Chapter 3 #2
Hungry, exhausted, and down on my luck, I found Saffron. All I had to do was tell her my story, and she dropped everything to help me. Within hours, I had a fake ID, a temporary job at the Orchid Lounge, and Saffron's couch to crash on for a few weeks.
Those weeks turned into months when the owners of the Black Orchid Lounge found out I was a decent barback and decided to keep me on long-term.
Thankfully, Saffron and I were getting along great, and her roommate just so happened to be moving out, so she was more than happy to let me stay in the spare bedroom of her apartment until I could afford my own place.
But then I just… never left.
I realized pretty quickly that Saffron was more than just a friend to me.
She was the sister I never had, my best friend—and I was hers.
For years, we lived together, worked together, laughed and cried together.
Saffron uplifted me, supported me, and gave me a soft place to land.
She was my mentor at work, my cheerleader at home, and always an ally.
When I mentioned I wanted to further my education, Saffron stayed up countless nights helping me study for my GED so I could pass. She even paid for me to go to community college so I could pursue a degree—a gesture I don’t know I’ll ever be able to pay her back for.
She was my rock through everything, and I, hers.
No matter what life threw at us, we had each other.
It was enough. Then I got offered a job as the lead financial analyst at LoveBytten, and I had to move.
Saffron couldn’t come because it was too far of a commute to the Black Orchid Lounge, and though it was hard, we parted ways as roommates and coworkers.
That was an entire year ago, but still, on days like today, I think back on that time and wish I could go back. It was simpler then. I was happier.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
I jump, having been so lost in thought that I forgot Saffron was beside me.
At her mention of last night, my pulse skyrockets, and my hand involuntarily moves to cover the new tattoo on my hip.
“I was walking, stopped to help a trapped animal, and then this happened.” I gesture to my busted face.
“I got away somehow. Came home, passed out, woke up. Called the police—an absolute waste of my time, by the way. Now, we're here.” I shrug. “I don’t remember much else. My memory is in bits and pieces.”
I’m not sure why I lie to Saffron—but I do know I can’t tell her about Red 7, or his brand inked into my skin. Part of me hopes it will all turn out to be a vivid nightmare. That I’ll wake up tomorrow with only faint memories of that night and the masked killer that claimed me.
The other, rational part of my brain knows that this is all very real. It also worries that if Saffron knows about Red 7’s obsession with me, he might harm her. At least that’s the way it always goes in the books I’ve read. And even if they’re not completely accurate, I’m not taking that chance.
Saffron raises a brow, the expression on her face telling me she doesn’t buy my story. “Okay. Just know I’m here if you ever want to talk. It’s not good to keep things inside, Grace. Especially not something like this.”
“I know,” I say. “Maybe I’ll feel up to it later.”
“I know what ‘later’ means. Never.”
I shrug, unable to meet her eye. “Do you have to work tonight?”
“You’re that desperate to change the subject, huh? Okay.” She lets out a deep sigh. “I was scheduled, but I’m calling out.”
“What? Why?”
She levels me with an incredulous expression. “Because you were attacked, Grace. There’s no way in fresh hell I’m leaving you alone today. If you won’t go to the hospital, then you’ll have to deal with me smothering you.”
“Saf…”
“Nope. I’m not hearing it. Up you come.”
Saffron helps me off the floor and into the bathroom, keeping her arm around me for support each step of the way—and no amount of protest helps. She sits me on the toilet lid while she runs a bath, testing the temperature with her slender fingers to make sure it's just right.
She bustles around the space, adding bubbles to the bath and lighting some candles. She disappears for a few minutes, rematerializing with a full glass of red wine in her hand and a cheery—albeit forced—smile.
“Do you need help in the tub?” She gives me a once-over with scrutinizing eyes. “You look like you need some help.”
“Always good to hear.” I wince as I stand and hobble toward the tub. “I think I’ll be okay.”
“I’m gonna stick around just in case.” She narrows her eyes in a don’t argue with me way.
“Fine. But you have to turn around and promise you won’t look.”
She raises a brow. “I’m not a horny teenage boy, Grace.”
“Just… turn around. Please.” I don’t want her to spot my new tattoo, and knowing Saffron, she would make a huge deal out of it. I just… need to not think about it for a while.
