Chapter 6
Arlo
Ican’t believe I fell asleep. Why can’t I be normal? Christ, I hope Tiernan doesn’t fire my ass. Shit, he’s headed this way. I grimace.
He’s not like that.
Yet.
Derek wasn’t like that in the beginning either.
Everyone isn’t Derek.
I know that. I really do. But I’ve known my boss for less than a week. I try to keep my composure, but my heart kicks up a notch and a trickle of sweat drips down my back.
“Arlo, let’s go get your paycheck sorted while the crowd clears out.” Tiernan says in his calm, steady voice.
No greeting. No reprimand either. Maybe he’s waiting to yell at me in private. I flinch at the thought.
He’s not going to yell at you.
Tiernan frowns before leading me toward his office, hand at my lower back again. The first time he did it, I wasn’t sure how to react. This time it feels like shelter from the crowd.
I don’t know how I’m going to cash my paycheck. I’ll probably have to find one of those places that charges a fee. Especially with no proof of address. They’re getting more and more strict about it. Still, it’s better than nothing.
The silence of his office is bliss after the cacophony of the gym tonight. I sink down onto the worn leather couch with a contented sigh. Maybe he’ll let me stay here in the quiet until everyone is gone.
The thought of going out there now is daunting. I’m so fucking tired and I still have to walk to the shelter. If I can even get a bed this late. I push down the panic that’s threatening to take over.
Tiernan hands me an envelope and a keychain with two keys. I open the flap and look inside. But it’s not a check. It’s cash. Startled, I glance up at him. He meets my gaze, solid and steady.
“Had to give you cash this week. Out of checks.”
“Um… Okay. Thanks.” I want to jump up and hug him with gratitude, but then he’d know how much of a hot mess I am. The shame is enough to put a damper on my enthusiasm.
“The keys are for the front and back doors to the gym. I’m trusting you to lock up after I leave and get the doors open on time in the morning. Can you do that?” he asks me in that deep, calm voice of his.
“Are you sure you want me to have these? I’ve only been here a week.”
Is he setting me up? Why would he trust someone he’s only known for a week?
“Just remember to arm the alarm after you lock the doors. The cameras are on a timer so you don’t need to worry about them.”
“Cameras?” I didn’t even know he had them. I need to be more observant. My anxiety spikes. Derek had cameras in every room of the house. It was months before I found out about them. Never again.
This is a business, not a home. Don’t be weird.
Too late for that.
“Outside. On the front and back door. They go on automatically like the lights.” Ternan continues.
Wait. Why did he say to arm the alarm after I lock the door? I’d have to be inside to do that.
Fuck! He knows. My eyes widen, and my breath quickens as I try not to panic.
Tiernan just stares down at me, those ice-blue eyes full of soft compassion. He doesn’t say a word. Just squeezes my shoulder lightly.
No judgment. No disappointment. Just soft acceptance. It guts me. Tears spring to my eyes before I can stop them and it takes every bit of willpower I have to hold them back. I can’t look at him, or it’ll be all over.
So I don’t.
And he lets me.
“I’ll go do my last check. Why don’t you take a minute.”
The office door closes with barely a click, but the minute he’s gone the tears finally come.
I don’t even bother holding them back this time.
I just sit on his couch, clutching my worn backpack in my lap like a lifeline while all the things I’ve been holding in since I got away from Derek come pouring out.
I don’t know how long I sit there, but the tears eventually slow down to a trickle. I wipe my face with impatient hands, ready to be done with my drama. But my heart is lighter, and the world doesn’t feel quite as heavy anymore.
A knock sounds at the door but the thought of Tiernan seeing me like this is suddenly unbearable. I’m too open. Too raw.
“Hey Arlo. I’m heading out. There’s a blanket on the top shelf of the coat closet. I’ll lock the doors tonight. You get some rest.”
He doesn’t open the door. I hear his footsteps as he walks away, then silence, and I’m alone. For the first time since Derek, I’m alone and I’m safe.
I stand up and make my way to the coat closet to grab the blanket.
It’s a black, heavy fleece with the gym logo, and it smells like Tiernan.
I bury my face in the fabric, soft against my cheeks, as I breathe in his scent.
Sandalwood, spice, and something uniquely him.
I wrap myself up in its plush warmth before snuggling into the couch cushions.
Exhaustion hits me, and I sink into sleep.