Broken Souls

Chapter 9 - Bailey

I woke up feeling as though I hadn't slept in days. When I looked over to the other side of the bed, Logan was gone. Strangely, I felt an emptiness despite not knowing him. Yet, with him, I felt a sense of safety I hadn't experienced in the five years. I've been on the run and trying to stay alive there was no time to feel safe.

As I stood up, something caught my eye. I noticed a folded note on my bedside table and picked it up.

Good morning, Angel.

I spoke with Leila about the damages, and your door will be repaired this afternoon. I had to leave for work.

Sincerely, L

I found myself smiling; knowing today would be a good day. Glancing at the clock, I saw it was 7:30, and quickly rushed to shower and get ready for work. After dressing in skinny jeans and a maroon top, I headed out to my car. "Hey Bailey, are you free tomorrow morning?" I heard Leila call from behind me. I turned around with a smile. "Morning, so far, I'm open. It's my day off." She looked excited, and I couldn't help but shake my head. "Great, you're all mine tomorrow. I need to get a dress for my family's barbecue this weekend, so you'll be helping me." I laughed because I knew nothing about dresses, being more of a jeans-and-T-shirt type of girl. "You know I have no sense of fashion, but I'll keep you company." Her smile grew even bigger.

We said our goodbyes, and I headed to work. Sundays are usually quiet. As I entered the bar, I spotted Shaun stocking the fridge. "Good morning, how was your night?” He turned around with a shocked expression, as if he’d been startled. "God, don't sneak up on people; I almost dropped the bottles in my hands!" I couldn’t help but laugh at him, "Didn't you know my side job is being a secret spy? Sneaking up on people is my superpower" It was his turn to laugh at me. We got busy stocking the fridges and cleaning all the glasses. I was wiping the tables when Jeremy walked through the doors. "Good morning, Boss," I greeted him. He nodded and went to his office. Something told me he wasn't in a very good mood today.

While I was occupied with cleaning and sweeping the floors, my thoughts wandered to Logan. Why does he keep showing up when things go wrong? I feel like such an i***t—he always catches me at the worst time. If he keeps this up, he'll start asking questions I don't intend to answer. I don't have time for people prying into my affairs. My focus is on staying ahead of my worst nightmare because if he catches me, I’m as good as dead.

Just then, Logan walked into the bar, and our eyes immediately locked. Those eyes of his were making me feel like he could see everything I was trying to hide. “Hey, what can I do for you?” maintaining eye contact. “I wanted to drop off your keys; the door has been replaced,” I was surprised by how quickly it was done. “You know, Leila could have given them to me after I finished work. You didn’t have to go out of your way to bring them all the way here,” He gave me a blank expression and shrugged. “It wasn’t out of my way. Since I broke your door, I thought it was only fair to bring you the new keys myself.” I was momentarily taken aback. “Well, thank you. I appreciate it.” He handed me the keys, and I put them in my purse.

“I should probably get back to work,” I was still feeling a bit foolish after everything that happened last night—or rather, early this morning. “Have a good day and thanks again.” giving him a small smile.

He walked toward the door but then stopped, turning back to where I was standing. "Could I have your number? That way, you won’t need to thank me with a card every time." The surprised look was evident on my face—not because I was uncomfortable with his request, but because I didn’t have a phone. I couldn’t exactly tell him that. “Who says I don’t enjoy sending you cards?” he tilted his head a bit, “I didn’t mind the card you sent; it was actually quite cute. But to save you the trouble, a text would be much quicker.”

I stood there, unable to come up with a lie, feeling frustrated that my brain had gone blank at this crucial moment. Avoiding eye contact, I looked down and whispered, "I don't have a phone," hoping he hadn't heard. But the expression on his face made it clear that he heard me clearly.

He didn't say a word; he simply turned around and walked out the door. When I looked back, Shaun was standing there with a puzzled expression. I couldn’t quite figure it out, “Why are you looking at me like that?” He shook his head with a smile, “It’s a small town Bailey—everyone knows everyone. I’ve never seen Logan ask anyone for their number; he’s usually all serious and barely talks to anyone.” I was at a loss for words, so I just kept tidying up the last of the items.

After work, I grabbed a bite to eat and headed home. I enjoyed my job at the bar, but I’m relieved that I only work weekends until closing; I don’t think I could handle working every night until the early hours. As I approached my door, I heard Leila behind me, “Bailey, this was delivered this afternoon.” I looked at her confused, as she handed me a wrapped box. “Thanks. Do you know who it’s from?” She shrugged, “Sorry, no. It was dropped off by a delivery guy.” I nodded in acknowledgment and went into my room. Once inside, I hesitated to open the package, unsure of its origin and feeling anxious. I sat on the bed, staring at the package for what felt like hours. Finally, I decided to open it, reasoning that if it were a bomb, it would have exploded by now. Still, I couldn’t think of anyone who would send me something as I don’t know anyone.

As I tore open the paper and opened the box, I was stunned to find a phone inside along with a note.

Angel,

I wanted to save you the hassle of sending another card. I've saved my number on your phone, and now I have yours as well.

Sincerely, L

I removed the phone from its box and powered it on. When the screen lit up, I was stunned by the screen saver—it was a photo of him, a sexy one I must add, and he looked absolutely hot. I couldn't help but smile. No one had ever done something like this for me before, except for my parents, who were all I had. Now, with no one else around I feel so alone, I pushed those thoughts aside and decided to send a message to Logan.

Me – Thanks for the phone; you really didn’t have to do that. I wouldn't mind sending you another card. By the way, I like my screensaver—it’s very unique.

I pressed send and lay back on my bed. A few minutes later, a message arrived, and I knew exactly who it was from since I only have one number saved on this phone.

Logan – So, you say thanks a lot. You didn’t have my number, but now you do, and I’ve got yours. Feel free to call me whenever you need anything. Glad you like the photo.

I couldn’t help but smile—I really couldn’t believe this guy.

Me – Typically, when someone does something nice, you say thank you. I want to ask you something, but I hope you won’t take it the wrong way. Also,the photo gives me something to look at.

Logan – Feel free to ask me anything, and I assure you I won’t take it the wrong way. I’m at a bit of a disadvantage since you have a photo of me, but I don’t have one of you. I wouldn’t say that’s fair, though. ;)

Me – Why are you being so nice to me? We don’t know each other, I just have a hard time believing that there isn’t a catch to this. I don't mean to sound like a b***h. And if you want a photo you will have to take it yourself ;).

I sat on the bed, feeling like an asshole for questioning everything, but I couldn't help it. After spending so long constantly looking over my shoulder and running for my life, it's hard to act differently. I glanced at my phone and there were no new messages, feeling like a complete ass wondering if I just made a mistake by asking him after everything he has done for me. I decided to head to the bathroom to take a shower.

There was a knock at my door. Assuming it’s Leila to snoop on what was in the box; I was shocked when I opened it and found it wasn’t her.