Enraptured(5)

"Yeah," I plucked the book from under his finger. "I gotta go."

He stood with me and shoved his hands into his pockets. "What's your name?"

I started running. "I'm late." I called over my shoulder as I made a beeline for Mazzy. There was no way I was about to stand around and converse with some stranger. Albeit a hot stranger, but a stranger none-the-less. I had bills to pay and my empty fridge seriously needed restocking. He made my stomach flutter - there was no denying that. But he was no good for me. I was a functioning ruin and adding a boy to the pot of disaster I had brewing would be the ingredient that would surely do me in.

I threw my books in the back seat before diving headfirst into the drivers seat. I started my car and music blared. Usually music soothed me. I turned to melody when I needed to calm my nerves, but today I had a feeling that even the most soothing of song would have no effect on my nerves. It had just been one of those days.

I burst through the door of the tanning salon and Tara glared at me from where she leaned against the desk. Her bubblegum pink purse was already hanging from her overly tanned shoulder. I wanted to tell her the pink clashed horrendously with the orange of her skin, but I wasn't that mean. "You're late. Again."

"Only by five minutes." I sighed. "I drove as fast as I could. I'm sorry."

She shrugged and walked to the door, pausing for a moment. "Just add a half hour to my time. You know the drill."

"Seriously, I'm five minutes late." I ground my teeth.

"It's the rules." She spoke in a high-pitched tone that urged my nerves to sizzle.

I didn't say anything in response as she walked from the door. For being the owner's wife, she was one hell of a snotty bitch. I knew she didn't need the money - for being a little shop like this it really didn't do to bad for itself. It brought in money and they paid like crap. I had no doubt Tara just didn't like me. The feeling was mutual.

I set about cleaning the beds for the four o'clock rush I knew we'd get. Tara never cleaned the beds when I worked the night. She always left them for me. Over the last three weeks I'd gotten into a routine at the salon. Get bitched out for being late - understandable. Clean all six rooms after Tara worked - irritating. Get through the four to five o'clock rush - understandable. Study until nine when the salon closed and finally leave for home. Working the salon made for a long day.

I was bent over bed six when the phone rang at the front desk. "Damn it." I moaned, tossing the rag onto the bed. I ran to the front desk. "Tara's Tanning," I answered.

"What do you want from Starbucks?" Dee spoke loudly into the phone.

"Nothing. I'm good." I closed my eyes and breathed in deep. I couldn't even afford a coffee I was so broke.

"You're lying." She snapped. "I'm getting you something so you may as well choose. You know I'll end up picking something you don't like."

"Pumpkin spiced latte." I relented. "Please."

"Sounds good, Chick. I'll see you soon."

The line went dead and I set the phone on the receiver. I really hoped she knew I couldn't pay her back. After my rent came out I wouldn't have two bills to rub together. I walked slowly back to bed six to finish the job I'd started.

By five-thirty most of the women who were going to come in tonight had already made an appearance and left. Dee hadn't showed up yet with my latte and I was beginning to wonder if she forgot. If Kyle showed up it wouldn't surprise me. That boy owned her heart.

I was going through the notes I'd saved on my mac from Professor Carl's lecture when the bell rang and Dee walked through the door. "I've arrived."

I rolled my eyes as she stepped around the desk. She plopped in the chair beside me and blew out a long breath. "I'm pooped." She handed me the latte and I smiled unsurely.

"You know I can't pay you back, right?" I hated that we were having this discussion. I'd always paid her back for everything she'd bought me. I hated feeling like I owed someone. It was horrible.

She set determined eyes on me. "I haven't gotten to spend an evening with you in almost a month. I miss you and I chose to buy you a latte so say thank you and drink."

I beamed at her. "Thank you."

She looked mighty satisfied as she pulled two deviled egg and potato salads from her purse. "I bought us supper too."

I knew better than to scold her and my stomach had been rumbling all day. I'd skipped lunch. "Looks delicious."

"I know." I watched as she pulled off the lid as I shut down my mac. I had a feeling she would be here for a while and we really did need some 'us' time. Even if it was while I was working. "So, how have you been?"