Bouquet of Regret
By Lenai McGoveran
Copyright © 2020 by Lenai McGoveran
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
I dedicate this book to Nyxy, for her patience while I pay more attention to my laptop than her. Even though I only write when she’s ignoring me, or napping.
Table of Contents
Fragile Hope
Descent into Nightmare
New School, New Devil
A Growing World
Emergence of Thunderclouds
Visit from an Old Friend
Aftershocks
Revelations
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Unforgiven
Run, Runaway
Bitten and Smitten
A Dreadful Mistake
Consequences
Compromise
Home Sweet Home
Painful Truths
Hello Darkness, My Old Friend
Fragile Hope
Jumping back, I avoided the crushing wall of boxes that hit the ground with an echoing thud. While staring at the jumbled mess, I ran my hand through my hair and groaned. So much for going home. With a sigh, I clenched my jaw and began the daunting task of first straightening the boxes before stacking them to remake the display. This time, however, I made sure the base was steady so no one else would face a box avalanche. I don’t want anyone getting hurt because I didn’t ensure their safety while performing my assigned duty.
After setting the last box on top of the tower, I stepped back and winced before straightening. I swallowed the soft cry that rose in my throat when pain flared along my spine, and every nerve protested this new movement. I knew better than to stay hunched for too long, but there wasn’t much choice in this case. Still, I displayed the boxes correctly, so I could report to my new boss and go home. Flexing my shoulders to encourage my muscles to adjust, I shook my head and made my way to the front of the store.
I didn’t have far to walk, although the store was bigger than average by a few feet. While heading to the front, I wrinkled my nose upon walking by a customer who spilled gasoline on their shoes, judging by the aroma surrounding them. Keeping my eyes low, because eye contact makes my skin crawl, I avoided the eyes of the twenty patrons in the building.
“As I’ve told you each time you ask, no I will not front you the gas until you get paid,” a strong female voice cut through my inner musings. Upon glancing in that direction, I noticed a male in his twenties smirking at the woman behind the register and fought a smile. Dorks.
“Come on, Ava, I’m good for it,” he cajoled in a smooth, deep voice. My eyes closed for a moment while I wished I could hear him sing. I bet his voice would wrap you in velvet if he crooned. He tilted his nose, then he glanced at me with a bright grin of delight. “Angel,” he breathed, “how are you today?”
Chuckling, I shook my head before replying, “Marcus, I won’t convince my boss to go on a date with you.” Gorgeous blue eyes widened in shock, and a musician’s hand covered his chest over his heart. After eyeing his long fingers, I met his gaze to find laughter dancing in his eyes.
“Even if I give you those guitar lessons you covet?” Marcus offered, letting his voice lilt. With a frown, I stared at the ground, and he chuckled. “I only tease, Angel. All you have to do is ask, and I’ll teach you everything you desire to learn.” My shoulders relaxed when his voice lost that teasing tone and became kind instead. Tears burned the back of my eyes, but I blinked them away and smiled while letting my eyes meet his so he could see the gratitude in mine.
“Speaking of Angel, how is that checklist coming?” Ava asked, and I sighed while glancing at her eyes to find concern in them.
“I didn’t stack the boxes right the first time, and they fell, but I fixed my mistake,” I replied, and she frowned.
“Angel, you didn’t stress your back, did you?” She bit her bottom lip while her forest green eyes darkened to an almost black. Shaking my head, I smiled, and she frowned. “Don’t lie to me, Angel, I see the pain in your stance. Go home and rest, I’ll handle everything else.”
“N-No, I’m fine, and I finished the list you gave me,” I protested, glancing at Marcus who frowned too. He shook his head before running a hand through his ear length, inky black hair, and sighed while glancing at Ava. She tilted her head, her platinum blonde hair cascading to the side like a silky waterfall, and I groaned. Great. I made them worry, and I feel terrible. I’ll be fine, I always am. Eventually.
“Marcus, please see Angel home,” Ava murmured, and my shoulders slumped.
“You already overpay me,” I protested weakly, and she turned her head to meet my gaze head-on. With a gulp, I took a step back while the skin between my shoulders crawled even after I jerked my head so my eyes were on the ground.
“Yes, and we’ve talked about that. In your situation, with the weight on your shoulders, it’s the least I can do to lighten your load. You don’t want pity, nor handouts, and I admire that. I own this place, and I can afford to pay you a wage that will enable you to live instead of surviving. And, remember, if you need to run again, tell me or Marcus, and we will help you,” Ava kept her voice soft, but I still flinched at her words.
“Between you and Mr. Sanchez, I have more than I deserve,” I murmured, sensing the scowl she gave me.
“You deserve far more, Angel,” Marcus disagreed. “The sacrifices you’ve made make my soul ache. I wish you would let us help you more, but I understand so I won’t
