Page 8 of Digit's Deflection
I nod, feeling relief flood my system, leaving me a little jittery. “Well, I–I can’t say I’m in a rush. I mean, I would like to get started sooner rather than later, but I can wait if needs be.”
“My honest opinion is, he’s the man you want. He’s the perfect person for this – patient, attentive, compassionate, considerate. If you’re willing to hang on until he’s back in town, I don’t think you’ll regret your choice, if this is something you’re serious about exploring.”
“Yes, Sir. I am. Very much so. If you feel he’s the best person for the job, I’ll wait.”
“I absolutely do.”
“Then I’ll wait. Thank you, Sir. I appreciate you giving this your consideration and time.”
“No problem. I’m happy to help where I can.”
I get to my feet. “If that’s all, Master Samuel, I’ll get back to my post if that’s all right with you?”
“Absolutely.” He smiles, and I head for the door. As my hand touches the knob, I hear him ask, “You settling in okay, Liora? No problems?”
Turning back to face him, I reply, “No problems, Sir. Everyone has been nice to deal with, and Amelia’s easy to learn from. She’s very generous with her knowledge and has been attentive in making sure I’m getting things right. Thanks so much, once again, for being willing to give me an opportunity.”
“You’re welcome, little one. Everyone needs a break.”
“Well, best I get back to it then.” I quietly let myself out of his office, stopping only briefly to say hi to his assistant, Myra. She’s been nothing but sweet to me since I started, and for the first time in my life, I might actually be making proper friends.
Who would have thought a small town, off the beaten track, would be the place that I find home, and friendships. I’m thankful every day that I listened to that little voice that told me there was something about this place.
Before I can head back out to find Amelia, Myra gives one of her gorgeous smiles. “Would you like to grab a cup of coffee or a bite to eat sometime when we’re both off?”
“Yeah, that sounds great,” I reply with zero hesitation.
“Awesome. We can make plans after work, but for now, you best be on your way. I wouldn’t want to get you into trouble for keeping you out of work.”
“Chat later,” I say, giving her a wave as I walk away.
It takes me a moment, and two orders, to find Amelia at the far end of the bar. I place my own orders with one of the bartenders and head over to where she’s chatting with another one.
“Everything all right?” she asks when she spots me, a small frown creasing her brow.
“Yeah, all good. Sir just needed to follow up on some information. But it’s all fine.”
The rest of the evening flies by, and before I know it, it’s time to close down the club. It’s just a little after two in the morning when we’re done and about to head out the door, when I hear Myra call out my name.
“Hey, I thought I’d missed you. You heading home, or you up for coffee and some pie? Nero’s has the most sublime cherry pie.” She’s asking me but shifts her eyes to include Amelia.
“Sure, I’m game,” she replies, looking over at me, her eyebrow quirked.
“Yeah, what the hell. I’m in.”
Myra links an arm through mine and one through Amelia’s and, arm-in-arm, we head out the front door calling a goodnight to the bouncer standing guard. He gives us a chin nod and a wave, a small smile hovering on his lips as if he doesn’t want us to know it’s there.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see a man standing beside a vehicle. I turn to look and find it’s Master Samuel. His eyes arefixed on Myra, a longing so intense reflected there it’s hard to miss, even in the semi dark of the parking lot. My heart squeezes as I recognize the sentiment. The longing. It’s the same one I experience every time I think of Treven.
I might have been the one to run from him in the heat of the moment, fear, panic, and uncertainty riding me hard that night. But in the years that have followed, I have had a lot of time to consider my actions. In the moment, it was fight or flight, and I chose flight. I’ve lived to regret that decision every single day since then.
Shaking off the wayward thoughts, I am determined to have fun with my new friends and not let thoughts of my rash decision all those years ago ruin it for me.
“What’s got you frowning so hard, Liora?” I hear Myra ask.
Not exactly sure how things stand between her and the big man back there, I shrug. “Nothing of interest. Just a random thought.”
Since I had to get rid of my little rattletrap years ago as I couldn’t afford to fix nor replace her, I’m about ready to call for a ride when Amelia stops beside her own small car. “Where’s your car, Liora?”
