evening clean up a pretty easy task and I was done for the night just a little after ten.
As I locked up I made sure I was super aware of my surroundings. The parking lot was empty and giving me the creeps. I tried to shake it off as I tossed my books into the back seat of my car, but as soon as I closed the door I heard footsteps walking in my direction. I attempted to get in, but Chris’s friend was already blocking my car door. I decided to ignore him and face Chris.
“What do you want?”
“I think you already know. See, here’s the thing,” he said as he stepped closer, trapping me between him and his friend. “I don’t like being humiliated. I can deal with a lot, but not that. I think you need to make it up to me.” He was only inches from my face at this point. I balled my hands into perfect fists and made sure my feet were firmly plated on the ground with my dominant leg a little behind me for leverage.
“You both need to get out of my way and let me go home. You know Max keeps cameras on the parking lot.”
“Darn. Some hooligan must have taken them down.”
I didn’t turn to look. I was already at a disadvantage with his lackey behind me. Mentally I was preparing my body for the moment I would have to strike, but I needed him to try something first, and he did just that. I saw him nod and that’s when his friend grabbed me from behind. I automatically remembered the moves I would need to escape what we called a ‘bear hug” in my Krav Maga training. Lucky for me, he didn’t grab me and pin my arms. Unlucky for him, this allowed me to start jabbing him in the gut with my elbow until his grip was loose enough to allow me to turn around. I wasted no time landing a punch to his throat which forced him to stumble back as he tried to catch his breath. I knew he’d be incapacitated for a few precious moments, so I turned around and steadied my stance again, ready to deal with Chris. He came at me in a fraction of a second, but my foot was quicker, kicking him directly in the groin. As he went down, my fist automatically struck him across his jaw.
“You crazy bitch!” I heard him yell as he held the area between his legs. The only thing I heard from his friend was a ragged groan. My shaking hands fumbled with my car door and I was temporarily blinded by headlights. I heard the tires of the car screech to a halt and realized that I knew this Jeep and its driver. Chris and his friend shielded their eyes from the headlights as Riley flew out of the driver’s side and rushed to where I was standing, looking a little shocked at what he found.
“You did this?” he asked as he ran a hand through his hair. I nodded and unexpectedly broke down when my adrenaline rush suddenly left my body. That’s when Riley pulled me into his arms and wrapped them around me, leaving me no chance to prepare myself or flinch away, but the comfort I felt was worth it. It managed to dull the other things he was feeling, which were mostly rage and worry. He kept one arm around me and let me cry into his chest as he pulled out his phone and dialed 911. I heard him speak to the dispatcher, but I didn’t pay attention to any details.
Chris and the other guy struggled to get to their feet and when they heard sirens in the distance they tried to make a run for it. I kept my face hidden in Riley’s chest, but I could hear an officer telling them to get back and the ground.
An officer came over and instructed us to sit on the sidewalk until they could get to us. Riley took off the black hoodie he was wearing and wrapped it around my shoulders. “Why did you come here tonight?” I finally asked.
“I saw him earlier at school and I had a bad gut feeling.”
I nodded that I understood and felt a little overwhelmed at the fact that he showed up. “I’m sorry,” I whispered.
“Hey, none of this is your fault.” He put an arm around my shoulder and I shrugged a little as I felt what was going on with him.
“Not this. The other night. I’m sorry for the other night. I was so confused, and scared, and I blew it.”
“I’m the one who should apologize. I put a lot of pressure on.”
“Jane? We need to speak with you,” an officer said, ending my conversation with Riley. I looked down at him and gave him back his hoodie before I walked away. Moments later my dad arrived. I didn’t know who called him or how much he knew, but he looked relieved when he saw me. I told the officers what happened and one of them looked back and forth between me, Chris, and his friend.
“These fellas are a little roughed up/ Are you sure this guy didn’t help you out?” an older, male officer who seemed in charge asked, pointing at Riley.
“I’m sure. He didn’t get here until after. I did it.” I explained again.
“Tell me one more time how you did this,” he said, still in disbelief. I obliged and explained the Krav Maga moves one more time. They asked me if I had had any previous trouble with either guy and that’s when I had to confess that I knew Chris had slashed my tires. I saw anger wash over my dad’s face- partly for Chris and partly for me not telling him. We spent what felt like eternity in the parking lot because my dad insisted that we press charges. I had to admit that it felt pretty satisfying to see them haul my two attackers away in the back of squad cars.
