Perfect Strangers

Chapter Four

Annie knew her daughter hated staying with her mother and sister but she just couldn’t afford a babysitter for the night, let alone a full time nanny. “I’m sorry baby girl” she said as she tried to scoop her up on to the hospital bed. When Zach saw this he be mad quick work to help the little girl up onto the bed with his non injured arm. Annie said “thank you” as she looked up at him with the sweetest smile on her face. It warmed her heart the way Zach helped Peapod, like a dotting father would. “Peapod, you know mamí is working extra hours for our new home. Remember the one with a room for you and a room for me, and a backyard with a garden so we can plant watermelon and a peach tree.” “And a garage for your fancy new car, right mamí?” “Yes baby girl, that’s right.” The little girl started to get sleepy so then she started rubbing her eyes. Her daughter’s tell tale sign that she was about to fall asleep. “Do you want to take a nap princess?” that was Zach talking. Annie watched him as he carried Peapod to the smaller bed in the private hospital suite, that was what it was meant for. It was 3pm so Annie had to call her supervisor at her second job which she was dreading.

Yes she worked two jobs, yes of course to provide for her daughter but she worked like a dog to help her mother who says it’s her responsibility to provide for not only her own child but she was forced to do the same for her ungrateful sister. Arianna had no problem letting everyone know she wasn’t going to work any job. Saying she would find a rich man to take care of her.

Mr. Johnson her supervisor was a pervert, she hated having to ask him for anything. She dialed the number and started to put the phone to her ear, Zach came and gently touched her wrist to say “you should put it on speaker. The doctor has limited you to loud noises and too bright lights. Sorry if I’m being pushy.”

That gesture warmed her heart, she really didn’t know how to take it. “Ok” was her only response which in truth was very unlike her. Annie, despite her height was a tough girl. Never the damsel in distress, but the man before her seemed to be like a real knight in shining armor. She refused to get caught up in the idea nor the feelings that she got when he touched her arm. “Calm down Annie, he just touched your arm, it’s not like he tried to eat you out.” The thought made her blush mean while he watches her cheeks get flushed thinkkng it might be a fever coming on.

“Annie are you okay? You look a little flushed in the face. Should I call the doctor to check on you?” @Hmm, oh yeah just thinking what my boss might say.” She dialed and put the call on speakerphone. “MooreTech industries. How may I direct your call.” “Mr.Johnson please.” “Hello this is Supervisor Johnson who is this?” “Hello, Mr. Johnson it’s Anniebelle. I’m calling to say I won’t be able to make it in for my shift this evening.” “Oh yeah, and why is that Annie?” Mr.Johnson was not supposed to ask any employee such questions. Zach made a mental note to get a better understanding of all the departments of his company. Annie felt so embarrassed she knew he was going to be difficult. “I’m in the hospital. I suffered from a head injury.” Just when she said that she felt a sharp pain in the back of her head, Mr.Johnson was being an ass and it was literally hurting her head to even speak to the man. “Well since you hurt your head maybe you’ll reconsider my offer to take you to the hotel for some adult fun. Annie to be honest, I don’t care about your head injury, that’s is I don’t care now cuz you won’t let me touch you. Once you get with my program you can ask for what you want but not until then.”

She looked at Zach with pure shock and down right embarrassment. Tears came to her eyes as she looked past him to see Peapod sleeping soundly. Sending a silent prayer of gratitude to God for Peapod being a heavy sleeper. The call was on speaker and just when she was about to say something Zach grabbed her phone, “Hello,” “Hello, who this? Where’s Annie ?” “I’m a good friend of Annie’s and I heard everything you said to her. I will be calling your company to speak to someone about your s****l harassment of her. Annie is not alone and I promise this won’t be the last you hear from me and that’s a promise.” He kept looking over his shoulder to make sure his voice didn’t disturb Peapod.

Zach pressed the red button on Annie’s old iPhone. Zach Moore just save Annie from just one of her monsters. One of the people who just saw her as someone they could try to control and manipulate. At that very moment she realized this man saved her not once but twice. At that very moment Zach became a safe person in her book. Zach Moore just made himself an important person in Annie’s life, the only person more to her then anyone else is her daughter.

But she couldn’t get caught up in that type of thinking. How could she? They were complete strangers. She watched him as he pulled out his phone and made a call, “Get me the head of the cleaning department.”