by Bella Street
“You're missing the point.”
Trent got off the bed and came over to her. “Sounds like you're on the right track. But it would help if you had, say, something metallic and tight to wear.”
Seffy snorted softly and tried to keep her expression impassive.
He touched the corner of her mouth. “Robots aren't supposed to smile.”
Dropping her gaze, she took a deep breath, which turned out to be a mistake because Trent smelled warm and yummy. “You're not much help, you know.”
“Why? I can do robotic acronyms on the fly.”
She closed her eyes and swallowed. “I know you think I'm being silly, but I have to do something to keep from falling apart.”
“What's wrong with leaning on me?” he said in a low voice, edging a little closer.
“You know what's wrong with that. Besides, I don't want to be a user.”
“I don't see it that way.”
She looked up at him, wanting nothing more than to take him up on his offer. “You said it yourself. You want the whole package. I can't give you that.”
“Me and my big mouth.”
“And I need to learn to stand on my own. I've just never been very good at it.”
“Who says you have to do that?”
“Everybody.”
“Who's everybody?”
“You know that whole 'I am woman, hear me roar' thing. But I can barely manage a whimper.”
He laughed. “That whole thing's been blown out of proportion.” Trent put his hands on her shoulders and tugged her close.
Seffy was unable to resist. She pressed her cheek against his chest and closed her eyes when he slid his arms around her.
“Is this okay?”
She nodded, as fresh tears leaked. “I guess I'm not a very good robot.”
“I wish you didn't think you had to do this to cope.”
“What other choice do I have? Olga won't give me drugs.”
“Did you ask her?”
“Yes. She seems to think that just talking about it will help.”
“So talk to me.”
Seffy leaned back and stared up at him. “Do you really want to hear all about Gareth?”
He sighed.
“I didn't think so.”
“Well, maybe instead of actually talking about Gareth, tell me why you're upset.”
She plucked at the fabric of his shirt. “He said...that I was broken.”
Trent was silent for several seconds. “What does that mean?”
“Well, I'm pretty sure it wasn't a compliment.”
“Do you think he's referring to all the weirdness since we've been here?”
“I guess that's part of it. He has a history of looking out for me, but in L.A. things were going pretty smooth. I didn't really need him for anything specific. Then I get here and everything goes to hell in a Ferragamo.”
He made a face. “Everything that's gone wrong has happened to you. You haven't caused anything.”
“Except for that thing with Clay. But maybe that's why he thinks that I'm psychotic—”
“He said psychotic?”
Seffy nodded. “And he thought that all my weird experiences were all in my head, like a construct.”
Trent nudged her chin up. “Then I'm in your construct. We were in L.A. together. You were injured and bled.”
“Self-inflicted wounds.”
“Okay, you're feeling rejected here? Why aren't you pissed? If anyone's psycho, it's him!”
“I knew this was a bad idea. You two will always think bad things about each other.”
“What'd he say about me?”
“You don't want to know. But the Gareth I know just wouldn't act this way. Maybe what's affecting me is what's making him believe bad stuff about me.”
“It's possible. But that still doesn't explain the 'broken' comment. Does that mean you aren't good enough for him anymore or something?”
“I don't know,” she said in a low voice.
“I don't get it. You, Gareth and the girls apparently have this über-tight relationship spanning from childhood, and the first time you really need their support, they aren't there for you? It doesn't make sense.”
“I've actually needed them more times than just now. I used to have...episodes. I've sucked a lot of oxygen out of their friendships, I think. Maybe they're tired of it.”
Trent tightened his arms. “Then that's where I come in.”
She shook her head. “Like I said, I'm not going to be a user. I'm not going to go from person to person just to keep myself afloat.”
“Then what are you going to do?”
“Be a robot.”
He laughed. “There's a crazy kind of logic in that.”
“See, I am crazy. Maybe I can't even get the cyborg thing down because I'm so screwed up.”
“Hey, life is not a malfunction. You'll get through this. I'd like to help, if I can.”
She looked up at him with tired eyes. “I'm afraid I'll just end up alienating you, too. Maybe I'm more than just physically toxic. Maybe I destroy people.”
He rested his chin on her head. “I think we're gonna need that six foot power cord.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Seffy knocked on Lani's door.
Her friend answered the door, her blue eyes widening when she saw her.
“Hey, I know this is weird, but can I sleep here with you tonight?”
“Of course! Come in.”
Seffy entered Lani's room and released a weary breath. Trent had all but begged her to let him stay with her, but she just didn't trust herself. Getting groiny with someone would not help her situation. Addison and Gareth were playing cards at a small deal table and more or less smiled at her entrance.
“Are you having a hard time sleeping? I can make some chamomile tea.”
“Sure. Thanks.” She peered around the room. “So I'm not interrupting anything with Malone, am I?”
Lani smiled. “No, he already left.”
“So, how's that going?”
She heated a kettle on a hot plate. How did Lani have a hot plate? “Good, but slow. He has some challenges to face. You know, some trust issues and such. But I'm very patient.”
“Very patient,” Addy said in an undertone.
