RUINED FOR LIFE

Chapter 4 - Lou

Driving down to the office in my run-down Kia Picanto, I had the windows down. It was mid-November and the weather was moist. I loved the rainy seasons and the humidity on my window screen, which allowed me to draw anything I wanted. The breeze was always just different to me, it brought on a chillier vibe. When people would moderately cover-up, I sported my short sleeves and sometimes tank tops.

I glanced at my watch and cursed under my breath. I was late. Dave hates it when I’m late, but this time it wasn't my fault. I was battling with the rush hour and the usual 45 minutes’ drive to the office was becoming an hour and more if the traffic didn't reduce.

Looking out the window, I scanned the rushing crowds. People who might have had a good day or bad day rush to their form of calm after the store. Some moved into the bars nearby while others rustled through the crowd to go somewhere else.

I liked to think some of them were rushing to get into the arms of their loved ones. It reminded me of much simpler times. I had rushed through these same crowds to get to Dave, back when we had just started dating, when everything was rosy and calm. But now I don't know where things went wrong. Dave and I had been arguing nonstop for the past few weeks or more like he yelled while I kept shut and apologized. He was angry I didn't get his order, right? I apologized. He was pissed from work and picking on the little things when he got home? I apologized. I loved him and wanted us to get past whatever phase we were in.

Parking in my designated slot outside the office, I raced out of her car and into the two-story building that housed Sharecare, my office. Giving Daisy a half-arse greeting, I sprinted for the elevators that were about to be closed.

“Hold it down for me please!”, I yelled. The elevator door sprung open and I slipped through.

“Thank you for that”, I said to the kind gentleman in the wheelchair. He didn’t spare me a second glance and looked straight ahead. Mystery man was a bit burly in the wheelchair, with the sleeves of his black shirt tight against his arm. He was built but not too built, the kind that was muscular enough to throw a punch. I was sure his height added to his demeanour which screamed broody. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see his face in my haste, so I can’t quite say if he was handsome enough to overlook his poor social skills.

The elevator reached the second floor and doors opened, and mystery man was out of there as fast as his wheels could go, which was not so fast. I could tell he was just getting used to them, not spinning and turning the wheels the right way. I moved out of the elevator to help him.

“Don’t even think about it”, he snapped at me. Looks like someone’s having a bad day, I thought. I stopped in my tracks and by far was not impressed by mystery man’s attitude. Ignoring him, I headed straight for Dave’s office. Arriving much later than anticipated, I prepared the apology speech I was going to give. I knocked once before stepping into his office.

Dave had been working in Sharecare for almost five years and had managed to be promoted to client's managing director, one position away from his dream job. He was responsible for all the high and mighty clients we served who were in return responsible for his fat paycheck. Dave’s office was well deserving of that title as well. Occupying one of the few offices overlooking the street below, he had a mahogany desk in the middle of the room with one chair for him and two others on the opposite side of the desk for guests. A weirdly out-of-place lounge chair was situated at the corner of the room. I had never seen anyone occupy it and guessed they were there for the aesthetics.

I took the seat across Dave, feeling like I was in the hot seat. I open my mouth to rush through the apology, but Dave only raises a finger to silence me.

“You’re thirty minutes late”, he chastises.

“I know but it-”

“Don’t say it wasn’t your fault because it clearly was and always is”, he says calmly after cutting me off.

“I’m sorry”, I apologized with my head held low.

“We’ll discuss that later. I’m removing you from the Millers’ account effective immediately”. I panicked. This had never happened before, and I knew there was no good reason for such a change. However, I knew better than to cut Dave off when he was talking, and so I let him carry on.

“Starting immediately, you have been reassigned to Mr Tom Hilling. He’s in a wheelchair because of an accident and will need assistance for the next six months”

“W-why me?”, I asked

“Because I said so. Do you have a problem with that?”, he asked with eyes glaring.

“Of course not. Carry on”

“His recovery is of the utmost priority and so you will be moving into his house as his 24/7 caretaker”, he continues.

“I’m sorry what?! You want me to permanently move into a stranger’s house for six months?! That’s ridiculous”, I complained.

“Why is that so ridiculous?”, he asked.

“Because of us”, I replied.

“What exactly about us?”, he asked once again.

“We live together, Dave. Would you be alright not seeing me every day for the next six months?”

“I don’t see a problem with that”, he responded matter-of-factly. Speechless, I stared at his face about to call his bluff but, Dave was as serious as could be. No bluffing in sight.

Defeated, I sagged into the chair and asked, “When do I need to meet the guy?”

“Right now”. With his hand on the landline, he told Stephanie his assistant to send his visitor in.

The door opened and Dave rose from his chair. “Mr. Hilling. I would like you to meet Lou Fernandez, your new caretaker”.

Rising from my seat, I turned towards the door and there he was in all his glory. Mystery elevator man. His handsome face was enough to overlook his poor social skills.