Starting Over.

Chapter 32 - It’s a Ironridge thing.

My alarm went off and I grabbed my phone to silence it. I went to get up and realized I was stuck. I looked down at David’s arm firm around me.

“Hey.” I turn to him. He didn’t budge. “David?” I said softly while caressing his cheek. He started to stir and I leaned to him planting soft kisses on his lips and cheek. Soon he was kissing me back and his arm around me pulled me in. “It’s time to get up.” I said as held me close.

“Let’s skip it.” He said before yawning.

“But what would my boss think?” I playfully said.

“I don’t think he’ll care if you just miss one day.” He kissed my lips again. I playfully swat at him as I got out of bed.

“You don’t want to be late do you?” I said going into my closet. I grabbed some clothes and then came out. David was now sitting up rubbing his face.

“I forgot, dinner at my brother’s house tonight.” David said looking up at me. I stared at his bare chest in the morning light.

“I’m actually looking for forward to it.” I said as I took off my tank top and grabbed a bra from my drawer. I turned as I put it on.

“Aww.” David said as I got dressed.

“You need to get ready too ya know.” I said putting on a new blouse.

“Fine!” David threw the blankets off him and got up. He got dressed in clothes he brought yesterday. We finished getting ready and got down stairs.

“You don’t eat breakfast?” David asked.

“Not really. I go in early and get coffee.” I said putting my stuff in my purse.

“Coffee isn’t a meal.” David said standing next to me.

“I don’t like eating early, it makes me feel weighed down. I have a snack in my purse in case I get too hungry.” I said and looked at me like I was insane. “Don’t look at me like that.” I said walking to the door. I put on my heels and David followed.

“Next time we’re staying at my place. My chef will make us breakfast.” David said.

“Ok Mr. Fancy with your chef. Next time I will stay with you.” I said as we left and walked to work. David held my hand as we entered the building. Once we got by the stairs, he kissed me.

“Have a good day.” David said.

“You too handsome.” I said kissing him again. David went up the stairs and I headed to the cafeteria to get my morning coffee. Of course o ran into Audra with two coffees set up.

“You might want to bring David something to eat too.” I said as I approached. Audra turned and smiled.

“Good morning Ryan! Wait why?” Audra said looking confused.

“He stayed over and was unhappy I didn’t eat breakfast in the mornings.” I said grabbing a cup and filling it.

“You don’t eat breakfast?” Audra asked.

“No, I’m not usually hungry when I wake up.” I said.

“Interesting. Oh speaking of food! What do you like to eat? I’m excited you’re coming over tonight.” Audra said happily.

“Oh prepare what ever you normally would. I’m not usually picky.” I said and she nodded.

“Alright! I’ll see you later.” Audra said and as she turned I noticed something I had never noticed before. I saw the same markings on Audra’s neck as Sam’s neck. I thought it was so odd but decided not to ask.

Work continued like any other day and with David stuck in a meeting I had lunch with Angela and Sam. Sam had her hair up and I couldn’t help but fixate on the markings on her neck and how similar they were to Audra’s. Sam noticed me staring.

“Ok Ryan, what is it? Is this about yesterday?” Sam asked and I shook my head.

“Oh no no I’m sorry. Um… I just couldn’t help noticing the markings in your neck. Is it a scar or a tattoo?” I asked. Sam looked shocked and covered her neck with her hand. I looked at Angela who looked just as shocked. “What?” I asked and Sam started gathering her stuff.

“It’s nothing Ryan, don’t worry about it.” Sam said.

“Sam I’m sorry, did I offend you?” I asked and she shook her head.

“No, not at all.” Sam grabbed her tray and walked away. I looked at Angela who weakly smiled at me.

“Its, it’s just…” Angela looked around. “It’s, a Ironridge thing.” Angela said.

“An Ironridge thing?” I asked confused.

“It may be better if you ask David to be honest.” Angela said grabbing her tray.

“Should I apologize to Sam?” I asked and Angela shook her head.

“No, you just caught her off guard.” Angela said.

“I just don’t understand.” I got up with my tray as well.

“What don’t you understand?” Angela asked.

“If it’s a Ironridge thing then why does Audra have the same markings?” I asked and Angela stopped.

“Because Will is from Ironridge? Yeah.” She said almost as if she was convincing herself.

“I’m starting to feel like something weird is going on.” I said and Angela said nothing. “I’m starting to wonder if my friend was right and this place is run by the mafia.” I said and Angela stopped and started to laugh.

“Ryan! I can guarantee Ironridge isn’t run by the mafia. Talk to David about it.” Angela said walking off.