Debt Collector's Due

“Anytime mate. I hope this thing with her works out. She’s been a ghost who’s had a hold on you for some time now. At least this way you can make a clean break.”

I nod my head as I leave the office, get into my car, and go to Westfield. I can’t remember the last time I’d been to the mall. Amazon provides me with what I need, or I send someone else. This trip is personal. I can remember everything I ever learned about Athena. Her taste is light and bright like the woman itself, or it was. I don’t do nervous, yet here I am with sweaty palms, and a stomach full of birds flapping their wings and wreaking havoc. How much has she changed? What if she’s nothing like I remember? Does she blame me for that night? It’s the real reason I never tried to contact her. I wouldn’t be able to handle a look of hate etched onto the face I still see in my dreams.

The one-time Alfie Bowring turned bitch and found he had a streak of yellow-bellied chicken inside him.

I’m trying to prepare myself for every scenario. She’ll probably be confused, frightened, and angry. I’ll bear the brunt of that. I can’t take anything the first couple of weeks personally. My stomach twists itself into knots, and I walk into the shop feeling like a human pretzel. In a fantasy world, she’d sleep in my room. In reality, I’m placing her in the room down the hall that has a bathroom that attaches to the room on the opposite side. I want her to feel like she has her own space apart from me. I can compartmentalize with the best of them. It’s why I’m still alive after everything’s said and done.

I’ve seen empires crumble, families wiped out, and the pale horse of death galloping toward me many times. The bright colors, ruffles, rugs, and pillows boggle my mind. How the hell can anyone pick? They’re all but falling off the rows of white shelving, blending together in a crazy mishmash of colors and patterns.

“Can I help you, Sir?”

I turn to face the slender blonde with wide, frightened brown eyes, gray streaks, and a kind, round face. Everything about her outfit is drab. Beige pants, a white t-shirt, and a gray blazer. I want the opposite of her in Athena’s room. She was always bold, bright, and feminine.

“Yes, I’m having house guests, and I need new linens. I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve no clue how to match things up and make them pretty for her.”

Her shoulders relax as I take a small step back to give her more personal space. I can’t shrink myself, but I do know how to appear less imposing. I fake an easy smile.

“Now that I can certainly help you with that. Is this a young woman you know well.”

“Yes.”

“Can you tell me a bit about her style?”

“She likes … bright colors? No. not bright like neon, but light?”

“Lighter shades?”

“Yes and flowery.” I gestured with my hand and shrug, lost for words.

“Floral patterns.” She walks toward a shelf in the back, and I follow behind her.

A light blue comforter with tiny pink flowers catches my eye. It reminds me of her room at the house in Nantucket.

“That one,” I say with certainty.

“Do you want the sheets to match also?”

I nod my head. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

“What about a few accent pillows?”

“Yes?” I say unsure if I really need it.

She pauses. “Is the room bare Mr….”

“Bowring.”

Her eyes widen once more. Yeah, that one love.

“Is the room lacking adornment? Men tend to be more simplistic than women. We like a little bit of comfort. Candles, pillows, rugs, so we don’t step onto a cold floor when we get out of bed.”

“I see what you mean,” I say with a sigh. “I want this to be a home away from home.” I glance at her name tag. “Janet. So whatever you feel I need to go with this, add it on. Money isn’t an object. I’ll also need two more full sets for her to switch out. I want her to have the option.”

“I understand. Do you need anything else?”

Her words resonate with me. “Oh yeah. I’m going to need a full bathroom set.”

“Let’s get to work.”