“I’m going to need to retrieve the tape from the security company, as well as everyone testimonies here from tonight, and then there will be a solid case against her. You can decide whether or not to press charges. But either way I will have it if she needs to go to the hospital to be evaluated.” Justin said his goodbyes and told Daphne he would come back in a few hours to help with the clean up and get statements.
Daphne felt like she had broken a mirror. “Oh shit! The Grand Opening is supposed to start at 11 a.m. today. We can’t do that!”
Trent came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Everyone would understand if you postponed it. But I think that I could have everything cleaned up by eleven if you wanted to open today. We could still go back home and get a little more sleep, then come back. I’ll go ahead and leave messages with the crew to tell them I’ll need some help. It’s up to you, baby.” He kissed each side of her neck and led her back to the truck. He helped her climb in and she sat thinking about everything that needed to be done before the opening and tried to figure out if she could still get it done.
“Hey. You okay?” Trent had climbed in and started the truck but she had barely noticed.
“Yeah. I’ll be okay. It’s just a lot of information to absorb at once. I have never had someone hate me that much before. I think I’m still in shock. And there is so much to be done if we are going to open today. It just doesn’t seem possible.” She put her head in her hands and Trent reached over and rubbed his hand up and down her back.
“Baby, if you want to still do the Grand Opening today, I promise you that that store will be ready to go at 11 a.m.” He pulled his hand back and began the drive back to his apartment. Daphne bit her lip and tried to think.
Daphne was lost in thought, when Trent reached over and placed a hand on her knee, jerking her out of her own mind. “What do you want to do, baby?” Trent shut off the engine and waited for her to respond.
“I think I want to do the opening. We had a lot of interest in the store and I was hoping for a good turnout. I don’t want some crazy woman to ruin it for me.” Daphne got out of the truck and they walked up the stairs. She paused at the door and waited for Trent to unlock the door, before she followed him inside.
“I’ll make some quick calls. Go back to bed. I’ll be there in just a minute.” Trent pulled out his cell phone and stepped into the kitchen. Daphne wrapped her arms around her middle and went into the bedroom.
She stripped out of her cloths and found one of Trent’s t-shirts. She slid the soft cotton material over her head and climbed back into bed. She curled up on her side and waited for Trent to join her.
Her eyes opened as he slid in behind her and she realized she must have dozed off.
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying not to wake you.”
“No, I’m glad you did. You know, you have been absolutely amazing to me. I couldn’t have done any of this without you. That is a completely true statement. You built my shop. You’ve been through all of the incidents with me. You’ve been a rock for me and I can’t thank you enough.” Daphne leaned back so that she could find his lips with hers. He squeezed her tightly.
“I love you, Daphne Brooks, and helping you has been the best choice of my life. How are you feeling?” He used his finger tips to rub up and down her arm.
“I don’t know. Still a little shocked, I guess. But really I feel sorry for Tiffany. I honestly hope she gets some help. I can't believe that I was her trigger. I'm just glad she didn't seriously hurt anyone.”
Trent nodded in agreement. “And how are you feeling, here?” His fingers grazed the crack of her ass and he looked at her guiltily.
“I feel fine. I’m not very sore, just a slight twinge if I move the wrong way.” Daphne saw a shadow pass over his face and her stomach clenched. “Hey, you didn’t hurt me. I’m fine. It was worth it, and, now that we got the initial pain out of the way, you can make it up to me later. It will be all pleasure next time.”
His eye brows shot up. “Next time?”
“Of course there is going to be a next time. I wasn’t kidding, I loved it and I hope to do it again.” Trent placed a kiss on her shoulder and they both feel silent. It wasn’t long before they were both snoring.
****
Trent couldn’t help but smile as Daphne chatted with customer after customer. They had gotten everything fixed in time for the Grand Opening, deciding to install another brand new window rather than spend the time trying to get the paint of the other one.