Seffy ignored the redhead and lowered her voice. “You are, that's for sure. You've put up with me for a long time.”
Lani reached out and gave her a hug. “But you're worth it.”
Seffy thought about her response and wondered if she'd really been that hard to handle. “Anyway, I still don't get the whole Malone thing. How do you fall for a guy who gets you drunk and sells you out?”
“Hey, at least he didn't try getting some up against a wall with her.”
Seffy slowly turned and stared at Addison's stony expression, feeling lightheaded. Next she looked at Gareth and saw his face was brick red. She couldn't believe Gareth told her about that late night confession of the two directors who took advantage of her.
His brown eyes appealed to her. “Sef, I'm sorry...”
She looked away, unable to deal with the guilt emanating from him. Maybe he thought what happened with the directors was consensual. Did she have to spell it out? Was his opinion of her that low?
Addison got up and headed out of the room. Gareth followed, but paused in front of Seffy.
“I was really upset that night. I probably shouldn't have said anything, but the news was just so traumatizing after...everything we've gone through together.”
She shrugged, betrayal simmering in her blood like poison. “Hey, it's not like it happened to you, so...”
A muscle twitched in his jaw. He left the room. Seffy spent a full minute pulling in and exhaling cleansing breaths—it was either that or fly into a rage. Finally she glanced at Lani and cleared her throat. “I'm sorry for being so negative about Malone.”
She wrinkled her nose, seeming glad to avoid discussion of what had just happened. “I know it's ha
rd to understand. He's a difficult person, but I guess I just see so much potential for good in him.”
“I know we've always treated you as the fragile one, Lani, but I gotta say you're by far the bravest.”
“I'll take that as a compliment.” She handed her a cup of tea.
“It was.”
They drank in silence for several minutes. Seffy peeked at Lani over the rim of her cup. “It looks like Addison and Gareth are getting pretty tired of my...issues.”
“Addison, of course is. But that's just how she is. But you know Gareth adores you.”
She swallowed. “I don't think so much anymore.”
“I think Gareth is conflicted right now.”
She looked down. “Yeah.”
After a second cup of tea, Seffy brushed her teeth and crawled into bed with Lani. It helped having a person nearby. Maybe she should ask to stay permanently. It would keep her out of some serious trouble. She tried to think more about her problems, but exhaustion and chamomile tea took their toll.
The next morning, after a night plagued with frightening dreams, she left the room while Lani was still asleep. Seffy padded down the empty hallway, hating the eerie silence of the place. When she got to her room, she went to turn the knob, but noticed the door wasn't latched.
I know I locked this last night.
She pushed the door wide open, still standing in the hall. The scene before her made her grasp the door jamb for support. Her mattress was off the bed, the sheets and blankets stripped and piled on the floor. The desk drawer was upside down next to the blankets. And all the lights were on.
Despite the fact that Trent was disappointed he couldn't stay with her, she doubted he'd trash her room. What the hell happened?
***
Trent rolled over and looked at the clock. Five in the morning. Who'd be at his door at this hour? He slid from his bed and tacked across the room. He'd only managed to fall asleep a few hours earlier. Seffy was not good for his brain at night. Maybe he could finagle a nap with her some time today. The idea brightened his outlook as he opened his door.
His sleepy smile faded when he saw her. She looked as exhausted as he felt despite the fact that she was in a captivating pair of frilly yellow pajamas.
“So did you go all Johnny Depp on my room last night?”
Trent stared at her, not comprehending. “Huh?”
Seffy stepped into his room and closed the door behind her, then grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the closet. She led him down the passageway and into her room. He blinked when he saw the mess.
“I know things didn't turn out last night like you'd hoped. This isn't your idea of revenge, is it?”
He frowned. “Hardly.” As he surveyed the trashed room, he ran his hand through his hair. “Anyway, why do you think it was me? You were here. You must've done it sleepwalking or something.”
“I wasn't in my room last night.”
He swiveled his gaze to her. “Where were you?”
“Staying the night with a friend.”
He snorted. “You have a perfectly good friend to stay the night with standing right in front of you.”
“Trent, can you focus, please?”
He got closer. “No. Not when you're wearing those pajamas. Especially when that little strap keeps falling off your very kissable shoulder.” Trent bent down to suit action to words, but Seffy angled away before he could make contact.
“Please, I'm really freaked.”
He straightened. “Okay, so you weren't in your room last night.”
“I was with Lani. I just got up a few minutes ago, returned to my room and found it trashed.”
Trent looked at her worried face and could see the remaining lines from wrinkled sheets pressed into her skin. “Why would someone do this?”
“I don't know. Hence the freak. Was someone after me and it was coincidence that I was gone, or did someone wait until I was gone? What would they be looking for? I have nothing personal anyone would want.”
Maybe they just wanted you. I know I do. Trent tried to make his expression supportive. “Okay, bottom line—I will not be able to think straight with you dressed like that.”
“Fine. I'll change, but could you please check the room for me first?”
