Page 71 of Playing With Fire
“You’re making me nervous, Greg,” I admit. “For months you haven’t wanted to touch me or be near me and now that you’re accusing me of sleeping with another man, you’re all over me. It’s unsettling.”
Greg presses in closer and whispers in my ear, “I’ll sweep your misdeeds under the rug thisone time, but your contact with him stopsnowor I’ll ruin him and makeyoudeliver the final blow.”
I go completely still because there is no doubt in my mind that Greg means every word he just said.
Chapter 26
Hudson
I’m exhausted from my mind reeling over Shannon’s text Saturday night. I know I’ve done this to myself, but there’s no way to insulate myself from the intense feelings of disappointment and fear. Lust and physical desire have morphed into longing and a desire to protect. Staying away from her is the best way to protect her right now, but I’d rather face hell with her than have to stand on the sidelines while my next move is decided for me.
I went through the motions today: drive, deliver, scan, drive, deliver, scan…over and over again. I had two deliveries in her neighborhood and I didn’t even tap the breaks to try and see in her windows as I drove by.
She asked me not to give up on her, but I have absolutely no idea how things are going. Not being able to communicate with her is the worst part of this whole fucking situation.
When I pull back into the terminal on Tuesday, my boss is waiting for me.
“Hudson, follow me. We need to talk.”
Looks like the other shoe is falling already.
I follow Bill into the office behind the time clock and he gestures for me to take a seat. It feels like I’m in trouble with my C.O. from my military days and I can’t say I love it.
“What’s up, Bill?”
“We’ve had a request to have you removed from your current route.” My heart sinks.That didn’t take long.“But before I do that, I want to hear your side of the story.”
“With all due respect, sir, if I’m going to defend myself, I need to know what the complaint is.”
“It’s not exactly a complaint, which is why I’m interested in hearing what you have to say.” He lifts a sheet of paper from his desk that I recognize as an email from our customer portal, and makes a show of putting his glasses on as he reads.
“Dear sir or madam, I would like to officially request that a new driver be put on the route for the Strawberry Hill neighborhood. Without going into detail, I’d like to express that I have no complaints against the driver, but my husband is dissatisfied with his delivery methods and is threatening to bring suit against the company if he is not removed. I apologize for not being able to provide more information at this time, but I implore you to take action.” Bill sets the paper on his desk and looks up at me, waiting for an explanation.
The email was obviously written by Shannon and it’s clearshe’strying to protectmeby forcing me to stay away.
I should just agree to the switch, but I needthisroute. It’s the only way I can pick Cam and Ally up on time and if my sister has to find alternative arrangements for the kids because I didn’t heed her warning, I’ll never forgive myself. So fuck whatever Gregor said to Shannon to scare her into thinking this is what was best. Just because the man fucked up his own life doesn’t mean he gets to fuck mine up too.
“I’m not sure there’s enough there to pull me from my route, sir. I treat every house and every delivery the same. I’d prefer to stay on this route because of its proximity to my family.”
His eyes travel over my frame before nodding.
“If you’re sure. I don’t want any drama, but I agree with you. There’s not enough to go on here to displace you, just maybe, watch yourself in that neighborhood?”
“Yes, sir.”
As I leave his office, it becomes obvious that I need to talk to Shannon. I need to know what Gregor said or did to make her think getting me fuckingfiredwas the best option. At this point, I assume he has some app on her phone monitoring her activity. I don’t even know if that really exists, but if it does, I’m sure he’s aware of it.
It isn’t until later tonight, when I’m in the shower, rinsing off my shitty day that an idea occurs to me. I finish up, throw on a pair of sweats, and call my sister as I pop the top on a beer.
“Hey, Hud. What’s up?”
“I need an asteroid-sized favor,” I tell her.
If I was wondering how far I’m willing to go for Shannon, the answer isall the waybecause what I’m about to ask requires people to lie.
Monica hesitates on the other end of the line and I hate myself a little for the words that come out of my mouth because the truth is that I don’t do the things I do for her out of some expected payback, but Ireallyneed her help right now.
“Mon,please.How often do I ask for help?”
