Xavier FINAL(61)

     As I walked out the front door of the building I looked across the road and saw the car, or what I thought was the car, that had been picking me up for work the previous week. I was pretty sure I was wishfully thinking or not wishfully thinking. God this was frustrating.

     The black town car was following me and I stopped and walked back. I was annoyed and a little uneasy. I was so close to walking up to that car and seeing if James was the driver, but I’m a cop’s daughter so that wasn’t going to happen.

     Once in the apartment I received another text, this one from Daniel.

     You signed this lease with me, what are you gonna do about that?

     I didn’t reply. Interesting how it’s about money and not, how’s your face. I’m sorry. Anything else, but no, it’s just money.

     I stood looking at the air mattress. I decided to flip it over hoping it would help me be able to sleep on it. I hated the look on his face when he was pinning me down. I knew it would be something I wouldn’t be able to forget for a very long time. If Xavier had not called I have no idea what he would have done to me. Well I had an idea but I couldn’t think about it, I wouldn’t think about it.

     ~

     I didn’t sleep well. It was hard to keep my eyes open during class. It was hard to focus too. My mind drifted from course work to Xavier Steel. I was so confused and afraid of the feelings I had for him. I was in love with Daniel less than two weeks ago and now I hated him. I don’t know how many times today I had to answer the question, what happened to your face. I don’t know how many times I lied about what had happened. And even worse was the fact that I had to act like a ditz. I wasn’t a ditz.

     Bill and I had gotten the go ahead to take on the website for Rocking Chair as our semester project and I was going to call the bar to find out if they would be willing to take a look at it.

     I walked into my building and Tally; a girl I use to go out with once in a while, was walking in at the same time.

     “What’s going on Taelyn?”

     “Not much just got done with classes.”

     “Your guy move out?”

     “My ex and yes.” I smiled.

     She looked at me and shook her head, “Is that good or--.”

     “It’s good.”

     “Perfect. So you free tonight? You wanna go out for a few drinks?”

     “Actually I have to work.” I stopped and laughed. “On second thought yes. How about I go take a shower and get ready? You feel like going to the Shore to check out a band?”

     “Rock?”

     “Yes rock.”

     “Sounds good, what time?”

     “Let’s say we leave here at eight o’clock?”

     “Perfect.”

     I ran up the stairs to my place excited to be going out, and even more excited that I would be seeing Xavier tonight.

     At eight o’clock Tally walked in with a dress.

     “Wear this. You’re since now.”

     I took the dress and shook my head no. She laughed and shook hers yes.

     Tally and I walked out of the building to hail a cab and the black town car pulled up. James jumped out and opened the door.

     “Where to?”

     “We’ll take a cab.” I stepped around him.

     “Miss Patrick, why would you do that when there is a car here already?” James smiled politely.

     “Yeah Taelyn why would you do that?” Tally grabbed my hand and pulled me back.

     “How long have you been here James?”

     “I don’t know how to answer that.” His expression told me all I needed to know.

     “Did you follow me last night when I left the building?”

     He didn’t answer.

     “You scared the hell out of me and that’s not okay. You tell Xavier that I don’t appreciate it.”

     I let out a loud whistle and a cab pulled up. “Let’s go Tally.”

     Tally sat beside me in the cab and looked at me curiously.