Trent finally realized that she was truly scared. He looked under the bed and in the shower stall, while simultaneously scanning for any electronic listening devices. Trashing a room in order to bug it was a classic misdirection measure.
As he thought about the damage, it struck him as a very half-hearted attempt. Things were jumbled, but not technically trashed. Was it more of a message like 'we'll be watching you'? But who would be watching? And why give Seffy the heads up?
Trent looked to where she stood in the middle of the room wringing her hands. “There's nothing actually damaged.” He pulled the mattress off the bed to make sure there was nothing between it and the box spring before reassembling it and picking up the blankets from the floor.
“Okay. Thanks.”
Trent began to pick up the items spilled from the desk. “Listen, let's meet in half an hour. We'll grab some breakfast from the cafeteria—”
Seffy bent to help, her eyes worried. “I'm not allowed there.”
“Right. Okay, I will bring you something from the cafeteria in about forty-five minutes.”
She nodded. “Thanks.”
Trying not to stare at the pulsing hollow between her neck and collarbone, Trent replaced the drawer and headed back to his room.
When he came out of the bathroom after his shower, he was shocked to find Seffy sitting on his couch next to a small pile of clothing, with her eyes scrunched closed.
“Are you decent?”
“Now I wish I wasn't.”
She eased her eyes open and appeared relieved to find him in a white T-shirt and a pair of Levis. “Sorry, I got freaked at the idea of taking a shower in my room after someone has been there. While you're grabbing breakfast, can I shower here?”
He smiled. “I could stay here while you shower. Heck, I'll even join—”
“Trent. Please.”
“Sorry. It's automatic.” He waved toward the bathroom. “Have at it. But lock the door after I leave. I'll go through the passageway and lock your closet door on my way out.”
Her eyes widened. “Make sure to check the hallway before you just stroll out of my room at six in the morning.”
“Yes, ma'am.”
Trent went through her room, locked the closet, checked the hallway, and headed to the cafeteria. It was empty aside from a few residents who kept well away from him. He chose a couple of cinnamon rolls, heaped a plate with scrambled eggs, and grabbed two bottles of orange juice. Using a tray, he took the food along with two plates and forks, and headed back to his room. Seffy was still on his couch, but this time her hair was damp and she wore an embroidered blouse with faded jeans. He figured the color on her face was after the fact, because she jumped when he entered the room.
Trent assembled a plate of food for her and held it out. “Will you accept a cinnamon roll from me this time?”
She smiled. “Yes.”
“See, we're making progress here.”
After they were finished, Seffy had a rueful expression on her face. “Ever notice how right after one of my little independence speeches I end up needing help again?”
Trent took her plate and stacked it with his on the tray. “Do I look like I have anything else to do?”
“Still, I can barely eat without help. It's embarrassing.”
He plopped down on the couch next to her. “I like it when you need me. I'm still hoping for you to want me, but needing will work in a pinch.”
She shook her head, trying to suppress a smile. “Wow. You really have a one-track mind.”
“Only where you're concerned.”
Seffy glanced at her hands. “While you were gone I was thinking of a plan of action. I'd like to talk to Fenn and see if he or Fiona are aware of an
y other disturbances like what happened to my room.”
“What if they're behind it?”
She furrowed her brows. “You risked your life to help Fenn out. Are you saying you don't trust him?”
“I'm just saying we should keep our cards close to our chests for the time being. But let's go visit and sound 'em out a little. See if they let anything drop.”
“I don't want to be a conspiracy theorist here.”
“Sef, are you kidding? This place is a conspiracy theory. Think about it.”
“Okay, fine. I just don't want to be paranoid.”
“Being paranoid is what has kept you alive. That and my muscle.”
She shook her head, biting her lip against a smile. “Okay, so we talk to Fenn. What else?”
“Well, I think it goes without saying that I'll need to stay in your room tonight.”
Seffy regarded him for several moments. “All right.”
He grinned. “Wow, that was easy. Um, I'll bring candles and you wear those pajamas again.”
“Actually, you can't be in view in case someone comes back. So I'm thinking that leaves you the bathroom, the closet, or under my bed.”
“Damn. You won't experience the candlelight ambiance from any of those places.”
“What a shame.”
“You're enjoying the thought of me being uncomfortable, aren't you?”
“It might help tame your libido.”
“Not when I'm in the same room as you.” He scooted closer to her and stretched his arm along the back of the couch. “It's too early to go see Fenn. What shall we do that can kill some time?”
“Maybe we can discuss theories about what is going on around here.”
“Yeah, that's an option, but I slept bad last night. My brain isn't too sharp yet. And you're probably tired too.”
She stifled a yawn and nodded reluctantly. Trent put his arm around her and pulled her close. Seffy leaned her head against his chest. He watched as her eyes fluttered closed. She was asleep within minutes.
***
Seffy opened her eyes and looked at the unfamiliar surroundings. It took her a moment to realize it was Trent's room. That must be who was snoring into her hair. She peered up and saw that his head was resting against hers. She sighed, wondering why she couldn't seem to stay away from him. Seffy picked up his hand and looked at his watch. They'd been asleep nearly two hours.