AllFreeNovel
Share Us
When Colton saw what I was doing, he grabbed the bucket from me and followed me outside.
I wished he’d go because something about the property damage left me feeling vulnerable and unsettled. Tears lurked just beneath the surface.
I knew I should do something that made me feel better, but I had to clean this first.
Colton set the bucket on the sidewalk. “Why don’t you do this later?”
“And let everyone see this? It’s not good for business.” My shoulders were tight, a headache pulsing at the base of my skull.
I grabbed a sponge, ringing the excess water out before swiping it over the paint.
Colton grabbed a second sponge. “Let me help then.”
“Don’t you have to work?” I asked, keeping my gaze on the window.
I wanted him to leave so I could break down.
“It will go quicker with help, and I need to take my lunch break.”
“Are you sure?” I asked.
He used the sponge on the top half of the window, where I couldn’t reach. “I want to help.”
That was the thing about Colton: he always did the right thing. He helped out when asked. He took care of the people he cared about. Was I included in that?
We worked quietly together until the window was sparkling, and there was no evidence of the paint.
I dropped the sponge in the bucket. “That’s better.”
I wanted to head home, climb into bed, and pull the covers over my head.
“I’ll take these to the back.”
The sun was warm, so I sat on the bench by the store, wondering why this was happening to me.
I stood when Colton returned. “Headed back to work?”
“I need to get back, but I told Kayla to close for you. Why don’t you go home and rest?”
“I’d like that.”
“It’s not far. I’ll walk you.”
“Let me grab my stuff.” I ducked inside, checking with Kayla that she could work the hours before meeting him back on the sidewalk.
We walked the short distance in silence. At my door, Colton said, “I need to get back, but don’t worry. We’ll figure this out.”
“I don’t know why it’s bothering me so much. When it was on the side of the building, I thought it was a kid who just needed an outlet. Then the store was broken into, and that was a lot scarier. Now, doing it in broad daylight, it feels personal. Usually, I can see the good in a situation. I can empathize that whoever this is doesn’t have guidance and support at home. There’s something they’re going through that I don’t understand. Why can’t I this time?”
“Because you don’t feel safe. You feel singled out. Threatened even.”
“Why me?” I’d never felt more vulnerable.
“I don’t know, but I’m going to find out. Go inside. Maybe take a nap. I’ll see you tonight?”
“Oh, right. Dinner.” I’d completely forgotten.
He rested his hand on my arm. “Come over. I’ll cook for you.”
