Page 56 of Then Came You

In all honesty, I would rather talk to a broomstick than her right about now.

Opening the door, I fake enthusiasm, plastering a toothy smile on my puffy face. “Cin, what a surprise!” I make sure to close the door enough so she can’t see inside. I don’t want her thinking she can just waltz in here. She thins her lips and widens her eyes at my presence.

Odd.

“Hey Row! I didn’t know you were here! Aren’t you supposed to be at the salon?” She’s clearly not thrilled I’m here, which makes two of us. Trish has given me another few days off before starting my shifts again.

“Not yet. What brings you by?” She tries to peer around me, but I’m blocking her view.

“Oh, I just came to see everyone…and I have something for Mr. Renshaw.” She holds up a gift, the cardboard bag prettier than anything I own.

“Sorry, no one is here. Can I take a message?” Inside, I’m laughing at how difficult I’m making this for her. She’s getting more antsy by the minute, the more I block her from her ultimate goal. Seeing Blade.

“I’ll just come in and wait.”

I push the door open wider and spin around, making my way back to the lounge where I was basking in peace and quiet. Planting my ass on the cosy cushioned couch, I gesture for her to sit.

She situates herself opposite me in a commanding wing chair that looks more like a throne.

“So, what’s in the bag?” I type a text out to Blade and Xan, telling them Cindy stopped by. Xan will crash at his apartment tonight because it’s closer to the University and he has an early morning tomorrow.

I eye her sceptically, as she holds onto the gift for dear life, clutching it with two hands. “This is a little…uncomfortable, but as your friend, I’m just trying to do what’s best for you.”

What. The. Fuck?

“I’m fine, Cin. Xander and Blade are taking good care of me. My past is behind me now,” I say, confused.

“Be as that may, I wouldn’t want you to inconvenience either of them more than you already have.”

I say again. What. The. Actual. Fuck. I bite my bottom lip and feign a confused look on my face.

“I was coming here to give Blade a $1,000 gift card for all the money he’s spent on you while you’re recovering because, well…you can’t afford it. I also have a social housing application form to pass onto him for you. It’s in poor taste to take, take, take, and not give. It’s probably about time you think about next steps, you know?”

Is she for real?

Weeks ago, I was attacked and sexually assaulted. I could have died. And yet she’s worried about me looking like a leech?

My horrified face must say it all.

“I can tell you’re mortified, but it’s okay, you don’t know better. Etiquette takes years to learn.”

Then again, she doesn’t get it at all.

How can someone be so insensitive and cruel? Inhumane even?

“Um. Gee. Thanks,” I mutter, wanting to eradicate her from this house and then desperately sage everywhere she’s touched.

“You’re so welcome, and you don’t even have to pay me back,” she insists like she’s doing me a favour.

Un-fucking-believable.

“Anyway, I should go.” She leaves the gift by the winged chair and rises, stopping just as she passes me. “What ever happened to that guy?” My eyebrows reach my hairline in surprise, while my mouth all but drops to the floor.

“Nothing.” I rush out, trying to quickly recover from the shocked expression I’m sure is splashed across my face.

“Hmm,” she squints. “What happened?” She’s not asking as a friend. She’s asking so she can use it as leverage against me. A sharp stab splinters across my skull. I don’t want to talk about this because of all the lies I’m going to have to weave together.

“Just didn’t work out,” I shrug, giving her a sappy sugary smile, hoping she pities me and leaves it at that. Thankfully she does, giving me an I-told-you-so look, says another bye, and struts toward the door to leave.

---