Page 3 of Lightness In My Dark

I laughed. “Apparently, you think this is news, and it’s sad. I’m sure you’ve had many crazy nights slinking out of someone’s bed you hardly knew. Would you want someone to report on it?”

The cameraman howled as she told him to stop with the pictures. She bit out, “You little bitch!”

I stepped onto the bus platform and waved over my shoulder.

Chapter 2 – The Proposition

WREN

Outside of my apartment, I tossed a light scarf around my neck. The forecast called for a chilly morning, warming up in the afternoon. Trees swayed with a few remaining leaves on the branches. A last chance to enjoy the outdoors before the deepening grasp of fall. It had been a month, and I still hadn’t found another job. After countless resume submissions, interviews, what little confidence I had dwindled down along with my savings. The concept of selling myself on paper was as probable as joining the circus. Even in person, I crumbled like a stale cookie.

During interviews, my shyness and nerves crept up my skin, creating a pink tint, and forcing subtle, long breaths. But the interviewers always detected my weakness. Sometimes their questions or stares struck like a scorpion to the point of me forgetting my native tongue and speaking gibberish. One licked his lips while tracing my body with his eyes, and in another interview, a full-blown panic attack forced me to walk out, not bothering to return.

My life was sinking. Verbal abuse by my landlord with his greedy hand out for money. Job prospects wanting long hours for less pay. I lacked both but tried to latch onto them. There weren’t many options left, and a definite no in asking my parents for support. In fact, I didn’t even tell them I lost my job to avoid putting more strain on our relationship. The image of a lecture or their hawk eyes penetrating through me with disappointment kept my job status a secret. Desperation seeped into my soul, magnifying the lonesomeness I had already experienced.

Too much time indoors, Saturday rolled around, and I planned to visit a friend. A day of errands and shopping, the normal brigade of cars lining the street was gone. When I got to the sidewalk near my car, another one came behind mine. I opened my passenger seat door to toss a small bag inside, watching from my peripheral. A man emerged from the car and approached with hesitant steps. This caused me to glance around and take a step back. My eyes narrowed on him until recognition clicked.

“Hey, I remember you. Cole, right?”

His clean-shaven face and wide hazel eyes smiled at my remembrance. He kept his distance by giving a slight bow, which I appreciated. “That’s right. It’s nice of you to remember.”

He’s sweet… and for an older gentleman, not bad looking either.

“How are you feeling?”

A flush of pink deepened Cole’s chapped cheeks. “Much better, thank you.” He looked around the area before he spoke. “If it wasn’t for you, I don’t know what would have happened. I was in terrible shape.” He glanced down the street and shrugged. “My fault.” Cole looked at me as if he needed to explain. “A drink or two in honor of friends I lost years ago turned into too many. It was the anniversary of their death… and well… I can’t thank you enough.”

I saw the uneasiness in his pained facial expression and weighted stance—a weeping willow sag from irresponsibility. I dismissed it with a wave of a hand. “Well, I’m glad you’re better.” We stood in silence, and a question blossomed.

I took in a deep breath and let it out in slow motion before asking, “How did you know where I lived?”

“I’ve been in the car for quite some time.” He gestured toward the sidewalk when he asked, “May we take a little walk and I’ll explain?”

There wasn’t anyone around, but he seemed harmless. I agreed. He put his hands in his coat pockets while I hugged my jacket closer to stave off the cold.

“I’m here for my employer. If you have the time, he’d like to talk to you.”

“Sounds cryptic. Maybe enlighten me a bit more?”

Cole’s smile widened in my direction. “He’s the one who picked me up from the bar.”

It all snapped into place. I thought little about it since I had pressing matters to attend to. I remembered the woman mentioning Trevino.That’s Cole’s boss?

“Are you talking about Merrick Trevino?”

“Yes, you know him?”

“Not personally. I had worked at a financial securities firm as an administrative assistant.”

Cole gave me a sideways glance. “He has a proposition for you… a job offer.” Before I opened my mouth, he lifted his hand and said, “That’s all I can say on the matter. He wants to discuss it with you.”

A job? I can use one of those. Where is Trevino? Does he want to meet at a hotel? Like one of those Hollywood couch interviews? He has a reputation with women. Would I have to sleep with him? Uh, dork, why would he choose you to sleep with over the countless models at his disposal? Right! This is an opportunity of a lifetime. And, well… he smelled good.

My mind drifted off while thinking about his woodsy scent—Patchouli and Sandalwood—and I’m guessing some type of whiskey. I shook my head at the nonsense. It couldn’t hurt to hear him out.

“I happen to be out of a job, so yeah, I’ll meet with him. When would he like to get together?”

“Now if you’re available. It’s short notice, but he was hoping a Saturday afternoon would be good.”

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