Chapter 11
Marissa
I'm juggling my bag and coffee as I make my way out the door, mentally running through my to-do list for the day. Work, personal life ... it's been a bit overwhelming.
Just as I'm about to lock up, my neighbor from across the hall appears, a frazzled look on her face.
"Hey, Marissa, sorry to bother you so early, but I have a huge favor to ask," she says, her voice tinged with desperation.
I pause, hanging my bag over my left shoulder as I give her my full attention. "Of course. What's up?"
She hesitates, shifting nervously from foot to foot. "Well, I have this work event tonight, and my sitter just canceled on me at the last minute. I was wondering if you could watch Kayla for a few hours. I know it's last minute, but I'm desperate."
I glance at my watch, mentally calculating my schedule for the evening. I have a work event of my own to attend, but it's not until later tonight. Still, the thought of spending my evening babysitting isn't exactly how I envisioned my night. I hadn't wanted to go, but when Bryce asked me to be his plus one, all rational thought went out the window.
"Um, I actually have plans tonight," I say, trying to find a polite way to decline.
But my neighbor isn't taking no for an answer. "Please, I really need your help. I promise it won't be for long, and I'll make it up to you somehow."
I chew on my bottom lip, torn between my desire to help a neighbor in need and my reluctance to cancel my plans for the evening. I could easily do it, but the thought of spending my evening cooped up with a hyperactive kid instead of hanging out with Bryce isn't exactly appealing.
"Look, I really appreciate you asking because you trust me with your kid, but I'm not sure if I can commit to babysitting tonight."
"Marissa, please. You're my last hope!" Her voice is pleading, and her eyes are wide with desperation.
I don't like it when people have to beg me to do them a favor, so this makes me all shades uncomfortable.
"I really wish I could help ..."
"I know it's last minute, but I was really planning on my sister, and she just bailed on me. Please, I'll owe you big time!"
I hesitate, feeling the pressure mounting as she continues to plead with me. "I ... I don't know, it's just ..."
She cuts me off, her voice rising in desperation. "You know Kayla loves spending time with you, and I promise it won't be for long. I'll make it up to you, I swear!"
"Okay, fine." I finally relent, a sigh of resignation escaping my lips. "I'll watch Kayla for you tonight. But you owe me big time."
Her face lights up with relief, a grateful smile spreading across her face. "Thank you so much. You're a lifesaver. I'll drop her off at your place around seven. Is that okay?"
I nod, resigned to my fate as I plaster on a smile. "Yeah, that works. See you then."
I don't know how I always seem to find myself roped into these kinds of situations. But maybe sometimes, being a good neighbor means putting aside your own plans for the greater good. And who knows, maybe babysitting Kayla won't be as bad as I'm imagining. After all, how much trouble could one little kid possibly be? Famous last words, right?
I'm still reeling from my decision to agree to babysit when suddenly, out of nowhere, Bryce appears beside me.
"Marissa is busy tonight."
I stand there, stunned into silence. My neighbor looks confused as well, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion as she tries to make sense of the situation.
"Bryce, what are you doing here?" I stammer, surprised by his sudden appearance.
He ignores my question, turning to face my neighbor with a charming smile. "I’m sorry to interrupt, but Marissa has been feeling quite overwhelmed lately. While I'm sure she appreciates you thinking of her, but it might be best if you find someone else for tonight."
My neighbor looks baffled. "But she just said she would babysit for me ..."
Bryce's smile doesn't waver as he addresses her firmly. "I'm sure Marissa would love to help, but we have something important we need to attend to tonight. You'll need to find another babysitter."
I open my mouth to protest, but Bryce shoots me a warning glance, his eyes flashing with determination. I swallow my words, suddenly feeling like a deer caught in headlights.
My neighbor looks torn, clearly disappointed by the turn of events. "But I don't have anyone else to ask ..."
Bryce's smile softens, his tone gentle as he reassures her. "I understand, but I'm afraid we really can't help this time. Maybe next time, okay?"
She nods reluctantly, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "Okay, I'll figure something out. Thanks anyway."
As she walks away, Bryce turns to me with a satisfied grin. "Well, that was easy. Now, let's head to work."
I stare at him in disbelief, still trying to process what just happened as we walk to the car. "Bryce, what was that? I could have handled it."
"I saw an opportunity to help out a friend, and I took it. Plus, it's not like you really wanted to do it."
I shake my head, feeling a strange mix of gratitude and annoyance. "You didn't have to do that. I could have managed."
He gives me a playful wink. "Consider it payback for all the times you've bailed me out of awkward situations in the past. Besides, what are friends for?"
A small smile tugs at the corners of my lips at his words, and a warm feeling of affection spreads through every fiber of my being.
Despite his gruff exterior and rebellious nature, Bryce has a way of surprising me when I least expect it. I'm glad he got me out of that situation, even if it did catch me off guard.
I slide into the passenger seat of Bryce's car, and he starts the engine. He's wearing a black shirt that clings to him, and as we pull out onto the road, I struggle to keep my eyes off his flexing biceps.
But just as I'm about to lose myself in my filthy thoughts, Bryce speaks up. "Marissa, can I give you some advice?"
I glance over at him, surprised by the sudden seriousness in his tone. "Sure, what's up?"
He shoots me a knowing look, his eyes locking with mine. "I admire your kindness, Marissa, but it's okay to prioritize your own needs sometimes. You don't have to say yes to everything, especially if it's leaving you feeling drained. You're too nice for your own good, and it's time you started speaking up for yourself."
His words bring me back to when I was standing in the school hallway, trying to keep my head on straight as a hundred faces rushed past. I had just agreed to help organize the school fundraiser, even though I was already swamped with work. I was tearing up when Bryce saw me, and he told me the same things he's telling me now.
His sincere care never fails to make my heart race, no matter how hard I try to play it cool.
"I know it's hard to stand up for yourself sometimes," he continues, concentrating on the road ahead, his voice softening slightly. "But trust me, it's worth it. You have to be your own advocate. No one else is going to do it for you."
I bristle at his words, a surge of defensiveness rising within me. "Hey, I'm not a pushover, you know."
Bryce shakes his head slowly, his brows furrowing ever so slightly as he lets out a quiet sigh. "I'm not saying you're a pushover. I'm just saying you need to speak up for yourself more. Don't let people walk all over you."
He glances at me briefly, his eyes filled with sincerity. "You deserve better than that."
I feel my breath catch in my throat as I take in the sight of him, his chiseled features softened by the genuine concern in his eyes.
My crush is coming back, or maybe it never went away in the first place.