Page 7 of Lost in Her
Oliver finally came to relieve me, giving me time to go to the center and talk to Emory about Jennifer.I have seen a lot of women come here from all walks of life, but there is something about Jennifer that draws me in.I am curious about her and her story and a little confused by my reaction to her.Some of her behaviors last night got me thinking that what she escaped from is different from the others we have helped.
The more information I can get, the better understanding I can gain of her.So, I know how to address and approach her.I don’t want to scare her or trigger her, and last night, she looked fucking scared and triggered, which is not good.I want to help all those who come to us.I don’t want to make it worse.
And with Jennifer, it was very hot and cold, but the way she looked at me.fuck, man, it made me feel something, something I can’t really put my finger on, but I am fucking will.
I take a deep breath as I open the front doors to the center.I see Sherri sitting at the front desk, and Emory is standing next to her, looking down at a file.
I slowly make my way down the hallway, watching clients walk in and out of the different rooms.This place has grown so much now, it is crazy to think that it used to just be one building doing a few things.Now we offer so many different services it’s wild.We have a lot of staff in different groups.
I stop at the counter and rest my arms on top as I lean in and look at Sherri.“Morning, Ethan,” Sherri greets me in a tired voice.We all have been working long hours trying to make sure that everything is running smoothly, and Sherri makes sure she’s always right in the middle of everything.
“Morning, beautiful,” I offer with a smile.
“Don’t start with me.It’s still early, Ethan,” Sherri replies in a stern voice, but I can tell she is trying not to smile.I know how to get to her.We must lighten things up somehow with everything that has been going on.
“I am not starting anything,” I chuckle, watching her roll her eyes and try not to smile.Sherri is like a mother to all of us, staff and clients alike.It is fun messing with her.
She doesn’t seem to mind, and she always seems to play along with me.
I look up at Emory.She’s smiling as she continues to read the file.I know she wants to laugh, but she doesn’t.
We have all become a family here.A family I never saw coming but a family I am very grateful for.Shawn saved me, and Emory, well, she has become like a sister to me.
After what happened with her ex, I promised myself that I would always protect her.She and Shawn mean the world to me, and their children have found a way into my heart.I would die for those kids.
“Em,” I state calmly.
“Ethan,” she returns, looking at me.
I take a deep breath.It is none of my fucking business what Jennifer’s story is, but that has never stopped me before.The more I know about the clients, the more I can help them.My job is to help protect them and make sure they feel safe.I can’t do those things if I don’t have the right information, and from how Jennifer acted last night, I don’t think she will be telling me her story anytime soon, so I ask the only one who knows.Emory.“We need to talk about Jennifer,” I state softly.
She closes the file, turns, and faces me.I see the concern and worry flooding into her eyes.“Did something happen?”she asks me in a concerned voice.
I slowly shake my head.“No.Not really,” I tell her as calmly as I can.Something kind of happened, but not something that Emory would need to worry about.
“Not really?”she asks, tilting her head to the side.
“I just need to talk to you in private about her, that’s all,” I remark in a stern but low voice.Not everyone needs to know the information I’m asking for.It is none of their fucking business.
“Okay.”She sets the file down next to Sherri, and starts walking back toward her and Shawn’s office.
I smile at Sherri, push off the counter, and quickly walk up behind Em as she walks into Shawn’s office.
Shawn is sitting in his chair, looking down at the new plans on his desk.We are planning on expanding, and Shawn has been trying to get the plans ready so the man can start building.
He looks up at me and Em as we walk in, and I close the door behind us.
I walk over to the couch as Em makes her way around Shawn’s desk.She calmly takes a seat on his lap.He sits back in his chair and wraps his arms around her.She wraps one of her arms around his neck and leans in, gently kissing his cheek.
I sink down onto the couch, trying to get my thoughts in order.I don’t know exactly what I want to gain from them, but I just want.no, I am fucking need to know more.
Em and Shawn both turn and look at me.“Hey, bro,” Shawn murmurs with a smile.
“Hey, back,” I respond as my heart starts to race.Once I open this door and start asking questions, there is no undoing it.Once I know it, I won’t fucking be able to get it out of my head.Just like all the other times I’ve come asking questions about clients.
“What did you want to talk about?”Em asks in a gentle voice.
“What is Jennifer’s story?Did she tell you guys anything?”
