I'm Broken

Luck

I hesitated before looking up, Vin Teag was certainly a handsome man. The sun was hitting his face in a way that his sandy blonde hair seemed like a halo. Before, I just thought his eyes were a dark brown but this new light showed the gold flecks and in their depths a bit of green swirled in.

"I.. Hi... I'm so sorry." I don't know if the blush on my cheeks was from embarrassment from running into him or because I'm certain he caught me checking him out. He laughed softly as he helped me stand up straight, only with this movement did I realise I was still clinging to his hard biceps. Jumping back I sputtered out another apology, finding my new shoes extremely interesting. I could feel him staring at me, I could feel his amusement. I took a deep breath and focused myself before looking up, staring him straight in the eyes. This may not seem like a big deal to most people but I, Avery, have not had the courage to look a man in the eyes for years. I'm not Avery anymore, however, now I'm Jessica. I can and will be strong. " I'm actually glad to see you Mr. Teag. I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate everything you've done for me. I know..." I paused looking around and trying to figure out how to word what I wanted to say. Fake identities weren't exactly the most legal of things. "...things like what you did aren't easy or cheap. I can't pay you back right now, but I will try." I stayed focused on his eyes trying to catch a glimpse of what he might be thinking and trying to put off the confidence that I am trying to bring back within myself.

"Vin." he grunted. "You can call me Vin. You don't owe me a thing, kitten. I've seen what can happen to a woman who doesn't get a helping hand. I know it's not pretty. I actually came here to see if you would let me give you a ride and maybe take you out for a bite to eat." He was looking up and away from me, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. Right now he seemed nervous, almost child like... and so damn adorable. I couldn't resist the small smile that came across my lips.

"I would really appreciate that, Vin. Actually my friend Missy gave me this gift certificate for a hotel around here and I have no idea where I'm going." His smile as he looked down at me looked so relieved and sincere.

"I'd be happy to show you. Missy is a good girl, real sweet. She's my friend Mick's ol'... wife." He bit the bottom of his lip as he finished what he was saying. I'm guessing it was because he almost let the words ol' lady slip out. While I knew it was technically a term of endearment used by guys in MCs for their women, he didn't know I knew that. He also knew most women would take offense to the term because it sounds so misogynistic. I chose to act like I didn't hear it. I smiled again happy to know that my new friend was exactly who I thought she was, a good person. Those seem to be in such short supply these days. I looked over Vin once more, finally noticing that he was just in some dark jeans and a plain white t-shirt, no cut in sight. I guess I took to long to reply because he coughed slightly before jerking his head to the side.

"My car is right over here." His smooth voice was soft as if he was worried how I'd react. I did hesitate to think this over. I don't know this man. Yes he saved me and has done something for me that I could never imagine how I would have accomplished myself. He is also around 6'4" and muscled out like he hits the gym everyday. With my petite 5'6" form I would be no match for someone his size. My confidence started to waver and I could feel myself chewing on my bottom lip, a nervous habit I've had since I was a kid. My eyes drifted back to the sidewalk. Apparently the saying 'fake it till you make it ' didn't apply to newly found gusto. "I... I..." Ugh! How do I tell him it makes me uncomfortable to be alone in a car with a strange man without sounding ungrateful for everything he's done?!

"Hey, hey, kitten, it's okay. You don't have to ride with me if you're worried about it. We can take a bus or an uber if you like." His voice was gentle. Sweet. "That's what I'm gonna do, I'm gonna call and uber, is that okay?" I looked up at him shocked, the words out before I could even think about them.

"You're asking me if I'm comfortable?" This is another one of those things that I understand is a common occurrence for normal people. Normal people have a voice and a say about things. They are asked for and give or don't give consent for decisions in their lives. It had been years for me, though. Having the right to make a choice seems so foreign.

"Of course, I want to make sure you're comfortable. I don't know where or what you're coming from, and you don't have to tell me. I just want you to know that I will never force you to do anything you don't want to. I know I said you don't owe me anything but I do have one favor to ask of you. Please be yourself around me, don't be scared to speak up if something doesn't set right with you, kitten." His words were a little rushed, like he was worried he had scared me off at some point. I was speechless. I didn't know where to begin about the comfort his words brought me. In my heart I felt something, like super glue being put over a crack. For the first time in a long time I felt real confidence as I looked back up at this hulking man.

"An uber sounds like a perfect compromise..Vin." I smiled at him, a smile I hope portrayed the many thanks I had to give him. My second friend was smiling back at me as he dialed out for the ride. Two friends in my new life so far. I just hope Miss Jessica Bloom understands how lucky she is.