I didn’t have time to talk to Riley again after that. My dad had insisted that he follow me home and didn’t budge until I agreed. Riley’s jeep pulled out of the lot just before it was my turn and most of me wanted to follow him, but I knew I needed to handle things with my dad first. I sighed and pulled onto the road, gearing myself up to get this over with.
Chapter 12
I jumped a little when I heard my dad slam the door and I braced myself for what would come next. I was already sitting at the kitchen table and ready. “What the hell could you possibly have been thinking?” he yelled as he furiously paced the kitchen floor. He didn’t actua
lly wait for an answer. “Slashing your tires is personal. Who the hell knows what he had planned tonight?”
“I’m sorry, Dad.”
“Jesus,” he said just before punching the wall.
“Thanks for making sure I could defend myself.”
He looked down at me, clearly exhausted, and finally sat down in the chair across from me. “Your mom was tiny like you,” he said in a far away voice. He was remembering something I couldn’t and I envied him for it. “Beautiful like you too. I saw so many dirtbags try to take advantage of her. They thought they could get away with anything because she seemed so delicate.” Hearing him say that word reminded me of Riley saying it to me. “I knew I couldn’t have that for you. I needed to make sure you were safe all the time. I hoped and prayed you’d never have to put it to use, but here we are.” He leaned back against his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. “What about the other guy?”
“Who? Riley?”
“He told the cops he showed up to make sure you were safe.” I had to hold back a little smile.
“Yeah, he’s a good friend.” My dad stared at me and let out a single laugh.
“Friend.” He didn’t elaborate. He just shook his head instead. “My nerves are shot. I need a beer.” He didn’t wait for permission. “I’m locking up and going to bed,” he said as he used the bottle opener he had mounted to the wall. I decided he had the right idea and got myself ready for bed as well. As soon as my head hit the pillow my phone rang. It was Gwen.
“So, literally, WTF?” was how she greeted me.
“Riley called you?”
“God, who knew Chris was such a scummy ass wipe?” I could hear her stuffing a bite of something in her mouth.
“Probably his mom.”
“But you’re okay? Riley insisted I call and make sure you are.” I smiled again at the thought of his concern.
“Yep.”
“Okay. See you in the morning.”
I got comfy and picked up the book on my night stand, but my phone wasn’t done with me just yet. I got one more text and this one was from Riley.
You owe me a new shirt.
How do you figure?
This one is stained with mascara.
Goodnight, Riley.
He didn’t reply and that was fine because my eyes felt like they each had a ten pound weight on top of them. I knew I’d be dragging in the morning so I snagged as many precious hours of sleep possible.
After several hits to my snooze button I finally managed to get myself sitting upright. I rubbed my eyes and walked like a mummy to my bathroom to start getting ready. I was too tired to attempt to look cute so I settled on black leggings and a black and white ringer tee. I piled my hair into a bun in the back of my head and grabbed my boots and jacket. Gwen was waiting at my locker when I walked in.
“You look exhausted. Why did you come to school?”
“How else would I see your pretty face?” She raised one of her perfectly plucked eyebrows at me in disapproval. “I really, really did not want to be alone in my house all day.”
“I could have cut all day and kept you company.”
“Well, we’re both here now so let’s go do some learning and stuff.” I grabbed my things and turned to walk to my first hour and got caught in my tracks. Riley was twirling the blonde ringlets of a girl named Sarah who was in my world history class. The only thing I knew about her was that she was on our school’s dance squad and she never paid attention in class.
“Ugh. Just when I think he’s gone through all the girls in school,” Gwen said when she saw what I had been staring at.
“Let’s go.” I had to walk past him and his new play toy so I decided to pretend I didn’t see him, but that method failed because I heard him call my name. I turned to find him walking in my direction, leaving Sarah alone. From the look on her face she didn’t appreciate it.
“Hey. You came to school.” He was genuinely surprised.
“So did you.” I gripped my books a little tighter because I was worried I’d blurt out something I’d regret.
“I just thought...I don’t know what I thought.”
“I didn’t want to be at home alone.”
“What happens with those two clowns next?”
“I have to go to the station to give a statement. Other than that I’m not really sure.” I dreaded the thought of all of it.
“I’m supposed to pay the cops a visit too.” The warning bell rang and we both looked around awkwardly. Just as I was about to excuse myself he caught me off guard. “You’re okay, right?”
“Peachy,” I managed to say with a smile.
