Second Thoughts
1067 Words
LEXIE
The next morning I woke up early, took a quick bath, and put on my cleanest clothes. I looked in the mirror and gave myself a little pep talk.
“Alright, Lexie. Time to go be a functioning adult. Try not to accidentally tell customers the truth about your terrible life choices.”
I headed downstairs. Chaos was already at the bar with a cup of coffee. He gave me a small nod when I appeared.
“Morning,” I said. “Ready to drop your favorite charity case off at her glamorous new job?”
Chaos’s lips twitched. “Truck’s outside. Mr. Harlan is expecting you.”
The drive was quiet. I stared out the window at the small town waking up. When we pulled up in front of the drug store, Chaos put the truck in park.
“You’ll be fine,” he said.
“I know,” I replied, grabbing my bag. “I’ve handled worse than grumpy old men in drug stores. Thanks for the ride.”
Mr. Harlan was waiting just inside the door when I walked in. He looked me up and down with the same grumpy expression from yesterday.
“You’re back,” he said gruffly. “Good. Means you didn’t run off in the night.”
“That’s me,” I said with a bright smile. “Sara.”
He grunted, but I caught the tiniest twitch at the corner of his mouth. “Cash register still works the same as yesterday. Shelves need stocking. Don’t scare away my regulars with that smart mouth of yours.”
“I’ll be on my best behavior,” I promised, giving him a little salute. “Mostly.”
The morning went by in a steady rhythm. I stocked shelves with cold medicine and vitamins, rang up customers, and answered questions about which allergy pills worked best. Most people were friendly. A few older ladies even chatted with me like I was a local.
Around midday, a tired-looking woman in her fifties came in looking for pain relief. “Rough day?” I asked as I scanned her items.
“You have no idea,” she sighed.
I leaned on the counter a little. “Try the ones on the middle shelf. They work better for muscle pain, and drink lots of water. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of bad days.”
She smiled. “You new around here?”
“Very new,” I admitted. “Still figuring out which way the town turns without getting lost.”
By the time my shift ended, my feet hurt and my hands smelled like hand sanitizer, but I felt useful, like maybe I could hide here a little longer without everything falling apart.
Chaos was waiting outside when I stepped out, leaning against his truck with his arms crossed. He looked relaxed, but his eyes scanned the street carefully. “How was it?” he asked as I walked over.
“Not bad,” I said, climbing into the passenger seat. “Mr. Harlan only threatened to fire me once today. I consider that progress.”
Chaos started the truck. “He likes you. Said you talk too much but you’re quick.”
I laughed. “High praise. I’ll take it.”
We drove back toward the bar in comfortable silence. I watched the town pass by, trying to ignore how safe I felt sitting next to him. That feeling scared me more than anything right now.
“You know,” I said eventually, keeping my voice casual, “I was thinking about what we talked about last night. Is there really a clothing store around here?”
Chaos glanced at me. “Yeah. We can stop if you want.”
“Please,” I said dramatically.
The store was small and crowded with racks of simple clothes. I moved through the aisles, picking up a couple of plain tops and a pair of jeans that looked like they might fit. Chaos stayed near the front, giving me space.
I brought my items to the counter and paid with the little money I had left. The total made me wince, but I forced a smile.
“Congratulations,” I told the young cashier. “You just helped a girl upgrade from two outfits to four. I’m basically a fashion icon now.”
The girl laughed. “You look good in anything.”
When we got back to the bar, the sun was starting to set. I carried my small bag upstairs. Chaos followed me up but stopped at the doorway, leaning against the frame without coming inside.
“You did good today,” he said.
I set the bag on the bed and turned to face him. “Thanks. For the job, for the ride, for not asking too many questions I’m not ready to answer yet.”
He nodded slowly, his big body relaxed against the door. “You don’t have to explain anything until you’re ready.”
I crossed my arms and leaned against the wall opposite him. “You’re making this staying-here thing way too easy, Chaos. It’s suspicious. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.” I said.
“No other shoe,” he said quietly. “Just a room, a job, and time, if you need it.”
I studied him for a long moment. He looked steady and strong, the kind of man who could probably protect someone from anything, but I had thought that about Drake once too.
“I appreciate it,” I said carefully. “More than you know. But I’m not… looking for anything right now.”
Chaos’s expression didn’t change. He simply nodded. “I’m not asking for anything, Sara. Just offering what I can.” He said.
The silence between us felt heavy but not uncomfortable. I gave him a small, tired smile. “Good. Because I’m excellent at running and terrible at trusting. It’s one of my best qualities.” I muttered.
He pushed off the doorframe slowly. “Get some rest. You’ve got another shift tomorrow.”
“I will. Thanks again.” I said, giving a small wave of my hands.
He turned and headed down the stairs, his heavy boots quiet on the steps. I closed the door and sat on the bed, pulling one of my new shirts out of the bag.
- Writer
