My Guardian Angel(11)

“Wow!” the same man said. “So what are you doing with a puke like Jas?” He laughed. Was I missing something? Jason began to square himself in his seat. I could feel the anger inside him brewing.

“Hey, Jas! Why don’t you go for a girl more your age? I think this little lady needs a real man,” An older man at the head of the table goaded him.

Jason made a tight fist; his knuckles were turning white. I started to feel badly with how he was being teased.

“I don’t do old, used up men. I like them young and virile,” I said without realizing. I took a bite of my food, trying to act nonchalant. “Unless…” I looked up. “You guys are calling me old?” I asked, knowing that would shut them up. It did.

Throughout the rest of the meal, all I heard were a few murmurs about my age and Jason, which irritated me to no end. Jason ate quietly, not bothering with the silent mockery that had befallen us.

I turned to Tiff and tugged at her arm. I wanted a way out, now!

“Well, gentlemen, your hospitality has been grand and I thank you all so much for the tour. My girl here will do you all proud when she writes her new series.” Tiff started to stand. “But alas, this girl and I have yet another meeting to attend to. Thank you so much for the meal.” She took my hand and led me out.

“I'm assuming you’re going to kill those assholes off in your book?” she asked, rather miffed.

“Each and everyone one of them will suffer a slow and gruesome death,” I retorted.

“Good girl.”

I felt bad that I left without saying anything to Jason, but I didn’t owe him anything. I had met him only a few times and nothing else.





The Rain



My house was cool with the air pushing through my vents. I looked outside, watching my neighbors sitting on their stoop, talking to each other and having icy red drinks. Had I been more social I would have gone out too. I couldn’t with this looming deadline over my head and my editor wasn’t happy about it. He was informed this would be our last project together and I would have a new editor named Stephanie. I absolutely loved the last time he called me. He left me a very bitter message, which I had no problem giving to his higher ups, meaning his dad. I smiled still thinking about it. I took a sip of my iced green tea and enjoyed the moment. I always digressed just before I’d sit down to write. I don’t know why. I guess that’s the way my mind worked.

I had put my glass down and stretched my body. This morning’s yoga session was intense, but I needed more training. I was debating whether I should go to my brother’s gym, but would Jason be there? I had stayed away, hoping the distance would dissipate this ridiculous fascination I had with him; it didn’t seem to work.

Every time I saw Jason, another piece of the puzzle of his life would fall into place. Now I knew what he did for a living and it nearly scared the shit out of me. He was part of an elite group of men who risked their lives in high-risk operations, dealing with situations normal cops wouldn’t even touch. For fuck’s sake, I was writing about it. I knew what kind of dangerous circumstances he had to deal with, but my guys were vamps and nothing could kill a vampire but a wooden stake to the heart. I shook my head. What are you doing Kassia? You hardly know him, so there’s no need to care what happens to him. Besides, if he was interested, wouldn’t he have shown up or something?

“Ahh!” I screamed at the top of my lungs. You see, this is me, digressing. I moved away from the window and my nonsensical thoughts and turned on the computer. Maybe tomorrow I’d go to the gym.

Tomorrow came and, yes, I gave in and went to the gym.

“Kass?” my brother called me over.

I sucked on my lips. Great! I wanted to get my groove on. But with my brother around there would be no way. He took me into a big bear hug and dragged me to the training room.

“Get on!” He pointed at the treadmill. He began playing with the controls. The machine came to life and I began running.

“So tell me about your asshole editor?” He leaned over the machine and waited.

“Well, I got him off my back. This is the last project I do with him. He even left me an irate message, which I gave to Tiff and she gave it to his boss, who is his father.” I smiled.

“Ouch. Serves the fucker right,” he said. “Now what?” He increased the speed and I gave him a side look, but my brother just smiled.

“Well… my new editor…will be overseeing… his work…just in case…” I breathed heavily. My brother always knew I loved to run, but I hated how much he always increased the speed of the treadmill. He pushed the button to increase the speed, but he covered it with his towel making sure I didn’t see it.