School was pretty uneventful for the rest of the day. I was surprised that word hadn’t gotten out about Chris’s stunt from the night before. I had started my day half expecting to have to tell the story over and over, but no one seemed to miss him very much. I met my dad at the station where we gave a formal statement and they walked us through the legal process so we would know what to expect next. I was assigned a case worker because it was considered an attempted attack. She spoke with me privately and I assured her that Chris wasn’t an ex-boyfriend and he and I had never shared any sort of relationship. She suggested that I file a restraining order against him as a precaution.
“I don’t want to alarm you but there is a good chance he’ll be given probation. If he’s a first time offender he probably won’t do any time. This will be a safe guard against him trying anything stupid,” she said, causing my dad’s face to turn red in anger.
“How is that fair?” he asked in disbelief.
“It’s not, but it’s the system we have. Thankfully you raised your little girl with good ass kicking skills.” She got up and unexpectedly squeezed my shoulder. I felt her concern. It was more like fear and it had me instantly shaking. “You keep those skills sharp, but I doubt you’ll need them again.” This time I could tell she was lying. She was trying to sugarcoat the worry she was feeling. I was relieved when she took her hand away. “Here’s my card. You call if you need anything at all.”
My dad stormed out of the station before me. “That’s it! You’re gonna start packing,” he halfway shouted.
“Where am I going?”
“Packing a gun,” he said with an eye roll.
“Um, I can’t have a firearm at school, dad.”
He punched the car door. “Dammit!” He paced a little again.
“Dad, we don’t know what they’re going to do with him. Let’s not worry about that until we have some news, k?” He looked at me as he caught his breath. I could tell he was calming down a little. “I need to go to work and talk to Max about what happened.”
“Okay. I’ll drop you off. Just call me when you’re done.”
“Janey!” Max said as she got up from where she was sitting. “I heard about last night from the authorities!”
“Nothing too crazy happened. Everyone is okay,” I assured her. She pointed in the direction of the corner of the shop.
“See there? Cameras are going to be mounted inside now. No one can tamper.”
There was a worker on a ladder doing exactly that. Max wasn’t known for thinking things over. She was already on it. Zane finished up the order he was working on and came over.
“I heard they got the worst of it,” he said.
“I did what I had to do.” He held his hand up for a high-five and all of me wanted to oblige, but I knew I couldn’t handle any feels at that moment. It always made me tired and I was already exhausted. “Um, chocolate on your hand.” He looked at the hand he had been holding up and muttered something to himself as he walked to the sink. I was glad for the easy out.
After telling both of them the story, Max gave me the next few days off and encouraged me to have someone drop me off and pick me up, rather than driving myself. She didn’t want me to be alone if I could avoid it. I promised her I would do my best.
Gwen sent me a text with her usual complaint. She was hungry. I told her my dad was
ordering Chinese and she was ringing my doorbell in what felt like seconds. After dinner we went to my room and plugged in the bluetooth for some music.
“So, I heard something in the rumor mill this evening,” she said as she flipped through the pages of a fashion magazine she had brought with her.
“Are you in this one?”
“The magazine or the rumor?”
I tossed a stuffed frog toy at where she was sitting. “The magazine. You know I don’t care about gossip.” She held up the magazine and showed me the cover. It was a famous french publication.
“Future goals. Not yet.” She dropped it on the floor. “I think you’d be interested in this gossip since it’s about you.”
“Ugh,” I groaned. I grabbed the pillow from under my head and put it over my face. “Lay it on me,” I said, expecting it to be about the incident from the other night.
“Sarah...you know Sarah? The dancer one? Always wears short skirts and a push-up bra?”
“Yes,” my muffled voice confirmed. I wondered what sort of gossip she and I could both be involved in.
“She had Riley’s attention for like, a day. I guess they flirted a lot last summer. So apparently after his LaCrosse practice she was hanging all over him and she tried to kiss him and he shut her down in front of a big group of people.”
“Gwen,” I sat up and looked at her. “What does this have to do with me?”
“I’m getting to it! Sheesh! Samantha Evans heard him say he was dying to kiss someone, but it was a specific someone and he couldn’t let his lips touch anyone else’s.” She was raising that perfect eyebrow at me again. I hid my face back under the pillow and tried to hide the fact that I was blushing from head to toe.
“We have no idea of who he was talking about,” I said into my pillow.
“Yeah we do. Please, little pixie. We both know who he wants to kiss.” She sat on the bed with me and we got into tug-of-war over the pillow I was trying to hide under. “However, no one else knows and now everyone is trying to figure it out. Kind of hilarious.”
Within Reach Page 8