Page 55 of Statler

Eliza’s heart beat a little faster.

She hadn’t known whether Statler had enjoyed her company as much as she’d enjoyed his, or whether or not he’d want to explore whatever seemed to be growing between them.

She was almost giddy that he was making plans to see her again.

“That sounds…nice,” she answered, attempting to play it off like it was no big deal.

He spoke again. “And don’t even think to bring anything with you. We’ll have the rest of the food covered, too. Got that? No baking tonight or tomorrow morning, because it might make you late for your job, and I’d hate to get you in trouble with your boss if you get in past seven.”

“Oh, no worries there. Mr. Flazer doesn’t arrive until nine,” Eliza explained. “He’s old school. Nine to five for him. Just not for the rest of us.” She rolled her eyes. “He’s not exactly a person who holds his employees in any kind of…esteem. We’re simply a means to an end for him, and if we don’t follow his rules, we’re gone.”

She’d seen a lot of people up and disappear in the years she’d worked for her father, and it was always so abrupt, which had made her wonder. But the man had little patience for those who didn’t pull their weight, so it had never been a red flag before Holden’s death.

Eliza had no idea why she was ranting, except that Statler made her feel…safe.

“That’s a shame,” he commiserated. “How long have you been working for him? It almost sounds like it’s time for you to find a new job.”

Dare she…?

“I’ve been thinking about it recently,” she let out before she could determine whether it was a good thing to reveal to Statler.

She quickly qualified her statement. “But I’ve got fourteen years at the factory, full time, and before that I was part time during high school, so it’s kind of in my blood, and it would be hard to make a change.”

More so than Statler could possibly know, considering the man to whom she’d have to give notice, was her father.

“All the more reason to use that resume to find something where you actually feel valued,” he told her, holding open the passenger door of his truck for Eliza to get in.

Swoon.

This was another thing she loved about this man. He was so caring, always thinking about others.

It was going to be awfully hard on her when he left Liminal.

* * *

They headed back to the factory to retrieve her car.

A comfortable silence had descended between them that Eliza was loathe to break. With no chit-chat, she could imagine they were an old, contented married couple who did this all the time; enjoyed each other’s company like they’d been together, forever.

Eliza drifted in and out of short, fantasy scenarios where they were husband and wife, until Statler pulled into the parking lot of the factory.

What she saw, woke her right up.

“What the…?”

There were several cars in the sodium-vapor-lit lot, when it should only be hers.

She could also see two men lurking under the flood lights at the front door.

“What? You weren’t expecting anyone to be here?” Statler questioned in a tight voice.

“No. I…”

Eliza tried to puzzle it out. “We’ve all been told that being on the factory grounds after hours is forbidden.”

This wasn’t right.

Statler grunted, and whatever sentiment he was channeling, Eliza tended to agree.