Page 56 of Tortured Whispers
The waiter brought our food out and I stared at my tamales trying to think of an exit strategy. One where I got to keep Brook but I could also find a way to take care of us. It was enough to make my head hurt.
“What’s wrong?” She’d polished off three tacos and was laying her head on my shoulder. Being able to smell her lavender and honey with each inhale was enough to keep me calm. “You went all quiet on me, Cease.”
“We should probably talk when we get home,” I told her. She slid her slender fingers between mine on top of the table and I looked at the contrast. My sturdy long fingers against her dainty ones. I guess Ashley had also painted Brook’s nails because they were pink. They looked nice.
“Is evewything okay?” I noticed as long as Brook was happy and relaxed, she could pronounce R’s just fine. The minute she tensed up, they all became W’s. “Everything is fine. Stop worrying.” I kissed the top of her head and she sighed, her shoulders relaxing against me.
“Aww, look at this…” I looked up to see Denise, the office secretary, standing at our table. Just as quickly as Brook’s shoulders relaxed, they turned to stone when she saw Denise. I missed the smooth warmth from her hand when she moved and hid it under the table.
“Hey, Denise. What are you doing all the way out here in San Bernadino?” I asked, folding my arms across my chest. I could tell she was checking me out and I didn’t care but I knew Brooklyn did.
“I came to check on my parents. I’m never usually out this far but it’s Friday so, why not? This is cute. A little uncle-niece hang out time, huh? You probably want a boyfriend just like your Uncle Caesar don’t you?” I cringed inside and stole a glance at Brook. She looked livid. Instead of flying off the handle, she excused herself and went to the bathroom, leaving me alone with Denise.
“Did I say something?” She asked with a chuckle. “Maybe she can tell I have a little crush on you and wants you all to herself. I don’t blame her.” Her hungry eyes roamed all over my chest but the only thing I could focus on was Brooklyn. I didn’t want her to let the water back in. “She probably has a little harmless crush on you. Might want to nip that in the bud now. Kids like her can get clingy.”
“There’s nothing to nip in the bud, Denise and you need to watch your mouth.”
“Caesar, I’m sorry if…”
“Dr. Powers,” I snapped, standing up.
“Right…Dr. Powers, I’m sorry if…” I held my hand up signaling her to shut the fuck up and she got the point immediately. I dropped more than enough money on the table to cover our meal and tip then I went to the bathroom and stood by the door.
Luckily, Denise didn’t follow. I wasn’t going to be responsible for what came out of my mouth if she tried to explain herself any damn more.
After standing there for ten minutes, Brooklyn emerged with wet eyes. Seemingly nothing else was out of place. Her energy was off-kilter though. I knew my girl and she wasn’t right.
“You ready to go?” I asked her, holding out my hand. She nodded but didn’t grab on. Instead, she walked right past me and headed out of the doors. I caught up to her in the parking lot then finally slowed my stride.
“You should be with someone like her, Cease. Not me. I’m a fuck up.” Brook got in the car, clicked her seatbelt on and brought the heel of her hand up to her mouth so she could suck on her sleeve.
