I’m so done. So, so done.
Whoever he’s gotten in trouble with, this Hennessy B – would they hurt me, too? Is this what I get for my ‘give me a reason’ thinking?
His phone buzzes from on top of my long dresser, startling us both. He stretches to look over at the illuminated screen, not letting go of me.
Killian Coulter: I’m at your door. Are you around? It’s important.
He breathes out relief and lets go of me, heading to the door while thrusting a hand through his hair.
I hear him greet Killian at the door.
“Hey, Kill,” he greets. “Good to see ya, man. Sorry about that…”
Killian’s inside and as I’m at the end of my bed, trying my best to hide the terror I’ve been feeling, I just stare at him from here, seeing him eye me with interest, taking in the scene, I guess. Me at the end of the bed, still in my coat and holding onto my purse.
Killian’s eyes bounce from Ray to me and then take in what I quickly realize is the fact that the bed’s comforter is over the curtain rod.
“What’s up, man?” he asks. “Sorry, didn’t hear the door,” Ray slaps his arm casually and jerks his chin over his shoulder at me.
Right. Blame me. Make it seem like we were ‘busy’ or something.
Except, big, fat fail because one look at me in my coat and it’s obvious that’s not what was happening.
“Sorry to interrupt,” Killian offers, eyes on me.
I smile with a shrug in what I hope says nothing.
Killian’s dressed in a suit. He looks like a million dollars. He looks like a trillion in contrast to Ray who stands there in old jeans, sock-feet, and a ripped t-shirt with bloodshot eyes and messy hair. I wouldn’t feel this way if Ray and me weren’t where we are now, of course. I’m not that shallow.
I watch Killian’s eyes move around the darkened space, then Ray turns the hall light on and shuts the apartment door and locks it.
“Everything all right?” Killian asks, looking at me.
I fix a smile in place, but I don’t move an inch.
“Yeah man, yeah,” Ray answers. “Want a drink? Shit. I drank all the beer. Wanna go out for a beer?”
“Actually… gotta talk to you about something.”
“Violet, wait in there,” Ray calls back and walks Killian to the living room. “Shut the door, Vi,” he adds.
I shakily rise and close it.
***
Not even ten minutes later, after hearing the front door shut, Ray is immediately in the bedroom with light in his eyes.
His eyes are so filled with light, they’re practically dancing. But, to me, it almost looks psychotic.
“I got this, babe.”
I’m leaned against the pillows with my knees pulled up to my chest, watching television. I’ve been braced, actually. I’d tidied up and paced a minute, hearing low voices, and now here we are. He leans over and I think he’s about to kiss me, but he’s reaching under the bed. He fetches, then sets my suitcase on the end of the bed.
My heart skips a beat.
“I got this,” he repeats. “Killian has a job for me. An out-of-town job. It should get me enough cash to deal with that other thing and get us caught up.” He leans over again and drops a kiss on my lips before he opens the closet door and pulls some jeans and shirts out, dropping them on the bed. He goes to his dresser and starts tossing socks and underwear as well as t-shirts onto the suitcase.
“Gotta grab a shower. Pack that for me? Pack my suit, too? Need you to make me a strong mug of coffee so I can drink it on the drive to the airport.”
I blink. “What’s-”
“No time for questions now, Vi. I’ll explain on the way to the airport. Pack enough stuff for me for a week, babe. My nicest clothes. Strong coffee. We’re gonna be okay. You can breathe now.” He beams a smile at me. The kind of smile that would’ve dropped my panties before. Right now, I’m just confused.
He leans over and grabs my face with both hands. I go stiff as a board.
“My luck is turnin’, babe. It’s all gonna be good now.” He kisses me yet again.
He kisses hard and with tongue and with emotion. He tastes like beer. He also tastes like Ray and it’s a taste I used to love. Not anymore. I don’t kiss him back. I also don’t pull away. I just stare, I guess.
He looks into my eyes and his are wet. “I’m sorry I’ve been hard to get along with lately. I honestly think I was in a depression. It’s all gonna be better. Finally. Fuck. Finally, babe. I love you. Thank you for stickin’ with me through my shit. Love you so fuckin’ much.” He kisses me again and then backs away and hurries to the bathroom.