Ch. 39 Candies, Lunches And Legend
I stare at the ceiling as dawn breaks outside. The bed is comfortable, but the ice in my veins burns so cold it hurts.
Celeste's broken voice as she recounted the horror of what Coleman did, and the snide NDA—so confident in its lie—swim in my mind, until my sleep is hopelessly lost.
Another horrifying thought occurs to me—what if he did this to other women too?
I'm going to make sure he gets the punishment he deserves.
When I finally get out of bed, it's 5:30 am.
I tap the screen on my phone as I debate what to do.
Celeste did give permission to share her story if I felt it was necessary—but I don't feel like I've earned the right to share it.
Let me try withholding the details. If it doesn't work, then I can elaborate.
I finally dial the number I'm contemplating.
"Marcus." Legend answers in one ring. His voice is soft and full of unspoken things.
"Legend... I need your help."
"Of course. Anything."
"I need you to locate someone. I'm texting you their details. Think you can manage?"
"If they've ever interacted with anyone in the fashion or entertainment world, I'll find them."
"It's Celeste's old assistant, Marissa Grey."
"Consider it done."
I text Legend the details Celeste shared with me last night.
I hope Legend comes through.
—--------------------
I drive to Celeste's apartment to pick her up for work.
Last night we were both so tired, and Christopher insisted I leave with him.
I didn't want to text or call her in case she had already slept. I don't think she's resting enough as it is.
8:30 am. She'll be coming down soon.
Like she's been summoned, she appears at the entrance, looking so beautiful my heart stops.
I step out of Berta and lean back on the hood, enjoying the view as she walks towards the gate—and then walks past.
A chuckle escapes my lips, and she freezes before turning around slowly.
I wave my hand at her before offering the coffee I brought her.
"Good morning. Did you sleep well?"
Her mouth hangs open while she processes what she's seeing.
"Marcus?"
She takes the coffee on autopilot and steps closer. "What— I mean—"
"Hey, take a breath... Sip some coffee."
She blows on the coffee and takes a sip. She breathes deeply and starts again, a slight smile on her lips.
She leans on Berta beside me and answers sweetly.
"Good morning. I slept well. You? And, what are you doing here?"
"I came to pick you up. Also to make sure you ate something. You barely touched your pizza last night."
As proof, I offer her the cream cheese bagel I got her, another favorite of hers.
She squeals in delight the moment she bites into it, and I can't help pull her into a side hug.
She leans into me before straightening.
"I missed you." The words exit my mouth in a whisper. I didn't mean to say them out loud—but the more the masks slip, the tougher it gets to put them back in place.
I stare into her shocked eyes, and my throat tightens. Knowing she isn't repulsed by my weaknesses makes me feel free in a way I didn't think possible.
"Thank you." My gratitude demands to be heard, and the words fight their way out from my constricted throat.
Her cheeks turn a glowy pink and she turns away. "I missed you too." Her mumbled words barely make it to my ears, and I'm delighted to hear them.
We wait until she finishes her breakfast before getting into Berta.
"We'll get late now, won't we?"
I scoff in mock outrage. "Don't let Berta hear you. She'll take offense. She's the smoothest car you'll find on this side of the sea. She'll get you to HQ on time."
A surprised laugh sounds from the passenger seat and she pats the dashboard. "Don't let Marcus deceive you Berta. I have the utmost confidence in you. It's his driving skills I'm doubting."
"Ha!" I speed up in response to her challenge, and to my utmost regret, we get to work way before time.
—---------------------
Berta's seat cradles my bum in such comfort, I miss her when I travel by bus.
The windows are down and the sun is warm, and for a brief few minutes, I forget all my worries.
I did sleep unexpectedly well last night.
Marcus's presence fills a void I didn't even know I was carrying.
I never expected him to show up like that.
I'm not sure why, but I expected him to go right back to being the glossed over, polished Marcus who kept everything hidden.
But he's as open as he was yesterday. His eyes are clear, and his whole body breathes differently.
He is so completely present here—with me.
Something unknots within me. Marcus really is more 'himself' now.
We arrive at the office well before time, and honestly—I'm not in a hurry to leave.
We sit in the parking lot, even though Berta has been parked for a few minutes.
"Celeste..." There's something about his tone that drives a spike of fear in my gut.
"You know Coleman better than all of us. I don't think he'll take this lying down."
I nod—he's right.
"He'll come after both of us. I just—I wanted to apologize, for everything that's about to happen. And also, no matter what happens, I'll be right by your side. Please don't doubt that."
He means every word he's saying, and the fear begins to dissolve. "You know, for the first time in a really long time, I'm not as scared as I used to be. I've always wanted to make that scumbag pay.
"You think we'll be able to?"
"I'll find every skeleton in his closet, every secret he's buried until he's crying for his mother."
The cold determination on his face makes me smile. Coleman really won't know what hit him.
"Then let's get him. Together."
He takes my hand in his and squeezes.
"There's something else." His words are quiet. "I don't want to hide my feelings for you. I understand that things are getting awkward for you, but I don't want to stop.
"If I can figure out a way to make it seem innocent enough, can I please continue trying to take care of you?"
I bite my lip to hide my smile. "No one can know it's you." He doesn't need to know how much I missed the candies and lunches in his absence.
"Scout's honor." He raises three fingers with such a solemn expression.
"Hmm..." I stall as I unlock the door and step out.
He scrambles out himself, while I'm already walking towards the elevators. I pause and turn around.
"Okay. I'm going up first. Follow me after a few minutes."
I turn a bend and keep walking.
He must've thought I'm out of earshot, because I hear a muted "yes!" echoing from behind me.
I smile and warmth creeps up my neck.
Marcus is—intense. And I love it.
I step into the elevator, and my reflection stares back at me from the polished doors.
Instead of the sad, haunted eyes, that usually gaze back at me, what catches my vision is the happiness, strength and confidence that's reflected in them.
I'm not alone anymore.
Harry Coleman. Detective Boon. You've had more grace than you deserve.
I'm coming to collect what I'm owed.