Page 14 of Torn
Chapter Seven
Becca
I speed cleaned the apartment last night, so it's one less thing Pat can complain about when he gets here. He stopped by for a minute last night but didn't even come in; he said he had a hotel room a block away and that we could get together today.
The entire time at work I've been distracted if I want thinking about Pat I was thinking about Storm. My phone buzzes and I pull it out.
Storm: Picking you up for dinner tonight.
I smile at the lack a question.
Me: Can’t tonight having dinner with my brother while he’s in town.
Storm: I’ll join you.
My eyes widen, that would give pat a heart attack.
Me: NO
Storm: Why not?
Me: Because my brother is a pain in the ass. Dinner tomorrow, okay?
He doesn’t reply for a few minutes.
Storm: Fine. I’ll pick you up at six.
Me: See you then.
Walking out of work I see another red rose under my wipers and smile. He gets points for it. I drive over to the restaurant and see that Pat's car is already there.
I take a deep breath and walk in, seeing him I head over to the table. His shaggy hair looks disheveled, and his shirt is untucked. He stands up and hugs me.
“Long time no see sister.”
I don't say anything; I just give him a look, so he knows I'm pissed off at him.
“Seriously you’re still mad?” the confused look on his face only pisses me off more.
"You're tracking me like an escaped inmate. Yea, I'm pissed off Pat." I cross my arms in front of my chest. A motorcycle sounds outside, and my emotions ramp up. I turn around but breathe a sigh of disappointment when I see it isn't Storm, although I don't know what I would do if he did show up.
“I’m just looking out for you Natalie.”
My eyes narrow at him. "I told you never to call me that again. Natalie Howell is gone. Not only that but someone might hear you."
“No one heard me, you know I can’t call you Rebecca. It feels wrong.” His eyes look down at the table.
"Well, that's who I am now Pat."
He runs his hands through his hair. "It doesn't have to be; I told you I would keep you safe if you stayed with me."
"There is no way I would ever agree to be a prisoner again. Three years was enough." My mind starts to drift back, but I refuse to go there.
“You know I had no choice. I couldn’t help you I tried.”
"Why are you bringing this up now? I've been Rebecca Maxwell for four years now." Sometimes I feel like he brings up our past because he knows how it debilitates me.
"Because all of a sudden you're lying to me, going out, and being reckless. I'm worried about you." He reaches for my hand, but I pull it back.
