Somewhere.
“Then what’s wrong? The little pansy ran outta here, but you’re safe.”
I nod my agreement. “I’m just overwhelmed. Don’t—don’t tell him, please?”
His eyes narrow with suspicion. “I’m not big on keeping secrets from my friends.”
“I know,” I rush on through the tears to make my point. “I know I shouldn’t ask this of you. You don’t owe me anything. If anything, I owe you, for what you did. But I’m worried he’s going to realize I’m not worth the trouble if he has to deal with Travis one more time,” I confess. My hands tremble by my sides, so I squeeze them into tight fists.
His face is guarded when he replies, “Be good to him. Don’t make me regret this.”
“I will. I promise I will.” Tears of relief drip from my lashes. We stand silently in that chilly bathroom regarding one another. He may have the looks to make you cower and the power to make you scream, but somewhere beneath that tough exterior is a decent man.
“Better get out there before he realizes you’re missin’.”
I nod and walk towards the door, but stop and place a tentative hand on his bicep. His arm is hard as steel, but I ignore it and forge on. “Thank you,” I whisper. Then I run out the door before he can give me a reaction.
***
When we left the bar on Saturday, I didn’t tell Elias what happened in the bathroom. He had asked where I disappeared to, and I told him there was a long line. Maybe it was cowardly, but he’s had to deal with enough of my crappy past, and if I can spare him this, I will.
Knowing that Katie and Travis are seeing each other makes me uneasy. My gut says I should warn her. I just don’t know how. I don’t want to sound like an ex trying to sabotage their new relationship. She doesn’t like me, and I know whatever I say to her, she will think I’m making it up because I’m jealous. Nevertheless, even though she is nothing but rude to me, I can’t let someone else get hurt by that bastard if I can help it.
When I arrive at work Monday morning, I’m startled to find Katie waiting for me by my desk.
I say a quick hello before I remove my cell phone and work binder from my bags, and stash those bags in my bottom desk drawer. I place my things on the top of my desk before making eye contact. Considering our dislike for one another, I’m not going to rush my morning to make her feel more comfortable. She’s already waited who knows how long. A few more seconds won’t kill her.
Not until I face her directly can I tell that she’s absolutely seething. What the heck? I can’t fathom what I did to deserve that look.
“Stay the fuck away from my boyfriend.”
“I don’t know what you are talking about, Katie,” I reply coolly, wondering what Travis possibly told her to orchestrate this confrontation.
“I totally saw you on Saturday. You were in the restroom all alone with Travis! I saw you come out and then leave, like, you were trying to sneak away.” She’s trying to pin me with her angry stare. It’s not working, though, because I know what really happened on Saturday. “He told me you tried to come on to him!” She has frustratingly been misinformed.
My stomach sinks while I try to understand what game Travis is playing at. I can’t fathom why he’d get my colleagues involved in this mess, especially with such grand lies.
Trying to keep my features schooled, I reply, “Look, I don’t know what he told you, but he followed me in there. I want absolutely nothing to do with him. So you can calm down now, he’s all yours.” As much as I should be trying to appease her, this bitch is getting on my nerves, and I have to catch up on work.
She snorts. Straight up snorts at me.
“Don’t pretend that you’re not jealous and trying to steal him away from me. I’m sorry if Elias isn’t doing it for you, but you can’t have Travis. He wouldn’t want you anyways,” she fires back in that whiny, nasally voice of hers. Her eyes are shining to the brim with malice. She’s out for blood, looking to wound me because of her insecurities. And I honestly think she’s enjoying this drama. Too bad for her, I don’t want Travis, and I don’t like to