Page 40 of First Time

I’d been the shy girl hiding in the back of class, the one who never raised her hand and barely managed to squeak out answers if called on. While insecurities from my childhood still affected me in adulthood, I’d gained a little confidence in knowing I excelled at making people happy.

Cleaning up spills even when they hadn’t been mine and no one asked for me to do so. Agreeing to cover others’ shifts if they were in a bind. Taking on the task of bathroom checks since my fellow employees despised doing so. Stephen claimed I allowed others to take advantage of me, and it pissed him off, so I stopped telling him about the good deeds I did.

I cradled the pleasant feelings in my chest from having done them, knowing I chose right in helping others out.

Tuesday, two hours into my shift, one of the high schoolers who worked with me complained she wasn’t well and asked to go home. One of her friends had stopped in a little earlier, quietly telling her about a party, asking if she could cut out early and go along.

I’d overheard the conversation but kept my mouth shut when our manager allowed her to leave before her scheduled time. Instead, I remembered what it was like to be a teen with no friends outside of Stephen. I wanted the girl to live while she had the chance, to experience all life had to offer.

I agreed to cover the rest of her shift, which meant staying two extra hours.

Knowing Stephen would be pissed I wouldn’t be home to make his dinner, I texted while on break rather than calling, promising to pick up a pizza on the way home. Meat lovers, his favorite. His reply of Fine didn’t clue me in on his mood or real thoughts, but at least he hadn’t left a tirade or called to ream me out like he usually would when angry.

Perhaps he really had turned the page in the book of his life, and a semi-happily ever after could be had for the two of us.

Heaving a heavy sigh of relief, I tucked my cell away and went back to work with a smile on my face.

Chapter 17

Daniel

I told myself to lay low on the friendship plan, let Stephen calm the fuck down, and give Becky some breathing space. Chantelle had texted me a few times to let me know he hadn’t assaulted her, but I lasted all of two days before heading into the coffee shop she worked at.

The need to see her face and make sure for myself she wasn’t hurting had me driving westward over my lunch break.

My height made it easy to see over the counter.

Becky had her back to me, tossing a sliced bagel into the toaster.

“Large regular,” I told the cashier, keeping my gaze on Becky.

She tilted her head and glanced at the screen of orders beside her, and I saw fucking red.

The makeup she’d slathered on didn’t hide the bruise along her jaw that hadn’t been there on Saturday in the early morning hours when I’d watched her sleep.

Motherfucker.

I took my coffee and stepped toward the left. Forcing my anger down, I put on what I hoped was a pleasant expression. “Becky?”

She stiffened and turned. A slow smile lit her features, making her dark eyes sparkle.

I swallowed hard. She was so goddamned beautiful.

“D-Daniel!” With a quick glance from side to side, she moved toward the counter separating us. “What are you doing here?”

I lifted my coffee, my grin coming easy. “Needed an afternoon fix and was in the area. It’s really good to see you,” I said, trailing my gaze over the rest of her face. No other bruises marred her smooth skin.

“Y-you, too.” Her smile wobbled.

“Your cousin told me you went home on Sunday.”

Becky glanced down and shifted on her feet as though ashamed—of her actions or perhaps Stephen’s? Anger clenched my guts, twisting my stomach up tight. “I did.”

“Is everything okay?” I managed to keep my tone light.

“It will be.” She lifted her head and tried for another smile but failed. “I…uh…have to get to work. I’ll see you around?”

“Absolutely,” I assured her since hope had laced her words. I didn’t move until she turned her back once more and grabbed the toasted bagel from the tray. She didn’t glance my way as I left.

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