through me. “They tried to have me arrested for the attempted murder of Becca.”
><><><><
The days started to blur into each other as the rage within me grew. I became numb to all outside influences and fell into a seemingly endless routine. Work, therapy, sleep. The tourists finally left, causing The Nook to fall back into a more subdued pace.
I didn't think that all the days I spent numb were a good thing exactly. It wasn't normal and wasn't what I had become used to. It almost felt like the calm before the storm. Everything had been quiet, too quiet as the breathless anticipation of destruction mounted.
I leaned against the back counter, immersed in the latest paranormal romance release. Working at a book store definitely had its benefits.
“Excuse me.” I looked over the top of the book and stared into the most perfect cornflower blue eyes I'd ever seen. Long, thick lashes framed them, making them seem to pop. I would have found them beautiful if it wasn't the complete look of disgust that was shining through them.
“Can I help you?”
“I doubt it.” My hackles rose. She crossed her arms over her well-formed chest and tossed her long blond hair over her shoulder.
Great, it's a pissed off Barbie. I frowned as I took in the obvious hostility the girl was projecting.
”Um, okay. Well if there isn't anything I can do for you—” I gestured vaguely, hoping the girl would just take the hint and leave. No such luck.
“I'm waiting for my boyfriend.” She stated simply, returning her glare to me again.
“Well that's nice.” I was confused. Was I supposed to throw confetti at her statement or something? I didn't know why she thought that I would care. I shrugged and turned back to my book.
“Gabe.” I stiffened at his name and put the book down.
“You must be Jenni.”
She rolled her eyes and cocked her hip. “Obviously.” Wow. She had an ego problem that was for sure.
I pasted on a fake smile and reached across the counter. “Well it's nice to meet you. I'm sure Gabe is happy that you're back.”
She looked at my offered hand like it was crawling with bugs. “He doesn't know I'm here yet. I came here to surprise him. And to have you back off.”
“Excuse me?” And here I thought Rose was a bitch.
“You heard me, you little tramp. Gabe is mine. I've heard about you throwing yourself at him. It's pathetic and if you know what's good for you you'll back the fuck off.”
I felt my anger rise. It was the first real emotion I had all week, and not one that I was wanting. “Look, I don't know what you've heard, but Gabe and I are friends. That's all. So you can take your snotty little 'holier than thou' attitude and shove it.” The electricity started to snap within me, growing from my center and flaring out.
She whipped her head back like I slapped her. Boy did I want to. “Do you know who I am?”
“Yeah, you're a fucking bitch.” Small movements on the counter captured my attention. The invisible waves were spreading out to everything around me, causing the closest objects along the counter to start trembling. I became frantic as I realized that I was about to lose control and have another incident. My panic spiked the pulse of the energy, making it come faster and faster. The darkness swelled and seemed to laugh in maniacal glee.
“You little fucking—” I didn't wait around to hear what else she had to say. I turned quickly and fled from behind the counter. I caught Rose's attention in my mad dash for the back. She made to follow me but I shook my head. She stopped then looked toward the counter, scowling when she saw Jenni. Rose nodded and starting walking toward her.
I let out a sigh of relief as I made my escape. I walked out the back door into the alley and started pacing, trying to work out my anger and anxiety.
“You look like you're about ready to burst, little Star.”
I turned around and looked over to where Brandon was leaning negligently in the doorway, a smirk on his face. His dark brown hair hung rakishly across his brow.
“Having fun, are you?”
“You know, one day you're going to play with your hair so much that all that it's just going to fall out.” He moved toward me and gently pried my hands from my hair. I didn't even know I was twisting it.
“That's the least of my problems at the moment.”
He smoothed my hair back from my face and placed his fingers under my chin, making me look at him. He grinned when I gave in. “There's those gorgeous eyes.” I smirked and lightly punched him on the arm. He rubbed it, looking wounded.
“That hurt!”
“You are such a dork.”
He shrugged and threw his arm over my shoulder, tucking me into his side. “That's why you love me.”
“True. I doubt anyone could not love you for your dorkish-ness.” I leaned into him and felt my anger and anxiety deflate. He held me tighter against him. “You know, one of these day's you're going to make someone very happy.”
“I know. Just not here though. They don't really appreciate my type here.”
“Well, I do. Besides, who else could I take shopping?”
He laughed and grabbed my hand, pulling me toward the door. “I would hate to see what would happen if you took any other guy besides me shopping.” He shuddered dramatically and looked at me in absolute horror. “They'd probably put you in something pink and frilly.”
“See? You're a must have in my life.”
We walked companionably to the counter where Rose leaning against it, frowning.
“Feeling better?” she asked.
“Yeah, prince charming here came to my rescue.
“I seriously doubt you'd need much rescuing. You're a tough one.” He moved over to Rose and draped his arm across her shoulder, lightly kissing the top of her head.
“That's great and all, but you guys might want to lay off the PDA before queen bitch over there gets any ideas.” She gestured to where Jenni was glaring at us. Jenni sat alone at a table with her legs crossed elegantly. The white shorts she wore showed an ungodly amount of smooth leg.
“No worries, I'll keep your guy’s secret.”
She nodded and patted Brandon's arm. “Besides, this relationship may be fake but I do have a reputation to protect, you know.”
“No worries, Rose. They'll always think you have me wrapped around your finger.” She swatted his hand away from her ass. I couldn't help but smile at their antics.
“You mean to tell me you aren't wrapped around her finger?” I turned away from Rose and Brandon's playing and looked up into Gabe's eyes. The gold flecks sparkled with amusement. I felt like he was seeing deep into me, to parts I kept hidden from the world.
“Of course he is.” Rose said smugly, patting Brandon’s abs through his tight work shirt. “He can't help it. I'm irresistible.”
Brandon pulled her into his arms, trying to nuzzle her neck. “Of course you are, babe.”
She rolled her eyes and looked to Gabe. “Your girl’s over there at the usual table.” She gesturing behind him. “She already picked up your coffee.”
He looked surprised and turned around to look at the table where Jenni was sitting. Within the span of time it took him to look over at her, she transformed her face from hateful bitch to an adoring innocence angel. Freaking magic.
“She should be a fucking actress.” I muttered under my breath, sending a glare to Jenni. She ignored it, her big eyes all wide and glassy for Gabe.
“What?”
I waved the thought off. “Nothing.”
”Okay, well I guess I better—” he trailed off, gesturing behind him.