“Fine.” She turns her back to me, covering her eyes with a manicured hand as she lets out a dramatic sigh. “Not looking!”
“I see that.” I quickly strip my pajamas and slide into the warm water, wincing at the feel of it on my fresh tattoo. Schooling my expression, I duck beneath the bubbles so only my head is peeking out. “I’m in now.”
“Fantastic.” Saffron whips around, her bright eyes scanning the scene, making sure all is as it should be. Satisfied, she jabs a finger at the glass of wine sitting on the side of the tub. “Drink your medicine and relax. I’ll be back in thirty to see if you need help getting out.”
“I think I’ll be fine—”
“See you in thirty!” She closes the door softly behind her. “Don’t try to get out without me!”
I chuckle under my breath as I reach for the glass, bringing it to my lips and taking a small sip. Not bad at all…
Just as she promised, Saffron returns thirty minutes later, finding me pruned and nicely tipsy.
“Someone’s looking better.”
“It’s the wine.” I grin, hoisting the empty glass high. “Good medicine.”
“I’m glad you’re smiling again. Another glass waits for you by the TV if you’re ready to get out.
” She grabs a towel from under the sink and moves to the side of the tub, squeezing her eyes shut tight as she holds it out for me to grab.
“I just need to make sure you don’t slip and fall.
That’s what happened to Dom Farvo, and he broke his skull and died. ”
“You need to stop watching so much Vital Anatomy.” I take the towel, wrap it around my body, and step onto the bathmat. A fresh set of pj’s is waiting for me on the edge of the mattress, warm to the touch, as if they’re fresh out of the dryer.
“Thank you, Saf,” I say, tears welling in my eyes.
She nods in understanding. “Just come out when you’re ready. I have dinner on the way and Slasher loaded on the TV—your favorite.”
She closes the door softly behind her, and I take the time to change into the comfy clothes, grateful for Saffron and her love.
When I’m with her, all of my fears fade to the back of my mind, and I can breathe.
But then I remember a deranged serial killer is on the loose who has claimed me as his, and the panic returns.
I stare straight into the mirror, bracing my hands on the edge of the counter. Just get through the day. After today, it will be better. Things are always better with time…
Taking a deep breath, I pull my eyes away from the tortured girl and head out to join Saffron on the couch.
Saffron stays with me all day, watching reruns of old rom-coms like we used to do. For a time, I’m able to forget what happened to me, to stop worrying about what will. The hours pass, my anxiety lessens, and soon, the day is over.
With the moon high in the sky, Saffron makes me a cup of my favorite tea and helps me to bed, tucking me in with my favorite knitted blanket. I’m not sure if it's the wine, the company, or the stress of the day, but within minutes, I’m barely able to keep my eyes open.
“Do you want me to stay?” she asks, taking a seat at the edge of the bed. “I’m more than happy to sleep on the couch—”
“You’ve done more than enough, Saf.” I reach out of the covers and squeeze her hand. “Go home and get some sleep, please.”
“If you need me, you call me.” She jabs a finger at my phone resting on the nightstand. “And I mean, anything. You send me a text or call me, and I’ll be right over.”
“I promise.” I snuggle deeper under the covers, having a hard time keeping my eyes open. “You text me when you get home safely.”
She chuckles lightly. “I will. I’ll stop by tomorrow, sleepyhead.” She reaches out, brushing my hair behind my ear before standing from the bed. Her footsteps are light as she leaves, and I only realize she’s gone when I hear the telltale click of the front door locking.
I try to open my eyes, but whenever I do, the room seems to spin, and I’m so damn tired. More than I have been in my life, more than should be possible for a regular person.
As I’m pulled into the nothing, alarm bells blare in the back of my mind, demanding I fight whatever force is pulling me under and wake up. No matter how hard I try, I can’t beat the pull of sleep, and soon, I’m drifting headfirst into blissful nothing.
Just before I fall, a sound emanates from my closet. My adrenaline surges, allowing me one more moment of clarity. My eyes flit toward the doors—now closed, which I don’t recall Saffron doing. When I look closely, I swear I can see a pair of bloodred eyes staring through the slits. Watching me.
But that can’t be…