Page 32 of The Sidekick

“Of course she was,” Emily scoffs, ignoring that I’m standing here listening to every word.

“I can’t help it if this didn’t hit her as hard as it did me,” Sal scowls in my direction, forcing her pretty face into a disgusting portrayal of anger.

“She practically drools all over Trevor,” Emily adds. “Of course, she was here sucking up to him.”

“Shut up,” Pat glances guiltily at me and back to Sal and Emily as if she’s just realized I’m here. I’m grateful for the numbness right now. Otherwise, their words would actually hurt me.

“Tera was practically his right-hand man yesterday,” Diana grins over at me with pride, like I accomplished some remarkable feat.

“Oh? Since he isn’t here, why don’t you tell us what else needs to be done, Tera?” Sal asks snidely.

“Do whatever you want. I don’t care anymore,” I shrug and go to Trevor’s office.

I close the door quietly behind me and look at the couch. I wish Max was here to cheer me up. Seeing the empty space when I turn on the lights weighs heavily on my shoulders.

I set the laptop up and turn on the old computer. Good thing I closed the door otherwise I’d have an audience asking me what I was stealing.

A loud voice breaks up my thoughts, making me jump in fright. I can’t tell what’s said, but I think it’s Trevor. Andi’s harpy shriek follows, and Sal’s voice argues loudly before Trevor barks for quiet.

The door opens, and Max slips inside, closing it quickly behind him.

He looks closely at my face as he leans on the door as if he’s blocking it. His smile seems a little forced as he says, “You’re missing all the action.”

I stare at him blankly; glad he’s here and hopefully won’t say anything mean to me today.

“Andi was screaming at Sal out there. It woke us up. You didn’t hear it?” He asks with a slight laugh.

“Oh.” I frown and look at the desk as if it has all the answers to the questions I don’t have the strength to voice.

“Oh,” he parrots softly and approaches me. “Have you slept?”

“Yeah,” I shrug, but I can’t even remember how long I slept for, only that I did. Why does everybody keep asking me that? Do I look that bad?

“What’s this?” He points at the laptop very close to my face, making sure I can see him with my head down.

“My computer,” I look up and stare at the login screen. I can’t force my hands up to fill in my password, though.

The chair swivels around until I’m facing Max, crouched in front of me. He places his hands on either knee and stares at me with concern. “Talk to me. You’re scaring me a little.”

“I’m sorry,” I say, promptly sobbing again.

It isn’t until we fall onto the couch that I realize he picked me up and carried me there. His arms are wrapped around me tightly, pulling me more firmly into his lap as my knees land on either side of his legs. I press my face into his neck, hoping it will act like a stopper for my emotions. He doesn’t say anything as I cry, just holds me like he can keep me from falling into pieces by the strength of his arms.

By the time I stop, I’m exhausted again. I melt into him like wax and just breathe in his comforting presence. I don’t know how he transformed from grump to savior, but I appreciate it so much.

His hand rubs up and down my back, and he shakes his head in a stilted motion. I hear someone rummaging around behind me but can’t find the strength to open my eyes. A blanket falls across my shoulders, and a hand runs over my tangled hair.

“Your job is to sleep and eat something, babygirl. Can you do that for us?” Trevor asks softly.

I nod and snuggle deeper into Max’s embrace. “Can Max stay, please? Just until I fall asleep.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Max says grimly and shifts until he’s lying on his back with me draped over him.

“Of course,” Trevor agrees.

The lights go out, and the door closes softly, but I hardly notice.

***

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