Page 50 of Lawsuit and Leather

“Well, don’t!” I squeezed my voice out from the tip of my chest, “I don’t need that from you, Park. What I need is for you to…” I shuddered. His gorgeous eyes were soft, looking at me for some answer, some permission to what, I wasn’t sure.

“Be patient?” he interrupted, completing my thought. “Is that what you need? I am, more than you realize. I know there are things you don’t want to talk about, things you hide, but that doesn’t stop me from being there for you. I wish you knew, god knows how much I fucking care.”

“I do…” I tried to convince.

“You think you do, but you have no idea, and what it costs is patience. I practice it every day, but this guy tests it like never before. Try and stop me from caring, it won’t happen, Gem.” Parker lifted his coat, slinging it over his large shoulders as he walked past the door.

“Where you going?” I asked, as if it weren’t obvious.

“I have to go to work, and thank Christ, because I’m going to get rid of this guy.” His lowered voice felt like a promise, but before he left, he turned and looked me in the eyes. “He compromises you again, and I’ll fucking end him. Not in court, but wherever he stands, goddamn it.” He left, not slamming the door but securing it shut with a quick click of the lock.

I curled my hands into a fist, not out of anger, but frustration. As infuriating as Parker was, I could see his intentions were pure. Be that as it may, was it still fair for him to judge Alejandro? In some ways maybe, but even I had to rethink everything Alejandro did, an action not to be confused with excusing his behavior.

I went back to my room, completely shaken over the conversation. I couldn’t concentrate on anything, pulling the chair out from my small desk, sitting down to think. What would happen next? Yes, I considered myself jobless, and no, I didn't expect to hear from Alejandro, especially after last night. Needing to focus, I flipped open my book of sketches, sorting through the possible designs and fabrics I selected for Alejandro. I bit my nail, contemplating everything I’d done, somehow questioning my own judgment. Even if I were to make a suit, it would have to be something different, something new to the side I saw in him. But what was that side, and was it accurate?

If Parker couldn’t see how awful Camilla was, could the same be true for me? Was I seeing Alejandro through the same distorted glasses? This was a curse, one Claire suffered from herself. She saw the best things in the worst men, and I couldn’t help but feel worried about that thought.

The front buzzer rang with a chime, signaling a request from the lobby door. I closed my book to answer the call.

“Jones residence?” I presented, unintentionally sighing into the speaker. Not a moment passed as a static voice clicked through.

“Gemma Harrison?” The winded tone seemed annoyed, causing my prompt reply.

“Yes, can I help you?”

“We have a package that requires your signature.” I leaned my head against the wall, racking my brain for anything I could have ordered. Fabric swatches, thread? I squinted, pressing the switch once again.

“Come on up!” I shouted, pressing the button to unlock the door. I waited close by, still unsure of what was to come. I looked back at the bag of bagels resting on the counter, the ones Parker got up early to get. It was funny that something so simple could make me feel so guilty. There was something about that bag, sitting there quietly undisturbed, it reminded me of all Parker had always done for me. Was I wrong to yell? Maybe he saw me as his sister, but I didn’t want to be made to feel that way, no matter how sweet the intention was. I fixed my robe once again, surprised at how fast the knock came at the door.

“Ms. Harrison?” The thin, mustached man questioned as I opened the door, handing me a shipping slip.

“Yes!” I nodded cheerfully, as if I weren’t just shouting at my best friend, “Do you know what it is?” I asked, figuring there was some label he read. He stepped to the side, pulling the large package up.

“Don’t know ma’am, but it’s fragile.” He placed it in my arms after I signed for it.

“That’s odd, I don’t remember ordering anything.” I was ignored as the man turned to walk away. He was less interested than I was, but regardless I hurried in. Leaning against the wall, I shut the door with my foot, tilting from side to side in a walk. I was truly puzzled, my brain in a fog from the morning as I sat on the couch, admiring the size of the package. It was wrapped in brown paper and topped with a cream envelope. I peeled it off, removing the tiny card held inside.

Gemma,

This is a token for last night. What you saw was real, the good and the bad. Just know, I wish to see you as honestly as you saw me. Anything outside of this, I’m truly sorry for.

Take this time to work on the suit, and I will be back for you in the coming weeks.

Be a good girl, mi pierdra preciocsa,

- Alejandro

A good girl?I wasn’t sure which it was, Alejandro’s insistent label or Parker’s dominate need to protect, but suddenly I felt the urge to pinch my thighs together. If either of them were here, would they comment on me doing so? I wasn’t sure, I only knew Parker was determined on keeping me safe, and Alejandro was sending me mysterious packages.

I looked back up at the wrapping, bending the corner of the card with my thumb. What could it be? His note felt so honest, causing me to question his intentions. Was he truly sorry?

I peeled back the corner of the brown paper, tearing it down through its center. It was a wooden box, adorned with a handle and two metal clips.

“What did you do?” I murmured to myself, removing the lid to see what was inside. Not a moment passed when suddenly I was caught off guard.

I froze.

My eyes widened, staring at the sight of what lied within.

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